Award-Winning Author

Stories of faith for the marathon of life
AWARD-WINNING MEMOIR BY STEPHANIE WALTERS
It’s Not a Sprint
Lessons of Faith and Endurance on the Marathon of Life
When life feels like a marathon, how do you find the strength to keep running the race?
It’s Not a Sprint is the story of couch-potato-turned-ultrarunner, Stephanie Walters.
From the highs of crossing the finish line of a gruelling 150-kilometre race in the Simpson Desert to the valleys of life’s deepest struggles, Stephanie candidly shares the challenges that have tested her faith: managing type 1 diabetes, experiencing a painful divorce, suffering multiple miscarriages, recovering from injuries, and battling anxiety, depression, and alcohol addiction.

Praise for It’s Not a Sprint
‘Steph’s story is one of hope and triumph, proving that through perseverance and a strong unwavering faith, we all have the power within us to keep going and achieve amazing things. It is a story of resilience and strength to challenge the realities of living with type 1 diabetes as an athlete, and to create a life with meaning and purpose through the pursuit of what we love.’
Nicole Bunyon
Founder of Running Mums Australia
‘Whilst preparing for the Gold Coast Marathon… I was impressed by Steph’s desire to leave no stone unturned whilst at the same time having to deal with some challenges along the way. Conquering the marathon makes us stronger, and I am thrilled that Steph has taken the time to share her story whilst entwining her newfound strength and love for running.’
Pat Carroll OAM
Former Australian Distance Running Representative
‘Steph’s story is an inspiring journey through her early life and young adulthood living with type 1 diabetes — and overcoming hurdle after hurdle… It’s impossible to read her memoir and not feel inspired.’
Sheri Colberg, PhD
World-leading expert in diabetes and exercise, and author of The Athlete’s Guide to Diabetes (and twelve other books)
‘It’s Not a Sprint is a manual for life, not just ultrarunning. I am sure you will be inspired, just as I have been after reading about Steph’s struggles, to take on the road less travelled and embrace all that it has in store for you.’
Pat Farmer AM
Professional ultramarathon runner/adventurer, motivational speaker, and author of Pole to Pole: One Man, 20 Million Steps
MEET THE AUTHOR
Stephanie Walters
Stephanie writes inspirational Christian stories that encourage readers to persevere and keep running the race of faith. Based in Brisbane, Australia, she is a proud mum of three girls, professional copyeditor, and passionate long-distance runner.
Free step-by-step guide
Want to run a marathon but can’t run 100 metres without gasping for breath? That was me 14 years ago!
I’ve since completed six full marathons of 42.2 kilometres. If you sign up to my newsletter, I’ll send you my exclusive guide to help you cross the finish line too.