Racing Against Time: On Ironman Ultramarathons and the Quest for Transformation in Mid-Life by Jeffrey Weiss
Weiss is nearly eleven hours into an ultramarathon, his legs cramping as he fights to keep moving. This visceral opening throws us into the grit and pain of endurance racing, immediately setting the tone. From this trial by fire, Weiss flashes back to the origins of his journey — starting humbly as a middle-aged man lacing up his running shoes and eventually achieving feats once unimaginable.
From 10K Novice to Endurance Aficionado
At 48, Weiss was out of shape and searching for purpose when he entered a local 10K race on a whim. That first finish ignited a spark that would carry him through a decade of extraordinary challenges. Racing Against Time chronicles his evolution from struggling to complete 6.2 miles to conquering full marathons, triathlons and the legendary Ironman — a 140.6-mile race that tests both body and mind. Early setbacks, including a stinging DNF (“Did Not Finish”), became motivation to train harder and smarter, proving that perseverance outweighs raw talent.
Weiss’s achievements are made more remarkable by his physique: 6 feet tall, 220 pounds, without the stereotypical runner’s build. Speed wasn’t his forte, but he compensated with relentless determination. Inspired by Younger Next Year, he embraced cross-training, adding swimming and cycling to his regimen and developed a disciplined, almost scientific approach to his workouts. Within ten years, he completed ultramarathons spanning 50+ miles, demonstrating that age need not limit ambition.
Race-Day Grit, Detail and Life Lessons
One of the memoir’s strengths is Weiss’s ability to immerse readers in the race-day experience. We feel the pre-dawn nerves, adrenaline surges and the infamous “brick” — the heaviness in legs during a bike-to-run transition. In a memorable half-marathon, he passes a troop of Girl Scout Brownies handing out flags to commemorate 9/11, a scene that underscores how races became moments of reflection as well as competition.
Practical tips are woven seamlessly into the narrative. Weiss explains pacing, fueling and the pros and cons of brief naps during ultramarathons, offering guidance for newcomers and seasoned athletes alike. At the same time, he candidly recounts hardships: muscle spasms, illness on the eve of a big race, a mortifying bathroom emergency mid-run and injuries like a calf strain threatening to derail his training plan. Each setback becomes a lesson in resilience. After a chilling swim nearly overwhelms him, he explores cold exposure training. After a tough first attempt at South Africa’s Comrades Marathon, he analyzes what went wrong and returns stronger, proving that determination paired with reflection drives growth.
Midlife Reinvention and Enduring Inspiration
Beyond the races, the memoir is a reflection on midlife transformation. In his early fifties, Weiss intentionally embraced discomfort — waking for dawn runs, plunging into frigid waters and tackling daunting races. His story challenges the notion that the second act of life must be about slowing down or settling. Through his athletic journey, he discovers not just endurance but renewal, showing that growth, adventure and new passions are possible at any age.
Weiss interweaves insights from coaches, authors and fellow athletes, citing figures like ultrarunner David Goggins on persistence and Kathrine Switzer on breaking barriers. These references situate his story within a broader athletic tradition, while his relatable voice remains front and center — humble, good-humored and endearingly honest. He even describes helping a nervous first-timer at his second Ironman, paying forward the encouragement he once received. Technical terms appear in context, making the book accessible whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or simply intrigued by personal reinvention.
Crossing the Ironman finish line, greeted with the announcement, “You are an Ironman!” is an emotional payoff. Every step, doubt and decision feels lived-in and earned. Weiss’s story isn’t just about races; it’s a reminder that transformation is possible at any stage and that turning 50 can be a launching pad, not a limit.
Final Thoughts
Racing Against Time is an uplifting, insightful memoir that will appeal to athletes and armchair readers alike. Weiss balances heart-pounding race sequences with reflective moments, showing that perseverance, smart training and daring can unlock human potential at any age. The book is more than a sports narrative — it’s a testament to resilience, growth and the thrill of challenging oneself. For anyone seeking inspiration, contemplating a bold new goal, or simply craving a story of midlife reinvention, Weiss delivers motivation that resonates far beyond the finish line.
About Jeffrey Weiss
Jeffrey Weiss is the author of Racing Against Time: On Ironman, Ultramarathons, and the Quest for Transformation in Mid-Life (MSI Press, October 1, 2025), a fitness and personal transformation memoir. He is also the co-author of I Am My Brother’s Keeper (Schiffer Military History, 1998), which chronicles the American and Canadian volunteers who served in all branches of the Israel Defense Forces during the 1948 War of Independence and Fighting Back: Stan Andrews and the Birth of the Israeli Air Force (Post Hill Press/Wicked Son, 2022). He is featured in Nancy Spielberg’s acclaimed 2014 documentary Above and Beyond (available on Amazon Prime), which tells the story of American pilots in Israel’s founding air force and earned 22 film festival awards. He also appears in the 2000 documentary Israel’s Forgotten Heroes, narrated by Hal Linden.
Fluent in Hebrew, Jeffrey completed a year of law school at Bar Ilan University and holds a law degree along with master’s degrees in International Law (Georgetown University Law Center) and Biotechnology (Johns Hopkins University). For over 25 years, he has written extensively on Middle East security issues.
In addition to his academic and writing accomplishments, Jeffrey is an experienced entrepreneur, having served for more than a decade as a C-suite executive at a startup that was recently acquired for $3 billion. He is also passionate about fitness and is a two-time Ironman and ultramarathoner.
Jeffrey lives in Tel Aviv, where in 2024 he founded Stickers of Meaning, a project that preserves and educates about the memorial stickers that have appeared throughout Israel since October 7, 2023—honoring the fallen and inspiring the living with messages of love, purpose, daring and joy.
