Not Too Late

The Power of Pushing Limits at Any Age

By: Gwendolyn Bounds

Narrated by: Gwendolyn Bounds

An award-winning journalist tells the inspiring story of her unlikely midlife journey to master the daunting sport of obstacle course racing—a powerful, science-based account of the change possible at any age when we push limits.

“This story of personal transformation is thrilling.”—Gretchen Rubin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project and Life in Five Senses

In her midforties, Gwendolyn Bounds attended a dinner party where someone asked a little girl: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

It struck Bounds: In middle age, no one asks you that anymore. So she put the question to herself. The answer set her on an unexpected five-year path of transformation from an unathletic office executive glued to her screens to an age-group medalist and world championship competitor in obstacle course racing—a demanding military-style sport requiring speed, endurance, mobility, and strength.

In Not Too Late, Bounds explores how tackling something new and hard upended her expectations for middle age—while also helping her reconcile regrets of her youth. Her story takes us from playgrounds and gyms, where Bounds relearns childhood movements (swinging from monkey bars, climbing a rope); to far-flung Spartan Race courses, where she strives to master running in difficult terrain and to conquer challenges such as scaling tall walls, crawling under barbed wire, and carrying heavy loads of rocks up mountains.

Bounds’s journey offers inspiration and a road map for anyone craving more out of life. Woven through Not Too Late are insights from scientists, longevity doctors, philosophers, elite athletes, and performance experts on how to reimagine our limits and who we think we are. Through Bounds’s story, as she changes her body and mindset, we learn about humans’ capacity to tap inner reserves, face fears, locate intrinsic motivation, and push boundaries at any life stage.

Ultimately, one message prevails: When unleashing our full potential, age can be a secret weapon.

©2024 Gwendolyn Bounds (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“An inspiring guide on how to unearth a “second wind,” from someone who’s been there.”—Kirkus Reviews

“No matter your age, Not Too Late will inspire you to make big positive changes—to do hard things you didn’t think you could.”—Michael Easter, New York Times bestselling author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain

“Bounds captures the powerful lure of discovering ‘flow’ in midlife as she embraces something bold and once unimaginable.”—Chip Conley, bestselling author of Learning to Love Midlife

Relatable mid-life questions & inspiring

I nodded and laughed and gasped as I listened to Gwendolyn tell her story. It’s a terrific blend of personal account and expert information. She introduces you to other authors, athletes, podcasters and her amazing family and friends. (Waiting for a book from Earl or Lisa or her parents!). Gwen echoes the questions in my heart and inspires me to consider new possibilities.

I…..needed this.

Midlife sneaks up on some of us draped with surprises and misgivings.

This book made a connection for me, both athletically and in terms of aging.

Can’t thank the author enough for sharing.

very inspiring story.

inspiring and good, overall.
could have been shorter.
I would recommend reading over listening in this case.

Inspiring, emotional and captivating

I absolutely Devoured this book! Funny, heartbreaking moments, beautiful story of determination and perseverance! I will definitely be listening again!

Amazing Fun Inspiring Ageless

I love this book. A great way to battle middle age or being stagnant. A wonderful perk is that she includes the names of books that inspired her. As a person who avoids discomfort at age 57 I love her courage and fun way of presenting hard things. I’d sure love to meet her and the family and dog too.

Loved it!

What an awesome journey. Kept my attention, did not want to put it down, made me laugh and was super inspirational!

Inspiring!

As a 64 year old woman and one year into lifting weights, I found this so inspirational.

Fantastic book and narration. Very inspiring and interesting.

Loved it all. Great book. Wish I could read more books by her. She is a great storyteller.

Inspirational, informative, enjoyable

I really liked Bounds’ reading of her own story. I learned something, and I felt that what she was saying is important.

more training. less therapy. please.

this book contains way too much therapy and complaining about the slights of childhood etc. I'm sure it's a warm personal story. but I'm much more interested in the science and practical aspects of training.