LEWISTON — Madelyn Given of Poland will be discussing her just-released book

about her adventurous trek through challenging, rough terrain and extreme temperatures on her seven marathons on seven continents at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, in Function Room 170.

Throughout her grueling, solo hikes, Given kept extensive notes and took photos of her progress toward completing her goal of seven marathons, one on each continent. She completed six within a year. The first marathon was in Antarctica, and the seventh was in Vina del Mar, Chile.

Given describes her journey to become Maine’s first woman to complete seven marathons on seven continents. Through perseverance and a positive attitude she began a journey that brought her to some of the highest peaks in the world and the delightful and memorable people she met along the way.

Given will bring the reader right to the scene in vivid and descriptive accounts of her travels along with beautiful photos of her experiences. Her personal narration is just as dramatic.

A 28-year veteran as a teacher with a Master’s Degree in Education, Given grew up on a small farm in rural Maine. Life was isolated and work was life. She learned about the world through working at her mother’s antique store. With perseverance and a positive attitude, Given has taken an ordinary life and made it extraordinary.

How did this all come about? After retiring from teaching at McMahon Elementary School in Lewiston, Given was not one for the sedentary lifestyle of a typical retiree. To fill in time and avoid the empty nest syndrome, she started to train with a fitness trainer. Feeling younger and revitalized, she received a pamphlet in the mail about Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. And this started her dream of participating in a marathon.

Given had never traveled alone; she had never run a marathon. But she packed her bags for Africa. This was the beginning of a goal. One step at a time, Madelyn found herself in Greece, Africa again, China, Australia, Maine and Chile.

“Pursing a higher goal means taking risks, but the personal rewards far outnumber the hardships and sacrifices. The values of these adventures is self confidence that is gained, helping others along the way, making lifelong friends, cultivating courage, and giving it your all. I live my dreams,” the author said.

For more information about the author, visit outstandingfeats.com.

Senior College at USM LAC, Westminster St., is hosting the event. Relatives, friends, former students, colleagues at Senior College, and the public are cordially invited. Light refreshments will be offered. For more information about Senior College, visit https://cms.usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege/about-senior-college-usm.

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