An inspiring story of fatty to fitty and the power of the mind. Aged 30, Ben had a routine medical and was told he wouldn't see 40 unless he changed his lifestyle. An overweight, sedentary smoker, Ben had a young family and busy career with little time for anything else. 10 years later having completed many of the world's toughest ultra marathons including the Western States 100, the Ultra Trail of Mont Blanc and the Marathon Des Sables, he was hit with life-changing news when one of his daughters was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Ben decided to undertake his toughest challenge yet: to prove to her that anything was possible. One evening, departing from the bright lights of Monte Carlo he headed towards the mountainous terrain behind the Cote d'Azur to run an unsupported 100km / 62.5 miles trail run. For most hardened ultra-marathon runners this would be a feat in itself, but for Ben he had something to prove: choosing to descend the rugged terrain he had already climbed and run the Cro Trail - a 130k / 81 mile mountain trail ultra race. A thrilling and yet down to earth account, detailing a young, working family man's journey to fitness - his love of nature and travel evolves - these stories can only inspire and motivate any reader.

This in-depth exploration of the history and culture of the sometimes illegal activity of BASE jumping provides historical and current information as well as a glimpse into the incredible adrenaline rush of the sport. BASE jumping is an extreme sport that has gained significant popularity. To date, there are over 1,400 jumpers who have earned their "BASE number," which means that they have jumped from a building, an antenna, a span, and a terrestrial point. And at least one BASE jumper is planning to attempt landing from a BASE jump without a parachute. BASE Jumping: The Ultimate Guide examines the history, subculture, and technologies associated with BASE jumping. Additionally, it considers what the relatively new expansion of this activity means within the context of how our society considers danger and risk. After an introduction, its chapters cover BASE culture and ethics, the sport's origins and current developments, techniques and equipment, sites and events, pioneering jumpers and icons of the sport, and future directions. The author-a former skydiver and BASE jumper himself-draws from careful research as well as interviews with current BASE jumpers to both provide historical context and represent the voices of those participating in the activity. A history of early attempts at human flight as well as a chronology of fixed object jumping Illustrations of jumpers, BASE jumping points, and equipment A glossary of key terms such as "burnt object" and "object strike" A resource guide with additional information such as numerous films and websites for BASE organizations

What makes the perfect swim? It's all about the most magical locations (and how to protect them), finessing your kitbag, keeping yourself and others safe . . . and maybe discovering a nice place for a warm-up cuppa and cake. Whether you're a seasoned dipper or a fledgling, The Art of Wild Swimming is the ultimate guide to becoming an awesome, joyful and responsible swimmer. From the otherworldly fens of the east to the vast dramatic waters of the Lake District, the thundering icy waterfalls of Snowdonia to the secluded sandy coves of Cornwall. Locals who know the secrets of their patch share over 100 spectacular swim spots across England and Wales. Now they are yours to explore too.

This innovative book presents a series of up-to-date analyses of the economics of outdoor recreation. The distinguished group of authors covers real-world recreation management issues and applies economic understanding to these problems. An extensive introduction by the editors details the historical background of economists' interests in this subject, and reveals how economics can provide practical insights into improving how we manage our natural recreation areas.The book is divided into three parts, each of which focuses on a specific environmental resource: mountains, forests, and rivers and the sea. An array of valuation methods - including stated preference and revealed preference techniques - are then applied to various outdoor recreation activities which occur in these different settings. These include such diverse pursuits as rock climbing, skiing, fishing, hunting and whale watching. The authors clearly demonstrate how recreation modelling can offer a productive link between people (their preferences and behaviour) and the natural environment. With extensive empirical examples from Europe and North America, this book will be of great value to economists, governments and NGOs who are interested in the environment, development and tourism. It will also be a valuable source of reference for policymakers concerned with land use and natural resource management, and students of environmental and resource economics.

Morbid, but strangely fascinating accounts In 2015, a group of seven hikers were killed when a sudden flood struck Keyhole Canyon in Zion National Park. Prior to that, the steep, narrow route to Angels Landing led to at least five fatalities. Numerous people have found that high, exposed places in Zion-such as rim trails-are bad places to be in lightning storms. Death in Zion National Park collects some of the most gripping accounts in park history of the unfortunate events caused by natural forces or human folly.

"When we can't see what God is doing in us, it is usually because we can't see past what we are trying to do for ourselves."

Tormented by a childhood of which he has almost no memories, author W. R. Bennett strives toward a meaningful purpose in his life by attempting to align his strong will with God's will.

By supplementing his poor memory with years of writing poetry and exploring detailed notes from his running records, Bennett is finally able to decipher the reason for his insatiable hunger and addictive nature. He first recognizes his own behavior in the actions of his youngest grandson, but is clueless to its meaning until he begins a two-year writing odyssey. Slowly, he sees beyond the foolishness of his ways, hidden during fifty years as an addict in the prayer closet. When he finally steps into the light, Bennett can see the remarkable treasures from God previously obscured by his own shadow.

101 Things to do on a Walk is a fun, practical, creative book filled with activities to do while on trips out in nature - both locally, and not so locally. Take this book with you on a walk with the family to provide inspiration for nature-themed crafts and activities - from bird-spotting, bark rubbing and macro insect photography to playing Pooh sticks, identifying wildlife and building a den.  Beautifully presented with a mixture of illustrations and photography, this title will help children to unlock their imaginations and get in touch with the natural world all around them. Featured activities include: - Wildlife spotting - Listening to birdsong - Looking for wildflowers - Macro-photography - Building a den - Bark and leaf rubbing - Making a whistle from a blade of grass - Finding amphibian spawn - Playing Pooh sticks - Identifying different stones - Cloud Spotting - Making flower chains - Searching for Butterflies - Rainbow spotting - Flying seed helicopters About Lonely Planet Kids: Lonely Planet Kids - an imprint of the world's leading travel authority Lonely Planet - published its first book in 2011. Over the past 45 years, Lonely Planet has grown a dedicated global community of travellers, many of whom are now sharing a passion for exploration with their children. Lonely Planet Kids educates and encourages young readers at home and in school to learn about the world with engaging books on culture, sociology, geography, nature, history, space and more. We want to inspire the next generation of global citizens and help kids and their parents to approach life in a way that makes every day an adventure. Come explore!

The Scratch Off Adrenaline Junkie map is the perfect gift for all kind of thrill-seekers. Do you constantly crave living life on the edge or know someone who is a complete adventure addict? This colourful map details a stunning range of extreme sports activities, adrenaline-fuelled challenges and some quirky, yet fun bucket list items you will definitely want to scratch off. Simply grab a coin, and when you've completed your own personal adventure, scratch it off the map and move on to the next one. Skill is not a barrier as we've got everything from skydiving to cheese rolling and many activities in between.

Do you wish you could make the outdoors a bigger part of your life? Liv Bolton, host of the chart-topping podcast The Outdoors Fix, presents an inspiring collection of stories about ordinary people who have done just that. By making time for their passions - from walking, running, climbing, swimming and paddleboarding to photography, filmmaking, cooking and conservation - they have found their daily lives transformed through immersion in nature and the countryside. The chapters include the stories of outdoor instructor Rehna Yaseen, mental-health campaigner Alex Staniforth, Black Girls Hike regional leader Oge Ejizu and coastal runner Elise Downing. Time outdoors can be hugely beneficial, and even small changes can make a big difference: improving happiness, enhancing work-life balance, introducing new friendships and boosting physical and mental health. Packed with stunning photographs and practical tips encompassing everything from after-work local adventures to spending a night out on the hills, The Outdoors Fix might just provide the inspiration you need to embrace the great outdoors and live more adventurously.

Traceless takes inspiration from the Lake District, the Gerry Charnley Round and Gerry Charnley himself. Charnley is little remembered, but was a prolific fell runner, orienteer and climber who founded the Karrimor International Mountain Marathon (KIMM), now the OMM. In his early 50s he tragically died on Helvellyn, his namesake Round was established in his memory by his friends. The ethos of the Round is on self-sufficiency and leaving no trace - the runner is encouraged to plan their own route to visit all the checkpoints, then navigate that route, creating their own line from multiple route choices. Inspired by the concept of the Gerry Charnley Round and its journey over the Lakeland fells, runners Geoff Cox and Heather Dawe have each spent time exploring and running the route. They are poets, writers and artists as well as fell runners and Traceless is a collaboration between them that celebrates their love for the fells and how spending time in them inspires them creatively.

Adventures in the wilderness can be dramatic and deadly. Glacier National Park's death records date back to January 1913, when a man froze to death while snowshoeing between Cut Bank and St. Mary. All told, 260 people have died or are presumed to have died in the park during the first hundred years of its existence. One man fell into a crevasse on East Gunsight Peak while skiing its steep north face, and another died while moonlight biking on the Sun Road. A man left his wife and five children at the Apgar picnic area and disappeared on Lake McDonald. His boat was found halfway up the west shore wedged between rocks with the propeller stuck in gravel. Collected here are some the most gripping accounts in park history of these unfortunate events caused by natural forces or human folly.

It's no surprise that fatalities occur every year in Great Smoky Mountains National Park due to the sheer number of visitors--more than ten million annually! In these cautionary tales, Bradley recounts deaths and other unfortunate incidents that have resulted from accidents and human folly, including bear attacks, swift water disasters, and mysterious disappearances. Armchair travelers and park visitors alike will be fascinated by the dangers lurking in America's most visited national park and will be better informed about what to do and what not to do the next time they enter its gates.

Humans and grizzly bears have been coming into contact in Yellowstone National Park ever since it was founded in 1872. Most of these encounters have ended peacefully, but many have not. In order to most accurately tell the stories of those involved in the more deadly incidents, Kathleen Snow went directly to the source: the National Park Service archives. With help from personnel at park headquarters, Snow has collected more than 100 years' worth of hair-raising stories that read like crime scene investigations and provide hard-learned lessons in outdoor safety. A must-read for fans of Death in Yellowstone and anyone fascinated by human-animal interactions.