"

In the midst of a devastating year for his and most businesses, Stefan Danis searched for a challenge that would get him in physical and mental shape for what lay ahead, inspire others in similar situations, and raise funds for those in his industry who had fallen on even harder times.

With only a vague understanding of what he was getting himself into, he settled on the Gobi March, an unaided 250-kilometer foot race in the Gobi Desert of China.

Now, in this captivating story of mind over matter, he shares how he overcame the challenges he faced &#8212 from extensive training to injuries that nearly kept him from the race to running in blazing heat on stones, sand, through rivers, and even up mountains &#8212 and made it to the finish line, stronger and better equipped for what lay ahead."

&#8220Stefan's desert adventures have taught us all about how to beat the bad news and win A must read.&#8221 --Jim Warrington, Executive Director, NABS

&#8220Within us all survives that child with the &#8216crazy&#8217 dreams and &#8216unreasonable&#8217 ambitions. May we all, like Stefan in this book, allow that child to flourish.&#8221 --Mehmet Danis, winner, Atacama Desert Crossing

&#8220 an excellent reminder that anything is possible when you choose to put your soul into it and refuse to fail.&#8221 --Howard Breen, President, HBideation, author of "A Page from a CEO's Diary"

Stefan Danis is the CEO of Mandrake and NEXCareer. He and his wife and two daughters live in Toronto.

'HILARIOUS AND OUTRAGEOUS' CHRIS EVANS THE HILARIOUS FULL-THROTTLE MEMOIR FROM ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHARACTERS IN UK MOTOR RACING SHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2020 Two-time championship-winning and record-breaking racing driver, Jason Plato is a living, breathing example of what you shouldn't do if you want to become a professional racing driver: DO NOT: * Steal a JCB in Monaco and end up in prison there - twice * Kill Bernie Ecclestone (almost) * Choose fags and booze over the gym * Give Prince Charles the finger on the M42 * Make enemies with a 6ft 6" rival who is a black belt in everything Since joining the Williams Touring Car team in 1997 he has had more race wins than Lewis Hamilton and Stirling Moss, competed in more races than Jenson Button and set the largest number of fastest laps ever. But he's also a rule breaker who has had more than his fair share of near-death experiences, drunken escapades and more. There is nothing sensible, predictable or considered about Jason. But this is how he became a racing legend. ______ 'As entertaining as watching him drive, a cracking read!' Sir Chris Hoy 'Jason Plato is one of the most gifted racing drivers of his generation!' Damon Hill

Welcome to the fifth volume of our popular travel and outdoor humor series, a line of books that has produced bestselling titles such as "Mugged by a Moose" and "A Beaver is Eating My Canoe." Join thirty-one intrepid travel writers who will take you on a journey from Alaska to the Amazon to the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It's another helping of zany, absurd and downright preposterous tales of misadventure, some of which are hardly believable. We hope you enjoy

In "Chasing the Runner's High," Ray Charbonneau tells the story how he pushed his addiction to running up to, and then past, his limits. There are plenty of hard miles, but there's lots of fun along the way too as Ray shares what he learned, what he should have learned, and what he still has to learn from running. Marshall Ulrich, 4-time winner of the Badwater Ultramarathon and author of "Running on Empty," calls Chasing the Runner's High "a look at one man's life and obsession with running and addictive behaviors. Humorous at times, but always looking toward the greater good, Ray shares life's ups and downs and provides a hard look into the mind of a runner, offering advice that can only be had with experience and hard fought miles underfoot. Adena Schulzberg, winner of the 2006 Arkansas Marathon, writes, "these are brutally honest tales, told with candor and frankness about strength, courage, obsession, desire and hard won understanding of self and sport." It's a great read for runners or for non-runners who want to understand their running friends. www.y42k.com/books/chasingtherunnershigh.html

Author and photographer team Chris Nelson and Demi Taylor are permanently on the road, this time with the ultimate guide to outdoor activities in Britain. Footprint's "Outsiders Guide to Britain and Ireland" covers the cream of the crop, whether for a bit of surfing, downhill riding, or gentle hiking. These plus many more activities are covered, with a full lowdown on what they are and where and when to do them, plus insider knowledge from local legends and experts and all the usual Footprint information on where to eat and sleep. With fantastic mapping and incredible photography, this guide is perfect for anyone wanting to get the most from the great outdoors.

"&#8220... refreshingly free of the hubris that marks
much adventure writing ... The reader never feels assaulted
by Kobalenko&#8217s daring, only inspired by it. &#8221"
&#8212THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
The Horizontal Everest brings to vivid, awe-inspiring life one of the most forbidding,
arresting, and beautiful places on the planet: Ellesmere Island-a virgin wilderness that
author and photographer Jerry Kobalenko has traversed more than anyone else in history.
"&#8220... charming and refreshingly honest ...
a portrait of remarkable people and harsh landscapes,
and the siren-like allure of both. &#8221"
&#8212SIMON WINCHESTER, The Map That Changed the World
"&#8220... a compelling portrait of a harsh yet inviting place ... wonderful ... &#8221
" &#8212KENN HARPER, Give Me My Father&#8217s Body
"&#8220The ... stories fill me with passion and dreams. &#8221"
&#8212BORGE OUSLAND, Arctic expeditioner
JERRY KOBALENKO is one of the world&#8217s premier Arctic travelers. His writing and photography appear in such magazines as "Conde Nast Traveler," "Canadian Geographic," and "Outside." When he is not on an extreme journey, he lives in Canmore, Alberta, with his fellow adventurer and wife, Alexandra.

Hiking Central Florida describes thirty of the region's best and most varied hikes, those that offer the chance to observe unspoiled, natural Florida at its finest. With terrain ranging from wet cypress swamps to dry pinewood forests, the region offers subtly striking scenery and it harbors rich diversity.Covering the area from Ocala to State Road 60 near Lake Wales and Yeehaw Junction-and also embracing the northern stretch of the Florida Trail in the Ocala National Forest and the Bulow Plantation/Bulow Creek hike on the Atlantic coast-this user-friendly guide takes you from short family hikes in places such as Canaveral National Seashore, to backpackers' delights. It provides all the information you need to make the most of exploring Central Florida by foot. Look inside to find:* Hikes suited to every ability* Directions to the trailheads* Comprehensive trail descriptions and maps* Mile-by-mile directional cues* Difficulty ratings, average hiking times, and best hiking seasons for every featured hike* Area-specific tips on safety, hiking ethics, plants and animals, preserving the environment, and more

This book answers the call to action raised by ""The Last Child in the Woods"".The technology boom of recent years has given kids numerous reasons to stay inside and play, while parents' increasing safety concerns make it tempting to keep children close to home. But what is being lost as fewer kids spend their free time outdoors? Deprived of meaningful contact with nature, children often fail to develop a significant relationship with the natural world, much less a sense of reverence and respect for the world outside their doors.""A Natural Sense of Wonder"" is one father's attempt to seek alternatives to the ""flickering waves of TV and the electrifying boing of video games"" and get kids outside and into nature. In the spirit of Rachel Carson's ""The Sense of Wonder"", Rick Van Noy journeys out of his suburban home with his children and describes the pleasures of walking in a creek, digging for salamanders, and learning to appreciate vultures. Through these and other ""walks to school,"" the Van Noys discover what lives nearby, what nature has to teach, and why this matters.From the backyard to the hiking trail, in a tide pool and a tree house, in the wild and in town, these narrative essays explore the terrain of childhood threatened by the lure of computers and television, by fear and the loss of play habitat, showing how kids thrive in their special places. In chronicling one parent's determination (and at times frustration) to get his kids outside, ""A Natural Sense of Wonder"" suggests ways kids both young and old can experience the wonder found only in the natural world.

From the seacoast to the mountains, from urban settings to woodlands, Maine's diverse habitats are home to equally diverse bird species. Birding Maine recommends how and when to bird each site and provides information on nearby places of interest, as well as area stores, restaurants, accommodations, and campsites--everything you need to extend a day of birding into a full-fledged adventure.
Discover rockbound Pemaquid and Schoodic Points where sea- and shorebirds abound, including King Eider and Purple Sandpiper. Just outside Brewer, wander the Fields Pond Audubon Center, where nearly 150 species have been seen--from Bald Eagle to Eastern Bluebird. Be still and listen for the haunting cry of Common Loon at Unity Pond, Lily Bay State Park, or Moose Point State Park. Birding Maine is a quintessential resource for anyone interested in spending time in the Maine outdoors. Inside you'll find:
- Accurate bird-finding information for the entire state--from the Atlantic seacoast to the fields of central Maine to the waterways of the north woods
- Resting spots for migrating eastern species, a huge assortment of waterbirds, plus many specialties such as Harlequin Duck and Pileated Woodpecker
- A description of each site, with information about key species
- When to go, how to get there, what you'll see, and whether a site is wheelchair accessible
- Nearby sites that can be combined with primary sites to create a full day of birding

Essays debate the lasting power of extreme sports and whether or not the benefits of the sports outweigh the risks.

Surfing is poetry. It is pure experience of the moment. Poetry attempts to capture that experience."A pioneering anthology of experiential verse and essays about riding waves first published in 1993 before surf books were in vogue. The second edition is physically enhanced and enriched, still all good stuff, worth the ring on your butt it will cause if you keep it in the bathroom."
--Steve Pezman, Publisher of The Surfer's Journal"From the solitude of being alone on the water at daybreak, to the exhilaration of confronting nature with nothing but a board, the entire surfing experience is captured through poems and short prose pieces."
--Joel Beers, Newport Daily Pilot"The thrill and dangers of surfing and the bonds between those who search out the perfect wave...are not the only issues explored in the new poetry."
--Robert Kinsler, Orange County Register

Welcome to the adventures and misadventures from a quarter century of hang gliding and travel. Huck yourself off cliffs, soar into the Wild Blue, and land where no human has landed before, all from the comfort and safety of your easy chair. Visit exotic lands and foreign skies, experience the thrill of foot-launched human flight and never even risk your neck. Come along with a wild cast of characters, who fly like their lives depend upon it. Realize mankind's most ancient dream, FLY WITH THE BIRDS

"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.

Salvage divers work underwater in a blinding darkness. In their cumbersome diving gear, these men have barely enough room to move around, while at the same time fighting the cold temperatures and fast currents. It is a dirty, unromantic and highly dangerous way of earning a living. Yet, these divers would not have traded their jobs for any other profession. From locating sunken boxcars to repairing concrete foundations for bridges, no task is too risky. Any underwater salvage or repair work becomes the job of these elite divers. Salvage divers must be carpenters, masons, riggers, hydraulic mechanics, ironworkers, welders, pile bucks and underwater engineers. They must be able to adapt all blueprints, tools and equipment to the harsh realities of the underwater environment.

Handy little full colour map of North York Moors National Park. Detailed mapping and visitor information to the National Park along with a selection of photographs. Map at a scale of 1:114 000 (1cm to 1.14km, 1.8 miles to 1 inch). This small map gives a great overview of the North York Moors National Park, and is the perfect companion for exploring this beautiful area of North Yorkshire. Clear, detailed mapping Key park, tourist and travel information Ideal for planning visits to the National Park Index to help locate and plan your trip Information on the Cleveland Way, the Moor to Sea Cycle Network, walks and places of interest Discover more about the walking routes at this National Park with the North York Moors Park Rangers Favourite Walks (ISBN: 9780008462710).

More than 11 million women run regularly, a number that's growing every year. They tend to be educated and affluent-the perfect audience for "Sole Sisters."
Half of all runners are women, and they are changing the face of the sport. It's a social outlet, a healthful way to improve mental well-being, and an opportunity to form bonds with like-minded women.
"Sole Sisters: Stories of Women and Running" is a gripping collection of stories that captures the inspirational heart of the women's running. Authors Jennifer Lin and Susan Warner have interviewed women of all ages from all walks of life and all parts of the country. All of their subjects have one thing in common: Running has transformed them. There are both heartrending stories of grief and survival and lighthearted tales of friendship. Among them are:
* Sisters who competed in a 5K race to honor a sister who survived breast cancer.
* A 9/11 widow who ran her first marathon to honor the memory of her husband.
* A 65-year-old woman who overcame obesity and alcoholism to finish the grueling Ironman triathlon.
* An unknown runner from Norway named Grete Waitz who decided to run a marathon-and changed the face of the sport.
"Sole Sisters: Stories of Women and Running" is not just for women who run. It appeals to all women who know what it means to have the support of others who share their trials and triumphs. "Sole Sisters: Stories of Women and Running" is sometimes touching, sometimes funny, and always inspiring.

Handy little full colour map of Snowdonia National Park. Detailed mapping and visitor information to the National Park along with a selection of photographs. Map at a scale of 1:119 000 (1.2cm to 1km, 1.9 miles to 1 inch). This small map gives a great overview of the Snowdonia National Park, and is the perfect companion for exploring this beautiful area of North Wales. Clear, detailed mapping Key park, tourist and travel information Ideal for planning visits to the National Park Index to help locate and plan your trip Information on historic railways, stargazing, mountain biking and places of interest Discover more about the walking routes at this National Park with the Snowdonia Park Rangers Favourite Walks (ISBN: 9780008439132).

The definitive guide to the Laser.

"The Complete Book of Laser Sailing" is the most comprehensive book about successfully sailing and racing this popular and challenging high-performance dinghy. Dick Tillman tells you everything you need to know about the boat and how to set it up and sail it, including: Rigging and sailing the boat Trailering and cartopping Maintenance and storage Training and physical conditioning Upwind and offwind racing techniques Clothing and equipment Interviews with such champion racers as Hans Fogh, Ed Baird, Ed Adams, and Danielle Myrdal

Plus this updated and expanded edition gives you: The latest sail control and rig modifications Updated listings of major competition results New interviews with champion racers, including Olympian Mark Mendelblatt and Paige Railey on Radials

"A fine-tuned guide to everything anyone could ever need or want to know about the Laser."--"Sailing"

"This book will most certainly make you a better sailor and could help you become a champion."--"Soundings"

"This book is a must."--"The Little Ship"

BASE 66 is the true, nerve-wracking account of three young skydivers and their quest for membership in the most select extreme sports club on earth: The BASE club. In order to become a full-fledged member, Jevto Dedijer, Bernard Poirier, and Scott Elder had to parachute from the top of a building, an antenna tower, a bridge and a cliff, and survive to tell the story--a feat only some 800 adrenaline addicted people have succeeded in doing. adrenaline rush. He and his companions shared several near death experiences while traveling across Europe with their parachutes and beer in Bernard's dented Renault 4. jumpers died in action. intimate friendship. It is an account of extraordinary people taking a step beyond the edge. fascinating BASE odyssey and his discovery of a way of life that surpasses artificial boundaries and provides lifelong inspiration.

How to Become a Successful Racer and Adventure Athlete
Why should you take a pair of sandals, a dollar bill, and a car antenna to your next adventure race? You'll find the answer to that question and many others in "Runner's World Guide to Adventure Racing." In this authoritative guide, Ian Adamson shares his insider secrets for training, racing, team building, conflict management, injury prevention, equipment repair, sleep management, and much more. Often referred to as the Michael Jordan of adventure racing, Adamson helps you navigate any type of adventure race, from short sprint race to full-length expedition.
In this guide, you'll find . . .
- Detailed training plans for recreational and competitive athletes
- Tips for running, hiking, biking, paddling, navigating, and climbing more efficiently
- A no-nonsense guide for what you need from the sporting goods store-- and what you don't
- Insider secrets for mending equipment and injuries while in the wilderness
- Adamson's nine favorite foods to pack in your race bag
You'll also read Adamson's humorous, touching, and downright chilling stories of life on the adventure trail. From sprint races to full-length expeditions, Adamson's expert advice will get you and your equipment to the finish line in one piece.

Adventure writer Mark Jenkins has journeyed around the world, crossing wild country, probing the hinterlands, getting arrested over a dozen times. He has made a life out of doing things the hard way.

The result is a book that dives headfirst into adventure and experience. Jenkins transports the reader with him as he climbs the ice-encrusted Italian Ridge of the Matterhorn, sea kayaks from battlefield to battlefield along the Turkish coast of Gallipoli, sneaks across Tibet to reach Buddhism's holiest lake, descends unexplored canyons in Australia, and traverses the war-torn Simen Mountains of northern Ethiopia.

If you've ever dreamed of escaping, lighting out for the unknown, read this book. In a world increasingly vicarious and secondhand, we all long to make decisions that matter, decisions of consequence. This is precisely what the outdoor life still requires. The Hard Way is a book about doing, not watching -- about leaping before you look.

This comprehensive trail guide describes hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing routes on more than 200 miles of trails in New York State's legendary Shawangunk Mountain Range. The 50-mile-long Shawangunk Ridge features some of the most interesting and spectacular scenery in the Northeast. This well-known landform is located less than 90 miles from New York City and less than a day's drive from more than 40 million people. Much of the ridge is open to the public as preserve land and state park. The combination of beauty, countless recreational possibilities, and easy access make this one of the Northeast region's most popular weekend and vacation destinations. It is estimated that nearly half a million people visit the Shawangunks every year. Many come to hike, mountain bike, or cross-country ski the more than 200 miles of trails that crisscross the ridge. Now Jeffrey Perls has created this comprehensive handbook and guide, detailing how to get there and what to do on nearly every mile of trail. The Shawangunks Trail Companion is the first and only book to provide both a thorough description of the landform as well as a complete guide to its trails.