Everyone said it couldn't be done; even internationally renowned sports scientists such as Dr. Tim Noakes. Certainly no-one had done it before, though many had tried: to run the Great Wall of China, end to end, non-stop. The journey would start in the Gobi Desert, cross the jagged Taihang Shan range, and end at the Bo Sea. It would involve blood boiling heat and mummifying sandstorms, soul-numbing mountain nights, incidents with bandits and draconian officials, pig's-hean soup and witnessing large-scale environmental devastation. But on-one had counted on teh tenacity of South African nature-lover Braam Malherbe. In runningthe main intact section of the Grat Wall, 4 500 kilometres end to end, Braam and his running partner David Grier set a world first. But Braam would have to call on reserves far deeper - physically and emotionally - than even he realised he had. China was never going to let him off lightly; then again, it would not leave a worthy traveller unmoved or unchanged. What began as a running-away, from long-buried childhood trauma, family suffering and loss, as well as hurt felf for the state of the planet, would eventually become a journey towards inner peace and understanding. The book concludes with the writer running into a new vision of healing the planet, step by small step, one person at a time.

Everyone said it could not be done; even internationally renowned sports scientists such as Dr Tim Noakes. Certainly no-one had done it before, though many had tried: to run the Great Wall of China, end to end, non-stop. The journey would start in the Gobi Desert, cross the jagged Taihang Shan range, and end at the Bo Sea. It would involve blood boiling heat and mummifying sandstorms, soul-numbing mountain nights, incidents with bandits and draconian officials, pig's-head soup and witnessing large-scale environmental devastation. But no-one had counted on the tenacity of South African nature-lover Braam Malherbe. In running the main intact section of the Great Wall, 4500 kilometres end to end, Braam and his running partner David Grier set a world first. But Braam would have to call on reserves far deeper -- physically and emotionally -- than even he realised he had. China was never going to let him off lightly; then again, it would not leave a worthy traveller unmoved or unchanged. What began as a running-away, from long-buried childhood trauma, family suffering and loss, as well as hurt felt for the state of the planet, would eventually become a journey towards inner peace and understanding. The book concludes with the writer running into a new vision of healing the planet, step by small step, one person at a time.

Running the intact length of the Great Wall of China becomes a journey towards inner peace and healing.

" In "Fred Fenton Marathon Runner: The Great Race at Riverport School" by Allen Chapman, join the spirited and determined Fred Fenton as he trains for and competes in a thrilling marathon race at Riverport School. This exhilarating novel follows Fred's journey of self-discovery, athletic prowess, and the challenges he faces as he strives to achieve his dreams. Set in the vibrant atmosphere of Riverport School, the story unfolds with anticipation and excitement. Fred's passion for running drives him to train rigorously, pushing his physical and mental limits to prepare for the ultimate race. Along the way, he forms friendships, overcomes setbacks, and learns important life lessons about perseverance, dedication, and the rewards of hard work. Allen Chapman's storytelling captures the essence of competitive sports, showcasing the thrill of athletic competitions and the camaraderie among teammates. Through Fred's experiences, readers witness the determination, discipline, and resilience required to pursue one's goals and achieve success. Join Fred Fenton as he embarks on his marathon journey, facing both physical and personal challenges, and discovering the strength within himself to overcome obstacles and pursue his dreams."

Renowned marathon expert and leading sports scientist Professor John Brewer reveals why many of the concepts surrounding marathon training and running are wrong - and suggests how the latest sports science research transforms the way marathons should be approached. Run Smart uses the latest scientific research to show how preparing for, and running, marathons can be made easier, and in doing so challenges many of the myths that surround marathon running. The book will draw on the author's experience as one of the UK's leading sports scientists, his extensive research background in marathon running, and his experience as a marathon runner, to provide credible advice to runners to support their preparation for a marathon. The book will challenge many current concepts, myths and ideas, and provide science-based alternatives in areas such as training and nutrition that will optimise and ease a runner's preparation for, and completion of, the 26.2 mile distance. This highly accessible book will use the latest scientific findings to support new runners training for their first marathon and help more experienced athletes improve and train smarter.

A New York Times bestseller 'A sensation ... a rollicking tale well told' - The Times At the heart of Born to Run lies a mysterious tribe of Mexican Indians, the Tarahumara, who live quietly in canyons and are reputed to be the best distance runners in the world; in 1993, one of them, aged 57, came first in a prestigious 100-mile race wearing a toga and sandals. A small group of the world's top ultra-runners (and the awe-inspiring author) make the treacherous journey into the canyons to try to learn the tribe's secrets and then take them on over a course 50 miles long. With incredible energy and smart observation, McDougall tells this story while asking what the secrets are to being an incredible runner. Travelling to labs at Harvard, Nike, and elsewhere, he comes across an incredible cast of characters, including the woman who recently broke the world record for 100 miles and for her encore ran a 2:50 marathon in a bikini, pausing to down a beer at the 20 mile mark.

This is not just a book about running. It's a book about cupcakes. It's a book about suffering. It's a book about gluttony, vanity, bliss, electrical storms, ranch dressing, and Godzilla. It's a book about all the terrible and wonderful reasons we wake up each day and propel our bodies through rain, shine, heaven, and hell. From #1 New York Times best-selling author, Matthew Inman, AKA The Oatmeal, comes this hilarious, beautiful, poignant collection of comics and stories about running, eating, and one cartoonist's reasons for jogging across mountains until his toenails fall off. Containing over 70 pages of never-before-seen material, including "A Lazy Cartoonist's Guide to Becoming a Runner" and "The Blerch's Guide to Dieting," this book also comes with Blerch race stickers.