With the explosion of bumper stickers that read “26.2,” it’s obvious that marathons are gaining popularity among athletes. But what does it take to cross that finish line? It’s not easy, as this instructive book proves. Amateur runners train for months—and serious competitors even longer. From what happens to the human body during long-distance runs to the most impressive marathon victories, readers will discover that marathons are truly an extreme sport.

Skydivers fearlessly perch at a plane’s open door. Yes, they have a parachute, but it’s a long way down—sometimes 8,000 feet (2,438 m) above the ground! Readers will muse if they’d dare take the plunge in the pages of this thrilling volume. From packing their parachute rig on the ground to spotting a landing zone from the air, the essentials of skydiving—along with breathtaking vistas—await them in this high-interest, accessible book.

From the ground, piloting a fighter jet seems thrilling—but it also requires a lot of training and body conditioning. Readers’ awe for aeronautical acrobatics will only increase as they learn about the forces at work to keep a fighter jet aloft. They’ll also learn about g-forces, ejection seats, and incredible speeds that future fighter jets may achieve. Exhilarating images, stimulating STEM concepts, and fascinating fact boxes make this high-interest volume a fun and motivating experience.

In 2012, Nik Wallenda became the first person to tightrope-walk over Niagara Falls. He braved high winds and spray from the mighty flowing waters while doing so. Many marveled at the feat and wondered how it was possible. Wallenda’s story as well as tales of others who attempted the jaw-dropping deed are included in this high-interest text. Spine-tingling photographs and fun fact boxes are sure to amaze and delight readers.

Mixed martial arts is one of the fastest growing sports, and includes karate, jiu-jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, grappling, wrestling, judo, and other combat sports. MMA fighters, combating opponents in a cage with nowhere to escape, have truly impressive skills! Riveted readers will be on the edge of their seats as they learn what it takes to enter the ring of an MMA bout. Action-packed photographs and fun fact boxes add to the excitement of this electrifying sport.

Every once in a while someone who is attempting to sail around the world is in the news—often because they need to be rescued! Navigating around the globe is not an easy task, as this adventurous volume explains. The essential equipment to conquer the seas, nautical vocabulary, and exhilarating true stories are all included in this comprehensible and exciting text, accompanied by illuminating and impressive images.

Shave minutes off your time using the latest in science-based training for serious runners. Advanced Marathoning has all the information you need to train smarter, remain injury free, and arrive on the start line ready to run the marathon of your life. Including marathon-pace runs and tempo runs, Advanced Marathoning provides only the most effective methods of training. You'll learn how to complement your running workouts with strength, core, flexibility, and form training; implement cutting-edge nutrition and hydration strategies and recovery techniques; and taper properly to reach peak performance. With easy-to-understand day-by-day training schedules for 18- and 12-week preparation for weekly distances of 55, 55 to 70, 70 to 85, and 85-plus miles, Advanced Marathoning is simply the most comprehensive and efficient approach to marathoning. If you're ready to achieve your personal best, this book is for you.