Survival of the fittest- Mike Stroud

[bigbart]

If you ever think you're hard done by the next time you're marching with a loaded bergen, read this book. Some of the things this bloke has done in his life are incredible.
He tells stories of marathons in the sahara desert, dragging sledges unaided accross the antarctic, and explains how we are all capable of such feats.
He goes into detail on diet, and how we are designed to eat a mainly vegetarian diet, with a lot of fish. He explains that we are designed for constant exercise, and goes on to say that if we don't exercise enough and get the right nutrients, our bodies fall ill. Sounds like common sense, but it does all make sense when he explains it. We are all capable of marathons, he says. Most people just aren't disciplined enough to keep themselves healthy.
Also, according to this book, before the turn of the last century, heart disease and some cancers were rarely heard of. It's because we have become less active over the years, and ready meals full of salt, fat, sugar and chemicals have emerged. Obesity is a fairly new health problem, and it's because we are not doing the things we are designed to do.
All in all, this book is a good read, especially if you're training. There was a pont where I thought I was overtraining, but after reading this book, I've realised that I do f**k all compared to this bloke, and he's almost double my age. More to the point, he took his father on one of his eco-challenges (an ultra-endurance race accross extreme terrain) and he's in his seventies! If he can do an eco-challenge, I sure bloody hope I can pass the AACC...
Since reading this book, I have read that the author, Mike Stroud, along with Sir Ranulph Fiennes (An ex-SAS soldier who was thrown out for blowing up a movie set, if anyone didn't know.) ran 7 marathons in 7 continents...in 7 days. If any book will give you drive and determination, this will. Forget any other books about diet and fitness. This bloke is a doctor, an expert on diet and metabolism, and if he's capable of doing the things he tells in his book, don't you want to listen to his advice?

[Chappy]

I`m sold. Getting this from Amazon now on Bart`s favourable review.

[AC]

Another good read along these lines is "Fit for life" by Sir Ranulph Fiennes. It's practically my bible

[andrew_s]

I'v read said book and it does indeed make running 3 miles look absolutely pitiful compared to what he gets up too-a good book.

[AequitasBellum]

I have just bought and read this book after seeing bigbart's review. This is an extremely good book full of useful information. Next time you're running a 3 miler, be happy your not dragging a 220kg sledge, and that you won't still be doing it in 90 days time.

[Ric]

Must agree with the above comments on the book, it's a fantastic read and paints a picture of the harsh realities of an arctic expedition, the often comical change in the relationship you have with a person when spending 24/7 with an oppo and what good things shared hardship brings. A quote from the book that always brings a grin to my face is...and often is true...

"Those who need to ask (why) will never understand the answer, while those who feel the answer will never need to ask...."

(Wally Herbet, arctic explorer)

[Doc]

Ranulph Fiennes got kicked out of the Army during SAS selection for a privately funded night ex with some dynamite, he was a few weeks into it but didnt pass so therefore isnt ex-SAS as people (and himself) claim.

Saying that he and Stroudy are both outstanding fellows. Met Fiennes a few times.

Not only does Stroud do some mad things but he jabs himself and studies the medical aspect as he goes along hanging out of his arse, mad.

Brit adventurers, balls of british and slightly eccentric.

[cookie]

Fiennes was thrown out of 22 SAS for using exposives he had kept from training in order to destroy a movie set in the cotswolds, which the locals wanted removing. As i understand it he was badged prior to being RTU'd, albeit in his autobiography he admits to cheating on selection routes.

He later attempted and passed selection (without cheating) for 21 and was a member of that unit for a number of years. He also served with the Scots greys and the Sultan of Oman's Armed Forces.