Full of incredible characters, amazing athletic achievements, cutting-edge science, and, most of all, pure inspiration, Born to Run is an epic adventure that began with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt? In search of an answer, Christopher McDougall sets off to find a tribe of the world’s greatest distance runners and learn their secrets, and in the process shows us that everything we thought we knew about running is wrong.

Isolated by the most savage terrain in North America, the reclusive Tarahumara Indians of Mexico’s deadly Copper Canyons are custodians of a lost art. For centuries they have practiced techniques that allow them to run hundreds of miles without rest and chase down anything from a deer to an Olympic marathoner while enjoying every mile of it.

Their superhuman talent is matched by uncanny health and serenity, leaving the Tarahumara immune to the diseases and strife that plague modern existence. With the help of Caballo Blanco, a mysterious loner who lives among the tribe, the author was able not only to uncover the secrets of the Tarahumara but also to find his own inner ultra-athlete, as he trained for the challenge of a lifetime: a fifty-mile race through the heart of Tarahumara country pitting the tribe against an odd band of Americans, including a star ultramarathoner, a beautiful young surfer, and a barefoot wonder.

With a sharp wit and wild exuberance, McDougall takes us from the high-tech science labs at Harvard to the sun-baked valleys and freezing peaks across North America, where ever-growing numbers of ultrarunners are pushing their bodies to the limit, and, finally, to the climactic race in the Copper Canyons. Born to Run is that rare book that will not only engage your mind but inspire your body when you realize that the secret to happiness is right at your feet, and that you, indeed all of us, were born to run.

As he travels through Mexico’s Sierra Madre, one of the largest drug-producing regions in the world, British journalist Grant (American Nomads) encounters a rugged landscape where the mythical old Mexico meets the challenges of the new. The birthplace of Pancho Villa and the Apaches’ last refuge, the Sierra Madre has long been home to outlaws and eccentric characters that inspired a variety of American westerns. Into this legendary danger zone, with its exceptionally high murder rate, rides Grant—on horseback, though he has never ridden previously. Grant is the finest kind of travel narrator; though fully cognizant of the dangers and foolhardiness of his obsession with this land, he throws himself into crazy situations, such as a quest for buried gold treasure, a sampling of Mexican folk remedies, a terrifying Tarahumara Indian ritual when God gets into his annual drinking bout with the Devil, a little cocaine or blasting parakeet with local drug dealers, and lots and lots of drinking. He narrates these adventures with unflappable charm and humor, risking his life to the reader’s benefit, shared fear and delight of discovery. Though eventually worn out by his physically and emotionally challenging journey, Grant still manages to produce a clear-eyed, empathetic account of this complex, fascinating place. (Mar.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

More than a meticulously detailed route, this is an adventure highlighting what to see and explore along the way.

*Bike the coast in one trip or four separate adventures *Road directions, points of interest, and available restrooms and provisions all built into daily mileage logs *Elevation profiles and new Table of Essentials overview for each day’s ride *More than 50,000 copies sold in previous editions

From Vancouver, B.C. to the Mexican border, Tom Kirkendall and Vicky Spring guide you turn by turn along the length of Pacific Coast Bicycle Route-all 1816.5 miles. These forty-two suggested daily itineraries (averaging 53 miles each) begin and end at campsites.

Everything you need to know about each day’s ride is included: from tunnel- riding strategies to where to buy a new derailer, from one-of-a-kind museums along the way to side trips to lonely lighthouses and towering sand dunes. New to this edition is a quick-glance Table of Essentials for each daily itinerary, listing availability of bike shops, beach access, hiking trails, youth hostels, and activities.

Golson and his wife, experienced part-time and full-time expatriates, provide a fascinating road map for retirement planning outside the U.S. This book targets the 76 million baby boomers reaching age 65 in 2010 who may be intrigued by the idea of seeking another culture for retirement that offers many possibilities for new interests and friendships. The authors provide in-depth evaluation of 10 countries (plus brief information on others) emphasizing both positive and negative aspects of living there plus commentary by Americans who reside in each country. Finances are a major issue, and there are opportunities for those with modest budgets as well as larger incomes. Missing family and friends in the U.S. is the major downside to living abroad, but the benefits include a sense of adventure, lower cost of living in some instances, climate, and greater freedom. An excellent, valuable resource for library patrons who are seriously considering offshore retirement as well as those who may be dreaming about it. –Mary Whaley

Review
“Retirement Without Borders is for smart people who not only want to think outside the box but live outside the box as well. Golson doesn’t just give you a road map, he gives you the compelling reasons, as well as the pitfalls and pleasures, of why the low-cost, high-quality expatriate life is one of the last great — and rewarding — boomer adventures.”– Peter Greenberg, travel editor of NBC’s Today

“Retirement Without Borders is absolutely positively the best book that I have read on why, where, and how to retire abroad.”– Ernie J. Zelinski, author of How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free

“This is a must-read for anyone considering retiring abroad or living outside the U.S. for an extended period. It cuts through the myths and provides balanced and hardheaded advice on every aspect of living in a different culture.”– Peter Francese, founder of American Demographics magazine

“The book takes us beyond the essentials, with expats writing about their experiences, both good and bad. An engaging and personal read, Retirement Without Borders leaves us wise and eager to try new places where we may want to spend the rest of our lives.”– Bernice Bratter and Helen Dennis, authors of Project Renewment

“Perfectly timed for boomers facing fundamental questions about costs of living and quality of life.”– Andrew P. Garvin, CEO of PreRetirementinfo.com

This handy book features 191 species, all illustrated in full color. Also included for each fish are detailed ranges, habitats, game quality, food quality and record sizes.

This book is an excellent reference guide for identifing gulf and bay fishes, and contains very little “how-to” information. Fish are separated into families. Each fish has a detailed color illustration, common name(s), and scientific name, plus a short description of each of the following categories: physical description, range, habitat, typical sizes, food value, game quality, typical tackle and bait, and a very short description of typical fishing methods. 185 fish are pictured in all, including sharks, stingrays, baitfish, and a number of other fish that may be encountered even though they are not normally thought of as sportfish.