Long Distance

A new edition of a classic book about what it takes to be a world-class athlete and where the true meaning of endurance can be found.

At 37, the celebrated writer and environmentalist Bill McKibben took a break from the life of the mind to put himself to the ultimate test: devoting a year to train as a competitive cross-country skier. Consulting with personal trainers, coaches, and doctors at the US Olympic Center, he followed the rigorous training regimen of a world-class athlete.

Along the way, he learned to cope with his physical limitations and, when his father was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor, discovered something about the real meaning of endurance.

Told with his trademark intelligence, humor, and honesty,Long Distanceis an insightful examination ofthe culture and mind-set of endurance athletes, and a moving and inspiring meditation on finding balance in our often harried lives.

A new edition of a classic book about what it takes to be a world-class athlete and where the true meaning of endurance can be found.Plt;brPgt;Plt;brPgt;At 37, the celebrated writer and environmentalist Bill McKibben took a break from the life of the mind to put himself to the ultimate test: devoting a year to train as a competitive cross-country skier. Consulting with personal trainers, coaches, and doctors at the US Olympic Center, he followed the rigorous training regimen of a world-class athlete.Plt;brPgt;Plt;brPgt;Along the way, he learned to cope with his physical limitations and, when his father was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor, discovered something about the real meaning of endurance.Plt;brPgt;Plt;brPgt;Told with his trademark intelligence, humor, and honesty,P#160;Plt;iPgt;Long DistancePlt;/iPgt;P#160;is an insightful examination ofP#160;the culture and mind-set of endurance athletes, and a moving and inspiring meditation on finding balance in our often harried lives.