Running Beyond Limits

The story of Scotsman Andrew Murray's attempt to run from Scotland to the Sahara without a break. It is 2,659 miles from John O'Groats at the northern tip of mainland Britain to Merzouga in Morocco and Andrew planned to complete the distance in 85 days. That's the equivalent of 100 marathons run end to end--and not a single day off to recover. Attempting to cram in a staggering 8,000 calories every day is extremely difficult and doesn't stop the body from beginning to break down. This book is the story of that run, interwoven between tales of extraordinary endurance events in some of the most extreme locations in the world. It answers the question, 'why do it?', and offers a gripping insight into what drives an extreme athlete to break new ground. Murray's epic journey was the subject of a BBC documentary.

In SPORTaktiv, one of Austria ́s biggest magazine covering active sports, the report about my sporty trip around the world started with this particular statement. That was a bit disappointing for me at first sight. The editor in chief was obviously surprised by my appearance regardless of all of his years of experience. Right at the start of my key note speeches I almost always experience the same amazement, sometimes followed by the bewildered question: "This is – you?! " Your expectations and my reality are colliding nearly at the speed of light. Oh yes, I had to become used to look into so many disappointed eyes right at the start of my presentations. "Nobody on the street would believe, what Thomas Taut from Vienna, Austria, has achieved." To run seven full marathons on seven continents within seven (consecutive) days is a mighty challenge, indeed. But exactly how is one capable of accomplishing this task actually supposed to look like? Well, personally I would expect winners: well trained sportsmen, athletic from head to toe, young and strong, powerful and fast, lean and successful. As is for instance the following couple: Yes, I believe they could make it both after some specific training. And then comes my appearance, as an extreme athlete. Old, slightly obese - at least in comparison -, plagued by allergic asthma. But it is ME who has conquered the World Marathon Challenge and no one else from Austria! Oh, I see. Those impressions do not fit together and this discrepancy matters. It is therefore important right at the start to overcome any such prejudices and to open your hearts to me. Only after having heard or read my story in full you will be able to expand your own imaginations. And you, too, will become able to realize and utilize a lot more of your inner powers. I may tell here not from my previous achievements as a nuclear physicist, not from my several other former professions and not from gardening, my second biggest passion. These are not the reasons you grabbed this book for the first time. No, this writing is all about my side activities as a hobby-jogger like million others! I am of limited talents in all kinds of sport, unfortunately. But I am in with all my body and soul. I have started running as late as at the age of 35 years. But I had soon developed big visions. I have never won a race. But also never quit one. My motto is: "Not fast – not last! " I have never been a top athlete. But I have been following the road all the way to extreme sport. And with this new self-confidence I want to answer the above question: "This is – you?! " now with "Yes, this is me. You do not have to be perfect to accomplish the unthinkable. And believe me, there are still several more challenges left on my bucket list! " The IT nerds use to say: "It's not a bug, it's a feature! " Yes, I may be old, small and slower than previously. But despite my age of 53 years I had been rising up to the same level as Vanessa and Marcel, Austria ́s top sportswoman and –man of the year 2019! Vanessa Herzog, the world champion in speed skating, can be booked for key note speeches on the very same platform as I (Sports.Selection). And my first book has been published by the very same company (egoth) as the biography of Marcel Hirscher, the eight times skiing world cup champion, winner of several titles at Olympic games and world championships. Both our books stand close together and fight there for the attention of interested readers. Do you want to know how this development was possible? What it took? How it all began? But also which personalities I got to know on the way? Which lessons I have learned? And how much it enriched my life? Let yourself be taken onto a round-the-world trip into the incredible!

Lowri Morgan is a well known name: TV presenter, adventurer, ultra-marathon runner. But what is it that has led her to live a life of such extremes? What has enabled her to develop the strength and resilience to tackle some of the planet's toughest environments? Here, Lowri explores the mind and body she has pushed beyond pain, beyond her expectations, and beyond limits.

Eric Orton has spent a lifetime learning about running and the limitless possibilities of the human body and mind, and now he is ready to share his knowledge in a book that will open up a new world of achievement for runners everywhere. For Orton, this is a chance to instruct and inspire. For the running reader, it is a chance to make amazing new strides. The Cool Impossibleis intended for runners and aspiring runners of all levels of ability and experience, from those contemplating their first steps, to seasoned marathoners seeking to unlock the full range of their capabilities. Starting from the feet up, Eric guides the reader through his technique for building the perfect running body. With characteristic enthusiasm and directness, Orton will draw on the inspiration of the Tarahumara Indian runners and take the reader through his devoted training programme, complete with advice on nutrition and real-world applications, as well as Orton's concept of The Cool Impossible, the belief that 'the greatest reward from running is the opportunity to do more', not just in running but in life in general.

Running for 50 days around a New York City Block, Grahak Cunningham is a four time finisher and former champion of the Self Transcendence 3100 Mile Race. Founded in 1997 by Sri Chinmoy it is the world's longest official running race. Competitors must deal with fatigue, injury, monotony and extreme temperatures. Combining ultra running and meditation and using qualities of perseverance, determination and focus the runners strive to finish within the time limit. Even if you have never completed a marathon or run before in your life, this book offers insights into what it takes to achieve your personal goals in fitness, business or life.

Beyond Limits is the autobiography of Steve McClure, one of the world's top rock climbers. From his childhood encounters with the sandstone outcrops of the North York Moors right up to his cutting-edge first ascents such as Overshadow (F9a+) at Malham and Mutation (F9a) at Raven Tor, Steve explores his deep passion for climbing and how it has dictated and shaped his life. Introduced to climbing by his parents at an early age, Steve quickly progressed as a climber, developing a fascination with movement and technical difficulty. Rapidly reaching a high standard, Steve became torn between the desire to climb increasingly bold routes and his hesitant approach to danger, with a series of close calls forcing him to seriously question his motivations. Searching for a balance between risk and reward, he struggled to find his place as a climber. Having dropped out of the scene, a chance encounter led to his discovery of sport climbing. Free from fear, Steve plunged headlong into this new style and surged through the grades. Pushing everything else aside, he allowed climbing to take over his life. He reached world-class levels of performance, but once again found himself searching for a balance between risk and reward, yet this time the risk was of losing what is truly important in life. As he searches for what really makes him tick, his climbing comes full circle and returns to where it started - climbing for the love of it. Beyond Limits is the story of a climber and his obsessive exploration of the sport, of finding a true passion, taking it to the limits and attempting to delicately balance this passion against other aspects of life to give the greatest rewards.

An FBI agent and a Navy SEAL race against time to stop a terrorist threat in this romantic suspense from a New York Times–bestselling author. FBI agent Elizabeth LeBlanc is still caught in the aftermath of her last big case when she runs into the one man from her past who is sure to rock her equilibrium even more. Navy SEAL Derek Vaughn is back home from a harrowing rescue mission in which he found evidence of a secret terror cell on US soil. Elizabeth knows he’ll do anything to unravel the plot—including seducing her for information. And despite the risks involved, she’s tempted to let him. Together with the forensics experts at the Delphi Center, Derek and Elizabeth are closing in on the truth, but it may not be fast enough to avert a devastating attack . . . Following in the bestselling tradition of the Tracers series, including Exposed, Scorched, and Twisted, Beyond Limits pulls out all the stops with Griffin’s most gripping thriller yet. Praise for the Tracers series by Laura Griffin: “A perfect combination of forensic science, mystery, romance, and action make this series one to watch.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review “Top-notch romantic suspense.” —Allison Brennan, New York Times–bestselling author of the Quinn and Costa and Angelhart series “Gritty, imaginative, sexy!—you MUST read Laura Griffin.” —Cindy Gerard, New York Times–bestselling author of the Black Ops, Inc. series

FBI agent Elizabeth LeBlanc works with a man from her past, Navy SEAL Derek Vaughn, and the forensics experts at the Delphi Center to expose a secret terrorist cell operating on American soil.