Spartan Up!

When Joe De Sena took part in the Utatek endurance race, held in Quebec in the middle of winter, he had to cover 350 desolate, frozen miles by iceboat, skis and mountain bike, hiking through knee-deep snow or climbing icy mountains without a rope. When he explained to people what he had done, they said he was stupid or suicidal. He saw it another way: he had accomplished more than he ever knew was possible. Taking on big challenges shows you possibilities you didn't know existed. With that experience in mind, De Sena set up Spartan Races, a series of extreme obstacle events. Whether over three miles or marathon distances, competitors are faced with a series of challenges, from crawling through mud under barbed wire to carrying a heavy sandbag, to push them beyond their limits. De Sena shows how with a simple philosophy - commit to a goal, put in the work, and get it done - people can achieve remarkable things. Whether you are up for the challenge yourself, or just want to learn more about life at the extremes, this book is for you.

Joe De Sena is the owner and founder of the Spartan Race, which hosts almost 100 events around the world each year. A legend in adventure and endurance racing, he once completed the 135-mile Badwater ultramarathon, the 140-mile Lake Placid Ironman and a 100-mile trail run in Vermont - in a week.