- Paperback: 208 pages
- Publisher: TAB Books Inc; New edition edition (1 Nov 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0071358218
- ISBN-13: 978-0071358217
- Product Dimensions: 20.4 x 13.4 x 1.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 277,620 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
Surviving the Toughest Race On Earth
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
How one man abandoned corporate America to discover himself in the Raid Gauloises, a torturous eight-to-twelve day adventure race across hundreds of miles of hostile wilderness and extreme weather.
From the Author
This is a book about making dreams come true
Having spent the past five years traipsing around the world covering and competing in adventure races, I wrote "Surviving the Toughest Race on Earth" (original title: Just Once) to tell the world about the sport. I think any event that demands nothing less than one-hundred percent mental, physical and emotional commitment deserves recognition. I also wanted to show that these are events for fairly average people who choose to take a flying leap outside the comfort zone three weeks out of the year. It's not a book about extreme sports. It's a book about making dreams true. The calls and letters I've received from readers tells me that point is coming through, for which I am grateful. It seems the book appeals to three sorts of readers: men and women who want to quit their corporate jobs and chase adventure; romantics who like how I write about my wife, and adventure racers looking for something to read. I'm just glad people are taking the time to read. This book has been my creative passion for a long time. There will be a sequel. It'll be about adventures and misadventures at this year's Raid, which promises to be the most competitive adventure race in history. My team will drive from Los Angeles to Quito, then compete. I call it my "heart of darkness" book, because the team dynamics are either going to flourish or be destroyed by the dual adventures. Working title is "Raid Rules." After I'm done with that I just want to stay home and coach Little League for a few years. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Having spent the past five years traipsing around the world covering and competing in adventure races, I wrote "Surviving the Toughest Race on Earth" (original title: Just Once) to tell the world about the sport. I think any event that demands nothing less than one-hundred percent mental, physical and emotional commitment deserves recognition. I also wanted to show that these are events for fairly average people who choose to take a flying leap outside the comfort zone three weeks out of the year. It's not a book about extreme sports. It's a book about making dreams true. The calls and letters I've received from readers tells me that point is coming through, for which I am grateful. It seems the book appeals to three sorts of readers: men and women who want to quit their corporate jobs and chase adventure; romantics who like how I write about my wife, and adventure racers looking for something to read. I'm just glad people are taking the time to read. This book has been my creative passion for a long time. There will be a sequel. It'll be about adventures and misadventures at this year's Raid, which promises to be the most competitive adventure race in history. My team will drive from Los Angeles to Quito, then compete. I call it my "heart of darkness" book, because the team dynamics are either going to flourish or be destroyed by the dual adventures. Working title is "Raid Rules." After I'm done with that I just want to stay home and coach Little League for a few years. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
I WANTED to do the Raid because it is the world's toughest endurance race. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
I WANTED to do the Raid because it is the world's toughest endurance race. Read the first page
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Concordance
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I enjoyed this book, even though I was expecting it to focus on MD forming a team and competing. Instead we learn of his frustration with and subsequent extraction from the corporate world and into a job he wants to do (how many of us can relate to that?). This 'job' being a journalist covering some of the most testing and demanding activities humans put themselves through - and then being bitten by the bug himself,experiencing failure and finally success. The fact that MD covers the negatives of his decision as well as the positives provides a good appreciation of the clash of responsibilities and FUD with doing what will make you 'happy'. I'm certainly looking forward to the next book and hope that there is a bit more focus on the actual racing aspect, but the fact that MD has including more in 'surviving' does not, in my view, detract from your enjoyment of it.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I enjoyed the book overall, but I wish the author would have concentrated on the Raid and Eco races. I felt like I was being whisped around from one subject to the next without any sense of flow. I would recommend the book. It still does a wonderful job of uncovering the human side of adventure racing that TV has yet to be able to do. This is a book more of human dynamics. A good book to read over a weekend.
Format:Paperback
An easy read that covers a brief history of adventure racing from the first Raids to today's plethora of events as well as offering a good insight into the trials of competing in these races based on the author's own experience.
This isn't a "How to" book so if you're looking for training guides or advice on equipment and competing look elsewhere. Rather, this gives an absorbing account of the challenge involved in assembling a team and taking part in Raid/Eco races whilst also eloquently describing the extreme difficulty of such endeavours without ever patronising the armchair reader. I especially appreciated the honesty of the author's writing as under the strain of the races it becomes apparent that everyone loses their cool and the book is better for his not glossing over these less favourable moments.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Did'nt enjoy this one much
I thought this book was a bit superficial. I learned a lot about the author generally but not alot about what motivates someone to enter a complete a major adventure race.
Published on 13 Nov 2001
Well written, captivating and motivating!
This was a book I looked at several times before I bought it, but I am glad I finally did. I think its an excellent description of adventure racing, and Dugard's description of... Read more
Published on 1 Aug 1999
Great book for the adventure race spectator catching the bug
The book took the reader through the emotions associated with adventure racing. It was an inside look at how it feels to desire to compete and complete an adventure race. Read more
Published on 10 May 1999
A great chance to experience a bit of adventure racing!
This is a wonderful story of someone who actually had the guts to follow his dreams. Mr. Dugard proves that if you put your mind and heart into something you can accomplish... Read more
Published on 23 April 1999
Great Intro To Adventure Racing
A friend gave me this book just 2 weeks after we had completed our first adventure race and I quickly blew through it. It was a real joy to read. Read more
Published on 22 Dec 1998
Incorrect Title Mr. Dugard
Although Mr.Dugard is certainly entitled to his opinion, he should first do a little research before he uses the words "the toughest race on earth" in a title for a... Read more
Published on 9 Sep 1998
Get off the tangents
Although I revel in any material on this subject, Marty lost me with his many side bars. I read the book to learn more about the race and the details of competitors... Read more
Published on 10 Aug 1998
Greatly admire the author - did not care for book.
I greatly admire the author for his achievements in journalism (especially since he was not formally schooled in this area) and as an actual race participant. Read more
Published on 20 July 1998
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