- Table View
- List View
Going the Distance: The Making of a World-Class Endurance Cyclist
by Joe BarrIn 2012, Joe Barr almost died from altitude sickness on the 11,000-ft Wolf Creek Pass in a Race Across America attempt. The infamous 3,200-mile race is non-stop ultracycling at its most extreme. In 2014, Joe returned and received the coveted Finisher’s medal, and in 2019, at the age of 60, he went back again and won his category.This story of extreme perseverance begins on a yellow Raleigh Chopper on the streets of Co. Derry, where Joe, trying to escape the harsh everyday reality of the Troubles as a young Catholic boy in an all- Protestant school, went on long bicycle rides into the countryside, dreaming of one day taking part in cycling’s grand tours.When his baby son was diagnosed with cancer, Joe got on the bike with a different purpose and won his first 1,300-mile endurance race. This is a story of unimaginable grit, and of what it takes to keep going when failure seems inevitable.
Golf and Wind: The Physics of Playing Golf in Wind
by Shantanu Malik Sandeep SahaThis book simulates the complete trajectories (flight and subsequent ground run) of golf shots using the aerodynamic and material properties of golf balls, and establish the significance of wind’s impact on gameplay. It also presents insight into how physical parameters like launch conditions (speed, angle and spin-rate) and wind conditions affect the trajectory of a golf ball. It discusses the specific effects of wind on the flight trajectory and explore the consequences of effect of wind direction; impact of golf club selection on the wind-induced deviation; strategies and their effectiveness to counter the diversion due to wind; and the sensitivity of the trajectory to aerodynamic characteristics of golf balls. Furthermore, the impact of wind on a player's strategy is elucidated with cases studies on the renowned holes of three golf courses: (i) Hole 17, TPC Sawgrass, (ii) Hole 8, Muirfield Golf Club, and (iii) Hole 18, Pebble beach Golf links. It presents an integrated mathematical model and quantitative data on ball trajectory accompanied by insights and illustrations for players, golf-course designers, ball manufacturers, scientific community, and golf enthusiasts. This book will be useful for researchers and professionals in the fields of aerodynamics engineering, sports science and physics. Additionally, this book will be a good read for golf players and coaches, golf-course designers, as well as golf-ball manufacturers.
Gordon’s Game: Third in the hilarious rugby adventure series for 9-to-12-year-olds who love sport
by Paul Howard Gordon D'ArcyGordon is back again for his biggest challenge yet in the third book of the hilarious Gordon's Game series!__________Gordon D'Arcy has achieved a lot in his short life. He has won the Six Nations with Ireland and the European Cup with Leinster.Not bad for a boy who's still at school!Now, he has a brand-new opportunity - the chance to play for the famous British and Irish Lions as they tour South Africa. But before he can get on the plane, he must overcome the injury that threatens to end his career, and make the difficult choice between rugby and friendship.Gordon has to help Clive Woodward pull off a series win against South Africa and their fearsome forwards - the notorious Bomb Squad.And he certainly has to keep his wits about him when he finds himself in a wildlife reserve, surrounded by animals that want to eat him for dinner!Is another dream about to come true for Gordon D'Arcy? Or has this young Lion finally bitten off more than he can chew?
The Great North Road: London to Edinburgh – 11 Days, 2 Wheels and 1 Ancient Highway
by Steve SilkTravelling by bike at a stately 14 mph, Steve Silk heads north, searching out milestones and memories, coaching inns and coffee shops. The Great North Road is a journey as satisfying for the armchair traveller as the long-distance cyclist. Enriched with history, humour and insight, it’s a tribute to Britain and the endless appeal of the open road.
The Greatest Show on Earth: The Inside Story of the Legendary 1970 World Cup
by Andrew DownieThe 1970 World Cup is widely regarded as the greatest ever staged, with more goals scored per game than any tournament since. But more than just the proliferation of goals was the quality of the overall football, as some of the greatest teams ever to represent the likes of Argentina, West Germany, Uruguay and England came together for a tilt at the world title. But at the heart of the tournament were Brazil; led by Carlos Alberto and featuring players such as Pelé, Gérson, Jairzinho, Rivellino and Tostão, the 1970 Seleção are often cited as the greatest-ever World Cup team.Using brand new interviews alongside painstaking archival research, Andrew Downie charts each stage of the World Cup, telling the remarkable story of the tournament in the players’ own words. The result is an immediate, insightful and compelling narrative that paints an utterly unique portrait of an extraordinary few weeks when football hit peaks it has seldom even neared in the years before or since.
The Guide
by Peter Heller'The poet laureate of the literary thriller: sinister and soulful'Michael Koryta, author of Those Who Wish Me DeadThe best-selling author of The River returns with a heart-racing thriller about a young man escaping his own grief and an elite fishing lodge in Colorado hiding a plot of shocking menace Kingfisher Lodge: a boutique resort surrounded by a mile and a half of the most pristine river water on the planet.Safe from viruses that have plagued America for years, Kingfisher offers a respite for wealthy clients - and a return to normality for fishing guide Jack, battling the demons of a recent, devastating loss. But when a human scream pierces the night, Jack soon realises that the idyllic retreat may be merely a cover for a far more sinister operation.Lucy Foley meets Liane Moriarty's Nine Perfect Strangers, with the lyrical writing of Robert Macfarlane and an eerily plausible twist... PRAISE FOR PETER HELLER AND THE RIVER'Glorious prose and razor-sharp tension' Observer Thrillers of the Year'Utter joy... A suspenseful tale told with glorious drama and lyrical flair'Denise Mina, New York Times'Urgent, visceral writing - I couldn't turn the pages fast enough'Clare Mackintosh 'Lyrical and action-packed by turns' Guardian 'A master of suspense... A thrilling read with a dramatic twist at the end: you will not be able to put it down' The Lady'A must read' Daily Express'Heller packs a ton of adventure and emotion in this short novel, and I dare you to put it down once you've picked it up' Criminal Element
Handbook of Esports Medicine: Clinical Aspects of Competitive Video Gaming
by Lindsey Migliore Caitlin McGee Melita N. MooreWith over 450 million viewers worldwide and over $1 billion in revenue in 2019, competitive video gaming - known more popularly as esports - is not a fad, but rather a technological and cultural phenomenon. To remain competitive in this popular and sometimes lucrative field, gamers often practice upwards of 12 hours a day, performing anywhere from 400-600 actions per minute. As such, they are susceptible to a unique set of injuries and disorders from these complex movements, extended screen time and sedentary tendencies. This population requires motivated and educated healthcare providers familiar with their lifestyle and ailments to effectively prevent, diagnose, and treat relevant esports medical conditions. This handbook will serve as the first of its kind, an in-depth dive into the fundamentals of treating competitive video gamers created by the medical professionals and industry leaders.Esports medicine is a subspecialty in its infancy: Research, resources, and guidelines are evolving rapidly as more is understood about this burgeoning patient population. This unique handbook will provide a comprehensive overview of the basics of esports, play mechanics and terminology specifically targeted towards healthcare professionals previously unfamiliar with the subject matter. It will convey the essentials of an esports history and physical exam and act as a step-by-step guide for treating video gamers and esports athletes. Furthermore, it will guide providers through each and every major diagnosis related to gaming, with the specific mechanisms of the injury, relevant physical exam maneuvers, and treatments selected specifically for gaming, covering upper and lower extremity injuries, conditions of the neck and back, gaming ergonomics, and psychological, nutritional and cultural considerations. Timely and practical, Handbook of Esports Medicine will be a valuable resource for primarily sports medicine, orthopedic, physical medical and rehabilitation, and pediatric physicians, as well as therapists, psychologists and trainers involved in competitive gaming.
Haunted by Waters: A Journey into the Irish Countryside
by Daire WhelanAward-winning producer and journalist Daire Whelan had reached the end of another busy week and couldn't shake the feeling that life was passing him by too quickly. Vowing to make a change, he decided to commit to a year of fly fishing and set about planning his route through the wild and rugged landscape of Ireland. Here, in Haunted by Waters: A Journey into the Irish Countryside we travel with Daire throughout a season of fly fishing. But as he searches for a sense of meaning, meeting kindred spirits as he explores the rivers and lakes, Daire finds himself rediscovering the majestic beauty of his native country. From fishing on our most secluded bays and wildest loughs in Connemara and Kerry, to casting a line on the rippling waters of the Suir in Tipperary, catching salmon on the Blackwater in Waterford, and the serenity of the Dodder in Dublin on a workday afternoon, Haunted by Waters is an evocative and stunning love letter to Ireland through a sport rich in tradition and storytelling.
A Heart Divided: Legends of the Condor Heroes Vol. 4 (Legends of the Condor Heroes #4)
by Jin YongTHE CHINESE "LORD OF THE RINGS" - NOW IN ENGLISH FOR THE FIRST TIME.THE SERIES EVERY CHINESE READER HAS BEEN ENJOYING FOR DECADES - 300 MILLION COPIES SOLD."Jin Yong's work, in the Chinese-speaking world, has a cultural currency roughly equal to that of "Harry Potter" and "Star Wars" combined" Nick Frisch, New Yorker"Like every fairy tale you're ever loved, imbued with jokes and epic grandeur. Prepare to be swept along." Jamie Buxton, Daily Mail Guo Jing and Lotus have escaped Qiu Qianren's mountain stronghold on the condors' backs, but Lotus carries a wound that will surely kill her. Their only hope lies in the healing powers of Duan, the King of the South. Little do they know that to seek an audience with this mysterious figure will place him in mortal danger himself. Meanwhile, many li away on Peach Blossom Island, a plan has been hatched that could tear the two lovers apart for good. And, with Moon Festival approaching, Guo Jing is honour bound to take part in a long-awaited martial contest at the Tower of Mist and Rain in Jiaxing. Yet the greatest threat to their happiness stems from Guo Jing's past. He is still betrothed to Genghis Khan's daughter. Rejoining the Mongol army could help him to avenge his father - but it may force him to take the field against the soldiers of his true homeland, splitting his heart and soul in two. Translated from the Chinese by Gigi Chang and Shelly Bryant
The Heath: My Year on Hampstead Heath
by Hunter DaviesAn engaging portrait of Hampstead Heath – a place rich not just in natural wonders but in history and monuments, emotions and memories, people and places. 'I enjoyed every inch of the way, from Parliament Hill to the Pergola... A late-life little masterpiece' Ferdinand Mount 'A love letter, both to the Heath and to his late wife' Islington Tribune 'An affectionate book which blends personal anecdote, history and interviews' Ham & HighThe eight hundred acres of Hampstead Heath lie just four miles from central London; and yet unlike the manicured inner-city parks, it feels like the countryside: it has hills and lakes, wild spots and tame spots.Hunter Davies has lived within a stone's throw of Hampstead Heath for more than sixty years and has walked on it nearly every day of his London life. For him, it is not just a place of recreation and relaxation but also a treasure-house of memories and emotions. In The Heath, he visits all parts of this, the largest area of common land in Britain's capital city: from Kenwood House to the Vale of Health, from Parliament Hill to Boudicca's Mound, and from the Ladies Bathing Pond to the fabulous pergola. As he walks, Davies talks to the diverse array of individuals who frequent the Heath: regulars; visitors; dog walkers; stall holders at the weekly farmer's market; famous faces having their morning stroll; twenty-first-century hippies spreading peace, love and happiness.
Hey Duggee: The Football Badge (Hey Duggee)
by Hey DuggeeIt's time for a game of football! Duggee is teaching the Squirrels how to play, but the ball keeps going in the wrong direction. How will they ever score a goal?Featuring all of your favourite characters from the triple BAFTA-winning CBeebies show, this new board book story is perfect for reading at storytime with little Hey Duggee fans.
High Performance: Lessons from the Best on Becoming Your Best
by Jake Humphrey Damian Hughes'If you want to stop making excuses and take responsibility for your life, I recommend you read this book.' ANT MIDDLETONHow do Olympic medal-winning athletes turbo-charge their motivation?How do multi-millionaire founders develop the habits of champions?And how do Premier League football coaches lead their teams to victory? High Performance reveals the methods the world's most remarkable athletes, coaches and entrepreneurs use to excel.From taking responsibility for your situation to finding your 'trademark behaviours', thinking flexibly to crafting a high performance culture, Jake Humphrey and Professor Damian Hughes identify the eight crucial steps to becoming the best 'you' possible.Along the way, they draw on cutting-edge research to explain why these methods work - and how we can all use them. Anyone can learn the secrets of high performance.Drawing on conversations with... Dina Asher-Smith | Steven Bartlett | Tom Daley | Steven Gerrard | Evelyn Glennie | Kelly Holmes | Chris Hoy | Eddie Jones | Siya Kolisi | Frank Lampard | Jo Malone | Matthew McConaughey | Ant Middleton | Tracey Neville | Robin Van Persie | Mauricio Pochettino | Gareth Southgate | Holly Tucker | Jonny Wilkinson | Clive Woodward | Toto Wolff and many more...'High Performance will help you recognise your inner strength and celebrate your achievements. It's inspiring, exciting and massively motivating.' FEARNE COTTON'Captures so many different lessons from so many remarkable people.' ADAM PEATY'In this brilliant book Jake and Damian get to the heart of defining, creating, and inspiring the team around you, so you too can achieve high performance.' SIR CLIVE WOODWARDFrom the creators of the chart-topping High Performance podcast
A History of the Women's FA Cup Final
by Chris Slegg Patricia GregoryA History of the Women’s FA Cup Final is an exhaustive account of fifty finals, from the first (on a bumpy field inside an athletics stadium) to the fiftieth (at Wembley, televised to millions), complete with match reports and interviews with some of the greatest players ever to grace the pitch. Every women’s FA Cup Final goal scorer can be confirmed in one place for the first time, and the achievements of previously unknown record holders can at last be fully recognised. But this is more than just a stats book; it is a tribute to the pioneers of the game, who fought to overturn a fifty-year ban on female players and who paved the way for the incredible game we have today.
Hitting Against the Spin: How Cricket Really Works
by Nathan Leamon Ben Jones'Fascinating and insightful . . . lifts the curtain to reveal the inner workings of international cricket. A must-read for any cricketer, coach or fan' Eoin Morgan'This path-breaking book should be compulsory reading for commentators and captains - and all cricket fans' Mervyn King'Clever and original but also wise' Ed SmithHow valuable is winning the toss? And how should captains use it to their advantage? Why does a cricket ball swing? Why don't Indians bat left-handed? What is a good length and why? Why are leg-spinners so successful in T20 cricket? Why did England win the World Cup? Why do all Test bowlers bowl at either 55 or 85mph? Why don't they pitch it up?All cricketers long to know the answer to these questions and many more. Only fifteen years ago it would have been difficult to answer them - cricket was guided only by decades-old tradition and received wisdom. Data has changed everything. Today we can track every ball to within millimetres; its release point, speed and bounce point are measured as are how much the ball swings, how much it deviates off the pitch, the exact height and line that it passes the stumps, and multiple other variables. Hitting Against the Spin is the story of that data, and what it can tell us about how cricket really works. Leading cricket thinkers Nathan Leamon and Ben Jones lift the lid on international cricket and explain its hidden workings and dynamics - the forces that shape cricket and, in turn, the cricketers who play it. They analyse the unseen hands that determine which players succeed and which fail, which tactics work and which don't, which teams win and which lose. They also explore the new world of franchise cricket as well as the rapid evolution of the T20 format. Revolutionary in its insights, Hitting Against the Spin takes you on a fascinating whistle-stop tour of modern cricket and sports analytics, bringing cricket firmly into the twenty-first century by revealing its long-kept secrets. This is the most important cricket book in decades.
Hooked: Addiction and the Long Road to Recovery
by Paul Merson'Brave, poignant and very moving. This book will change lives.' Jamie Redknapp'A courageous, emotional and vitally important book.' Jeff StellingPaul Merson's wonderfully moving and brutally honest memoir of battling addiction for three decades.For twenty-one years Paul Merson played professional football. He won two First Division titles with Arsenal and was one of the finest players of his generation. But for thirty years Paul Merson has also been an addict. Alcohol, drugs, gambling: a desperately unenviable cocktail of addictions and depression which has plagued his entire adult life and driven him to the verge of suicide. 'I've come to realise that I'm powerless over alcohol ... I'm an alcoholic. My drinking and gambling have left a lot of wreckage.' Until recently the drinking and gambling were still raging. 'I wanted to kill myself. I couldn't go on anymore. I just couldn't see a way out.' Then something clicked. 'One day, I was walking home from the pub late on a Sunday evening, and I thought to myself: I've had enough of feeling like this, every day of my life. I rang up Alcoholics Anonymous the next day, and since then I haven't had a drink.'Hooked is Merson's wonderfully moving and brutally honest memoir of battling addiction, searingly charting his journey over three decades. It is absolutely unflinching in detailing his emotional and psychological troughs and in raking over the painful embers of an adult life blighted by such debilitating issues. Hooked will kick-start a crucial national conversation about addiction, depression and the damage they wreak. 'Addiction is the loneliest of places. You're a slave to insecurity and ego. But it has to be you that wants things to change. Never be afraid to talk: the more you talk about the addictions the more it takes the power out of them. You're never alone.'
Hooligans, Ultras, Activists: Polish Football Fandom in Sociological Perspective (Football Research in an Enlarged Europe)
by Radosław KossakowskiThis book is the first comprehensive attempt to identify the deeper causes that have shaped contemporary behaviour patterns and motivations among football fans in Poland. Fan culture in Poland has long been based on a distinctively grassroots, spontaneous movements that ruled out any cooperation with local authorities and sports organizations. The activity of supporter groups has regularly failed to meet the principles set by official bodies, intentionally breaching the moral and legal standards of the day. Based on data derived from ethnographic fieldwork, content analysis of fan journals, magazines, social media and online forums, as well as a wide range of qualitative interviews conducted over the years, the book analyses the ways in which fandom culture in Poland has evolved: from its moderate beginnings in the shadows of a communist regime in the 1970’s, through the anomic, ‘uncivilized’ and pathological decade of the 1990’s, to the peculiar culture based on strong cohesion, capabilities of social mobilization and emerging 'resistance identity' in the 21st century. It thus provides a detailed analysis of Polish fandom’s multi-dimensional structure, and will be of interest to students and academics interested in the growing field of football research, as well as those researching the transformation of Central and Eastern Europe, or more generally in European Studies.
How Small Social Systems Work: From Soccer Teams to Jazz Trios and Families (The Frontiers Collection)
by Yair NeumanMost of us are intuitively familiar with small social systems, such as families and soccer teams. Surprisingly, though, most of us are unaware of how complex these systems are or of the fact that they have a unique character distinguishing them from both populations and individuals. The current manuscript, which emerged from high-level scientific publications on the subject, aims to bridge this gap in our understanding of small social systems. The book aims to explain, illustrate, and model the unique and fascinating nature of small (social) systems by relying on deep scientific foundations and by using examples from sport, movies, music, and the martial arts. To support its friendly exposition of challenging scientific ideas, the book also discusses entertaining questions such as (1) why inviting your mother-in-law to dinner might be a challenging event, for reasons you have never considered; (2) why soccer teams should be messy in order to win; (3) why Nazis are deeply wrong in their understanding of the importance of entropy; and (4) why “panda fighters” failed in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship)."How Small Systems Work is a welcome book, which sheds light on a branch of mathematics overlooked by scholars: how networks store information. Focusing on small systems, the book asks fundamental questions, providing the tools (and the examples) for answering them –with fun. Neuman analyses, with plenty of humor, the dynamics of a family of cats, the pleasure of listening to jazz, and the science behind football championships, while uncovering hidden gems in the history of cinema”Dr. Mario Alemi, author of “The Amazing Journey of Reason: from DNA to Artificial Intelligence”
How to Go Anywhere (and Not Get Lost): A Guide to Navigation for Young Adventurers
by Hans AschimA fun, fully illustrated history of navigation, from the earliest Polynesian star navigators to modern-day GPS - complete with hands-on activities to demonstrate the various tools and techniques.
How to Master Your Monkey Mind: Overcome anxiety, increase confidence and regain control of your life
by Don Macpherson____Are you a worrier? Do stress and anxiety cloud your mind?Do you ever really sleep properly?For the first time, in this book, renowned mind coach Don Macpherson will share his ten simple tools to help you turn down the volume on the negative chatter in your head and take back control of your life. With more than 25 years' experience in his field, his techniques have turned around the performances of countless elite sports stars from the worlds of Formula One, rugby union and tennis. Don will show you how to find your inner confidence, be more assertive and change your life for the better.*Includes FREE audio download*
How to Run a Marathon: The Go-to Guide For Anyone And Everyone
by Vassos AlexanderEver been tempted to try a marathon? Maybe you’ve just started running, perhaps you’re gaining confidence, or are you already well on your way to conquering the iconic distance? Whatever stage you’re at on your journey, join marathon man Vassos Alexander as he shows us why we shouldn’t be afraid of the big 26.2.
Human Interaction, Emerging Technologies and Future Applications III: Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Human Interaction and Emerging Technologies: Future Applications (IHIET 2020), August 27-29, 2020, Paris, France (Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing #1253)
by Tareq Ahram Redha Taiar Arnaud Choplin Karine LangloisThis book reports on research and developments in human-technology interaction. A special emphasis is given to human-computer interaction, and its implementation for a wide range of purposes such as healthcare, aerospace, telecommunication, and education, among others. The human aspects are analyzed in detail. Timely studies on human-centered design, wearable technologies, social and affective computing, augmented, virtual and mixed reality simulation, human rehabilitation and biomechanics represent the core of the book. Emerging technology applications in business, security, and infrastructure are also critically examined, thus offering a timely, scientifically-grounded, but also professionally-oriented snapshot of the current state of the field. The book is based on contributions presented at the 3rd International Conference on Human Interaction and Emerging Technologies: Future Applications, IHIET 2020, held on August 27-29, 2020. It offers a timely survey and a practice-oriented reference guide to researchers and professionals dealing with design and/or management of the new generation of service systems.
Humans, Horses and Events Management
by Katherine Dashper Guðrún Helgadóttir Ingibjörg SigurðardóttirHorses are perhaps the most common non-human animal to feature in planned events, but although there is considerable research on equestrian sport, there is virtually none on equestrian events. This book begins to address this gap, using the National Championships of the Icelandic Horse as an extended case study to explain in depth the process of managing an event, as well as the larger theoretical implications of events management. Drawing on diverse viewpoints and theoretical perspectives, the book draws wider comparisons to connect events management to larger themes in the social sciences, such as human-animal relations; nationalism; place branding; event impacts; event experience; and inclusion and exclusion. The book is a contribution to two fields. In relation to human-animal studies, it focuses on how the Icelandic horse breed is marketed and celebrated through top-tier competition; whereas from an events management perspective, it considers the role of the event in community building, the practical and theoretical aspects of running a sustainable equestrian event, and the issues that arise in multispecies event contexts. This book: - Uniquely draws together events management and human-animal studies. - Is formed from empirical research conducted by a multinational team of events management and tourism researchers. - Uses a single, extended case study to explore a range of themes and issues, both empirically and theoretically. A valuable resource for researchers of events management, human-animal studies and tourism, this book also provides an in-depth look at end-to-end events management for industry professionals.
The Hunt for Mount Everest
by Craig StortiThe height of Mt. Everest was first measured in 1850, but the closest any westerner got to Everest during the next 71 years, until 1921, was 40 miles. The Hunt for Mt. Everest tells the story of the 71-year quest to find the world's highest mountain. It's a tale of high drama, of larger-than-life characters-George Everest, Francis Younghusband, George Mallory, Lord Curzon, Edward Whymper-and a few quiet heroes: Alexander Kellas, the 13th Dalai Lama, Charles Bell. A story that traverses the Alps, the Himalayas, Nepal and Tibet, the British Empire (especially British India and the Raj), the Anglo-Russian rivalry known as The Great Game, the disastrous First Afghan War, and the phenomenal Survey of India - it is far bigger than simply the tallest mountain in the world. Encountering spies, war, political intrigues, and hundreds of mules, camels, bullocks, yaks, and two zebrules, Craig Storti uncovers the fascinating and still largely overlooked saga of all that led up to that moment in late June of 1921 when two English climbers, George Mallory and Guy Bullock, became the first westerners-and almost certainly the first human beings-to set foot on Mt. Everest and thereby claimed the last remaining major prize in the history of exploration.With 2021 bringing the 100th anniversary of that year, most Everest chronicles have dealt with the climbing history of the mountain, with all that happened after 1921. The Hunt for Mt. Everest is the seldom-told story of all that happened before.
Hurts So Good: The Science and Culture of Pain on Purpose
by Leigh CowartAn exploration of why people all over the world love to engage in pain on purpose--from dominatrices, religious ascetics, and ultramarathoners to ballerinas, icy ocean bathers, and sideshow performersMasochism is sexy, human, reviled, worshipped, and can be delightfully bizarre. Deliberate and consensual pain has been with us for millennia, encompassing everyone from Black Plague flagellants to ballerinas dancing on broken bones to competitive eaters choking down hot peppers while they cry. Masochism is a part of us. It lives inside workaholics, tattoo enthusiasts, and all manner of garden variety pain-seekers. At its core, masochism is about feeling bad, then better—a phenomenon that is long overdue for a heartfelt and hilarious investigation. And Leigh Cowart would know: they are not just a researcher and science writer—they&’re an inveterate, high-sensation seeking masochist. And they have a few questions: Why do people engage in masochism? What are the benefits and the costs? And what does masochism have to say about the human experience? By participating in many of these activities themselves, and through conversations with psychologists, fellow scientists, and people who seek pain for pleasure, Cowart unveils how our minds and bodies find meaning and relief in pain—a quirk in our programming that drives discipline and innovation even as it threatens to swallow us whole.
I Hate Running and You Can Too: How to Get Started, Keep Going, and Make Sense of an Irrational Passion
by Brendan LeonardA humorous yet sensible guide filled with motivating and surprising advice along with illuminating charts and graphs for runners who have a love/hate relationship with the sport.