Mike Stroud, polar explorer, practising hospital physician and recently adviser to the Ministry of Defence on survival, sets out in this fascinating book the genetics, diet and exercise that enable humans to perform at their peak. Based soundly in medical science, Dr Stroud analyses individual feats of survival and athletic prowess that illustrate the way the body functions at its best. He dissects his own challenging experiences of crossing Antarctica with Ranulph Fiennes, running marathons in the Sahara and participating in gruelling cross-country endurance races in the United States and gives some tips on how to stay fit for life for those of us who find walking the dog and endurance challenge - First published to great acclaim in 1998, this fully updated edition now includes a chapter on the Global 7 Marathons in 7 Days with Sir Ranulph Fiennes.