ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the origins and history of extreme endurance sports and describes some of the training and nutrition theories and practices that result in successful participation. While there is no universally accepted definition of ‘extreme sports’, many are considered extreme due to their unusual and dangerous nature, such as parkour and zorbing, while others, ‘extreme endurance sports’, are considered extreme as they push the limits of human endurance. Extreme endurance sports have grown significantly in popularity worldwide and there are events held throughout the world, on every continent, covering a wide variety of athletic disciplines. Similar to running, endurance cycling events, or ‘ultra-distance cycling’, has grown in popularity. Triathlons are perhaps a natural progression from endurance running, cycling and swimming. Triathlons include a combination of three different, sequential, continuous endurance events, most commonly swimming, cycling, and running. Adventure races or multi-sport competitions combine aspects of triathlons, outdoor activities, extreme endurance sports, and adventure travel.
