With photographs by John Beatty.

The first person to have run the Pennine Way in under three days.

Mike Cudahy grew up in the Peak District where he learned to run, walk and climb. He had a career in education and lectured in aspects of sports science. His imperative love of running developed into a desire to explore ultra distance challenges in the hills.

The book describes his evolution as an ultra athlete and his discovery that the natural world may inspire an integration of body, mind and spirit. Now retired, Mike still walks and climbs year round and cycles on and off road. He lives a short gaze from the Cairngorms and when indoors spends hours playing Bach's keyboard works. He has numerous grandchildren and is married to a hill sprite.