In this quirky, illustrated deep dive, Outside magazine columnist Brendan Leonard explores the humans’ weird proclivity for endurance, and how we express it—including, but not limited to distance running, factory work, benign masochism, improv comedy, and rooting for the Buffalo Bills.

“Easily the most compelling, most inspiring, most raw book on running I have ever read. Brendan brings a rare quality into his work—humility. And those of us who run are constantly humbled by this sport. While running gives us big dreams, it also shows us the naked likelihood of never achieving them. Brendan reminds us that having lofty goals is fun and necessary, but that the real victory is simply lacing up the shoes and getting out the door.”

-Sanjay Rawal, director, 3100 Run and Become