Book excerpt: Providing comprehensive discussion of this newly developing branch of sports medicine, this unique and up-to-date book focuses specifically on the treatment of athletes who train for and participate in endurance sporting events, including not only traditional endurance athletes such as runners, swimmers, bikers and triathletes, but also rowers, adventure racers, military personnel, and cross-fit athletes. Detailing strategies for not only treating and preventing injuries and conditions but also for optimizing an athlete’s performance, it is divided into three thematic sections. The first section covers common medical conditions faced by the endurance athlete, including cardiovascular conditions, asthma, and heat- and altitude-related illnesses, while also discussing gender differences, pregnancy and the pediatric endurance athlete. Section two focuses on the management of common musculoskeletal conditions, such as stress fractures, overuse injuries of the soft tissue, compartment syndrome, shoulder and hip injuries, and exercise and osteoarthritis. The last section presents special considerations for the endurance athlete, including gait and swim-stroke analysis, bike fitting, mental preparation, optimizing nutrition, and how to organize medical coverage for events, as well as decision-making for return to play. A timely topic and one which has not been written about extensively in one concise collection of chapters, Endurance Sports Medicine is a valuable guide for sports medicine physicians, orthopedists, athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches, officials, and athletes in understanding the needs of the determined individuals who participate in endurance sports.