• Author
  • Book
  • Story behind the book
  • Media Links
  • Reviews
Michael Sheehan

Michael Sheehan

About

Michael Sheehan is CEO andfounder of a natural medications company that distributes German-made energyremedies, including the popular INFLAMYAR ointment for sports injuries. Writtento honor the memories of two childhood friends who both passed away at a youngage, One Fine Season is theculmination of Sheehan’s athletic background, his religious education at aCatholic high school seminary, and long-standing goal to see thisinspirational, uplifting story in print. Sheehan graduated with a bachelor’sdegree from Santa Clara University, where he played varsity soccer, andreceived a master’s degree in science journalism from Boston University. Helives in Northern California.

 

Learning to Breathe Fire: The Rise of CrossFit and the Primal Future of Fitness

Learning to Breathe Fire: The Rise of CrossFit and the Primal Future of Fitness

0.0
0 ratings

Description

<p><b>The absorbing, definitive account of CrossFit's origins, its explosive grassroots growth, and its emergence as a global phenomenon.</b><br /> <br />One of the most illuminating books ever on a sports subculture, <i>Learning to Breathe Fire </i>combines vivid sports writing with a thoughtful meditation on what it means to be human. In the book, veteran journalist J.C. Herz explains the science of maximum effort, why the modern gym fails an obese society, and the psychic rewards of ending up on the floor feeling as though you're about to die. <br /> <br />The story traces CrossFit’s rise, from a single underground gym in Santa Cruz to its adoption as the workout of choice for elite special forces, firefighters and cops, to its popularity as the go-to fitness routine for regular Joes and Janes. Especially riveting is Herz’s description of The CrossFit Games, which begin as an informal throw-down on a California ranch and evolve into a televised global proving ground for the fittest men and women on Earth, as well as hundreds of thousands of lesser mortals. <br /> <br />In her portrayal of the sport's star athletes, its passionate coaches and its “chief armorer,” Rogue Fitness, Herz powerfully evokes the uniqueness of a fitness culture that  cultivates primal fierceness in average people. And in the shared ordeal of an all-consuming workout, she unearths the ritual intensity that's been with us since humans invented sports, showing us how, on a deep level, we're all tribal hunters and first responders, waiting for the signal to go all-out. </p>

Story Behind The Book

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;">I contemplated writing this book for many years, driven by the desire to, in some small way, honor the memories of two childhood friends who died young. Their names were Danny Dettling and Pete Callinan. Danny and I hung out a lot between the ages of 12 and 14, playing on the same Pop Warner football team and spending summer nights camped out in my parent’s backyard in a blue-green pup tent that we routinely shared with my brother. Danny was always fun to be around and we became close friends. Pete was a fine all-around athlete and excellent baseball player, smooth and stylish, and a good person.<span>  </span>Both died in their early 20s, Danny from a terminal illness and Pete following a tragic accident that left him paralyzed.<span>  </span>Even now, three decades later, the picture of them remains clear in my mind.</span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p></p>

Media Links

Newspaper, April 10, 2009

🔗 thecommunityvoice.com

↗

Reviews

<span style="font-family:verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:small;line-height:normal;">ReviewYourBook.com by Diana Shepherd - 5 stars</span><div><span style="font-family:verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;line-height:normal;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:small;line-height:normal;">Forever friends never leave us... <br /><br />Pete O'Brien and Danny Grace are best friends and amazing college baseball players. Their dreams of playing in the Major Leagues are right at their finger tips. The guys made a pact when they were younger to do whatever it takes to help each other fulfill these dreams. Everything is right on track when tragedy strikes. Danny is left to deal with overwhelming grief while trying to fulfill their pact. Uncommon events occur that propel him into a situation that is beyond all expectations. Members of his team and coaching staff, along with the girl of his dreams, all help him deal with his grief, become one of the greatest baseball players, and regain his lost faith. <br /><br />This is an incredible book. I absolutely loved it. Michael Sheehan had me crying in just the first few pages. It's a heartbreaking, heartwarming, joyful look at life's mysteries. We get to witness the true goodness of humankind in an entertaining sports love story. The love and care that the characters have for one another is so inspirational. This is one story you won't want to miss <br /><br /></span></div>