This is an incredible book about personal courage and determination. Andy McNab describes his eight man mission behind enemy lines in Iraq during the gulf war. Infilled by helicopter northwest of Baghdad, their position is compromised by a goat herder. This sets in motion a series of hit and run battles and an incredible escape attempt as they lost radio contact and were forced to literally run for Syria. In an eight day escape and evasion, they travel over 180 miles on foot; 3 are killed, 4 are captured and 1 makes it to Syria. The 4 captured SAS Soldiers are beaten and tortured for days before spending a few weeks in prison prior to their release.

After finishing the book, I discovered three other books are out there concerning this mission. Apparently, there is controversy over the truth in some of McNab’s claims. In examining these discrepancies, it doesn’t change my opinion about the book. The claims are concerning who made some of the fatal errors and what the size of the enemy elements were that they faced.

Looking at the discrepancies, I think it is likely that McNab’s inexperience was to blame for many of the errors he puts on one of his dead team members. It is also very difficult to estimate the size of an enemy force when you are in contact and literally running for your life, so it is also likely the forces they faced were smaller than he described. I chalk these differences up to the fog of war and don’t believe McNab is intentionally trying to make himself look more heroic. No one disputes the distances they ran or the torture they went through. Read this book and focus on what they overcame…it makes your current situation very small.

One warning, the language is rough and not appropriate for children. McNab chose to write this himself instead of telling his story to an author who transcribed it…and it shows. Still worth reading; check it out today!

I read this entire book yesterday evening. Originally I feared it might be a little cheesy (no pun intended), but it actually ended up as a must read. I don’t recommend every book Dave does; for instance I think QBQ is too elementary, although his principle is right…the book just stinks (I know, I didn’t say it then, but I do now).

This is an easy read that anyone should be able to relate to. Set aside two hours and head over to Barnes & Noble or pick up a copy and read it today. I certainly relate to Haw…tell me who you are!

You probably noticed all the information I am posting about my runs. I spent over six months saving $20 of blow money per month so I could buy a GARMIN Forerunner 205. I transfer the data to http://runtracker.runnersworld.com which I use to post to this blog. It is very cool…really! I will continue to post all of my runs here so you can keep up with my fitness as well.

Speaking of my runs, I came to the conclusion last July, like so many others on their debt free journey, that physical fitness and fiscal responsibility go hand in hand. Personal responsibility encompasses so many other areas than just personal finance. Getting all of these areas under control is freeing beyond belief!

Since I started running again on July 31st I have lost 30 pounds, dropping down to 176. Over the last several months my debt elimination has steadily continued as well, taking out between $3,000 and $4,000 each and every month. While I have not updated my blog of late, the track our progress link is updated regularly. I also have several books to tell you about in the coming weeks.

I hope you will stay tuned in and keep coming back…someone will actually be here now!