So what do runners do when they’re not running? They read about running, of course! There are so many books and articles about running that choosing one can become overwhelming. Below are some of my favorite books about running. What are yours?
- Born to Run
- Arguably the most popular book on running right now, this book tells the story of the Tarahumara tribe from Mexico (and what makes them such good runners), Caballo Blanco, and why Nike is the root of all (running) evil.
- What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
- A book that contemplates the “why’s” of running, one of my favorite running books.
- When I’m running I don’t have to talk to anybody and don’t have to listen to anybody. This is a part of my day I can’t do without.
- Once A Runner
- The cult classic of what it takes to become an elite runner
- You don’t become a runner by winning a morning workout. The only true way is to marshal the ferocity of your ambition over the course of many days, weeks, months, and (if you could finally come to accept it) years. The Trial of Miles; Miles of Trials.
- Ultramarathon Man
- The story of how Dean Karnazes became the unofficial poster child for ultra-runners.
- Lore of Running
- Classic text by Professor Tim Noakes on the physiology, nutrition and training methods most supported by research.
- Into the Wild
- Not really a running book, but the spirit of Chris McCandless is not unlike that which drives most runners I know
- The Long Run
- A Kindle single, this short story describes how a former drug user and alcoholic used running to help overcome his addictions. A very good book.
- Run to Overcome
- Good book by a truly inspiring US runner
- I was actually able to run in the same race as him once . . . he finished just a little bit in front of me 🙂
- A Race Like No Other
- The New York Marathon (which is the subject of this book) was my second marathon . . . I don’t believe any other race I finish will compare to all that this one offers its participants. Just amazing.