biography books running

The 16 Best Running Books to Inspire and Motivate You

Running is more than a sport; it's a cultural institution that connects people through movement, grit and perseverance. Historically, running has been predominantly white and thin, but more people are looking to change the face of the sport and make sure that ‌ everyone ‌ feels represented and heard.

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Running books are looking different these days, too. In the past, running books have largely covered what you can do to become a faster and more efficient runner. And while these types of running books are essential, real athlete stories about overcoming injury and whistleblowing racism and abuse in the sport are important for building resilience and mobilizing change.

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On your next rest day, kick back with one of these illuminating running reads. Whether you're looking to improve your technique, create a better recovery and meal-planning routine or simply want to read an empowering story, these running books will give you inspiration and knowledge to move mindfully and lead your pack.

How We Chose

We surveyed our staff about the best running books, past and present, that appeals to every type of runner in mind. Whether your goal is to run your first mile or first marathon, we made these picks based on the following criteria:

• Educational materials backed by research and science
• Relevancy to today's social and cultural issues
• Powerful and unique storytelling
• Speaks to a range of runners of different backgrounds
• Provides helpful resources for improving performance

1. Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn't Build for Us

Running While Black

Weaving history and personal stories, Alison Désir's new book inspires a new look at the sport of running.

In this eye-opening read, activist and author Alison Mariella Désir exposes the deeply racist history of the United States and how it has long prevented Black and brown runners from being seen and included in the sport of running.

By drawing examples from history, like exclusion laws that prohibited Black people from living in Eugene, Oregon, Désir shows us why the running industry and its institutions lack diversity and what we can do to change the system and promote representation of marginalized folks.

"Désir deftly intertwines personal details of her experiences facing bias in the running world with a broader look at the history of how running has excluded athletes from marginalized backgrounds for decades. She challenges hierarchy, privilege and access in the running community and society at large," says Sarah Klein, CPT , LIVESTRONG.com editorial director and editor-in-chief.

"This book inspired me to think more critically of some of the most esteemed running institutions, like the Boston Marathon, and my own privilege to move freely through the world as a white runner."

2. Choosing to Run: A Memoir

Choosing to Run

Olympian and Boston Marathon champ Des Linden's first book is an inspiring and motivating memoir.

You might know professional runner Des Linden for winning the 2018 Boston Marathon and being the first American woman to finish first in the race in 33 years. Linden recounts that day in her moving memoir, waking up to a rainy and windy day in Boston.

But even under tough conditions, Linden found strength and persevered, running faster than she ever could have imagined, eventually crossing the finish line in first. In this page-turner, you'll learn more about how Linden got her start in running, how she trains and what motivates her to run every day.

"I have long admired Linden as an accomplished athlete who doesn't compromise who she is for anyone, but learning more about her grit, race mentality and integrity through this memoir made me appreciate her even more," Klein says.

3. The Longest Race: Inside the Secret World of Abuse, Doping, and Deception on Nike's Elite Running Team

The Longest Race

The raw honesty in Kara Goucher's new book may shock you — and spur you into action.

Kara Goucher is one of the most celebrated distance runners who has shattered countless records. Having finished third in the New York City Marathon in 2008 and making history with the fastest marathon debut by an American woman, Goucher has cemented her place in the professional running world.

But behind the facade of success lies a darker side of elite women's running, which she reveals in her memoir. Written with former ‌ New York Times ‌ sports reporter Mary Pilon, Goucher reveals the culture of abuse and mysogyny that her former coach Alberto Salazar and other Nike executives promoted during her time with the Nike Oregon Project.

Goucher's memoir brings to light the huge disparities in pay between male and female athletes, as well as the lack of respect and support for maternal health and paid leave that female athletes experience at the highest level of the sport. It encourages more female athletes to sound the alarm on the systems of abuse so that there can be radical change.

4. Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run

Slow AF Run Club

This is "the most inclusive running book" we've ever come across. Ever wanted to run but felt like you didn't belong? Martinus Evans' guide is for you.

Running is a sport that's built on a hierarchy of athletic ability: The faster you are the better. But running can mean different things to different people. Slow AF Run Club founder Martinus Evans defies all of the industry's conventions and notions of how a runner should look and how fast one should be able to run.

In this empowering book, Evans offers training and recovery tips, as well as gear and nutrition advice, for those who don't fit the so-called running mold. No matter how you look or how fast you can run, there's no reason you shouldn't get out there and start reaping the benefits of running. ( Discover our favorite mantras from ‌ Slow AF Run Club ‌ here .)

"Evans has created the most inclusive book about running I've ever come across. He has welcomed everyone with his honest, humorous tone and packed this book to the brim with helpful, actionable tips for becoming a runner when you didn't think you belonged in the running community," Klein says.

5. Born to Run 2: The Ultimate Training Guide

Born to Run 2

A follow-up to the foundational Born to Run, Christopher McDougall and running coach Eric Orton break down everything it takes to run well.

Name a book that has inspired you to run. We bet ‌ Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Ever Seen ‌ is somewhere at the top of that list.

In this new book, author and journalist Christopher McDougall and running coach Eric Orton break down what it takes to run well, providing practical nutrition advice and recipes, running shoe recommendations, and training tips to help you cross the finish line, whether you're running your first 5K or ultramarathon.

The masterful storytelling that was such a big part of the first ‌ Born to Run ‌ is also present, providing inspiration alongside the practical.

6. Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory

Let Your Mind Run

American marathon record-holder Deena Kastor details the power of positivity and the importance of training your mind as well as your body.

Running is as much of a mental sport as it is a physical one. In this memoir, Olympic medalist and American record holder in the marathon Deena Kastor gets raw and real about burnout. But by prioritizing your mental health and training your mind to endure challenges with stride, you can gain the competitive edge you need.

Kastor shares how she combats frustration and negativity and builds and strong and resilient mindset. A must for the everyday athlete and professional runner, you'll learn how to take your running to new heights by cultivating positivity.

7. 26 Marathons: What I Learned About Faith, Identity, Running, and Life from My Marathon Career

26 Marathons

Meb Keflezighi offers insight and lessons you can only learn from running a storied pro career, including racing 26 marathons.

If you're looking for some inspiration during your marathon training, take it from Meb Keflezighi, who is the only athlete to have won an Olympic medal, the New York City Marathon and the Boston Marathon.

In 2017, Keflezighi cemented his place in long-distance running history during his final marathon: the New York City Marathon, which also happened to be his 26th marathon. This book is a celebration of all the marathons he's ran and the lessons he learned from them.

Throughout ‌ 26 Marathons ‌, Keflezighi takes readers on the road, through every hill and turn on the course, and shares how he overcame the mental and physical obstacles. He also offers his own training and nutrition tips. Whether you're running your first mile or a marathon, every runner will be inspired and empowered by Keflezighi's uplifting accounts and insight.

8. Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man's World

Good for a Girl

Decorated distance runner Lauren Fleshman delivers a moving memoir and call to action to create a better future for young runners.

As one of the most decorated American distance runners, Lauren Fleshman has won five NCAA championships at Stanford and two national championships as a pro athlete. Now an activist for female athletes, she's calling for major reform in the sports systems that have been specifically designed by men, and therefore, only cater to men and boys.

Written as both a memoir and critique of the elite sports world, Fleshman lays out research that that shows how girls are more likely to stop playing sports when they hit puberty and how female college athletes are at high risk for injuries, eating disorders and mental health issues.

Filled with her own personal stories, ‌ Good for a Girl ‌ is Fleshman's ode to running and a call to action for creating a better future for young women in sports.

9. North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail

Scott Jurek's tale of attempting to break the speed record on the Appalachian Trail is transformative.

Embark on an unforgettable journey on the Appalachian trail with world-class ultrarunner Scott Jurek. Jurek started his 2,189-mile journey in the spring of 2015 and set out to run about 50 miles a day for seven weeks. Along the way, he reckoned with challenges that pushed him to the mental and physical brink.

Through the support of family, friends and strangers and sheer perseverance, Jurek completed his journey. Although his story is a unique personal challenge, the positivity and resilience he harnessed during his trip is something all runners can learn from.

10. How She Did It: Stories, Advice, and Secrets to Success from Fifty Legendary Distance Runners

How She Did It

Who runs the world? Let the stories of 50 incredible female runners inspire and surprise you.

If you've ever wondered how female running trailblazers like Paula Radcliffe, Deena Kastor, Brenda Martinez and Molly Seidel overcame challenges that threatened their careers, this is the book for you.

Written by professional distance runner Molly Huddle and college coach Sara Slattery, this book is filled with 50 empowering stories and tips from some of the most celebrated female runners.

You'll learn about their regrets, hard-fought wins and funniest moments. This book also features professional advice on recovery, injury prevention and nutrition from trainers, doctors, nutritionists and sports psychologists to help you become a healthier and more well-rounded female runner.

11. Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow: Quick-Fix Recipes for Hangry Athletes

Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow.

The second cookbook from Olympian Shalane Flanagan teams and Elyse Kopecky is chock-full of recipes made for runners by runners.

Nutrition is the basis for performance and recovery, and these delicious and quick recipes designed by Olympic runner Shalane Flanagan and chef Elyse Kopecky will feel nourishing while still satisfying your cravings.

As the second installment of their best-selling ‌ Run Fast. Eat Slow. ‌, this cookbook is packed with plenty of convenient and wholesome recipes, including pre-run snacks , recovery breakfasts, on-the-go lunches and super quick dinners. From savory granola to Kopecky and Flanagan's signature superhero muffins to miso butter salmon and pesto tuna melts, this book will inspire you to make time to cook as much as you do to run.

"I bought the very first version of this book when I was running a ton in college and it started changing the way I saw nutrition and food as fuel, rather than something you need to restrict when competing," says Bojana Galic, CPT , associated fitness editor and certified personal trainer.

"I've bought all of Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky's cookbooks and they have a beautiful variety of recipes, from easy, quick meals to more elaborate dishes. I highly recommend the muffins!"

12. Running Your First Marathon: The Complete 20-Week Marathon Training Plan

Running Your First Marathon

This is the ultimate marathon training plan for the everyday runner, giving you 20 weeks of training plans and pro advice.

Andrew Kastor, head coach for the Mammoth Track Club and coach for Olympic medalists — including his wife, Deena — wrote this ultimate marathon training plan for the everyday runner.

Running a marathon is more than just logging miles. Kastor offers a daily look at what marathon training entails, including strength and endurance workouts, and provides professional advice on how to find the right running gear, prevent injuries, properly fuel your body before, during and after your runs and create a network of support.

13. 80/20 Running: Run Stronger and Race Faster by Training Slower

80/20 Running

Want to gain speed without pushing yourself to the brink on every run? Matt Fitzgerald shows you how to train slower in order to run faster.

Sports journalist and best-selling author Matt Fitzgerald explains the performance benefits of doing 80 percent of your runs at a lower intensity and 20 percent at a higher intensity. That's right: To run fast, you have to take things slow.

By making the majority of your runs at a lower intensity, you'll help prevent burnout and feel more rested to do your runs. Fitzgerald lays out the research behind this method and shows you how to apply it for all of your training needs, whether you're running a 5K, 10K , half-marathon or marathon .

14. Science of Running: Analyze Your Technique, Prevent Injury, Revolutionize Your Training

Science of Running

Take a deep dive into what running truly is and discover your running style, as well as the best way to train for it.

If you're looking for an in-depth read about the science of your running style and an explanation of what happens in your body during the different stages of the running cycle, this book is for you.

Written by sports physiotherapist Chris Napier, this book analyzes the anatomy and physiology behind different running styles and includes customized training programs to help you improve your performance. You'll also find injury prevention, hydration and nutrition tips, as well as strength exercises .

The book is also full of high-quality anatomical illustrations to help you wrap your head around what's happening in the body when you stretch and run.

15. Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas

Alexi Pappas' memoir is a running book that's about so much more, delivering life lessons with wit and grace.

Alexi Pappas wears many hats: Olympic athlete, filmmaker, writer and actress. In this emotional memoir, Pappas explains how she discovered running after her mother died by suicide. Her father had her join multiple sports teams to keep her occupied.

Then, in 2016, Pappas, a Greek American, made her Olympic debut in Rio competing for Greece and setting the national record in the 10,000 meters. In the same year, Pappas starred in and directed her first feature film, ‌ Tracktown ‌.

But not everything is as rosy as it seems. Pappas shares how she suffered from depression after the Olympics. Through her moving story, you'll learn how to overcome obstacles and hardship while celebrating well-deserved wins.

"This memoir is certainly about running and Pappas' experience chasing her Olympic dreams, but it's so much more," Galic says. "She talks about her experience with depression, her mother's suicide and so many of the other hardships she experienced in life, all while training as a pro. Whether you're a runner or not, this book is really enlightening and I highly recommend it."

16. Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running With My Dog Brought Me Back From the Brink

Depression Hates a Moving Target

Nita Sweeney shares how running saved her life — how movement got her through some of her toughest life events and an ongoing battle with depression.

At 49 years old, Nita Sweeney struggled with chronic depression and wasn't able to jog more than a minute at a time. But when she discovered running as therapy, Sweeney was able to harness her inner strength. And with the support and company of her furry training friend, Sweeney completed her first marathon.

Through this powerful and inspiring story, you'll learn how running can help you overcome challenges and improve your mental health.

"This is a raw and heartfelt story about how running saved Nita Sweeney's life. Sweeney shares how movement got her through some of her toughest life events and an ongoing battle with depression," says Ciara Lucas, CPT , LIVESTRONG.com's health writer and RRCA-certified run coach.

The Best Running Books To Inspire And Inform

Writers and pro runners pick the most inspiring and insightful running books out there

Even the most obsessed runners can only spend at most a few hours running every day, which leaves a lot of time to fill. Sure, you might “work”, and occasionally need to “sleep” and “eat”, but there will be plenty of free time left where you need something to do that isn’t running. So why not pick up one of these excellent books and use that time to read about running?

There are plenty of great options. Along with many must-read memoirs from top pros, you’ll find an abundance of research-filled books that both inspire and provide insight that can be applied directly to your goals as an everyday runner. 

Two Coach writers (and keen runners) have pulled together their recommendations, including popular classics from recent years and some new releases, to help you feel motivated and optimistic about our sport. We’ve also woven in recommendations from pro runners, such as Hayden Hawks and Tom Evans, both professional ultra-marathon runners. So after your run, put your feet up and get stuck into one of the many fascinating running-related books that are worth your time.

Running While Black: Finding Freedom In A Sport That Wasn’t Built For Us

In light of the social justice reckoning that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alison Mariella Désir’s Running While Black is one of the most important running books to be published in the last few years. Described by Désir as “part memoir, part manifesto”, Running While Black takes readers through key moments of Black American and running history, as well as Désir’s own running story and her hopes for a more inclusive sport and industry. —Emilia Benton

Run The World: My 3,500-Mile Journey Through Running Cultures Around The Globe

After graduating from Rice University in Texas, marathon runner Becky Wade didn’t immediately seek out a professional contract and jump right into racing as a pro. Instead, through a fellowship obtained through her alma mater, Wade spent a year exploring running cultures and communities across the world. Along the way, she visited several countries and stayed with 72 host families. In this book, she chronicles her time in nine of those countries, in which she also logged much of her cumulative total of over 3,500 miles of running. —EB

Up To Speed: The Groundbreaking Science Of Women Athletes

More women than ever are participating in sports, their numbers often surpassing male participants in large races. However, much of the sporting data available, whether related to training, equipment or nutrition, is based on research that solely studied men. This is finally changing, with more researchers taking care to examine specific ways women can stay healthy and minimize their risk of injury. In this book, sports and health journalist Christine Yu examines existing gender bias from available science, emphasizing how changes and better solutions can help women and girls thrive in sports at every stage of life. —EB

Choosing To Run

Anyone who closely follows the elite race in the Boston Marathon knows what you’re referring to if you bring up “Boston 2018”. It was a year when torrential rain brought seriously treacherous conditions, and two-time US Olympian Des Linden became the first American woman to win in 33 years. In her memoir, Linden takes readers mile by mile through that day, alternating chapters between that race and the story of her life and career, sharing never-before-told details such as a diagnosis of severe hypothyroidism that nearly led her to quit the sport a year earlier. —EB

Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow.: Quick-Fix Recipes For Hangry Athletes

There are many cookbooks available for runners and athletes, but this series by former professional runner and 2017 New York City Marathon champion Shalane Flanangan and her college team-mate Elyse Kopecky is extremely popular for good reason. Flanagan and Kopecky emphasize key nutrients for runners while providing recipes for dozens of meals that are not only delicious but can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. My personal favorites include the Peachy Green Smoothie and the Pesto Tuna Melt. —EB

26 Marathons: What I Learned About Faith, Identity, Running And Life From My Marathon Career

Former professional runner Meb Keflezighi made history after winning both the Boston and New York City Marathons, in addition to an Olympic marathon medal. His final professional marathon in New York in 2017 marked not only the end of a remarkable career, it was also his 26th time racing the distance. In this memoir, co-written with Scott Douglas, Keflezighi takes readers through those races and what made each one particularly memorable. Through these experiences, Keflezighi also shares lessons he’s learned about life, family, identity and faith, as well as tips related to training and nutrition. —EB

Breakthrough Women’s Running: Dream Big And Train Smart

Professional runner and coach Neely Spence Gracey and journalist Cindy Kuzma provide readers with engaging stories from top female athletes who have set challenging goals and achieved them. Each one combines science and insights with experience and effective strategies—including training, strength and mobility programs—that can be applied to your own running goals. —EB

Running Stories: By People Of All Ages, Speeds And Backgrounds

This collection of first-person accounts provides two types of inspiration. The first is, of course, 88 testimonies to the power of running to transform and enrich lives. The second is that all profits from the sale of the book support  The Running Charity , which uses the sport to help young people who are either homeless or at risk of becoming so. Since you will no doubt be inspired to lace up, there’s also a section to help beginner runners get started, including a resounding answer to the question of whether you can run: “Yes, yes, you can.”

Two Hours: The Quest To Run The Impossible Marathon

Even if you only have a passing interest in running you will probably have heard of Eliud Kipchoge’s (ultimately unsuccessful) attempt to run a sub-two-hour marathon as part of Nike’s Breaking2 project in 2017. Journalist and amateur runner Ed Caesar had unique access to the athletes and experts behind the attempt, and his resulting book gives unparalleled insight into elite marathon running, as well as the history of the sport.

Running With The Buffaloes: A Season Inside With Mark Wetmore, Adam Goucher, And The University Of Colorado Men's Cross-Country Team

You’d probably assume, quite fairly, that the exploits of the 1998 University of Colorado cross-country team won’t hold much interest for you – but you’d be very wrong. Misfortune strikes the team at every turn, but they continue to rally and excel in heroic fashion. Go ahead and dip your toe into the world of top-level US collegiate sports. You won’t be disappointed.

“I read [ Running With The Buffaloes ] five or six times,” says professional ultramarathon runner and Hoka One One athlete Hayden Hawks. “It reminds me of my days at an American college running cross-country and it helped to fuel my dreams. I always wanted to be an All-American and maybe win a national title, and although I never won a national title I was an All-American [selected by a national body of coaches and experts as one of the best college athletes in the US]. It always takes me back and reminds me where my love for running came from.”

Lore Of Running

If you want a deep dive into every aspect of running performance, this is the book for you. Author Tim Noakes looks in forensic detail at training, racing, injuries, physiology, the secrets of world-class athletes and pretty much everything else related to the sport. Two Adidas Terrex pro runners picked the book for our list, Tom Evans and Sabrina Stanley, and both warn it’s not an easy read, as insightful as it is.

“This is a pretty technical running book, which goes into lots of detail about how to improve performance,” says Evans. “It’s really interesting, quite deep. I’d say you’ve got to have a coffee before you start it and you might end up reading every page twice!”

“It took me years to read it cover to cover,” says Stanley. “I would carry it with me everywhere and take pages at a time and highlight stuff. There's so much information in there. It’s dry, but the volume of information is great. I think every runner should read it.”

Runner: A Short Story About A Long Run

Hawker is one of the all-time greats of ultra-marathon running, having won the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc five times, and she is an inspiration for amateurs and pros alike. Her book Runner: A Short Story About A Long Run covers her first win at UTMB, and was picked for our list by Adidas Terrex pro ultra-marathoner Emily Hawgood.

“She [Hawker] talks about everything. She is good for our sport, showing that we get to be professional athletes, but that it’s not our complete identity,” says Hawgood. “We’re moms or friends or sisters or students. We go to school or we work, we have other jobs. She had a desk job and ran. It was just inspirational for me to read her book and understand how you do that and how successful she can be.”

Feet In The Clouds: A Tale Of Fell-Running And Obsession

If you’ve only ever run in cities, we heartily recommend expanding your horizons by reading  Feet In The Clouds , which dives deep into the world of fell running – an obsessive passion in areas of Britain like the Lake District. The author, Richard Askwith, falls so in love with the sport that he tackles the infamous Bob Graham Round – an attempt to summit 42 of the Lake District’s highest peaks in 24 hours.

Don’t Stop Me Now: 26.2 Tales Of A Runner’s Obsession

Running has a way of getting its hooks into a person, no matter how sceptical of the sport you might be before you start. This book not only follows broadcaster Vassos Alexander’s journey from reluctant runner to ultramarathoner and Ironman triathlete, but thoroughly explores how running can become an obsession for anyone. Keep a pair of trainers handy, because you will want to run after reading.

The Way Of The Runner: A Journey Into The Fabled World Of Japanese Running

Six Japanese runners finished the 2018 Tokyo Marathon in under 2hr 9min. That might not mean much to you but to put it into context, in the history of British running only five men have run under that marker, and only eight Americans have done it. That strength in depth is a result of Japan being one of the most running-obsessed nations on Earth, especially long-distance running. In this fascinating book, journalist Adharanand Finn explores the unique running culture in Japan.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

The most bizarre things tend to pop into your head when you’re running and it’s fair to say most of us would struggle to explain them with any clarity later. Fortunately, Haruki Murakami is one the world’s greatest living writers as well as an avid runner, and this book perfectly captures the stream-of-consciousness thinking many experience when running. If you’re a fan of Murakami and running, this will really hit the spot.

Running With The Kenyans: Discovering The Secrets Of The Fastest People On Earth

In  The Way Of The Runner , Adharanand Finn explored a largely unknown running culture in Japan, but the world is well aware of the prowess of Kenyan runners, having watched them triumph in Olympic events and major marathons for many years. To write  Running With The Kenyans , Finn moved to Kenya and trained with the country’s elites to try and discover the secrets of their speed – but the book is also an inspiring account of his travels and training for his first marathon.

“I loved Adharanand Finn’s  Running With The Kenyans ,” says Evans. “I spent a year in Kenya and read the book while I was out there. I then went to Iten [the mountain town used by many Kenyan runners as a base] and ran with the guys up there and did the Lewa marathon, which is the big race he [Finn] did out there. I actually raced against Adharanand and we’ve been frenemies ever since—he didn’t like me beating him.”

How To Lose A Marathon: A Starter's Guide To Finishing In 26.2 Chapters

If exultant tales of elite – or at least very good – runners rejoicing in the joys of the sport don’t tally up with your own experience of running, try this book. Author Joel Cohen is happy to wallow in the misery that can arise from attempting to run a marathon, and does so in amusing fashion here. If you’ve signed up for a marathon only to find that the fabled “runner’s high” never arrives during or after your own runs,  How To Lose…  will be an invaluable guide to getting through the race.

Born To Run: The Hidden Tribe, The Ultra-Runners, And The Greatest Race The World Has Never Seen

It’s the book that sent thousands out on to the streets shoeless (or wearing very  minimal shoes ) to try barefoot running. We’d recommend you don’t do that—at least, not without a long and careful plan to prepare your body for it—but it’s still worth reading Christopher McDougall’s inspiring  Born To Run , which focuses on the Tarahamura tribe of northern Mexico, renowned for their long-distance running ability.

Today We Die A Little: Emil Zátopek, Olympic Legend To Cold War Hero

One of the greatest Olympians of all time, Emil Zátopek redefined what it took to be the best with his savage interval sessions. He trained in all conditions, sometimes while wearing army boots, and left his rivals in his wake as a result – Zátopek is the only person to win the 5,000m, 10,000m and marathon at a single Olympic Games. This terrific biography by Richard Askwith covers both Zátopek’s astonishing achievements and his life outside running.

Rise Of The Ultra Runners: A Journey to the Edge of Human Endurance

After his in-depth books on Japanese and Kenyan running, Adharanand Finn has turned his attention to the growing popularity of ultramarathons. As always, Finn doesn’t just provide observations about the sport – he dives in and becomes an ultra runner himself, tackling the fearsome 105-mile (169km) Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc as well as runs in the Rockies and the deserts of Oman.

Epic Runs Of The World

If you’re putting together a bucket list of places and races you’d like to run one day, this book will be an invaluable companion. It provides details and photos of 50 of the world’s best running routes, and is sure to whet your appetite to get out and explore on two feet. Some of the runs involved are epic races like the Comrades Ultramarathon in South Africa, while others are just incredible routes you can do at any time like the climb to a temple in Pokhara, Nepal. There are four you can enjoy in the UK, including a half-marathon trail run in Pembrokeshire detailed in this  exclusive extract .

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Nick Harris-Fry is a journalist who has been covering health and fitness since 2015. Nick is an avid runner, covering 70-110km a week, which gives him ample opportunity to test a wide range of running shoes and running gear . He is also the chief tester for fitness trackers and running watches , treadmills and exercise bikes , and workout headphones .

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8 Best Books About Marathons & Long Distance Running

Whether you’ve never run a marathon before, or ticked off 50 of them, it’s always inspiring to hear from other runners and the tales that played a part in their journeys to the finish line.

Thankfully, there are some great books about marathons, penned by experts and veterans who have travelled the world and seen it all. We’ve compiled our favorite long-distance non-fiction reads, including some excellent running books from authors like Christopher McDougall and Haruki Murakami.

This list of insightful books can be a steady companion on your sometimes lonely voyage of marathon running. While we love all of them, you can pick and choose based on your interests. Let’s take a look at which books make the cut!

Our Pick of the Best Books About Marathons

As you will find, even the most famous running books are only ever partially about running. It’s the journey, adventure and camaraderie of spirit that draws the reader in.

We’d recommend these books to all runners, not just those attempting a marathon!

1. Endure by Alex Hutchinson

This book turns out to be more than just about running. It’s also about overcoming the limits of your physical strength and endurance. You’ll find many great tips and advice on using this key feature to go further.

This same trait also holds you back from going beyond the physical and psychological barriers. In the book, the author takes you through each aspect of running, not just the physical but the mental and emotional elements too.

Most of us have already experienced that running is not just about muscle strength, which is even more true with marathon running. When running long distances (like a marathon), you’re exposed to elements like heat, wind, and rain and other factors like cramps, bonking, and thirst.

The in-depth research in Endure is an eye-opener for the rookie and the expert marathon runner alike. Every marathon runner out there will benefit from the scientific approach found in this book.

Cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs have helped many athletes, especially runners, become even better than they thought they could. This book shows you how to be the best modern runner you can be.

2. Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

David Goggins is the only person ever to complete Elite Navy Seal, Army Ranger, and Airforce tactical training. But that was only possible through the motivation he got from pushing himself to become better. He made it look easy, but it was not, and he’ll tell you about that in his book.

Every marathon runner who needs some motivation needs to read or listen to this story of motivation. The incredible hard work this ex-Navy Seal put in to overcome a string of barriers to become a formidable athlete will inspire you.

Marathon runners will be motivated and inspired by David’s story, keeping you going all the way to the finish line. He explains the 40 percent rule and how we can tap into our resources to push past using such a small portion of our capabilities.

You won’t regret laying out the few bucks this book costs, as it’ll bring you a lifetime of motivation on your marathon journey. Can’t Hurt Me is a book that will inspire every runner and athlete out there to become the best they can be.

3. Daniels’ Running Formula by Jack Daniels

This book has been available for years, and the valuable information has inspired thousands of marathon runners. Many great athletes have considered Daniels’ book to be the marathon bible through the years and made it their go-to book for advice.

If you’re looking for a book that will thoroughly prepare you for marathon running, this book is for you. It helps you get in proper running shape and guides you in preventing injuries while preparing your mind for the challenge.

Daniels’ background as a two-time Olympian and running coach gives you that edge you need. The formula offers a scientific approach to every aspect of running marathons and all you may encounter.

To run stronger and faster so you can run for longer, every marathon runner needs the expert advice of Jack Daniels. He offers guidance on various problems so you can fine-tune your technique. You’ll get advice on everything about running, from 800-meter sprinting to the many miles of the humble marathon.

Marathon runners can learn a lot from this coach, who helped so many athletes to be better runners. And no, this is not the Jack Daniel’s of whiskey fame, before you get any ideas!

4. Eat and Run by Scott Jurek

Eat and Run is all about eating right for marathon runners, with valuable information from marathon running champion Scott Jurek. Scott is a plant-based vegan and covers this lifestyle choice in his book. The book is available in paperback and hardcover at a very reasonable price, making it accessible to all runners.

With more than three decades of experience in marathon and ultramarathon running, Scott has become a living legend to all that aspire to become runners. His book is an inspiration for both beginners and those who have some miles behind them on the open road.

His knowledge of what is essential for marathon runners to eat to provide them with the right fuel helps every athlete out there. His record of running and winning the famous Western States Endurance Run, a 100-mile trail footrace, seven times in a row still stands.

Everything every athlete needs to know about plant-based nutrition for marathon runners can be found in his book, Eat and Run . In the book, he talks about his long career as an athlete and the vegetarian, then vegan diet he followed. This book is not to be missed, even if you don’t follow a plant-based diet. It has many valuable lessons throughout.

5. Running With the Buffaloes by Chris Lear

If you’re serious about running, Running With The Buffaloes should be the chosen companion of every marathon athlete out there. It’s also been on the market for quite some time and has inspired many great runners – so what’s stopping you?

It’s written in the form of a diary where every day of the Colorado cross-country team’s experience has been penned down. Everything is documented, including the experience of the runners, their running coach, and the support team that was involved in this journey.

You’ll find great insight into the life of a runner and what they have to endure and overcome to become the best. This book inspires aspiring marathon runners and experts who need to be motivated to keep going.

You’ll see what it takes to be a marathon runner, and the valuable advice will serve you well along the way. Every essence of the competitive runner is captured in this book by Chris Lear, who gives you a new respect for runners.

6. Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

The incredible journey Born To Run takes you on will give you a new perspective on running long distances and how to achieve it. Christopher McDougall introduces you to some of the best runners the world has never met before, the Tarahumara Indian tribe .

This indigenous tribe of Mexico has improved their ability to run hundreds of miles without getting tired or the need for rest. And they achieve this all without using the modern, advanced running shoes athletes claim impact their performance dramatically.

The writer proves that humans were made to run and can do it for hundreds of miles with no adverse consequences. Discover the secrets and nutrition tips of these natives who run for many hours and miles without tiring. We guarantee they will inspire you.

To become the best and compete against other professional, motivated marathon runners, you need to love to do it. The writer will show you how to develop a love for running many miles and how to avoid burnout.

7. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami

Writer and runner Haruki Murakami decided to keep a record of his training while preparing for the New York Marathon. This journal of his progress led to a memoir that will inspire every marathon runner to become the best version of themselves.

In this book, you can learn about the positive impact running had on the author’s life and how it improved his reality. Long-distance runners can learn a lot from his experience and unique perspective on this sport.

With more than 20 marathons behind him, he has a lot of advice to offer upcoming athletes who need to be prepared. The philosophical writing style of the author will provide you with humorous insights into the life of a marathon runner.

You’ll also find wise, practical advice on preparing for a marathon, which is helpful to every runner. Whether you’re an expert runner or an upcoming athlete, this book will be an inspiration to get you prepared mentally and physically.

8. Young at Heart by Frederick Lewis

Young At Heart is the story of a legend, John Kelly, the Boston Marathon man. He ran the Boston Marathon over 60 times in his life, hence his superhero name. This book is not the same as the ones we mentioned above that provide you with advice and tips but will rather inspire you.

If you’re a marathon runner and have ever considered giving up, read this book, it will inspire you. The author talks about John Kelly, who ran his 61st marathon at the ripe young age of 84. He didn’t do it fast, but he finished it, and that’s what counts.

You will be inspired by this biography of a dynamic athlete who set out to become the best. He may not have won every marathon he ran, but that wasn’t his goal.

This runner is still an inspiration to many generations of runners within the world of marathons because of his determination and perseverance. This book is about accomplishing everything every runner has dreamed about their entire running career, so it will inspire you.

What’s your favorite book about marathons? Let us know if we’ve missed your top read!

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24 Best Sports Biographies Books of All Time

Our goal : Find the best Sports Biographies books according to the internet (not just one random person's opinion).

• Type "best sports biographies books" into our search engine and study the top 5+ pages.
• Add only the books mentioned 2+ times.
• Rank the results neatly for you here! 😊 (It was a lot of work. But hey! That's why we're here, right?)

(Updated 2024)

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

• Best Sports Biographies Books

An Autobiography

Andre Agassi

Born to Run

A hidden tribe, superathletes, and the greatest race the world has never seen.

Christopher McDougall

The Blind Side

Evolution of a game.

Michael Lewis

A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

Phil Knight

The Final Pitch

Barbarian Days

A surfing life.

William Finnegan

Eleven Rings

The soul of success.

Phil Jackson

Tiger Woods

Jeff Benedict

Michael Jordan

Roland Lazenby

The Boys in the Boat

Nine americans and their epic quest for gold at the 1936 berlin olympics.

Daniel James Brown

A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

Laura Hillenbrand

The Mamba Mentality

Kobe Bryant

Touching the Void

Joe Simpson

An American Legend

Rafael Nadal

Alone on the Wall

Alex Honnold

Mariano Rivera

The Captain

The journey of derek jeter.

Ian O'Connor

My Autobiography

Steven Gerrard

The Story of My Life

Coming Back Stronger

Unleashing the hidden power of adversity.

The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero

David Maraniss

• The 33 Best Sports Books Ever Written | Esquire www.esquire.com
• The best sports books and autobiographies - Pan Macmillan www.panmacmillan.com
• The 25 Best Sports Books of All Time To Read in 2021 – SPY spy.com
• 50 Great Sports Biographies - Sports Management Degree Guide www.sports-management-degrees.com
• 100 Best Sports Biography Books of All Time (Updated for 2021) www.shortform.com

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Best running books: 21 brilliant reads for runners

When you’re recovering from hurling yourself about on the trails, pick up one of the best running books you can read

The path people take to their first trailhead can often be waymarked by the best running books. A particularly inspirational story can encourage the reader to go for an off-road run, just to see what all the fuss is about. Many go on to become addicted. 

Here’s our guide to the best gateway drugs available on a bookshop shelf (or site) near you: 21 brilliant books about running on the rough stuff.

Skyrunner by Emelie Forsberg

A wonderful insight into the hard training and much-loved character of one of the world’s best trail runners, with Emelie ’s own strength workouts, inspirational advice, delicious recipes and yoga moves.

Bunion Derby: the 1928 Footrace Across America by Charles B. Kastner 

The extraordinary true story about a 3,400-mile transcontinental running race from Los Angeles to New York, which saw men from all walks of life – penniless immigrants, millionaires and international athletes – compete for 84 consecutive days along a course that would become Route 66. Running around 40 miles a day, participants struggled across mountain ranges and deserts (and the black runners endured dreadful abuse in the Jim Crow separatist states) from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast. An excellent read and undoubtedly one of the best running books.

• If you're in the mood to watch something, check out these inspirational walking films
• Stay fuelled on your run with the best trail mix
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Eat & Run by Scott Jurek

A fascinating insight into one of North America’s best endurance athletes, his journey into ultra running, becoming veggie then vegan for performance and running with the Tarahumara , plus all his favorite recipes.

Running with the Buffaloes by Chris Lear

The classic story of a fall cross-country season that never grows old. Author Chris Lear was embedded as a member of the University of Colorado cross country team in 1998 as it prepared to make a run for the NCAA Division I title behind All-American Adam Goucher. But as the season unfolds, the story becomes so much more than about just running. The death of No. 2 runner Chris Severy and the team's ability to carry on in the face of adversity unfolds as a compelling tale about courage, heartache and the bonds of teammates. More than 20 years later, it's one of the best running books for anyone who has ever been a part of a high school or college cross-country team.

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

In perhaps the deepest look ever into the inner workings of Nike, company founder Phil Knight serves up a heartfelt story about how the world's biggest athletic shoe and sportswear brand got started and rose to enormity from very humble beginnings. For anyone who has ever worn a pair of Nike sneakers (the Nike Wildhorse 6 is one of our best trail running shoes ), this is an inspiring read that tells a story intertwined with tales about world-class athletes, passionate entrepreneurship and the pressures of a growing global business. It includes a deep look into the mind of co-founder Bill Bowerman, legendary runner Steve Prefontaine and, of course, Knight himself. Nike, Knight and Bowerman changed everything about modern sports through the lenses of performance, sponsorship, hype, culture and cool.

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All the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture!

Running for My Life by Lopez Lomong with Mark Tabb

This wasn't a well-known book when it was published, but it's a great autobiography about Lopez Lomong, who was one of the ‘Lost Boys’ who escaped the perils of South Sudan to become a world-class distance runner and a two-time U.S. Olympian. As a child, he was captured by rebel soldiers and beaten and abused before escaping and running for three days to reach safety at a refugee camp in Kenya. He eventually was adopted by an American family after writing a touching essay as a teenager about what he would do if was given the chance to live in the United States. He would go on to become a two-time NCAA champion at Northern Arizona University, the flag bearer for the U.S. Olympic team at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, a five-time U.S. champion, a 3:51 miler and one of the best American distance runners of all time.

Run the World by Becky Wade

Plenty of post-grads travel abroad after getting out of college, but Becky Wade went on an immersive journey with her running shoes when she finished college in 2012 and turned it into an inspiring memoir. With the funding and support of the Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, Wade logged 3,500 miles and tapped into the running scene in England, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Ethiopia, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Her earnest involvement in the running culture of those countries helped her become a more complete runner and set her on the path to becoming a professional marathoner. Wade provides insights about her curiosity for traveling and her determination as a runner into a compelling page-turning story about her life-changing expedition.

Finding Gobi by Dion Leonard

Not your average running book - this isn’t about people turning their life around and rediscovering themselves through running, it’s the heartwarming true tale of an ultrarunner who finds a running mate in the most unlikely of circumstances. In 2016, Dion Leonard, an Australian living in Edinburgh, travels to China to take part in a grueling 155-mile race across the Gobi Desert. Roughly midway, a little stray dog begins to run with him, and keeps pace for nearly 80 miles. A bond is formed, and after the race Leonard discovers can’t leave his new best buddy behind.

A Year on the Run by Damian Hall

A beautifully illustrated, very entertaining set of running stories to inspire you through 365 days of running by a hill-hiker turned record-setting ultrarunner. Hall, a journalist (and Advnture.com contributor ) rediscovered running in his mid 30s, found out he was pretty damn good at it, and has since set multiple FKTs, represented Britain at the Trail World Championships, won international races including the Ice Ultra in Arctic Sweden , and placed fifth at the world-class Ultra Tour du Mont Blanc in 2018.

Run or Die by Kilian Jornet

A fantastic way to get a good understanding of what makes the world’s top trail runner tick, with stories that take you close to the bone. Jornet’s first book is inspiring, scary and fascinating in equal measure.

The Rise of the Ultra Runners: A Journey to the Edge of Human Endurance by Adharanand Finn

Having already explored the phenomenon of Kenyan marathoners (in Running with the Kenyans ) and Japan's running culture (in The Way of the Runner ), here journalist and author (and Advnture.com contributor) Finn dives headfirst into the world of ultrarunning, examining the history of the pursuit and blending that with entertaining first-person experiences of his own.

Adventureman by Jamie McDonald

After spending a large part of his childhood in hospital, with doctors warning that he may never walk again, McDonald defies the odds spectacularly and becomes a record-setting endurance and expedition runner who has run right across Canada and the USA, visiting hospitals and raising money for sick children en route. This is his humorous account of running the equivalent of 200 back-to-back marathons from one side of Canada to the other, wearing the same increasingly smelly superhero suit every day.

Running That Doesn't Suck: How to Love Running (Even If You Think You Hate It) by Lisa Jhung

Let’s face it: Running isn’t always fun and it doesn’t always feel great. And yes, a lot of people hate it. But author Lisa Jhung is here to tell you that you don’t have to hate it because it doesn’t have to suck. The longtime journalist and trail runner has penned a great book for those people who struggle with running, either from a physical point of view or from a mental outlook. In this smartly written and creatively illustrated paperback, Jhung offers simple but encouraging insights about why you should stick with running, as well as crafty techniques to motivate you to keep training. She blends tell-it-like-it-is honesty with humor and storytelling to lighten the burden of running and make the daily burden of running less of a grind and more of an enjoyable passion.

Running Home: A Memoir by Katie Arnold

For a lot of people, running is more than just a simple act of daily exercise and actually something that winds up being woven through the fabric of their entire life. Although this is a book about running, it’s mostly an inspiring story about overcoming grief and rediscovering yourself. Katie Arnold writes about the grief of getting over her father’s death, getting closure on the separation of her parents and numerous challenges of her childhood. She eventually rekindled her own love for running and found the more of her true self she invested in it, the better she became at it. Eventually, she became competitive and won the 2018 Leadville 100 trail running race, one of the most difficult and competitive ultra-distance races in the world. She ran to heal her grief, to outpace her worry that she wouldn’t live to raise her own daughters. She ran to find strength in her weakness. She ran to remember and to forget. Ultimately, she ran to live.

Born to Run by Chris McDougall

The original trail-running book that inspired so many people to start running barefoot or in minimalist shoes. A hugely engaging account of top American ultrarunners racing Mexico’s incredible Tarahumara people.

The Runners Cookbook by Anita Bean

Over 100 tasty, healthy recipes designed to fuel runners to peak performance and recovery, from athlete and qualified sports nutritionist Anita Bean . Readers also get advice on all aspects of diet and calorie intake for running distances ranging from 5k to ultra, and tips on supplements and common mistakes to avoid.

Running Free of Injuries by Paul Hobrough

The best advice and exercises for preventing and rehabbing the most common running injuries from foot to lower back from Hobrough, physio to world-class, record-breaking runners Steve Cram and Paula Radcliffe.

There’s No Map In Hell by Steve Birkinshaw

A hugely eye-opening biography from one of Britain’s most-loved endurance athletes. Birkinshaw overcame childhood setbacks to become a top orienteer, adventure racer and break Joss Naylor’s 38-year-old record of running 214 Wainwright summits.

The Pants of Perspective by Anna McNuff

A hugely entertaining account of McNuff's 148-day, 3000km run from north to south New Zealand along the wild Te Araroa trail, wearing her brightest running tights and learning about the power of resilience and self-belief.

Feet in the Clouds by Richard Askwith

Warning: this book may inspire you to take on the ultimate fell-running challenge, the Lake District’s 65-mile, 42 summit Bob Graham round. This is journalist Askwith’s journey into fell running including an engaging history of the sport.

It’s a Hill, Get Over It by Steve Chilton

A must-read for anyone interested in the history of British mountain, off-road and fell running (before trail running was invented). Chilton’s book is a hugely well-researched and detailed encyclopedia for the sport.

The co-founder and former editor of Trail Running magazine, Claire now runs the YouTube channel  Wild Ginger Running , creating films about trail- and ultra-running advice, inspiration, races and gear reviews. An award-winning journalist, writing for outdoor and adventure sports magazines and websites, Claire's first book,  The Ultimate Trail Running Handbook (5k to 50k), is out now. Her second, The Ultimate Ultra Running Handbook (50k to 100 miles), is out Autumn 2024. Claire also speaks and presents at events and races. 

I go backpacking year-round – but never without doing these 7 essential gear checks

Is it a changing robe or is it a waterproof jacket? Red's new Pursuit pitches itself somewhere in between

Pain, danger and a lot of chocolate milk – Jake Catterall on how he ran across the Alps (and 5 lessons learned on the way)

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• 5 First look: Keen’s WK450 Dirt trail shoe is designed to help you pick up the pace on your hike

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40 of Runners’ Favorite Books Right Now

Looking for a recovery day read here are the books our readers recommend..

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Reading for pleasure is a special kind of training for your brain. Brain scans show that reading physically strengthens connections in the brain. It also makes it easier to empathize, builds your vocabulary, and keeps age-related cognitive decline at bay for longer.

For college students, studies found that recreational reading reduces psychological distress. Another study found that 30 minutes of reading can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of stress as effectively as yoga. 

It also makes for a great post-run recovery activity. Just kick those weary legs up and let your mind wander away. 

Here are 40 favorite books runners are reading right now. 

RELATED: Join Our Book Club

15 Memoirs for Inspiration

When we asked runners on Instagram and Facebook what they were reading at the moment, the overwhelming responses came in the form of memoirs. It makes sense. There is so much to learn from reading other people’s experiences. And while there are obvious things runners can take away from the life stories of other runners, there is still plenty to be gained from reading about other admirable people like poets, musicians, and leaders.

• Out and Back: A Runner’s Story of Survival Against All Odds by Hillary Allen— our latest book club pick!
• Bravey: Chasing Dream, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas by Alexi Pappas  
• A Promised Land by Barack Obama
• Untamed by Glennon Doyle
• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
• Older, Faster, Stronger: What Women Runners Can Teach Us All About Living Younger, Longer by Margaret Webb
• Running Home: A Memoir by Katie Arnold
• 26 Marathons: What I Learned About Faith, Identity, Running, and Life from My Marathon Career by Meb Keflezighi
• Runner: A short Story About a Long Run by Lizzy Hawker
• The Impossible First: From Fire to Ice —Crossing Antarctica Alone by Colin O’Brady  
• A Beautiful Work in Progress by Mirna Valerio
• Running Man: A Memoir by Charlie Engle
• Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz 
• Life’s Too Short To Go So F*cking Slow by Susan Lacke
• Spirit Run: A 6,000-Mile Marathon Through North America’s Stolen Land by Noe Alvarez

8 Works of Fiction to Get Lost In

After a really draining effort you might want to simply go down the rabbit hole into a completely made up world. Like binging a good TV show, it’s easy to fly through a well-written novel. Here are some favorite books from authors with keen imaginations.

• The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Dare
• Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
• The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah   
• The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis
• The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
• Fast Girls: A Novel of the 1936 Women’s Olympic Team by Elise Hooper

Boost Your Performance With These 5 Reads

It’s no surprise that our readers are also reading about training and other aspects of performance. Keep your body and mind functioning in tip top shape with these performance-minded books. Learn from experts how to keep your training healthy so you can keep running for years to come.

• Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance by Alex Hutchinson
• The Happy Runner: Love the Process, Get Faster, Run Longer by David Roche and Megan Roche
• The Mind-Gut Connection: How the Hidden Conversation Within Our Bodies Impacts Our Mood, Our Choices, and Our Overall Health by Emeran Mayer
• 80/20 Running: Run Stronger and Race Faster By Training Slower by Matt Fitzgerald
• Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor

5 Favorite Books That Will Teach You Something New in Nonfiction

The writers of these books dedicated time to learning about unique moments in history (whether that be recent or far in the past) to understand phenomena that people are experiencing today, specifically when it comes to women’s issues. There was a distinct theme in recommended nonfiction books that had to do with empowering women in one aspect or another.

• Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
• Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America by Ijeoma Oluo
• Cassandra Speaks: When Women Are Storytellers, the Human Story Changes by Elizabeth Lesser
• The Rise of the Ultra Runners by Adharanand Finn
• Ask Me About My Uterus: A Quest to Make Doctors Believe in Women’s Pain by Abby Norman

RELATED: Ready to Dream About Travel? Pick Up These Books

5 Favorite Books That Focus on Psychology and Mental Health

Psychology books are also among the favorite books of runners. You may be a master at recovering physically, but when was the last time you focused on letting your mind recover from all the hard work of being a person. This collection of books can help you understand self-care in a deeper way, setting boundaries, re-connecting with people who deserve your energy, building mental resilience, and more.

• The Lonely Century: How to Restore Human Connection in a World That’s Pulling Apart by Noreena Hertz
• Adventures in Opting Out: A Field Guide to Leading and Intentional Life by Cait Flanders
• Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
• Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies: And Other Rituals to Fix Your Life by Tara Schuster
• Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol by Holly Whitaker

2 Creative Collections

If you want something a little breezier, our readers recommended these two collections of poetry and short essays.

• Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life by Cleo Wade
• Vesper Flights by Helen Macdonald

Interested in talking all things books and running? Join the Women’s Running book club for access to our private Facebook group, author discussions, and book giveaways.

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Pre: The Story of America's Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine Paperback – March 15, 1997

The story of America's greatest running legend.

For five years, no American runner could beat him at any distance over a mile. But at the age of 24, with his best years still ahead, long-distance runner Steve Prefontaine finally lost. Driving alone at night after a party, Prefontaine crashed his sports car, putting a tragic, shocking end to the life and career of one of the most influential, accomplished runners of our time.

More than 20 years later, Pre continues to influence the running world.

From his humble origins in Coos Bay, Oregon, Pre became the first person to win four NCAA titles in one event. Year after year, he was virtually unbeatable. Instead of becoming one of the new breed of professional track athletes, Pre chose to stay amateur and fight for the adequate funding he felt American amateur athletes deserved.

A man of incredible desire and energy, Pre trained relentlessly. In his drive to be the best, he spurred others to do their best. As one racer said, "He ran every race as if it were his last."

But Pre not only touched runners; his exciting technique as well as his maverick lifestyle made him a favorite of the fans. A race with Prefontaine in it was automatically an event.

His brief but brilliant life - documented by author Tom Jordan - is the tale of a true American hero.

This is his story.

"Some people create with words or with music or with a brush and paints. I like to make something beautiful when I run. I like to make people stop and say, 'I've never seen anyone run like that before.' It's more than just a race, it's style. It's doing something better than anyone else. It's being creative."--Steve Prefontaine

• Print length 168 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Rodale Books
• Publication date March 15, 1997
• Dimensions 5.13 x 0.49 x 8.5 inches
• ISBN-10 0875964575
• ISBN-13 978-0875964577
• See all details

Editorial Reviews

From publishers weekly, from booklist, from the back cover.

Steve Pre fontaine

His brief but brilliant life is the tale of a true American hero.

"Pre inspired a whole generation of American distance runners to excel. He made running cool. He created the whole idea of training really hard and going for it. Runners setting goals for themselves, wanting to go all out and be really tough. That was his example."--Alberto Salazar, former American record holder in the 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters and marathon

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rodale Books; 2nd edition (March 15, 1997)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 168 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0875964575
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0875964577
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.4 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.13 x 0.49 x 8.5 inches
• #71 in Track & Field Sports
• #331 in Sports History (Books)
• #333 in Running & Jogging (Books)

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Customers find the book a great and sublime read, especially for runners. They also find the story inspiring, with a basic overview. Readers also describe the narrator as one of the gutsiest runners they've ever seen.

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Customers find the book a great read, with insightful and quick insights into a wonderful period. They also say it has a glossy finish and is shockingly in depth for so few words.

" Good read . Very exciting person and a shame what happens. I miss the hay day of running...." Read more

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Customers find the book inspiring, exciting, and motivating. They also say it's a basic overview of an extraordinary person and runner. Customers also say the book brings back memories and contains great facts about Pre.

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"Good read. Very exciting person and a shame what happens. I miss the hay day of running...." Read more

"An interesting man with great talent . Taken too soon, I imagine. But we will never know what would have become of him...." Read more

"The prose, kept short in the best way possible, adds foundational support to the skyscraper of quotes and testimonials that build a ferocious and..." Read more

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What is sciatica and how can it affect runners, 6 mini strength workouts for when you’re short on time, what’s the difference between rest and active recovery, disordered eating: runners share its devastating effects, how to build a healthy relationship with food, 7 ways to run safely in the dark, 5 unique hip stretches for when you feel crazy tight, these 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are perfect for snacking, 5 simple swaps to make your bakes healthier, according to a nutritionist, the nutrient every runner needs (and almost no one gets), need more iron when you consume it matters, asics superblast 2 review: all hail the king of super trainers, the fastest shoes of the women’s olympic marathon, the fastest shoes of the men’s olympic marathon, should you keep a running shoe rotation, will sifan hassan make history and run 4 events at the paris games, i’m a runner: aaron pyke, i’m a runner: richelle shaw, the best books for runners, from memoir to fiction, health to hope, here are some great reads about running..

You’re probably taking at least some form of a break after your autumn racing season, whether it’s cutting back the mileage or some relaxation during the holidays. If so, it’s always nice to kick back and be entertained, inspired, motivated, or provoked by the words of a great writer.

The following books do a fantastic job at stoking your enthusiasm for the sport and your overall running goals. Some are focused on your overall training and the ways you can become a better runner. Others explore the epic journeys from some of the top names in the sport, like Scott Jurek on his amazing Appalachian Trail journey or Meb Keflezighi detailing all of the big marathons in his illustrious career.

But you’ll also need fuel, some motivation, and laughs. Whatever you’re aiming for, we have a recommendation for you. If we don’t, leave us a note in the comments section.

Plus, these books make great gifts for your favourite runner if you’re in a pinch

Mighty Moe: The True Story of a Thirteen-Year-Old Women’s Running Revolutionary

On May 6, 1967, Maureen Wilton, a 13-year-old girl from a suburb of Toronto, Canada, attempted to break the women’s marathon world record of 3:19 at a small race a few kilometres from her home. She lined up on a dusty road to complete five laps of a roughly 8km course with 28 men and one other woman—Kathrine Switzer, who joined the race two weeks after her own iconic Boston Marathon finish . 

North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail

Plant-based ultrarunner  Scott Jurek chronicles his attempt to break the speed record for the 3500 km Appalachian Trail. The journey nearly shattered him.

Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance

The former Runner’s World  “Sweat Science” columnist takes a close look at how we can train our brains to push past physical limitations

Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory

Olympic medalist and American record holder in the marathon, Deena Kastor, credits her success to a shift toward optimistic thinking. In her book, she shares how the power of positive psychology worked for her.

Run the Mile You’re In: Finding God in Every Step

Ryan Hall was one of the most celebrated American runners until his retirement in 2016. This book details his running career—from his very first long run as a teenager to the race where he set the American record in the half marathon. Hall also shares how his faith helped him push past the barriers in front of him.

Running Your First Marathon: The Complete 20-Week Marathon Training Plan

Famed coached Andrew Kastor (and husband of Deena Kastor) gives runners an easy-to-follow training plan for their first marathon, with tips and motivation from world-renowned runners.

Once a Runner: A Novel

You know you have good running friends when they recommend you read through this one. In  Once a Runner , Quenton Cassidy, the novel’s protagonist, is a senior in college on the brink of greatness in the mile. Cassidy returns to racing after a brief retirement in  Again to Carthage  to tackle the marathon.

26 Marathons: What I Learned About Faith, Identity, Running, and Life from My Marathon Career

The legendary career of Meb Keflezighi brought American distance running back to its former glory with wins in the Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon, and other races all over the world. In total, Keflezighi ran 26 marathons as a pro, and in his memoir, he shares his lessons learned and experiences from every single one of his amazing races.

Can’t Nothing Bring Me Down: Chasing Myself in the Race against Time

Age is just a number, and nobody embodies that more than  Ida Keeling. The  104-year-old is still racing , often winning as the lone participant in her age group. In her memoir, she shares tales from her thrilling running career like when she broke the world record in the 100-meter dash and celebrated with pushups, to her struggles: growing up poor in Harlem, working in factories during the Great Depression to raise four kids as a single mother, and losing two adult sons to unsolved cases of drug-related violence.

Born to Run

The book has been one of the most popular about running since its debut. While the writer is the first to admit that many shoe companies were working on minimalist shoes before he started researching the book,  Born to Run  and Christopher McDougall’s promotion of barefoot and minimalist running are considered by many to be major catalysts to the current running shoe revolution and the movement toward running with more efficient form.

Running Is My Therapy: Relieve Stress and Anxiety, Fight Depression, Ditch Bad Habits, and Live Happier

Running puts everyone in a better mood. But for some of us, our kilometres are key to managing depression and anxiety. Runner’s World  contributing editor Scott Douglas explores the idea behind the growing body of scientific research that shows how running really can make us happier.

A Beautiful Work In Progress

You may know  Mirna Valerio  from her profile in the August 2015 issue of  Runner’s World . Or from her  blog  and  Facebook page Fatgirlrunning, where her posts display an indomitable will to conquer goals and an unstoppable love of running despite the challenges of being a 90-plus kilograms ultrarunner. Her book displays that same spirit, but with more detail—you’ll learn how a wakeup call in the form of chest pains got Mirna, at 300 pounds, into running. She has not stopped, working her way from 5Ks to ultramarathons to becoming a sponsored athlete with a vital message: running is for every body.

Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow.: Quick-Fix Recipes for Hangry Athletes

In 2017,  Shalane Flanagan  became the first American woman in 40 years to win the New York City Marathon. Her secret? Food that’s more than just fuel. In their new cookbook,  Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow , nutrition coach Elyse Kopecky and Flanagan share the nourishing and delicious meals that helped her break the tape in Central Park. 

Runner’s World How to Make Yourself Poop: And 999 Other Tips All Runners Should Know

The title sounds cheeky, but we know how important the something like making yourself poop before a race really is. Former  Runner’s World  editor Meghan Kita curated hundreds of the very best tips when it comes to running, all so you can hit the roads with confidence.

My Life on the Run: The Wit, Wisdom, and Insights of a Road Racing Icon

One our favorite running icons and  Runner’s World’ s most recent chief running officer takes you on some of his adventures around the world to races big and small, everywhere from Antarctica and Africa to Chitwan National Park in Nepal where he was chased by an angry rhino.

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

The author of  Seabiscuit , Laura Hillenbrand, tells the incredible story of Louis Zamperini, a talented young track star who competed in the Berlin Olympics whose life took a turn after World War II broke out. Follow Zamperini as he tests his endurance for running and survival in this must-read.  Read a Q&A with the author here.

Perfect Strangers: Friendship, Strength, and Recovery After Boston’s Worst Day

It was the moment that changed her life forever. Sdoia was waiting for a friend at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon when the world around her exploded. As she lay gravely injured on the sidewalk, a trio of strangers stepped in to save her life. We first featured Sdoia’s  story in our May 2014 issue; her memoir goes much further, filling in the stories of her saviours, documenting her struggle to recover, and uncovering the value of forgiveness, acceptance, and moving on.

Summits of My Life: Daring Adventures on the World’s Greatest Peaks

Kilian Jornet is arguably one of the best ultrarunners in the world, winning some of the best races all over the world from Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc and Western States 100. In addition to competitive racing, the Spanish runner challenged himself to get Fastest-Known Times on some of the world’s tallest peaks for both ascents and descents. Here, he details these journeys on Matterhorn, Denali, and many more through photos, words, and illustrations that take you deep into his expeditions.

The Rise of the Ultra Runners: A Journey to the Edge of Human Endurance

Adharanand Finn, author of  Running with the Kenyans  and  The Way of the Runner , takes you deep into the world of the fastest-growing niches within the running world: ultraunning.

Running With Sherman: The Donkey With the Heart of a Hero

After a lifetime of abuse and neglect, the future for a donkey named Sherman looked bleak—until author Christopher McDougall (author of  Born to Run ) found him a purpose. The book is full of heart, characters, and enough adventure to keep you hooked. 

Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger From Sports Injuries

If recovery after an injury has ever been confusing to you, you’re not alone. This book combines personal narratives from athletes, scientific research, and experts in the field to provide dozens of tips and tricks that will help runners in any phase of the recovery process.

What Made Maddy Run : The Secret Struggles and Tragic Death of an All-American Teen – (Hardcover)

To everyone who knew her, it seemed like Maddy Holleran had it all. But then the successful runner—in her first year at her Ivy League dream school, The University of Pennsylvania—leapt from the roof of a parking garage and ended her life. That tragic act betrayed a façade of determination and a carefully curated social media presence. Journalist Kate Fagan uses Maddy’s story to illustrate the plight of young people waging lonely battles with mental illness against the pressure of presenting a “perfect” life.

Running with the Buffaloes: A Season Inside With Mark Wetmore, Adam Goucher, And The University Of Colorado Men’s Cross Country Team

Chris Lear presents a fascinating account of collegiate cross country. Set in the autumn of 1998, the book chronicles the University of Colorado Buffaloes’ cross-country campaign, taking the reader on a ride from the anticipation of preseason camp, through the midseason shock of losing a teammate, and to the elation of competing at the NCAA championships.

Footnotes: How Running Makes Us Human

There’s something about the repetition of running—and if you’re a distance runner, the time alone—that brings out the philosophical side of many people. And if you’re among the meditative ones, this book will act like an energy drink to your intellectual side. Using works from philosophy, literature, and his own running experiences, Cregan-Reid looks at the human side of the sport, showing that while running makes our bodies healthy, it also improves our minds.

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20 Must-Read Books Every Runner Should Read

Katie Moench

Katie Moench is a librarian, runner, and lover of baked goods. A school librarian in the Upper Midwest, Katie lives with her husband and dog and spends her free time drinking coffee, trying new recipes, and adding to her TBR.

View All posts by Katie Moench

Running, according to everyone from top coaches to Garfield, is mostly a mental game. Whether you’re a repeat marathoner looking to increase your understanding of the science behind optimum racing, or just getting started and looking for some basic plans and recipes to help you stay injury free, the books below offer a collection of inspiration, humor, and experience to keep you on the road (or trails, track, or treadmill)!

Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory by Deena Kastor

Can you think your way to a better time? Olympian Deena Kastor explores the power of positive thinking in a book that spans her running career from high school racing to training at altitude with legend Joe Vigil. After several setbacks, Kastor began to investigate the ability of her thoughts to shape her running and shares what she’s learned in this uplifting book filled with actionable advice.

Running with the Buffaloes: A Season Inside With Mark Wetmore, Adam Goucher, And The University Of Colorado Men’s Cross Country Team by Chris Lear

Under the successful—and controversial—coaching of Mark Wetmore, the University of Colorado’s cross country team has become a NCAA powerhouse. Lear was given up close access to the team and the practices, meets, and routines that make up their winning season and recounts what he discovers about what drives student-athletes to championships.

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall

Spanning from the Cooper Canyons of Mexico to the research labs of Harvard, McDougall explores the ability of the Tarahumara Indians to run long distances without injury. Exploring the history of the tribe, their fight as an indigenous people in Mexico, and the ultra race that brings runners from around the world to the Cooper Canyons, this book connects the science and culture of running in a unique and little known setting.

Spirit Run: A 6,000-Mile Marathon Through America’s Stolen Land by Noé Álvarez

Using running to explore his family’s history of migration and his own experiences in a society that dismisses and threatens his existence, Álvarez takes readers on a journey through the land of his memories, exploring the physical and emotional factors that drive us to run and how the act of movement connects us to the future.

Run Fast, Cook Fast, Eat Slow: Quick-Fix Recipes for Hangry Athletes: A Cookbook by Shalene Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky

Trying to find the perfect pre-run snack or post-run meal? From homemade pizza to granola bars and veggie packed salads, this book will have something for you. By combining their expertise in nutrition and running, Flanagan and Kopecky have created a cookbook that will help runners, and anyone looking to eat well, support their training with what they eat.

Once a Runner: A Novel by John L. Parker Jr.

A novel inspired by the author’s own experiences as a collegiate athlete, this is the story of Quenton Cassidy: a track star and student caught up in the Vietnam-era protests that rile his school. After a suspension from the track team, he gives up everything he knows to retreat and turn his sole focus to winning. Considered the quintessential running novel, runners will recognize their own choices and dilemmas in the story and will be inspired by the revelations of Cassidy as he commits to his goals.

A Beautiful Work in Progress by Mirna Valerio

Mirna Valerio is used to standing out on the running trails, where she works to disrupt the stereotype of the skinny, white runner through body-positivity and a commitment to finishing the race. Combining honestly, laughs, adventures, and frank discussions of the dominant culture of the running world, Valerio will inspire you to lace up your shoes and hit the road.

Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance by Alex Hutchinson

The science of what the body can endure is explored from every angle in this book. Hutchinson looks at mental stamina, oxygen depletion, and hydration, among other facets of training, to discuss the science of running and winning. By studying what it means to push the human body to the limit, Hutchinson provides runners with both useful and academic information for their own training.

Marathon Woman: Running the Race to Revolutionize Women’s Sports by Katherine Switzer

Switzer was the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, dodging race directors and angry spectators who tried to force her off course to finish. In 2017, she ran the race again, at the age of 70, as another accomplishment in a lifetime of advocating for women in sports. Recounting her groundbreaking achievements and her work to support female athletes, she shares the story of both of her marathon triumphs in this groundbreaking portrait of a pioneer in women’s running.

Strong: A Runner’s Guide to Boosting Confidence and Becoming the Best Version of You by Kara Goucher

Sharing what she’s learned from her Olympic appearances and her longtime, running career, Goucher invites leaders in the world of sports psychology to share their secrets for helping athletes become both physically and mentally stronger.

The Run Walk Run Method by Jeff Galloway

A major concern of runners, especially distance runners, is avoiding injury. Jeff Galloway developed his run-walk-run method of marathon training to support runners looking for a lower impact training plan that still allows them to get in marathon running shape. Including sample plans based on goal times, workouts to incorporate in your training, and answers to common problems, this is a great guide for runners who want to tackle the marathon in a balanced way.

26 Marathons: What I Learned About Faith, Identity, Running, and Life from My Marathon Career by Meb Keflezighi

Meb Keflezighi is an Olympian, Boston marathon winner, and all-around legend in the running world. Over the course of 26 marathons, he has learned some important lessons about overcoming challenges and dealing with the unexpected, and in this book he takes readers along on each of these races. Learn about his training, how he’s inspired by his faith, and what his best and worst racing moments were in this memoir of an incredible career.

Mighty Moe: The True Story of a Thirteen-Year-Old Women’s Running Revolutionary by Rachel Swaby and Kit Fox

In 1967 women’s running was barely acknowledged, with women still banned from most major racing events. Meanwhile, 13-year-old Maureen, or Mighty Moe, was busy breaking records in small races around her Toronto home. While Mighty Moe excelled in the sport, it also brought controversy and stress to her life and she dropped out of the running world two years later. Swaby and Fox have pieced together her story, in this inspiring biography that tells a little known story in the development of women’s distance running.

Running Home: A Memoir by Katie Arnold

As a reporter on extreme feats of athleticism, Katie Arnold was used to witnessing others climb mountains, complete races, and pull off other daring feats. After her father’s death from cancer, she turned her observations on her self and started running as a means of dealing with grief and stress. Confronting her own fear of death, she began training, eventually running ultra marathons and finding healing along the way.

Good to Go: What the Athlete in All of Us Can Learn from the Strange Science of Recovery by Christie Aschwanden

If you’ve ever been curious about the latest trends and rumors in recovery science, pick up this enlightening book by Christie Aschwanden. Aschwanden tackles everything from cryotherapy to whether “recovery beer” is a thing. Centering around the question of how the body can recover in order to maximize performance, the book provides a straightforward look at how the body heals and what we can do to help.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running: A Memoir by Haruki Murakami

When thinking about the life and work of acclaimed writer Haruki Murakami, running is not necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. You may not know that Murakami is a dedicated runner who has trained for the New York City Marathon, but after reading this journal-style book about his progress in the sport, you’ll see how running and writing intertwine for this literary master.

Run the World: My 3,500-Mile Journey Through Running Cultures Around the Globe by Becky Wade

Olympic hopeful Becky Wade traveled to nine countries to explore their running cultures and communities. Comparing the training approaches, miles logged, and unique habits of runners around the world, Wade investigates the similarities and differences between the paths of some of the world’s best runners on this unique global tour of a worldwide sport.

Running for My Life: One Lost Boy’s Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games by Lopez Lomong

A sobering memoir of violence, running, and life. Lopez Lomong went from a Lost Boy of Sudan to a Nike-sponsored Olympian, and he tells the highs and lows of his life in this inspiring story of overcoming some of the most extreme odds to achieve your dreams. A harrowing look at the turmoil in Lomong’s home, this book will amaze you with Lomong’s dedication to both his own goals and to helping others achieve their’s.

Jog On: How Running Saved My Life by Bella Mackie

Bella Mackie made a deal: use running to help her combat depression and anxiety and try to do it without giving up her love of ice cream. Sharing her own thoughts and the advice she received from doctors, coaches, and friends, Mackie blends humor and research to share how running saved her life and motivate you to take steps to help you feel that your own life is back on track.

Can’t Nothing Bring Me Down: Chasing Myself in the Race Against Time by Ida Keeling

Ida Keeling isn’t just a 104-year-old runner from the Bronx who has smashed world records and inspires those in her community. She also weathered the Great Depression, fought in the Civil Rights Movement, and began running at the age of 67 after the brutal murder of her sons. Using running as a means to cope with anger and grief, Miss Ida, as she’s known to her neighbors, shows us how to rebuild in times of tragedy and that you’re never too old to try something new.

Whether you’re running for stress relief, health reasons, to set a new P.R., or just because it feels fun, hopefully one of the authors above will help you feel more motivated and knowledgable about your running than ever!

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