The 11 best inspiring running books to read now

 

There’s an abundance of great running books out there, so which book should you pick up first? (Hint, one of these inspiring running books.)

You’ll find these best running books will inspire, provide valuable training tips, and make you laugh at the realities of being a runner. (And if you’re a new runner, you might like the best running books for beginners.)

Let’s dive in.

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THE 11 BEST RUNNING BOOKS TO READ NOW

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

Have you ever wanted to glimpse into the mind of a world-class marathoner? You can with 26 Marathons and it turns out, even those running at a 5:00 min/ mile pace face the same challenges as any other runner—overcoming the urge to quit, balancing running and family, and managing uncomfortable moments while running.

All in all, this is a quick and insightful read about marathoning and life.

A Beautiful Work in Progress by Mirna Valerio

“This body is fierce, beautiful, and unapologetic. It’s meant to move through the world as it wishes: Lifting, walking, and running, rolls and all.” – Mirna Valerio

If you’ve ever told yourself that you’re not a runner because you’re not ‘enough’—fast enough, skinny enough, you name it—then ultra marathoner Mirna Valerio will prove you wrong.

In her witty book, A Beautiful Work in Progress, Mirna shares her running journey and on breaking stereotypes. Because, she stresses, “physical fitness is not the exclusive purview of people who appear to be physically fit. Get outside, show up for yourself, and show your body to the world.” We’re built to move, to be active—even when you don’t see the point of it, or when you don’t see results. You owe yourself great health and wellness.

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

Raise your hand if anyone’s ever told you ‘running’s bad for your knees’ and ‘people weren’t meant to run’.

That’s exactly what the doctors told Christopher McDougall, the author this book, when he’d went in to seek relief from a foot injury. Those weren’t the answers McDougall was looking for, though. After all, some runners seem to be built to run. And injury-free, no less. How on earth do they do it? You’ll find out as the author travels to uncover the secrets to ultra-running with the Tarahumara tribe.

Eat and Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness, Scott Jurek and Steve Friedman

Ultrarunner Scott Jurek’s journey is two-fold; one is his journey to becoming an ultra runner and the second, his shift toward veganism. But it isn’t all about Jurek, in this book, you’ll find valuable running tips along with the vegan recipes that help Jurek stay healthy.

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

This book doesn’t focus solely on running. Instead, it’s one that explores the research of endurance—from ultra runners, to cyclists, and free divers. Alex Hutchinson, a journalist who spent almost a decade digging into the science of performance, explores the book’s main question: Do our limits lie in our body or our mind? The results are surprising.

How Bad Do You Want It?: Mastering the Psychology of Mind over Muscle, Matt Fitzgerald

Any endurance athlete looking to unlock their potential needs to read this book.  In How Bad Do You Want it, Matt Fitzgerald uses stories—from runner Jenny Barringer to Australian triathlete Siri Lindley to illustrate important mental fitness lessons.

One of the most useful tips for racing is the concept of ‘bracing yourself’, where you’ll tolerate a higher level of pain when you expect it to hurt. You’ll find more information about bracing yourself in this post, How to Dig Deep in a Race.

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

In Let Your Mind Run, American marathoner Deena Kastor recounts her running history and cultivating a winning mindset. But it isn’t all about Kastor. You’ll find valuable mental tips runners (or any endurance athlete) can use to perform to yield more strength and speed.

Mile Markers: The 26.2 Most Important Reasons Why Women Run, Kristin Armstrong

In Mile Markers, Kristin Armstrong shares why she runs and what she’s learned through her running journey. Running isn’t always about staying fit and healthy, though it’s a welcome side benefit. It’s also the quickest path to clarity, a quiet time to reflect and reassess, and reminds us of our deepest hopes and dreams.

North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail by Scott Jurek

Ultra runner Scott Jurek needed another impossible challenge. This time, it was to run and break the speed record of the 2,189-mile Appalachian Trail. To do so, he ran close to 50 miles every day, tackling jagged peaks, dense forest, and adverse weather. But…why? For a chance to push against the edges of his abilities and to do something hard.

The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances, The Oatmeal (Matthew Inman)

If you haven’t read this book, then you’re missing out. A quick, illustrated read, this book is one of the most hilarious and accurate descriptions on why we run long distances. And once you’ve read it and decided that you’re a fan? Good news, you can run the races. And yes, there will be cake.

Work In: The Athlete’s Plan for Real Recovery and Winning Results by Erin Taylor

We know it’s important to run, but how many of us prioritize rest and recovery? Other than a quick foam rolling session and refueling, recovery often takes a backseat to running. But in Work In, you’ll read compelling reasons why recovery via yoga and meditation will help you focus, manage pain, and settle your mind.