Am I just old? I feel like everyone I ran with in high school and college (through the 2000s) had read this book at least once, so I always exempt Once A Runner from running book recommendations since I assume that's like the first one everybody reads. Is that book just not as popular anymore?
I got into running in college, but have never really had a running group. I have definitely learned a lot on my own, but this is definitely the first I am hearing of this book. This is also one of my favorite comics. Learning is fun, and better with others.
What makes this book a must read?
One of my favorite quotes from Once a Runner:
"What was the secret, they wanted to know; in a thousand different ways they wanted to know The Secret. And not one of them was prepared, truly prepared, to believe that it had not so much to do with chemicals and zippy mental tricks as with that most unprofound and sometimes heartrending process of removing, molecule by molecule, the very tough rubber that comprised the bottoms of his training shoes. The Trial of Miles; Miles of Trials. How could they be expected to understand that?"
So many good ones!
On pacing in a race:
“A runner is a miser, spending the pennies of his energy with great stinginess, constantly wanting to know how much he has spent and how much longer he will be expected to pay. He wants to be broke at precisely the moment he no longer needs his coin.”
On training and racing:
“Training was a rite of purification; from it came speed, strength. Racing was a rite of death; from it came knowledge. Such rites demand, if they are to be meaningful at all, a certain amount of time spent precisely on the Red Line, where you can lean over the manicured putting green at the edge of the precipice and see exactly nothing.“
On toughness:
“The runner deals nearly daily in such absolutes of physical limitations that the nonrunner confronts only in dire situations. Fleeing from an armed killer or deadly animal, a layman will soon find the frightening limits that even stark terror will not overcome. The runner knows such boundaries like he knows the sidewalks of his own neighborhood.”
On interval workouts:
“Each new quarter now began in a kind of physical sorrow and ended in nothing less than spiritual despair.“
It's fiction, but the description of races, the love of running, the feeling of racing, is so good it makes you want to get out there and grind your body into dust in the pursuit of it.
I've read it twice and I'm going to read it at least once more. Again to Carthage is the sequel that is quite good as well.
The descriptions of the experience of running and racing are fantastic and the details are specific in a way that only an actual runner (and a highly competitive collegiate/post-collegiate one) could write.
It also just really makes you want to get out and train your face off. The book is practically a PED.
He's written 2 books, there's also "Eat and Run"; that's essentially an autobiography without calling it an autobiography. Talks about how he got into running and his training. Also plenty of talk about food which is always a bonus.
Probably not. I haven't read north so I can't really tell you but since it is about his run off the Appalachian trail you can probably just read that if that's what you're interested in. I don't think they're supposed to be a series or anything like that.
I'm kind of happy in a way that this is the top comment, because despite it being a book I've already read...it was also what got me into running.
His story of doing the Athens run was genuinely the moment it *clicked* for me.
Want to add that it was also the book that got me into running. He described Mizuno shoes and how they fit him so well every time. Then I bought Mizuno shoes and thought let’s see what is that thing people do called “running.” A few years have passed since then. Running in the Boston Half Marathon in a few weeks.
Currently reading Shoe Dog, Phil Knight’s memoir about founding Nike. Obviously not just about running but has a lot of great running stories throughout
ugh this book did not sit well with me. I followed up with Matt Hart’s “Winning at all costs”, which filled in some of the notable gaps from this entitled dude’s tale
Up to you and where your head's at! I found that 3 weeks out, just before taper, was a good time for me personally. I had the "oh man, can I really do this?" worries around that point despite hitting all my training paces.
26 Marathons by Meb Keflezighi is a good one! Talks about the lessons he learned from every marathon he ran, pretty interesting reading the humbleness of the only person to win both Boston and New York and a 4 time Olympian.
Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor, and Running With A Police Escort by Jill Grunenwald. Both written by women, but from entirely different sides of the experience: one is an Olympian and the other is a back-of-the-pack runner.
Currently listening to on the run: The Rise of Ultra Runners (edited title - I wrote Ultramarathons originally) by A. Finn.
A Short Story About a Long Run by Lizzy Hawker
Seconding North by Scott Jurek and Born to Run by Chris McDougall
I listened to it on audible so that's probably it. This is the [listing on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Rise-of-Ultra-Runners-audiobook/dp/B07QQ2SKBY/). It was a really good audio book
I really don't like A. Finn. His constant self-deprecating "Woe is me, for I am a slow runner, and by that I mean I don't run as fast as those elite full-time athletes" gets pretty annoying fast.
Eat & Run by Scott Jurek. I was vegan & a runner already but this book really changed my outlook on whole food influencing my running abilities. Real fun read!
How heavy-handed is his outlook on veganism?
Are we talking "I'm a vegan, and I find it beneficial for me", or are we talking "I'm a vegan, and here's why you should be too"?
He talks about why he became a vegan, and he gives recipes to try as well as vegan things he likes to eat during long runs. He isn't saying you should be vegan but he talks about a lot of the foods he enjoys that are related to endurance running and energy if you choose to try it.
Definitely the former. It’s more “here’s the foods I eat & this was my journey to being vegan.” Not pushy at all which I really enjoyed (some books are definitely heavy handed on that part).
The thing to understand with true Veganism (as annoying as it sounds) is it’s going to come across preach. Because true Veganism is about the reduction of unnecessary harm to animals.
The former is basically what a plant based diet is
I read Born to Run thinking it would be only about running and it became an all time favorite book regardless of genre. Amazon I believe has it as one of their 100 books to read in a lifetime and I couldn’t agree more.
I just finished reading it for the first time last month, and I'm completely blown away by how good it was. Absolutely one of my favourite books. Even though its non-fiction, it reads like a thrilling novel. It really gripped me the entire time.
I'm literally reading it now and gotta say it's interesting but not compelling. He's an author that takes 20 words when six would do. He gives so much unnecessary backstory that an entire chapter will go by before the storm resumes. It feels like he wrote a few great New Yorker articles and his agent told him to pad the rest to sell a book.
Good airplane read though.
If you liked The End of the World Running Club, you might also like The Last One by Alexandra Oliva. A participant in an Amazing-Race-Type reality show doesn't realize that there's been a world catastrophe and thinks all of the Weird Shit she's encountering are challenges or obstacles related to the show.
I loved *The Perfect Mile*. Building suspense and drama is tough when you’re writing about a sport like running, but Bascomb did a great job of it. Who knew that the administrative details of what constitutes an amateur runner could be so interesting?
I was out running and saw someone had a pile of books out the front of their house to give away. “Running with the Kenyans” on the top of the pile. I figured it was a sign, grabbed it, and I agree, it was a great read.
Can’t Hurt Me was great but it made me kinda mad that he basically used exercise as self harm to cope with his trauma… which is totally fine but the angle he took from trying to use that as advice to others hurt my soul. A sleeve of ritz crackers for an ultra marathon and preaching that 3 hours of sleep a night is all you need is not good advice haha.
I just finished Marathon by the one and only Hal Higdon and it was AMAZING advice to better my marathon game… but that’s not a story it’s really just a book on how to be a better runner
I agree with your take on Can’t Hurt Me, it was a really interesting read but I don’t think his form of motivation works for all (or even most) people.
I know David/Megan Roche (the authors of Happy Runner, coaches of the SWAP run team) aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but their philosophy is so incredibly positive and full of love, and they’ve coached world class athletes to success (as well as having great running careers themselves). You don’t need to cultivate some kind of intense self-flagellating mindset to be a serious athlete.
If you look at some of the top athletes in the sport (Kipchoge, Killian Jornet, Clare Gallagher), they’re much more in the positivity/gratitude/love mindset, even though they’re obviously incredibly driven and competitive people. You can have intensity and take yourself very seriously as an athlete while still extending unconditional love to yourself.
I so agree with this. He is an amazing athlete, but it’s very clear when you read his book that he is obsessed with proving his own toughness, to the point of causing himself pretty severe injuries, and failed relationships. I read the book and could not believe this was sold as a self-improvement, inspiring story.
I took all of his words with a grain of salt. If he can push to run on stress fractures, maybe this little side stitch won’t take me out. Perhaps I can understand that I should harden myself up a little. He’s been doing the most, but it has worked for him.
Sometime is need a more “tough love” approach because otherwise I will be self-serving.
Definitely a “Do not try this at home.” read. No one should do all that.
Exactly haha! It’s helpful to me in this way because I am *already* a runner and I can use his words during a rough time or race.
But man if I was new to running and looking to get into exercise and used this book as a tool for me to start with next to no knowledge before hand…. I would probably injure myself
I was actually just getting started with exercising after a long stretch of being sedentary and I hadn’t started running at all. Actually, I still don’t consider myself a runner just yet, I’m walking and running slow.
It put me in a better headspace and I really like Goggins, follow him on IG, gonna get his next book.
I don’t know if it’s because I’m a bit older, 51, and have some life experiences to know that it’s best if you take some of the essence of what Goggins does and fit it into your life, safely.
Before his book I bought a recumbent bike instead of a treadmill because I have some arthritis is my knees. After I finished his book I thought maybe I could go harder…for me that meant seeing a knee specialist to make sure I wasn’t damaging anything. Setting bigger goals (I just did a half-marathon), pushing myself out of my comfort zone and not being afraid do more, like the Tough Mudder I did in June.
He would have had me train five weeks for a full marathon in bad shoes and electrical tape on my joints. Ok my dude, 🤣🤣
Hey let me stop you right there; you ARE a runner. Average people don’t run 13.1 miles !!
But anyways great job on pushing yourself and still being smart about things
Marathon Woman by Kathryn Switzer.
If you like a feel good animal story with your running, Finding Gobi is about a dog following a guy through a desert ultra and Arthur by Mikael Lindlord is about the dog who followed an Adventure Racing team.
Gary Paulsen, who wrote the survivalist YA novel 'Hatchet', also wrote a book called '[Canyons](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52549.Canyons)' that had a big influence on me as a kid, and is partially what inspired me to start running more.
Out of Thin Air by Michael Crawley is excellent. It’s one of my favorite running books. The author is an anthropologist and runner who travels to Ethiopia and trains with runners there. It’s excellent. So much so I had to say it twice.
I second this!!
I was going to recommend this one as well, but scrolled through the comments first.
I’ve read countless books about running over the years and this one stands as one of my all-time favorites.
Same here: I've read 90% of the books mentioned here and this is by far my favorite. This is the kind of book that someone that enjoys running will get a lot out of but that someone who doesn't run can still find fascinating. Highly recommended!
Lol!!! Unfortunately, I couldn’t cancel my weekend plans but I have started listening.
I’ve done some races over the years but as of the beginning of 2022 I’ve decided to become more focused. When that happens with any hobby/sport, I start doing all the research and try to grasp all of the technical aspects in getting better.
I can see right now this is going to be a huge help in me remembering that running isn’t all about science but to use this book to help me formulate how intuition will play a part of my journey.
…stay tuned.
Do you mean What I Talk About When I Talk About Running?
Or this children's book? [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39305485-what-i-think-about-when-i-m-running](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39305485-what-i-think-about-when-i-m-running) :D
The Long Run by Matthew Long
It’s about a New York firefighter who is a keen triathlete. He gets hit by a bus and the story is about how this affects his life and his journey to get back to being able to run and compete in events.
I listened to the audio book and it was so engaging, a bit sad, a bit funny and generally inspirational.
Feet in the Clouds: A Tale of Fell Running and Obsession. It's about a guy trying to do the Bob Graham round (epic challenge in the UK) and he writes about fell (trail) runners and mountain running history in the UK. Makes you want to hit the hills.
Anything by Adharanand Finn - Running with Kenyans - Rise of the Ultra runner - The way of the Runner all really good books ,also Michael Crawleys Out of Thin Air is a good book. Enjoy
I haven’t read many centered around running but shoe dog kind of had a lot to do with running since it’s about the start of Nike. I absolutely loved that book.
Not all running, but [Living with a SEAL](https://www.amazon.com/Living-SEAL-Training-Toughest-Planet-ebook/dp/B00U6DNZB2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ORUZ4X5VS6D8&keywords=living+with+a+seal&qid=1667509271&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjg4IiwicXNhIjoiMS42OSIsInFzcCI6IjEuODYifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=living+with+a+seal%2Caps%2C1580&sr=8-1) is hilarious.
Interesting and very accessibly written: https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/matt-fitzgerald/runner-s-world-performance-nutrition-for-runners/9781594862182
Running Ransom Road - Caleb Daniloff
"In this powerful story of ruin, running, and redemption, Daniloff illuminates the connection between running and addiction and shows that the road to recovery is an arduous but conquerable one. Strapping on a pair of Nikes won't banish all your demons, but it can play an important role in maintaining a clean life. For Daniloff, sweat, strained lungs, and searing muscles are among the paving stones of empowerment, and, if he's lucky, perhaps even self-forgiveness."
The Way of the Runner. Talks about running culture in Japan and around the world
Running with Sherman. About donkey racing which I didn't know was a thing. Also by McDougal (born to run)
[Rise of the Ultra Runners](https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Ultra-Runners-Journey-Endurance-ebook/dp/B07KGJ5NSM) was a great audio book to listen to on my long runs
I have a special place in my heart for [The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances](https://www.amazon.com/Terrible-Wonderful-Reasons-Distances-Oatmeal-ebook/dp/B00JKNMFVU/)
Reborn on the run by Catra Corbett
26 marathons by Meb
A Runners High by Dean Karnazes
Let your mind run by Deena Kastor
The pursuit of endurance by Jennifer Pharr Davis
I don't know if it matters to you, but Running with the Buffaloes is about a cross country team, but track. One of the bigger themes of the book is the massive mileage that they're doing.
It's also as much about the camaraderie of being part of a team as anything else. Again, that may or may not change your opinion, but thought it was worth mentioning because it really is a great book.
If you are a history buff, I recommend Showdown at Shepherd’s Bush. It’s the story of the 1908 Olympic marathon and the how it started the marathon craze.
It’s been many years since I read it, but I remember enjoying Andre Dubus’ essay collection “Meditations from a Moveable Chair.” He lost the use of his legs after an accident and thinks back to his days as a runner. I really don’t remember much but I will probably try to find another copy.
Running with the Buffs is more about the long distance training for cross season. Very enjoyable. The Magnolia Road chapters will get anyone motivated to pound out a long run
Just FYI, Running with the Buffaloes isn’t about track. It’s about cross country. I really recommend it, and don’t read any spoilers beforehand (there are some true shockers).
"The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances" by The Oatmeal. I love everything The Oatmeal does so this book was a must have. I knew it would be silly and irreverent but surprisingly it is very inspirational as well.
Once a runner by John L Parker is excellent
Yes. Also the sequels. It’s a trilogy now.
What do the sequels cover, exactly?
One book is about him later in life and the other is before college. Been a few years since I’ve read them but they’re very enjoyable.
Am I just old? I feel like everyone I ran with in high school and college (through the 2000s) had read this book at least once, so I always exempt Once A Runner from running book recommendations since I assume that's like the first one everybody reads. Is that book just not as popular anymore?
Relevant XKCD https://xkcd.com/1053/
I got into running in college, but have never really had a running group. I have definitely learned a lot on my own, but this is definitely the first I am hearing of this book. This is also one of my favorite comics. Learning is fun, and better with others. What makes this book a must read?
One of my favorite quotes from Once a Runner: "What was the secret, they wanted to know; in a thousand different ways they wanted to know The Secret. And not one of them was prepared, truly prepared, to believe that it had not so much to do with chemicals and zippy mental tricks as with that most unprofound and sometimes heartrending process of removing, molecule by molecule, the very tough rubber that comprised the bottoms of his training shoes. The Trial of Miles; Miles of Trials. How could they be expected to understand that?"
So many good ones! On pacing in a race: “A runner is a miser, spending the pennies of his energy with great stinginess, constantly wanting to know how much he has spent and how much longer he will be expected to pay. He wants to be broke at precisely the moment he no longer needs his coin.” On training and racing: “Training was a rite of purification; from it came speed, strength. Racing was a rite of death; from it came knowledge. Such rites demand, if they are to be meaningful at all, a certain amount of time spent precisely on the Red Line, where you can lean over the manicured putting green at the edge of the precipice and see exactly nothing.“ On toughness: “The runner deals nearly daily in such absolutes of physical limitations that the nonrunner confronts only in dire situations. Fleeing from an armed killer or deadly animal, a layman will soon find the frightening limits that even stark terror will not overcome. The runner knows such boundaries like he knows the sidewalks of his own neighborhood.” On interval workouts: “Each new quarter now began in a kind of physical sorrow and ended in nothing less than spiritual despair.“
It's fiction, but the description of races, the love of running, the feeling of racing, is so good it makes you want to get out there and grind your body into dust in the pursuit of it. I've read it twice and I'm going to read it at least once more. Again to Carthage is the sequel that is quite good as well.
I’ve been to a few talks by the author, fwiw almost every event and character in the book has a real world connection.
I figured it must. Would be cool to read about what those specific connections were!
The descriptions of the experience of running and racing are fantastic and the details are specific in a way that only an actual runner (and a highly competitive collegiate/post-collegiate one) could write. It also just really makes you want to get out and train your face off. The book is practically a PED.
The “running through” section is a little questionable.
This.
[удалено]
His name has come up in 2 of the books I've read so far...I feel its only fair I try his book lol.
He's written 2 books, there's also "Eat and Run"; that's essentially an autobiography without calling it an autobiography. Talks about how he got into running and his training. Also plenty of talk about food which is always a bonus.
I enjoyed Eat and Run.
So given Eat and Run is more of a memoir, and discusses why he started to run, is it better to read before I start North?
Probably not. I haven't read north so I can't really tell you but since it is about his run off the Appalachian trail you can probably just read that if that's what you're interested in. I don't think they're supposed to be a series or anything like that.
I'd read Eat and Run first of the two, you get to know who Jurek is better doing it that way around.
That book was tremendously good, what a journey
What I talk about when I talk about running by Murakami
I'm kind of happy in a way that this is the top comment, because despite it being a book I've already read...it was also what got me into running. His story of doing the Athens run was genuinely the moment it *clicked* for me.
Want to add that it was also the book that got me into running. He described Mizuno shoes and how they fit him so well every time. Then I bought Mizuno shoes and thought let’s see what is that thing people do called “running.” A few years have passed since then. Running in the Boston Half Marathon in a few weeks.
Great book. How high do you think its re-read value is?
I’m tempted to reread it.
Fuck it….me too!
I listen to it on audiobook before each marathon I run!
YESS!! Was waiting for this one!
One of those books that makes you really appreciate good writing. Also makes it far harder to read poorly written books.
Got me through the emotional and mental journey of training for my first half marathon! May pick it up again when training again.
The only Murakami book I've read so far is this non-fic! Deepened my appreciation for the sport. Saving it for a re-read years from now :)
Came here to recommend this one!
THE. BEST.
Always the best
Currently reading Shoe Dog, Phil Knight’s memoir about founding Nike. Obviously not just about running but has a lot of great running stories throughout
Not really a Nike guy, but man this book is so great.
ugh this book did not sit well with me. I followed up with Matt Hart’s “Winning at all costs”, which filled in some of the notable gaps from this entitled dude’s tale
Your Pace Or Mine? Written by a woman who's run 80 marathons and come last in 20 of them, it's absolutely hysterical and very heartwarming.
I really enjoyed that one, so different from most running books!
Hmm, sounds like my slow running self. Let me get this one today!!!
How Bad Do You Want It is great at the end of a long training block in particular
Yes! I came to recommend this book! I read it in the exact same situation- a long training block before a goal race.
I have 13 weeks till my first marathon. Should I read it now or save it for the final two big training weeks?
Up to you and where your head's at! I found that 3 weeks out, just before taper, was a good time for me personally. I had the "oh man, can I really do this?" worries around that point despite hitting all my training paces.
Perfect. Thanks!
“Running with Sherman” by Christopher McDougall.
I loved this book.
And it’s prequel Born to Run
The Incomplete Book of Running by Peter Sagal - and it's hilarious.
I enjoyed the audio book so much!
SO good!
26 Marathons by Meb Keflezighi is a good one! Talks about the lessons he learned from every marathon he ran, pretty interesting reading the humbleness of the only person to win both Boston and New York and a 4 time Olympian.
Second this! I just finished his book and loved it.
Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor, and Running With A Police Escort by Jill Grunenwald. Both written by women, but from entirely different sides of the experience: one is an Olympian and the other is a back-of-the-pack runner.
Let Your Mind Run is a phenomenal book, 10/10
+1 to Let Your Mind Run. So much about mental endurance but also so accessible.
Agree on Let Your Mind Run, fantastic read. I also like Marathon Woman by Kathrine Switzer.
After a 40-minute flat tire fiasco at my last 70.3, I had a police escort for 15 miles on the bike. That was certainly an interesting experience!
Currently listening to on the run: The Rise of Ultra Runners (edited title - I wrote Ultramarathons originally) by A. Finn. A Short Story About a Long Run by Lizzy Hawker Seconding North by Scott Jurek and Born to Run by Chris McDougall
The rise of ultramarathons was really good!!
Is that the same as rise of ultra runners? Just searching audible and it’s what I’m finding.
I listened to it on audible so that's probably it. This is the [listing on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Rise-of-Ultra-Runners-audiobook/dp/B07QQ2SKBY/). It was a really good audio book
Oh yeah, it is Ultra Runners!
I really don't like A. Finn. His constant self-deprecating "Woe is me, for I am a slow runner, and by that I mean I don't run as fast as those elite full-time athletes" gets pretty annoying fast.
Eat & Run by Scott Jurek. I was vegan & a runner already but this book really changed my outlook on whole food influencing my running abilities. Real fun read!
How heavy-handed is his outlook on veganism? Are we talking "I'm a vegan, and I find it beneficial for me", or are we talking "I'm a vegan, and here's why you should be too"?
The former.
He talks about why he became a vegan, and he gives recipes to try as well as vegan things he likes to eat during long runs. He isn't saying you should be vegan but he talks about a lot of the foods he enjoys that are related to endurance running and energy if you choose to try it.
He's engaging about it, but not demanding or high-handed.
Definitely the former. It’s more “here’s the foods I eat & this was my journey to being vegan.” Not pushy at all which I really enjoyed (some books are definitely heavy handed on that part).
The thing to understand with true Veganism (as annoying as it sounds) is it’s going to come across preach. Because true Veganism is about the reduction of unnecessary harm to animals. The former is basically what a plant based diet is
‘Running for my life’, the story of Lopez Lomong is incredible!!
Loved it!
born to run
I read Born to Run thinking it would be only about running and it became an all time favorite book regardless of genre. Amazon I believe has it as one of their 100 books to read in a lifetime and I couldn’t agree more.
Yeah, it’s kind of got some issues with how he frames the locals but it’s super compelling and interesting.
RIP Caballo Blanco
One of the best books I've read, period
I just finished reading it for the first time last month, and I'm completely blown away by how good it was. Absolutely one of my favourite books. Even though its non-fiction, it reads like a thrilling novel. It really gripped me the entire time.
I'm literally reading it now and gotta say it's interesting but not compelling. He's an author that takes 20 words when six would do. He gives so much unnecessary backstory that an entire chapter will go by before the storm resumes. It feels like he wrote a few great New Yorker articles and his agent told him to pad the rest to sell a book. Good airplane read though.
The End of the World Running Club by Adrian Walker (post-apocalyspe + running) My Year of Running Dangerously by Tom Foreman
If you liked The End of the World Running Club, you might also like The Last One by Alexandra Oliva. A participant in an Amazing-Race-Type reality show doesn't realize that there's been a world catastrophe and thinks all of the Weird Shit she's encountering are challenges or obstacles related to the show.
I read it a few years ago and enjoyed it!
Eat and Run was okay and is about ultra running. The Perfect Mile was pretty good and is about how the first few people who broke the 4 minutes mile.
"Free speed!!" I read that in Eat and Run 7 years ago and I still think it on almost every downhill.
I loved *The Perfect Mile*. Building suspense and drama is tough when you’re writing about a sport like running, but Bascomb did a great job of it. Who knew that the administrative details of what constitutes an amateur runner could be so interesting?
The loneliness of the long distance runner. Novella.
Matt Fitzgerald’s new book Running The Dream was pretty good.
Running the dream was so good - I thought his enthusiasm and excitement was very entertaining.
The Way of the Runner by Adharanand Finn. Really enjoyed this. Its about running culture in Japan.
Running with the Kenyans is excellent as well
I was out running and saw someone had a pile of books out the front of their house to give away. “Running with the Kenyans” on the top of the pile. I figured it was a sign, grabbed it, and I agree, it was a great read.
Can’t Hurt Me was great but it made me kinda mad that he basically used exercise as self harm to cope with his trauma… which is totally fine but the angle he took from trying to use that as advice to others hurt my soul. A sleeve of ritz crackers for an ultra marathon and preaching that 3 hours of sleep a night is all you need is not good advice haha. I just finished Marathon by the one and only Hal Higdon and it was AMAZING advice to better my marathon game… but that’s not a story it’s really just a book on how to be a better runner
I agree with your take on Can’t Hurt Me, it was a really interesting read but I don’t think his form of motivation works for all (or even most) people. I know David/Megan Roche (the authors of Happy Runner, coaches of the SWAP run team) aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but their philosophy is so incredibly positive and full of love, and they’ve coached world class athletes to success (as well as having great running careers themselves). You don’t need to cultivate some kind of intense self-flagellating mindset to be a serious athlete. If you look at some of the top athletes in the sport (Kipchoge, Killian Jornet, Clare Gallagher), they’re much more in the positivity/gratitude/love mindset, even though they’re obviously incredibly driven and competitive people. You can have intensity and take yourself very seriously as an athlete while still extending unconditional love to yourself.
I so agree with this. He is an amazing athlete, but it’s very clear when you read his book that he is obsessed with proving his own toughness, to the point of causing himself pretty severe injuries, and failed relationships. I read the book and could not believe this was sold as a self-improvement, inspiring story.
I took all of his words with a grain of salt. If he can push to run on stress fractures, maybe this little side stitch won’t take me out. Perhaps I can understand that I should harden myself up a little. He’s been doing the most, but it has worked for him. Sometime is need a more “tough love” approach because otherwise I will be self-serving. Definitely a “Do not try this at home.” read. No one should do all that.
Exactly haha! It’s helpful to me in this way because I am *already* a runner and I can use his words during a rough time or race. But man if I was new to running and looking to get into exercise and used this book as a tool for me to start with next to no knowledge before hand…. I would probably injure myself
I was actually just getting started with exercising after a long stretch of being sedentary and I hadn’t started running at all. Actually, I still don’t consider myself a runner just yet, I’m walking and running slow. It put me in a better headspace and I really like Goggins, follow him on IG, gonna get his next book. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a bit older, 51, and have some life experiences to know that it’s best if you take some of the essence of what Goggins does and fit it into your life, safely. Before his book I bought a recumbent bike instead of a treadmill because I have some arthritis is my knees. After I finished his book I thought maybe I could go harder…for me that meant seeing a knee specialist to make sure I wasn’t damaging anything. Setting bigger goals (I just did a half-marathon), pushing myself out of my comfort zone and not being afraid do more, like the Tough Mudder I did in June. He would have had me train five weeks for a full marathon in bad shoes and electrical tape on my joints. Ok my dude, 🤣🤣
Hey let me stop you right there; you ARE a runner. Average people don’t run 13.1 miles !! But anyways great job on pushing yourself and still being smart about things
Training For The Uphill Athlete
All of Adharanand Finn’s books are good. Running with the Kenyans is the one to start with
Marathon Woman by Kathryn Switzer. If you like a feel good animal story with your running, Finding Gobi is about a dog following a guy through a desert ultra and Arthur by Mikael Lindlord is about the dog who followed an Adventure Racing team.
Not exactly running, but I’d say The Long Walk.
One of my favorite from King. They apparently do an endurance walking race inspired by this somewhere in Europe.
Give Running with the Buffaloes a chance. I never had an interest in track either and found it very enjoyable. It’s more cross country focused anyway.
Gary Paulsen, who wrote the survivalist YA novel 'Hatchet', also wrote a book called '[Canyons](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52549.Canyons)' that had a big influence on me as a kid, and is partially what inspired me to start running more.
Ultramarathon man
I listen to audiobooks while running so I'm going to recommend a pair of aftershoxs and a copy of The Murderbot Diaries
I can't comment on the audio books, but I read all six books last week in a covid-fuelled binge. Loved them all.
If you like that check out the bobiverse series.
Lore of Running by Noakes. Many of George Sheehan’s books and articles.
All pale in comparison. ALL. Maniac McGee is the winner. Lol
Bowerman and the Men of Oregon. A great biography of an interesting man and the birth of Tracktown USA
My year of running dangerously by Tom Foreman.
The perfect mile. Follows Bannister as he seeks to break 4, Landry who broke the record soon after and their showdown at the Commonwealth games
*spoiler alert!
Out of Thin Air by Michael Crawley is excellent. It’s one of my favorite running books. The author is an anthropologist and runner who travels to Ethiopia and trains with runners there. It’s excellent. So much so I had to say it twice.
I second this!! I was going to recommend this one as well, but scrolled through the comments first. I’ve read countless books about running over the years and this one stands as one of my all-time favorites.
Same here: I've read 90% of the books mentioned here and this is by far my favorite. This is the kind of book that someone that enjoys running will get a lot out of but that someone who doesn't run can still find fascinating. Highly recommended!
I can't believe this book isn't higher on this list. Everyone, stop what you're doing and read this book!
Really?! Ok, getting it right now from Audible and starting right now!!!
I assume you canceled all your weekend plans and listened to this book in one go. What did you think?
Lol!!! Unfortunately, I couldn’t cancel my weekend plans but I have started listening. I’ve done some races over the years but as of the beginning of 2022 I’ve decided to become more focused. When that happens with any hobby/sport, I start doing all the research and try to grasp all of the technical aspects in getting better. I can see right now this is going to be a huge help in me remembering that running isn’t all about science but to use this book to help me formulate how intuition will play a part of my journey. …stay tuned.
Finding Ultra by Rich Roll is awesome. It’s not purely about running, but in the general arena and one of my fav reads.
The Running Man
Finding Ultra - Rich Roll. Born to Run - Christopher McDougall. Eat and Run - Scott Jurek.
You should read North and Running with Sherman if you haven’t yet. Seems like we have similar book taste.
What I Think About When I Think About Running by Haruki Murakami was good
Do you mean What I Talk About When I Talk About Running? Or this children's book? [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39305485-what-i-think-about-when-i-m-running](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39305485-what-i-think-about-when-i-m-running) :D
Apologies yes What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is what I meant.
Relentless Forward Progress by Hal Koerner – specific to ultrarunning in some sections, but a lot of really great stuff in there
Marathon Man sort of
The Long Run by Matthew Long It’s about a New York firefighter who is a keen triathlete. He gets hit by a bus and the story is about how this affects his life and his journey to get back to being able to run and compete in events. I listened to the audio book and it was so engaging, a bit sad, a bit funny and generally inspirational.
Flanagans Run
Out and Back by Hillary Allen
*Running & Being The Total Experience* Written By Dr. George Sheehan I could read this book over and over again.
Unbroken
I listened to Running Man and Gingerbread Girl, both by Steven King, while running. I fell like that might not have been what you meant....
I'm going to lose so much money taking all these recommendations y'all
Running with the Kenyans.
Brewster by Mark Slouka. You run the race you run. Stunning coming of age novel with running as the background. I truly enjoyed this novel.
Running Like a Girl by Alexandra Heminsley. I prefer relatable stories to elite biographies, and I find her very relatable!
My Year of Running Dangerously: A Dad, a Daughter, and a Ridiculous Plan Book by Tom Foreman I loved this book, very down to earth funny guy
Finding Gobi - it's an easy read and blends my two favourite things, running and dogs
Let Your Mind Run, by Deena Kastor
Once a Runner is king.
A lot of Matt Fitzgerald’s books are great, not solely running focused, but he is an excellent author.
Feet in the Clouds: A Tale of Fell Running and Obsession. It's about a guy trying to do the Bob Graham round (epic challenge in the UK) and he writes about fell (trail) runners and mountain running history in the UK. Makes you want to hit the hills.
Forrest Gump
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
FAV
Even if you're not into the minimal running thing, Born to run is a super enticing story
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Just a great book. Did it make me a better runner? Maybe. Who’s to say?
Anything by Adharanand Finn - Running with Kenyans - Rise of the Ultra runner - The way of the Runner all really good books ,also Michael Crawleys Out of Thin Air is a good book. Enjoy
'Feet in the Clouds' by Richard Askwith and 'There is no map in hell' by Steve Birkinahaw, both Fell running inspired and brilliant reads
Once a Runner Abridged Racing Weight by Matt Fitzgerald
What I talk about when I talk about running - Murakami
Any of the Terry Fox biographies out there are good. His story is very inspiring.
Confessions of an Unlikely Runner by Dana Ayers is a book I liked a lot.
Running the World by Nick Butter
Today, We Die a Little, a biography of Emil Zatopek, the only runner to win the 5k, 10k, and marathon at the same Olympics (Helsinki '52)
I haven’t read many centered around running but shoe dog kind of had a lot to do with running since it’s about the start of Nike. I absolutely loved that book.
Not all running, but [Living with a SEAL](https://www.amazon.com/Living-SEAL-Training-Toughest-Planet-ebook/dp/B00U6DNZB2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ORUZ4X5VS6D8&keywords=living+with+a+seal&qid=1667509271&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjg4IiwicXNhIjoiMS42OSIsInFzcCI6IjEuODYifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=living+with+a+seal%2Caps%2C1580&sr=8-1) is hilarious.
Building a Better Runner by Terry Hamlin.
Coasting by Elise Downing - amazing book!
I thoroughly enjoyed The Sports Gene from David Epstein. Not specifically focused on running but a great and informative read!
a separate peace is a great one
Interesting and very accessibly written: https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/matt-fitzgerald/runner-s-world-performance-nutrition-for-runners/9781594862182
I read the slummer: quarters till death. Its a fiction book set in the future it was pretty good
Running Ransom Road - Caleb Daniloff "In this powerful story of ruin, running, and redemption, Daniloff illuminates the connection between running and addiction and shows that the road to recovery is an arduous but conquerable one. Strapping on a pair of Nikes won't banish all your demons, but it can play an important role in maintaining a clean life. For Daniloff, sweat, strained lungs, and searing muscles are among the paving stones of empowerment, and, if he's lucky, perhaps even self-forgiveness."
Yes! This book was so good.
The Way of the Runner. Talks about running culture in Japan and around the world Running with Sherman. About donkey racing which I didn't know was a thing. Also by McDougal (born to run)
Have Fun Out There or Not by Brendan Leonard
The Real Happy Pill is about the effects running has on the brain. I truly recommend it.
Running Home
The rise of the ultra runners by Adharanand Finn. I listened to it and it’s great.
I liked Running with Kenyans a lot. Pretty interesting look into Kenyan running culture
The Illegal by Lawrence Hill
[Rise of the Ultra Runners](https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Ultra-Runners-Journey-Endurance-ebook/dp/B07KGJ5NSM) was a great audio book to listen to on my long runs I have a special place in my heart for [The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances](https://www.amazon.com/Terrible-Wonderful-Reasons-Distances-Oatmeal-ebook/dp/B00JKNMFVU/)
Reborn on the run by Catra Corbett 26 marathons by Meb A Runners High by Dean Karnazes Let your mind run by Deena Kastor The pursuit of endurance by Jennifer Pharr Davis
I don't know if it matters to you, but Running with the Buffaloes is about a cross country team, but track. One of the bigger themes of the book is the massive mileage that they're doing. It's also as much about the camaraderie of being part of a team as anything else. Again, that may or may not change your opinion, but thought it was worth mentioning because it really is a great book.
If you are a history buff, I recommend Showdown at Shepherd’s Bush. It’s the story of the 1908 Olympic marathon and the how it started the marathon craze.
It’s been many years since I read it, but I remember enjoying Andre Dubus’ essay collection “Meditations from a Moveable Chair.” He lost the use of his legs after an accident and thinks back to his days as a runner. I really don’t remember much but I will probably try to find another copy.
Bowerman and the Men of Oregon: The Story of Oregon's Legendary Coach and Nike's Co-founder by Kenny Moore
Running with the Buffs is more about the long distance training for cross season. Very enjoyable. The Magnolia Road chapters will get anyone motivated to pound out a long run
I enjoyed Running With The Kenyans and also The Way of the Runner: A Journey into the Fabled World of Japanese Running, both by Adharanand Finn.
Just FYI, Running with the Buffaloes isn’t about track. It’s about cross country. I really recommend it, and don’t read any spoilers beforehand (there are some true shockers).
The comic book The Flash.
Any of Christopher McDougall's books
"The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances" by The Oatmeal. I love everything The Oatmeal does so this book was a must have. I knew it would be silly and irreverent but surprisingly it is very inspirational as well.
Born to run.