More time on your hands means more opportunity to read, and get motivated to stay fit.
Be inspired and pick up some valuable insight with these top running reads.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Running With The Kenyans: Discovering The Secrets Of The Fastest People On Earth
In 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Written by Nick Harris-Fry for Coach and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
Featured image provided by Coach
Find similar articles
Inspiration
