Whether you’re new to running or an experienced runner, we can always learn from others and it’s always good to know that others have experienced what we’re going through. Sometimes it’s just good to get some inspiration from those who have done some remarkable things, so we’ve put together a list of books to keep you entertained when you’re not running.
Bella Mackie – Jog On: How Running Saved My Life.
Bella’s book details how running helped her mental health after she realised she needed to do something to help herself. Like all beginners, her first run wasn’t the longest, but setting herself achievable goals she soon became able to run 5K in under 30 minutes. Jog On, is also full of lots of tips and advice to show how exercise can sometimes be the best medicine.
Alexandra Heminsley – Running Like a Girl.
Like many beginner runners, Alexandra decided to go out for her first run wearing unsuitable clothes and trainers, thinking “how hard can this be?” Discovering that running is as much with your head as it is with your legs, courtesy of her dad’s wise words, Alexandra continued her running journey to complete five marathons over two continents.
Bryony Gordon – Eat, Drink, Run: How I Got Fit Without Going Too Mad.
Training for a marathon is not easy, in her book, Bryony talks us through her training for the 2017 London Marathon. From the blisters and the chafing to the mental health benefits of running, Bryony takes us on an emotional rollercoaster during her marathon journey.
Paula Radcliffe – Paula: My Story So Far.
An inspiration to so many, Paula tells us in her passionate take about her career, from her childhood through the difficulties of training, races, and injuries. A real insight into the many races she’s competed in including the London, Chicago, and New York Marathons as well as the Olympics.
Martin Yelling & Anji Andrews – Running in the Midpack.
We are not beginners, neither are we elite runners, we are the midpack! Martin and Anji cover several topics throughout their book highlighting their experiences as runners and as coaches, helping us to become healthy, happy, and successful runners.
Anna McNuff – The Pants of Perspective: One woman’s 3000 kilometre running adventure through the wilds of New Zealand.
Like so many others, Anna liked to run so she could eat cake, but then she heard about the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand, a 3000KM long trail which she decided to tackle alone over 148 days, running up to 52KMs in a day. Anna’s book follows her rollercoaster journey across New Zealand, the people she meets, and the courage she has to continue the journey.
Rachel Ann Cullen – Running for my Life: How I built a better me one step at a time.
Sometimes we find ways of coping with day-to-day life by eating chocolate or turning to alcohol, Rachel, like many of us did just that. Stuck in an endless “rut,” Rachel popped on an old pair of trainers one day, knowing it would hurt but setting out on that run nonetheless changing her life forever.
Lowri Morgan – Beyond Limits.
Lowri Morgan is a Welsh television presenter, adventurer, and ultramarathon runner. In her book Lowri takes us on multiple journeys with her as she tackles some of the most extreme races, pushing her body “beyond limits.” An inspiring read for every runner, teaching us to be the best version of ourselves.
Murakami – What I Talk About When I Talk About Running.
A wonderful, funny, and philosophical insight into Murakami’s journey into running, from taking it up to keep fit, to running from Athens to Marathon, as well as his journey into numerous other races including the New York City Marathon. Murakami talks about the art of running and the satisfaction he gets from distance running.
Phil Knight – Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike.
Nike founder and CEO Phil Knight talks through the early days of the company we now know as Nike, from selling shoes out of his car to the Nike we know today. An interesting, passionate read highlighting the power of a shared mission and how Nike became a brand that changed everything.