Reading about running is the next best thing to actual running.
During the hard weeks of my marathon training, when the long runs get even longer, I love reading about people running ultra marathons in extreme heat or running in the mountains of Kenya and Ethiopia to help inspire me and put my training plan into perspective.
So here are my absolute favourite, must read brilliant running books about running that I recommend you buy immediately and read as soon as possible.
Born to run by Christopher McDougall
The crazy story of a band of elite ultra runners brought together by the mysterious caballo blanco (white horse) to run an ultramarathon in the Mexican desert and compete against the best of the Tarahumara tribe of gifted endurance runners. Credited with reigniting the barefoot running trend, this is a fast paced entertaining ride with amazing characters including the legendary Scott Jurek. Contains the recipe for Iskiate, a chia seed and lime pre run snack that I now can’t do without.
The lost art of running by Shane Benzie
Benzie digs deeper on some of the arguments in Born to run about our natural and genetic predisposition to running. He explores the science of ideal form and technique while interviewing runners and experts to bring his theory to life with a very practical guide to perfecting your own running. This book definitely helped me become a faster and more efficient runner.
Running with the Kenyans by Adharanand Finn
The first of Finn’s trio of running books, he moves his young family to Iten in Kenya to immerse himself in the running culture and discover the secret of Kenya’s running success while at the same time training to run a marathon in Kenya.
Out of thin air - Michael Crawley
Crawley moves to Ethiopia and joins local runners as they chase their dream to join the elite of distance runners. Crawley describes in detail the hardships of everyday life and the unique style of group training runs in high altitude locations. It is a compelling story told with real sensitivity that draws out the challenges and culture shocks when Ethiopian runners start to compete in big city marathons around the world.
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