Running is exhilarating. Addictive, even. But to first-timers it can be anything from a nuisance to plain torture. Running beginners who wish to learn all there is to know about running can read books written about this sport and hobby, one that’s so popular there are millions of enthusiasts getting up for a run even in the middle of the night. Keep reading to find out more about eReflect’s list of must-read running books to keep you motivated to stick to this health-boosting habit.
“The Science of Running: How to find your limit and train to maximize your performance” by Steve Magness
A runner’s book with overwhelmingly positive reviews online. The Science of Running is a no-nonsense, research-grounded book by elite coach Steve Magness.
The book explains how each person can achieve their maximum performance and how understanding your own body’s limitations and potential can fine-tune your training. The book reads well in that it perfectly combines science with practical advice.
“Born to Run” by Christopher McDougal
An exhilarating read by best-selling author Christopher McDougal, Born To Run’s argument is that running is not really a passion or a desire people have, it’s a necessity that dates back thousands of years. Running is a quintessential human attribute and function, one that McDougal argues is partly what makes us human.
“The Competitive Runner’s Handbook” by Bob Glover and Shelly-Lynn F. Glover
Created by expert runners Glover and F. Glover, this handbook is exactly that: a book that shows you how to become a competitive runner in anything from a 5K race to a marathon.
The book provides practical advice on how to create workouts and increase cardio endurance and offers handy tips and spreadsheets for designing tailored running schedules.
“Running On Empty: An Ultramarathoner’s Story of Love, Loss, and a Record-Setting Run Across America” by Marshal Ulrich
A book devoted to the runner’s psyche and endless reservoir of human willpower. This is a book that celebrates the overwhelming power of ultra-runners, a special tribe of people who despite all odds and despite their body wanting to let go, stubbornly continue to put one foot ahead of the other, carrying on.
“The Runner’s Rule Book – Everything a Runner Needs to Know and then Some” by the Editors of Runner’s World and Mark Remy
This book with over 100 running rules is a fine collection of the underlying philosophies as well as the physical aspects that permeate running. A perfect gift for the unitiated or a friend who got it all wrong.
The book oscillates between tongue-in-cheek rules to more life-saving ones. The book offers practical wisdom that can make the running realm much more well-functioning and rewarding for all.
“The Runner’s World Cookbook” by Joanna Sayago Golub and Deena Kastor
A book showing the deep interrelatedness of food and running performance. Golub and Kastor have put together a collection of recipes that are easy and delicious and, most importantly, boost the runner’s performance.
With 150 easy and quick to prepare recipes, the cookbook is a must-have in every runner’s kitchen!
“Running for Women” by Kara Goucher
What’s so important about gender that a book has to be dedicated to women’s running?
As professional runner Kara Goucher reveals, a lot. This book is a complete collection of running tips and nutrition advice, as well as other important women-related issues like how women can run during and after a pregnancy and the best ways to incorporate running in a woman’s life and not disturb its balances.
Reading one or some of these running books will help you understand your body better, learn more about the art and science of running, and find out how the two can be put together to help you become a competent, fulfilled runner.
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