We know that everyone is trying to level up and gain those 1%s where possible. Reading is becoming more popular, especially those books that are going to help you achieve your goals!
Running books go beyond simple training tips, offering a deeper look into the mental, emotional, and personal journeys that shape athletes. Whether it’s the story of an Olympic champion or an everyday runner overcoming adversity, these books inspire and motivate readers by sharing the highs and lows of the sport. They provide valuable lessons on resilience, perseverance, and the mindset needed to achieve success. For runners at all levels, these stories offer not only practical insights but also a sense of connection through shared struggles and triumphs. Here's a few you might want to take a look at!
Born To Run explains the natural benefits of long-distance running, and how you can become a better runner too, based on several years of research, experiences, and training. It gives you an insight into how to do this all without getting injured. A very educational read with clear information and history on running.
Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory by Deena Kastor and Michelle Hamilton is an inspirational memoir chronicling Kastor's journey as an elite runner. The book explores how Kastor transformed her mental approach to running and life, harnessing the power of positivity and self-belief to achieve athletic success. Through personal stories, she details her mindset shift, which led to numerous victories, including an Olympic bronze medal and American records. The memoir emphasises the importance of mental strength, resilience, and a growth-oriented mindset, making it a powerful read for athletes and anyone looking to overcome challenges.
Run Like Duck is the ultimate guide for the new runner. It provides relatable experience for all runners. It provides the bridge between comedy and actual running advice that can help you become a better runner.
This book allows you to look beyond your everyday life and gives you an insight into how to live your life more adventurously. Whilst this book isn't specifically about running, as runners, we all know that the hardest part about going for a run and this book allows you to move from the 9-5 and teachers you to live between 5-9.
Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman is a powerful memoir that delves into her experiences as a professional female runner. Fleshman illuminates the challenges women face in the male-dominated world of sports, addressing critical issues such as body image, inequality, and the intense pressures of elite competition. While confronting these obstacles, she also celebrates the strength and resilience of female athletes. The book serves as both a personal narrative and a compelling critique of the broader athletic culture, aiming to inspire change and empower women in sports.
David Goggins, the running inspiration. Can’t Hurt Me is a story of a man who came from nothing. A man who, like Rich Roll above, altered his life’s trajectory to become the ‘Fittest (real) man in America’. The story centres around Goggin’s theory ‘The 40% Rule’, which details how the vast majority of us only tap into 40% of our mind and body’s capacity. We'd recommend the audiobook which features exclusive live commentary from the man himself.
Choosing to Run by Des Linden is a memoir chronicling her journey to becoming the first American woman in 33 years to win the Boston Marathon in 2018. Linden shares the highs and lows of her running career, from near-retirement to achieving a historic victory in grueling conditions. The book offers an intimate look at her perseverance, mental toughness, and the strategic decisions that shaped her success. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Linden illustrates the power of resilience and the choice to persevere, regardless of the obstacles faced.
8. Shoe Dog - Phil Knight
This is simply on the list because we feel that everyone needs to know this story. The rise of Nike and how it came from nothing. This story is wholesome however still demonstrates that everyone starts from somewhere. It portrays the struggle of starting a business, the effects this has on relationships and the impact of having relationships with the stars. A good read!
The Longest Race by Kara Goucher is a compelling memoir that explores her life as a professional runner, highlighting her struggles both on and off the track. Goucher candidly shares her experiences with injuries, personal challenges, and the intense pressures of elite competition. She also reveals the difficulties she faced when speaking out against abuse and corruption in the sport. This book offers an honest look at the resilience needed to navigate the highest levels of athletics, providing insight into the complexities of being both an athlete and an advocate for change.
