This blog will give you a little introduction as it was actually one of the running books I read that made me want to read more running motivation books… and now I'm talking about reading this book to keep motivation high too! Are you still following me?
To take a step back, one of the things I try to prepare for when training for a marathon is the inevitable ups and downs of motivation. By reading the book “The Runner's Brain, a Runner's World” by Dr. Jeff Brown, I came up with a few strategies to keep running at the forefront of my mind. I'll be sharing a few of these little nuggets on my Instagram over time, but this blog will focus on running motivation books!
Books I've read
The runner's brain
It had to come first because that's why I plan on reading more running books this marathon cycle! This book focuses on psychological strategies for motivation, performance, dealing with injuries, and more. Written by the psychologist who works at the Boston Marathon every year (early in the book he goes into detail about his role in the event), it provides valuable information on anything and everything you need from a sports psychology perspective. Packed with information from well-known athletes, a new look at goal setting, and more, this book is full of practical advice on how to run better and happier.
Buy It Now:
Running with the Kenyans
Runner's World contributor and journalist Adharanand Finn is on a mission to find out what makes Kenyan runners so fast. So he moved to Iten to train with the locals and see if he could keep up! He completely immerses himself in Kenyan life and describes it all in this inspiring book. It's full of surprises, fun to read, and it's definitely on my wish list to reread since I first read it years ago when I bought it as a Christmas present. The latest edition contains a chapter on the 2012 Olympics, which unfortunately isn't included in my copy, but that doesn't mean I'll be buying it again!
Buy It Now:
Books on my reading list
Born to run
I don't think I could have written this post without including this book – it's probably one of the most famous running books out there. Written by ultrarunner Christopher McDougall, the book focuses on a “mysterious tribe of Mexican Indians” who are considered the best distance runners in the world. The book sparked a massive barefoot running movement, something I don't necessarily want to follow, but I hope it at least makes me want to pound the pavement when I'm not feeling enthusiastic!
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Hanson's marathon method
The book behind the plan I'm pursuing. It may seem strange that I decided on the plan without reading the book, but I actually found a lot of valuable information on the Luke Humphrey website, his podcast, and other runner blogs. The reason for the book is to learn as much as possible about the plan: the purpose of each run, how to adapt it to my schedule and my LIFE, more details about how and why it works… knowledge is power, right?! So when the plan gets tough, hopefully I'll have enough background knowledge to really understand what I need to do to be successful. I have to admit that what I've learned so far is a really interesting read, so I'm looking forward to really digging into the book.
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Books on my shopping list
Tradition of running
Another cult classic in the world of running books: This book deals in detail with scientific findings on the subject of running. With advice on injury prevention and treatment, strength and flexibility training, nutrition, performance, etc., this book seems to be a one-stop shop for everything you need to know. I haven't ordered my copy yet and will see how far I get with the previous copies, but it's at the top of the list mainly because it's so well known! The new version will also be updated, which is great to hear as the science evolves every year.
Buy It Now:
Eat and run
I think a lot of people have watched the Netflix documentary Game Changers recently and it seems to have sparked a bigger movement towards vegan/vegetarian diets than anything else of its kind. I won't comment too much on the documentary as I haven't had a chance to look at the research yet, but some big names in running swear by a vegan diet…ever heard of Rich Roll?! Anyway, another leader in running books, this book by Scott Jurek, another incredible ultrarunner, describes how he believes the vegan diet is the key to his success. There are also plenty of inspiring stories about endurance. I'm kind of excited about it.
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What's on your bookshelf?
So these are the ongoing books that I have read/I am reading/want to read. Have you ever read any of these? Do you have any on your bookshelf waiting to be turned? Let me know in the comments!
Bonus book… Cook, eat, run
I couldn't write this post without including a little plug for my friend Charlie's new recipe book Cook, Eat, Run – which came out just after Christmas. It features over 70 recipes for runners, many of which are vegetarian, as well as homemade fuel for on the go and guest recipes from elite runners. I pre-ordered a copy to give me some ideas for fuel for marathon training. You can order it now:
