21 Best Running Books: Keep Up With These Top Reads

Discover our guide with the best running books that will inspire you to hit the road with your running shoes.

Newbie runners and familiar marathoners have one thing in common: they’re both trying to better themselves through physical activity. With many benefits for both physical and mental health, running has become a go-to form of exercise for many people. However, sometimes, runners can hit a wall with their training and look for insights from experienced runners and coaches.

Table of Contents

1. Endure: Mind, Body and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance by Alex Hutchingson

Today, we’ve access to more fitness data than ever before. But do you know how to use this data effectively to improve this sport? Jack Daniels’ book covers these issues. It’s arguably the most data-driven running book available, and Daniels adopts a scientific approach to training. Learn more about Exercise and Creativity).

He examines the current fitness levels of individuals. The author also defines the exact speed and intensity for individual running workouts. No matter your experience, speed, or distance, this book offers good insights into the sport. Check outDaniels’ Running Formulaon Amazon; click here.

“Don’t compare yourself to other runners; focus on your own fitness and performance.”

Jack Daniels

3. The Art of Running Faster By Julian Goater

The selection of running books below will help you become a better runner

There are all types of running competitions to compete in. Some runners sprint. Others prefer triathlons. Some runners opt for Tough Mudders or Spartan races. But the marathon endures as a gold standard. If you’re running your first marathon, it’s a tough but fun challenge. Most running books can help with that.

But what if you want to treat a marathon as a race? You need a different mindset. How can you shave those crucial minutes off your marathon personal best? That is where Advanced Marathoning is helpful.

This book is for seasoned runners who’ve completed several marathons. As well as offering advanced training programs, the book guides recovery, hydration, nutrition, peaking, and tapering. Check out Advanced Marathoningby Pete Pfitzinger on Amazon; click here.

“Mind is everything; muscle, pieces of rubber. All that I am, I am because of my mind.” So said Paavo Nurmi, the Finn who won nine Olympic gold medals at distances from 1,500 meters to 10,000 meters.”

Pete Pfitzinger

5. Running Form: How to Run Faster and Prevent Injury By Owen Anderson

This excellent running book covers Benzie’s journey as a long-distance runner and later a teacher of the sport. It also describes how you can improve your running form and technique. Check out The Lost Art of Runningon Amazon; click here.

“After leaving America and deciding very early in my coaching career that in order to unearth the secrets of how our species is designed to run I would need to analyze and film athletes from all over the world.”

Shane Benzie

7. Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall

Once a Runner by John L. Parker Jr. is a classic novel) that documents the story of Quenton Cassidy, who grew up in the complex and stressful world of elite college running. Parker captures the highs and lows of elite running and the huge amount of physical and psychological pressure it exerts on people.

Arguably, what makes this book so exciting and valuable for runners is its exploration of a runner’s mentality. It’s a bizarre hobby whereby pain becomes enjoyable, and a constant need to get faster can dominate above all else.

Whether you’re a runner or not, this book will draw you in with its brilliant storytelling about a unique runner’s early life.

Read Once a Runnerby John L. Parker Jr. on Amazon; click here.

“Running to him was real; the way he did it the realest thing he knew. It was all joy and woe, hard as diamond; it made him weary beyond comprehension. But it also made him free.”

John L. Parker Jr.

9. Anatomy for Runners: Unlocking Your Athletic Potential for Health, Speed, and Injury Prevention by Jay Dicharry

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by the legendary Japanese writer) Haruki Murakami explores a long-distance runner’s thought process. Murakami explores the connection between thinking, running, and writing, making it an extremely relatable book if these hobbies interest you.

The book follows Murakami along his train of thought during long-distance runs. In the process, he explores themes of self-discipline, dedication, and pain, all familiar to runners.

Murakami’s books are globally popular, and it’s interesting reading him on a topic that at first appears mundane compared to some of his more fantasy-style books). However, this is far from a mundane read, especially if you’re a runner. Check out What I Talk About When I Talk About Runningon Amazon; click here.

Read What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami on Amazon.

“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”

Haruki Murakami

11. ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running by Danny Dreyer and Katherine Dreyer

Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runnerby Dean Karnazes is a first-hand story of an ultramarathon runner. Karnazes is an extreme runner who has participated in some of the most grueling runs in the world.

The book covers one of Karnazes’ most ambitious running adventures that saw him run 50 marathons in 50 days across the United States. It’s a brutal story that forces readers to question how far human endurance can be pushed.

The author effectively conveys the physical and mental elements of running repeated marathons and offers readers plenty of opportunities to reflect on their running experiences. It became a best-seller shortly after being published and has received great reviews from The New York Times. Check out*Ultramarathon Man *on Amazon; click here.

“Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.”

Dean Karnazes

13. The Perfect Mile: Three Athletes, One Goal, and Less Than Four Minutes to Achieve It by Neal Bascomb

My Life on the Run: The Wit, Wisdom, and Insights of a Road Racing Iconby Bart Yasso and Kathleen Parrish is an account of Bart Yasso, an exceptional runner and adventurer. The book details Yasso’s craziest adventures, including running in Antarctica and Nepal.

The book is a refreshing change from the general seriousness of most running books, as Yasso’s humor and wit are present throughout. His ability to find reasons to smile even when he’s at his limits is endearing and inspirational.

Beyond telling a great story, the book is a practical guide. It gives plenty of tips on becoming a better runner and a happier person. Check out My Life on the Run: The Wit, Wisdom, and Insights of a Road Racing Icon by Bart Yasso and Kathleen Parrishon Amazon; click here.

“Never limit where running can take you. I mean that geographically, spiritually, and of course, physically.”

Bart Yasso

15. Feet in the Clouds: A Tale of Fell-Running and Obsession by Richard Askwith

The Science of Running: How to Find Your Limit and Train to Maximise Your Performanceby Steve Magness is a fairly science-heavy book about the biology of running. Like some of the other science-oriented books in this list, this one will help you improve on your personal bests.

The book offers several approaches to improving as a runner; they are the following:

• Science: A deep dive into the biology and chemistry behind running.

• Training: A guide to optimizing your training methods with practical advice and professional insights.

• Injuries: Injury recovery and prevention are also covered by the book.

• Data: Several ways of logging data and analyzing it to improve training and running are outlined by Magness.

This is an excellent read for serious runners. If you love the science behind running and take training seriously, then Magness’ practical guide will be a welcome addition to your bookshelf.

Check out The Science of Running: How to Find Your Limit and Train to Maximise Your Performanceon Amazon; click here.

“Running is about finding your inner peace, and so is a life well lived.”

Steve Magness

17. Runner’s World Complete Book of Running: Everything You Need to Run for Weight Loss, Fitness, and Competition by Amby Burfoot

The Lore of Runningby Tim Noakes is one of the most successful running books. It covers just about every aspect of running, from physical to biological. Noakes combines storytelling with the science of running like few others have managed.

Interestingly, unlike similar titles, Noakes also takes a deep dive into the history of running, which helps the title avoid taking on a textbook feel despite containing plenty of science chapters.

In addition, it’s also full of practical advice related to training and nutrition.

This book is widely considered a must-read for runners. It’s packed with practical advice and offers a brilliant historical running narrative. Check out The Lore of Runningon Amazon; click here.

“Running is real and relatively simple… but it ain’t easy.”

Timothy Noakes

19. Racing Weight: How to Get Lean for Peak Performance by Matt Fitzgerald

Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victoryby Deena Kastor and Michelle Hamilton is a personal memoir about Deena Kastor, a legendary US runner. She traveled the world participating in some of the most challenging long-distance events.

The book explores Kastor’s mindset. It efficiently portrays the mental strength required to compete at the highest levels for years. Kastor’s story combines pure mental power with humor.

The book drives home the idea that a positive mindset is critical for long-distance running, and Kastor’s ability to find joy even in the most challenging circumstances goes home. If you’re looking to be inspired before your next marathon or race, Kastor’s story won’t disappoint. Check outLet Your Mind Runon Amazon; click here.

“I had discovered that happiness is possible not in spite of hardship but because of it.”

Deena Kastor

21. Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running With My Dog Brought Me Back From the Brink by Nita Sweeney