Running Books - A Selection of the Best Books About Running

This section is devoted to the best running books.
Now, I have read so many running books. Certainly all the books in this section. And many more. I just don't have the time to review all of them in depth, but I still hope that this section serves you well if you are interested in books about training, marathoning, books for beginners or good running books for readers.


The best books about running get discussed in this section. My reviews are quite lengthy, but I want to make sure that you know what you get yourself into when you buy something.

Running Book Reviews

daniels running formula

Daniels Running Formula

This book has been my running bible ever since I started running. One of the best running training books around.

advanced-marathoning

Advanced Mara-
thoning

Top book about the marathoning. As the title suggests, this is not "just" about finishing a marathoning, this is about racing it and achieving your best time.

born to run book review

Born to Run Book Review

Born to Run is a fantastic read. It tells the story about the Tarahamuri tribe, a tribe of ultra-runners, barefoot running shoes, the writer's quest to get healthy and much more in one inspiring story.

what i talk about when i talk about running

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

Beautiful book from the acclaimed Japanese novelist Murakami.

running quote

Best Running Books :: Running Training





Daniels' Running Formula (book review) - one of the best books about running training
Jack Daniels
Daniels' Running Formula Book Cover
Daniels explains thoroughly but understandably why we need to do multi-speed running training if we want to maximize our performance.

I am not the only one claiming this is one of the best running training books out there. Read the full book review by clicking on the link or on the book cover.

Pablo's E-Mail



"Hi Dominique,

On a recent trip to the US, and following your advice, I bought the book Daniels' Running Formula.
Excellent stuff!
Thanks so much for recommending it.
I have gone half way down, and it is a real "bible" for all us runners.
Thanks again!"

Pablo
Buenos Aires, Argentina




Road Racing For Serious Runners
Pete Pfitzinger and Scott Douglas
Road Racing for Serious Runners

Another great book from the hand of Pete Pfitzinger and Scott Douglas, the makers of Advanced Marathoning (see below)

This book covers, race distance by race distance, the important elements of your running program. It is a bit bulkier than Daniels' Running Formula.

I found this a great addition to Daniels' Running Formula.

I think you'd be wise to get Daniels first, read it and study it and then get Road Racing for Serious Runners to see another perspective.

Much of it points in the same direction, but hearing the same story from a different perspective often helps in building up your knowledge.

infographic running books


Best Running Books :: Marathon


Advanced Marathoning (Book Review)
Pete Pfitzinger and Scott Douglas

Advanced Marathoning Book Cover
The book for you if you do not just want to finish a marathon, but if you want to race it.

You will find lots of golden nuggets in this book; it is comprehensive and very useful.

The training plans are 12, 18 or 24 week plans and cover a range of mileages from a peak of 55 miles per week and up.


Best Running Book :: Beginners


No Need for Speed
John Bingham

No Need For Speed Book Cover
"The Penguin" as Bingham is called explains that the greatest joy of running does not come from how fast you go or how thin you become, but from simply having the courage to start running.

In four parts (Inspiration, Perspiration, Dedication and Celebration) he shares a lot of practical and inspirational views with the beginning runner.

My wife got this book. She runs for fitness purposes, but doesn't really feel the drive to run races or be competitive about it.

It is an easy, accessible book. Not for you if you want structured running programs to make you faster. This one you read just out of enjoyment.

I'd say it is a good one if you just want to learn a bit more about running without feeling that you have to compete.

Best Running Book :: Reading



Born to Run (Book Review)
Christopher McDougall
born to run cover
Great, great, inspiring running book. It is about a quest to find out more about the mysterious Tarahamuri tribe in the Mexican Copper Mountains.

This tribe consists of nothing but long-distance runners. What is it in their food, in the way they live that makes them such extraordinary athletes?

Christopher McDougall finds out a whole lot about them and about why we are born to run. Very inspirational. If you are in a bit of a runner's lull, then read this book and I guarantee that you will put on those running shoes again!

Worked for me!

Running With The Buffaloes
Chris Lear
Running With the Buffaloes Book Cover

As a former Ram (Colorade State University Student) I have had to take some time to acknowledge that this book about the cross-country team of the Buffaloes (University of Colorado Students) is a great read... :)

The book covers the highlights and the tragedies in a running season. It covers training aspects, but more than that, it focuses on the social bonds between college runners who dedicate their young lives to running.

Well Done, Buffaloes.

There, I've said it, and it doesn't even hurt.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (Book Review)
Haruki Murakami
What I talk About When I Talk About Running Book Cover

Haruki Murakami is a great writer. He is seen as one of the more innovative writers of the last two decades.

His work has been translated in many different languages and he has won several awards and prizes for his work.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is a great look into the writer's personal life as a runner and observer.

It's not like "Born to Run" or "Running with the Buffaloes" which are all about running.

I'd describe the previous two as great running books written by good writers.

I'd describe Murakami's book as a great novel written by a great writer, which features running in it...

Hmm, hope I have sort of made clear what I am talking about when I am talking about running books... .:)



Hope this section helped you. I have culled it and kept it to the few books that are really worth their while, in my humble opinion. Hope this helped you find the running book you need!


Home > Running Books


Like this page:


Share this page:
Follow Best Running Tips:


What's New?

  1. In the Army - Improving my 2 Mile Time

    I am a 36 year old male who just joined the army. I have not run any long distance so I tried on my own to train and was doing ok but my times are still

    Read more

  2. Marathon Diet - Improve Nutrition to do Better at the Marathon

    I have got a question about my marathon diet. I have been an athlete all my life; mostly a runner, but cycle long distances sometimes. I am training

    Read more

  3. Beginners Running Program 3 - Go from 0 to 30 Minutes of Running in 12 Weeks

    beginners-running-program-03.jpg
    The third beginners running program of Best Running Tips might be the best one. It is definitely the most popular. Get from couch to 30 minutes of solid running in only 12 weeks!

    Read more

  4. Calories Burned Calculator - Calculate the Calories Burned While Running with This Calculator

    This calories burned calculator calculates the calories burned while running, based on your weight and the distance you ran.

    Read more

  5. Asthmatic Non-Runner With a Need to Run - 1.5 Miles in 13 Minutes

    Truth be told I am NOT a runner. I can walk a 14 minute mile all day. But running, not me. I have had asthma since I was a child - severe through all

    Read more

  6. Second Half Marathon in a Month - Should I Run It or Not?

    Hi, I ran a half marathon a month ago, but have not done any great distances since, 6 miles max. I'm thinking of doing a half marathon this Sunday

    Read more

  7. Running a 5k - Can I Be Faster at 30 Than I Was at 18?

    I started running at 13 in high school. I ran cross-country, indoor and outdoor track. My track coach was very informed and my PRs were 800 - 2:22,

    Read more

  8. Faster Minute Mile for 5K races

    I'm 40 years old and I started to run consistently four months ego. My running pace went from 9 minutes miles to 7:30 minute miles in a 5k. Is it realistic

    Read more

  9. I Need a Good Marathon Running Program

    I am devastated. I ran my second marathon last weekend. I ran a marathon six months ago as well, but at about the 19-20 mile mark my legs cramped up...

    Read more

  10. Is 20 to 30 Training Miles Enough to Run a Half Marathon

    I have been a committed runner for a year and a half now and have completed two half marathons with over a dozen 10k races! I have been keeping running

    Read more