Credit: Courtesy of publishers
Strong Women
7 brilliant books about running to read when you’re low on motivation
By Lauren Geall
3 months ago
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4 min read
From powerful memoirs to inspirational how-to guides, check out our pick of the best running books to read when you’re low on motivation or just want to immerse yourself in the sport.
Every runner struggles with motivation from time to time, but one thing that’s likely to get you back out pounding the pavements is revisiting your ‘why’. Whether you run for your mental health, to get fitter or see it as an opportunity for ‘me time’, remembering why you run will give you the oomph you need to get going.
And the same can be said for learning more about why others run. Running is a sport that offers so many benefits for so many people, and you might just discover a new method, technique or approach that helps to improve your running in the process.
A great way to do this is by picking up a book about running. There are so many brilliant ones out there by pro- and hobby-runners alike, so you’re sure to find one that piques your interest and gives you a new perspective. To give you some inspiration, we’ve put together this list of seven of our favourite books about running.
Born To Run by Christopher McDougall
Strong Women editor Miranda Larbi is always quick to recommend this book to new and seasoned runners alike, and for good reason. Part-adventure story, part-guide book, it incorporates stories from across the globe – from the Tarahumara tribe in Mexico, said to be the best distance runners in the world, to scientists at the labs in Harvard – to explore the relationship between humans and running and why we really are born to run.
Good For A Girl: My Life Running In A Man’s World by Lauren Fleshman
Lauren Fleshman has seen the running world from all angles: she was the most decorated collegiate athlete of all time before becoming national champion as a professional and then a coach for elite young female runners. All that experience means she’s learned a thing or two about women’s and girls’ experiences in the world of sport, and in this book, she uses that experience to reflect on her journey and what might come next for women in running.
Shop Good for a Girl: My Life Running in a Man’s World by Lauren Fleshman at Bookshop, £10.99
Jog On: How Running Saved My Life by Bella Mackie
Often described as a ‘love letter to running’, Jog On is a hilarious and unfiltered memoir from journalist and author Bella Mackie that explores just how powerful running can be. After ending her 20s divorced and struggling with her mental health, Mackie started running on a whim – and found it had a transformative impact. With contributions from doctors, psychologists, sportspeople and friends, the book is the perfect motivator for anyone who wants to use – or is already using – running to look after their mental health.
Shop Jog On: How Running Saved My Life by Bella Mackie at Bookshop, £10.99
All You Need Is Rhythm And Grit by Cory Wharton-Malcolm
Perfect for beginners or anyone struggling with their running confidence, this guide by coach Cory Wharton-Malcolm provides advice on everything from the practical to the psychological, including how to utilise your mind-body connection to become a better runner. Reflecting on his own experiences, Wharton-Malcolm fights back against the idea that some people ‘can’t run’ with this inclusive, encouraging guide.
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
Haruki Murakami may be known for his bestselling fiction work, but What I Talk About When I Talk About Running gives readers a closer look at the man behind the words. Part-memoir, part-travelogue and training diary, the book sees Murakami reflect on his relationship with running from 1982, when he first started running to keep fit, to his experience training for the 2005 New York City Marathon and beyond. Philosophical, practical and playful, it’s an enjoyable read whether you’re a fan of Murakami’s novels or not.
Shop What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami at Bookshop, £9.99
Eat, Drink, Run: How I Got Fit Without Going Too Mad by Bryony Gordon
If the idea of running a marathon currently feels equal parts terrifying and exciting, this is the book for you. After discovering how impactful running was for her mental health, journalist and author Bryony Gordon decided to sign up for the London Marathon. Just years before, she had never imagined she could be a runner, and this book follows her as she fights back against similar limiting beliefs in a bid to reach her goal. Hilarious, moving and full of hope, this book is a reminder of just how transformative running can be.
Shop Eat, Drink, Run: How I Got Fit Without Going Too Mad by Bryony Gordon at Bookshop, £12.99
Runner’s High: How To Squeeze The Joy From Every Step by Jenni Falconer
This practical book from RunPod host Jenni Falconer is all about making the most of your runs. Packed with research and stories from fellow runners, the guide contains helpful advice for beginners and seasoned runners alike, with tips for building your running routine, overcoming setbacks and discovering the joy of running slowly. It’s a brilliant reminder of all the benefits running can offer and how we can make the most of them.
Shop Runner’s High: How to Squeeze the Joy From Every Step by Jenni Falconer at Bookshop, £16.99
Images: courtesy of publishers
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