Running Tips

4 running books to keep you motivated

September 20, 2022 | 2 min. read By Emilia Benton

No matter how much you love running, virtually every runner deals with a lack of motivation at some point or another. There are various things you can do to try to get your mojo back — watch a race on TV, spectate a local one in person, or pick up one of the many quality running books on the market today.

Here are four of our favorite running books, written by professional runners and experts, and covering everything from global running communities and wholesome recipes to fuel your training to challenging strategies that will unleash your best running self.

1. Run the World: My 3,500-Mile Journey Through Running Cultures Around the Globe

In this book, elite marathoner Becky Wade chronicles her year-long journey exploring running communities across the world. Her quest to understand how other cultures view the sport leads her to nine countries, 72 host families, and over 3,500 miles ran.

2. Master the Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide for Women

There are numerous running books and marathon training guides out there, but only a few of them specifically cater to the needs of women. In this book, author and journalist Ali Nolan consults with seasoned experts to help female runners, from beginners to experts, prepare, train, and hone in on their best and strongest marathon yet.

3. Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow.: Quick-Fix Recipes for Hangry Athletes

If you're a runner, chances are someone has told you that you're lucky you can get away with eating whatever you want because you'll just run it off anyway. That isn't necessarily true: Solid nutrition is important for everyone — especially if you want to be running your strongest. In the second installment of their cookbook series, former professional runner Shalane Flanagan and her college teammate Elyse Kopecky provide dozens of wholesome meals that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less to fuel you both pre- and post-run.

4. Feel-Good Fitness: Fun Workout Challenges to Inspire Your Fitness Streak

If you're in a running rut and signing up for a race doesn't feel inspiring, this book by Olympian Alysia Montaño might be just the ticket. Her guide provides several fun, convenient, and 100% achievable fitness challenges that the author herself used at the peak of her professional career — some that are only 30 minutes long and all of which only take three to four weeks to complete.

Unwavering support