Whether you’re a newbie to jogging or a dab hand at ultra-marathons, here are some inspiring running books to cheer you on your way.
Born to Run: The Hidden Tribe, the Ultra-Runners, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
Christopher McDougall
This is the epic tale of the Tarahumara tribe of Mexico and of the ever-elusive runner Caballo Blanco – the ‘White Horse’. Christopher McDougall somehow finds himself taking part in a 50 mile race through Mexico’s Copper Canyons with these renowned but secretive ultra-runners. A story of human endurance that defies belief and a love letter to barefoot running, I found myself joyfully gallivanting all over the place as soon as I finished it. (Although I’ve yet to give up my beloved trainers.)
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
Haruki Murakami
What I Talk About… is a book for writers as much as it is for athletes, but this in no way diminishes its allure as a running book. Better known for his oeuvre of surreal and dark novels, here Murakami focuses on running as the activity that fuels his writing; one wouldn’t exist without the other. His tenacious efforts often focus on competitive marathons and triathlons around the world, so this is one for readers who prefer a challenging run to a leisurely jog. Whatever your preference, though, Murakami is living testament to the positive effects of running on the mind, body and soul.
Your Pace or Mine: What Running Taught Me About Life, Laughter and Coming Last
Lisa Jackson
Reading this book was a huge relief for me. I’m a slow runner, and while I can plod along for quite a distance, I’ve always been terrified of entering races lest people point and laugh at me as I trundle last over the finish line. Jackson – and all the people interviewed throughout her book – relishes running at any speed, and this book is a reminder that even finishing a marathon last is an amazing achievement. Read it if you dream of running but are too good at persuading yourself it’s a bad idea. Your Pace or Mine will persuade you otherwise.
Running With The Kenyans
Adharanand Finn
Finn decided to move his family to Kenya for one reason: to discover the secrets of Kenyan runners. His intention was to use any information imparted by the people of Iten to improve his own running, which (spoiler alert) he does. But, unfortunately for us Westerners, their success is not easily mimicked. Their barefoot commutes, their diet, the altitude: it all plays a part. Running With The Kenyans is such an intriguing glimpse into a community who’s daily life so often depends on running, and Finn recounts their tenacity and skill with unbridled admiration. And it doesn’t just make you want to run – it makes you want to hop on a plane to Kenya, too.
Don’t Stop Me Now: 26.2 Tales of a Runner’s Obsession
Vassos Alexander
Just thinking about this book makes me smile. Maybe it’s because of Alexander’s adorable running companion, Holly the black Labrador; maybe because running is a family affair for him; or maybe because he writes so joyfully about running while still being realistic about its hardships. But the main appeal of Don’t Stop Me Now is how relatable it is; Alexander was a normal guy who wanted to get fitter, so he did something about it. Like Your Pace or Mine, this is a book to read if you want an undaunting and friendly push into the world of jogging. You’ll be running marathons in no time.
Lucy, Stanfords Bristol Bookseller