I'm a big advocate of reading and yes I know some people are going to disagree with me and say "reading sucks" and probably not even read this post, but hear me out. If there's ever a time to read it's now.
This list of books doesn't contain the clique running books like Born a Runner (which I honestly hated) or any training plan intense books that are going to give you a magic series of workouts to make you run faster. These are the books I've found to be the most insightful in terms of helping me become a better runner from providing new information related to the sport and performance in endurance training in general.
How Bad Do You Want It? Mastering the Psychology of Mind Over Muscle
Matt Fitzgerald
Running is a mental game whether we like it or not. Fitzgerald is known as a sports journalist investigating deeply into the world of endurance sports, notably running. In this book, he dives into the psychological side of performance through revisiting athletic performances within endurance sports from running to cycling including Jenny Simpson's shocking final NCAA Cross Country performance. A mix of scientific findings and storytelling How Bad Do You Want It? helps shed light on mental toughness and how much our mental state can impact our performance.
Steve Magness
I've always found myself being the person that asks "why are we doing this?" when it comes to training and this book provides some clarity into the science of training, the effects of running on the body, and more. This was a more recent read for me and instantly transported me back into a classroom setting, which I'm not mad about. Written similar to a textbook, Magness breaks down topics into easy to digest information. This book provides a good base knowledge of running in a world where there isn't that much literature out there for the average person to get a hold of.
Jose Antonio, Suze Favor Hamilton
To say I devoured this book in high school would be an understatement. It opened up my eyes to what goes into being a top athlete and the importance of "living the life of an athlete". Directed toward young female runners it provides a good insight into nutritional needs, issues of body image, and the pressures young women especially face.
Christine Aschwanden
Curios about recovery methods and what ones actually work? Check out this look into what's out there from Normatecs (a personal favorite) to ice baths and isolation tanks as Aschwanden , an avid runner and endurance athlete explores the latest trends and traditional methods of recovery.
Christopher McDougall
Honestly, this book should already be in your bookshelf if you're even marginally into running. It's credited as helping start the barefoot/ minimalist running trend and follows the author's journey to finding answers to relieve his foot injuries via a trip to the Copper Canyons in Mexico where he finds the Tarahumara Indians who essentially ultra marathons in flimsy sandals. Combining scientific research and storytelling, it's an enjoyable and educational read (even if you're not into barefoot running).
Happy Reading!
Comments