You blink, and four months of 2023 flew by just like that. Man, we set some lofty goals for myself in January. How about you? If you’re falling behind on your quest, fear not. It’s never too late to get back on track.
And here are five incredible books that will surely elevate your stoke level for running. If you’re more of a podcast person, here are our audio entertainment recommendations. For Youtube users, here are several running channels that will inspire you to go out and get it done.
Without further ado, here are our book picks:
Running the Dream: One Summer Living, Training, and Racing with a Team of World-Class Runners Half My Age
Don’t we all dream about training like a pro? Author Matt Fitzgerald lived the dream and documented his experience in this entertaining and inspirational book. In his mid-forties, he spent a summer with one of the premier distance running teams in the US, Northern Arizona Elite. He ran, ate, and trained alongside professionals to break his marathon PB as a middle-aged yet still highly motivated runner.
Kings of the Road: How Frank Shorter, Bill Rodgers, and Alberto Salazar Made Running Go Boom
Author Cameron Stracher takes you back to the days of legends – three runners who many credit for the US running boom in the 1970s. Packed with goosebump-inducing recounts of their running battles as well as educational tales for running history buffs. It’s a must-read if you’re a student of the sport.
Amazing Racers: The Story of America’s Greatest Running Team and its Revolutionary Coach
Cross-country fuses inspirational coaching and intersects with stoic philosophy and blends running motivation. Author Marc Bloom takes us on the journey of coach Bill Aris, coach of the Fayetteville-Manlius High School cross-country dynasty. Pick up this book and meet the incredible men and women that have passed through the historic program.
Inside a Marathon: An All-Access Pass to a Top-10 Finish at NYC, Featuring a new Boston Marathon Chapter
The title says it all. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Scott Fauble became the best US marathoner. Written by Fauble and his coach Ben Rosario, this book lets readers into the minds of the athlete and coach and how they navigate the highs and lows while preparing for marathon majors. Extremely entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny at times.
Iron War: Dave Scott, Mark Allen, and the Greatest Race Ever Run
We saved the best for last. Also written by Matt Fitzgerald, this book follows the fierce rivalry between triathlon OGs Dave Scott and Mark Allen, including the epic 1989 Ironman World Championship at Kona. The author also weaved in historical milestones of triathlon’s rise as a popular participant sport. It’s entertaining, educational, and gripping. If you only pick one of the five, this is my top recommendation.
