The Best Running Books and Our Summer Reading List

10 snips

May 30, 2025

Discover a treasure trove of audiobook recommendations perfect for those long summer runs! The hosts dive into their favorite running books, highlighting key insights on performance and mental health. They discuss inspiring titles like 'Out of Thin Air' and 'Good for a Girl,' along with engaging audiobooks that add motivation to your stride. The conversation also explores the emotional depth of literature, including Neil Gaiman's work, while inviting listeners to share their own recommendations for a literary running journey.

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ADVICE

Use Audiobooks for Motivation

Listening to audiobooks is a great way to stay motivated and entertained on long runs.
Choose books that match your mood, whether educational or purely for enjoyment.

ANECDOTE

Jack Reacher Books Experience

Laura and her husband became fans of the Jack Reacher series via the Amazon TV show.
She started reading the first book despite its rocky narration to enjoy the modern Sherlock Holmes vibe.

ADVICE

Read 'Up to Speed' Book

Read 'Up to Speed' by Christine Yu to understand women athletes better and the science around female bodies.
It's accessible and engaging, valuable for both female athletes and anyone interested in sport science.

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Explorers Gene

Alex Hutchinson

'The Explorer's Gene' by Alex Hutchinson delves into the science and psychology behind the human desire to explore and take risks. Hutchinson examines the evolutionary origins of this drive and its impact on individuals and societies. The book explores the traits and motivations of explorers, adventurers, and pioneers throughout history, drawing on research from genetics, neuroscience, and psychology. Hutchinson also considers the potential downsides of risk-taking and the importance of balancing exploration with caution. 'The Explorer's Gene' offers a compelling exploration of the human spirit and the quest to push boundaries.

Run Like a Pro

Matt Fitzgerald

Ben Rosario

'Run Like a Pro (Even If You're Slow)' by Matt Fitzgerald provides a comprehensive guide to training principles and practices used by elite runners. Fitzgerald combines scientific research with real-world examples, drawing on the training regimens of top athletes to illustrate key concepts. The book covers various aspects of running, including nutrition, strength training, and mental strategies. It offers practical advice for runners of all levels, helping them to optimize their training and improve their performance. Fitzgerald's goal is to empower readers to adopt a more professional approach to their running, regardless of their current ability.

Everything Fat Loss

Ben Carpenter

'Everything Fat Loss' by Ben Carpenter is a comprehensive guide that aims to debunk common myths and misconceptions surrounding weight loss. Carpenter takes an evidence-based approach, drawing on scientific research to provide readers with accurate information and practical strategies. The book covers various aspects of fat loss, including nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle factors. It emphasizes the importance of understanding individual needs and preferences, rather than promoting a one-size-fits-all diet or workout plan. Carpenter's goal is to empower readers to make informed decisions and achieve sustainable results through a balanced and realistic approach.

Lost Gods

Brom

In 'Lost Gods,' Brom creates a dark and imaginative world where the protagonist, Chet, finds himself trapped in a nightmarish afterlife. Chet embarks on a perilous journey to reclaim his soul, navigating through treacherous landscapes and encountering a host of bizarre and menacing creatures. The book explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil. Brom's vivid prose and striking imagery bring the fantastical world to life, creating a gripping and unsettling reading experience. 'Lost Gods' is a dark fantasy tale that challenges readers to confront the boundaries between life and death, reality and illusion.

Out of Thin Air

Michael Crawley

In 'Out of Thin Air,' Michael Crawley offers an intimate glimpse into the world of Ethiopian distance runners. Through his immersive narrative, Crawley explores the rigorous training regimens, cultural values, and personal sacrifices that define the lives of these athletes. He lived and trained alongside them, gaining firsthand experience of their daily routines and challenges. The book highlights the unique social and environmental factors that contribute to Ethiopia's success in distance running. It provides a compelling account of how dedication, community, and a deep-rooted connection to the sport shape the extraordinary achievements of these runners.

Run to the Finish

The Everyday Runner's Guide to Avoiding Injury, Ignoring the Clock, and Loving the Run

Amanda Brooks

A practical guide to running, offering advice and inspiration for runners of all levels. It focuses on making running enjoyable and sustainable, with tips on training, nutrition, and motivation. The book emphasizes the importance of finding personal fulfillment in running, rather than solely focusing on performance metrics. It encourages runners to embrace their individual journeys and challenges. 'Run to the Finish' provides actionable strategies for overcoming obstacles and staying committed to one's running goals, fostering a positive and balanced approach to the sport.

How bad do you want it?

Matt Fitzgerald

In 'How Bad Do You Want It?', Matt Fitzgerald delves into the psychology of endurance sports, highlighting the role of mental toughness in achieving peak performance. Through real-life stories of elite athletes and scientific research, the book reveals how perception and mental strategies can push athletes beyond their perceived limits. It offers practical insights into developing mental resilience and overcoming mental barriers.

The Athlete’s Gut

Patrick Wilson

'The Athlete's Gut' by Patrick Wilson is a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing gastrointestinal issues in athletes. Wilson delves into the science behind digestion, nutrition, and the gut microbiome, providing practical strategies for optimizing gut health and performance. The book covers a range of topics, including the impact of stress, medications, and gastrointestinal disorders on athletic performance. Wilson offers evidence-based recommendations for addressing common gut problems experienced by athletes, such as bloating, diarrhea, and nausea. He also emphasizes the importance of personalized nutrition and lifestyle choices to support gut health.

Brazen

Julia Haart

In 'Brazen', Julia Haart shares her extraordinary journey from an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community to becoming a successful businesswoman in the fashion industry. Haart recounts her experiences growing up within a strict religious environment and the challenges she faced as she began to question the norms and expectations of her community. The book offers a candid look at Haart's decision to leave her marriage and community, and her subsequent pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment. It explores themes of empowerment, self-discovery, and the courage to break free from restrictive traditions. 'Brazen' serves as an inspiring story of resilience and determination.

Up to Speed

Christine Yu

In 'Up to Speed,' Christine Yu delves into the underrepresentation of women in sports science research and the resulting impact on female athletes. The book highlights the unique physiological and biomechanical differences between men and women and how these differences are often overlooked in training and treatment protocols. Through interviews with athletes, coaches, and researchers, Yu uncovers the systemic biases and knowledge gaps that hinder women's athletic performance and overall well-being. She also examines the cultural and societal factors that contribute to these disparities, advocating for more inclusive and evidence-based approaches in sports.

The Violin Conspiracy

Brendan Slocumb

In 'The Violin Conspiracy,' a young Black violinist named Rayquan discovers that his priceless Stradivarius violin has been stolen. The violin, which had been passed down through his family, represents not only a significant financial asset but also a deep connection to his heritage. As Rayquan embarks on a desperate search to recover the instrument, he uncovers a web of secrets, lies, and racial prejudice within the classical music world. The book explores themes of identity, family, and the challenges faced by Black musicians in a predominantly white industry. 'The Violin Conspiracy' is a gripping mystery that also delves into important social and cultural issues.

The Martian

Andy Weir

R.C. Bray

The Martian tells the story of astronaut Mark Watney, who is presumed dead and left stranded on Mars after a fierce storm. With limited supplies, Watney must draw upon his ingenuity, wit, and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Meanwhile, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring 'the Martian' home, while Watney faces numerous challenges in his quest for survival. The novel is praised for its blend of science, humor, and suspense.

I'm Glad My Mom Died

Jannettte Mcury

In this memoir, Jennette McCurdy recounts her life as a successful child actress on Nickelodeon, her brief career in country music, and the troubled and controlling relationship she had with her mother, Debra, who died from cancer in 2013. The book is divided into two sections, 'Before' and 'After', detailing events before and after her mother's death. McCurdy discusses her struggles with eating disorders, addiction, and the systemic issues of the child star system. The memoir is praised for its raw honesty, dark humor, and McCurdy's unique voice, which makes the book both heartbreaking and engaging.

Norse Mythology

Anna Llisterri

Neil Gaiman

In 'Norse Mythology', Neil Gaiman presents a novelistic arc of the Norse myths, starting with the creation of the world and the nine realms, and delving into the stories of gods such as Odin, Thor, and Loki. The book includes tales of natural phenomena, the theft of Thor's hammer, and the binding of Fenrir, all leading up to the final battle of Ragnarok. Gaiman's retelling maintains the original myths while infusing them with his characteristic wit and prose, making these ancient stories accessible and engaging for modern readers.

Peak Performance

Elevate Your Game, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive with the New Science of Success

Brad Stulberg

Steve Magness

Peak Performance uncovers the common principles that drive success in different domains, from athletics to intellectual and artistic pursuits. The book combines stories of top performers with scientific insights into cognitive and neurochemical factors that enhance performance. It teaches readers how to optimize their performance by alternating between intense work and rest, priming the body and mind for productivity, and developing a self-transcending purpose. The authors provide practical advice on managing stress, prioritizing rest and sleep, and setting meaningful goals to avoid burnout and achieve peak performance.

Good for a Girl

Lauren Fleshman

Lauren Fleshman's 'Good for a Girl' is a personal narrative that blends memoir and advocacy, addressing systemic issues in sports that hinder young female athletes. The book explores her own running career, critiques the treatment of female athletes, and calls for reforms to support women in sports. Fleshman shares her experiences with injuries, body image issues, and the pressures of competitive athletics, advocating for a more inclusive and supportive environment for female athletes.

Sunrise on the Reaping

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Suzanne Collins

Suzanne Collins's "Sunrise on the Reaping" is the fifth installment in the "Hunger Games" series, serving as a prequel to the original trilogy. This book delves into the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy, a pivotal character in the original series, offering a glimpse into his experiences as a tribute in the Hunger Games. Readers can expect a continuation of the series' signature blend of dystopian fiction, political intrigue, and survival elements. The novel promises to expand the world of Panem and provide further insight into the events that shaped the lives of its characters. It's likely to be a highly anticipated addition to the "Hunger Games" saga.

Project Hail Mary

Andy Weir

In 'Project Hail Mary', Ryland Grace, a high school science teacher, awakens on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there or his mission. He soon discovers that he is the sole survivor of a desperate mission to save Earth from a microorganism called the Astrophage, which is threatening to cause a new ice age. As Ryland regains his memories, he encounters an alien named Rocky, and together they work to solve the scientific mystery and save their respective home planets. The story blends science, humor, and heart, exploring themes of survival, discovery, and unlikely friendships[1][3][5].

Artemis

Andy Weir

In 'Artemis', Andy Weir crafts a story set in the late 2080s in the lunar city of Artemis. The protagonist, Jasmine 'Jazz' Bashara, is a young woman who works as a porter and part-time smuggler. When Jazz is offered a lucrative opportunity to sabotage a rival business, she finds herself entangled in a complex conspiracy involving corporate and criminal interests. The novel explores themes of science, technology, and the socio-economic dynamics of a lunar society, characteristic of Weir's meticulous research and engaging storytelling style.