Running Books

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There are quite a few books about running available, and many of them are very good. The selection below includes some of the more popular running books on the market today.  I have read some, and others are on my bookshelf waiting their turn.  Where possible, I have included a few comments regarding the books that I have read in their entirety or at least frequently used as a reference.  Clicking on the cover image for each book will take you to Amazon.com where you can get more details and look through reader reviews.

I have grouped the books below into 4 major categories (click on the link below to go directly to that section):

1. Running Stories and Novels
2. Training Manuals/General Running Guides
3. Marathon Training Manuals
4. Beginning Runner Guides

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Running Stories and Novels

	Why We Run: A Natural History by Bernd Heinrich This is one of my favorite running books.  Written by a biologist from Vermont, it recounts his story of becoming an ultra-marathoner, and goes through much detail regarding what makes humans such exceptional runners.  Lots of good science here.
	Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall Incredible book that recounts the author's story of training with the legendary Tarahumara runners in Mexico, and in the process discusses such topics as whether modern running shoes are really worth the money and whether humans evolved to run. Read my full review of "Born to Run" on Runblogger.
	What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami Part personal running memoir, part race report, part life story, with a heavy dose of personal philosophy sprinkled in. Mix it all together and you have one of the most truly enjoyable books on running that I have read. Read my full review of "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" on Runblogger.
	Duel in the Sun: The Story of Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley, and America's Greatest Marathon by John Brant Fantastic story about the events leading up to and including the 1982 Boston Marathon.  Part biography, part race report, it tells the story of two phenomenal marathoners: Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley.
	My Life on the Run: The Wit, Wisdom, and Insights of a Road Racing Icon by Bart Yasso A memoir of the running adventures of Bart Yasso.  It's waiting in line on my shelf.
	Once a Runner: A Novel by John L Parker Considered one of the best running novels of all time, it is often touted as the book that provides the most realistic depiction of the life of a professional runner.  Haven't read it yet since it was out-of-press and hard to find as recently as a few months ago, but it was just re-released and I hope to pick it up soon.
	Running with the Buffaloes: A Season Inside with Mark Wetmore, Adam Goucher, and the University of Colorado Men's Cross-Country Team by Chris Lear This book chronicles the 1998 season of the University of Colorado cross-country team.
	Bowerman and the Men of Oregon: The Story of Oregon's Legendary Coach and Nike's Cofounder by Kenny Moore This book tells the story of Bill Bowerman, legendary track-and-field coach at the University of Oregon and co-founder of Nike.
	Pre: The Story of America's Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine by Tom Jordan Steve Prefontaine was one of the greatest American runners to have lived - this book tells his story.
	The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life: What 35 Years of Running Has Taught Me About Winning, Losing, Happiness, Humility, and the Human Heart by Amby Burfoot
	Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner by Dean Karnazes An enjoyable, easy read.  A memoir/biography of sorts that describes Dean Karnazes's insane training practices and recounts his experiences racing in extreme conditions (e.g., Death Valley, the South Pole) and running ridiculous distances.
	50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days -- and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance! by Dean Karnazes and Matt Fitzgerald Dean Karnazes's story of running 50 marathons in 50 days.

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Training Manuals/General Running Guides

	Lore of Running by Timothy D. Noakes Frequently called the runner's bible, this book is an exhaustive resource covering nearly every aspect of running you could imagine.  Very scientific, and a great reference.  I refer to it frequently.
	Daniels' Running Formula by Jack Daniels Another fantastic training manual. Many runners swear by the Daniels formula.
	Run Faster from the 5K to the Marathon: How to Be Your Own Best Coach by Brad Hudson and Matt Fitzgerald One of the newer training guides on the market.  I have it and have heard good things about it, but have not had a chance to look through it in detail yet.
	Runner's World Run Less, Run Faster: Become a Faster, Stronger Runner with the Revolutionary FIRST Training Program by Bill Pierce, Scott Murr, and Ray Moss Describes the Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training (FIRST) program. Contains training plans for racing distances from 5k to the marathon.
	Runner's World Complete Book of Running: Everything You Need to Run for Fun, Fitness and Competition by Amby Burfoot

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Marathon Training Manuals

	Advanced Marathoning by Pete Pfitzinger and Scott Douglas One of the classic marathon training manuals.  This one has lots of good info and is very scientific.
	Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide by Hal Higdon Another classic marathoning manual - this one is a very easy and quick read.
	Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield Marathon guide pitched toward the average runner who wants to train for and complete a marathon.
	Marathon: You Can Do It! by Jeff Galloway Galloway champions the run/walk strategy as the best approach for beginners to successfully complete a marathon.  This is his guide.
	The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On with Your Training by Dawn Dais Yet another marathon guide, this one is geared toward women training for a first marathon.

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Beginning Runner Guides

	The Beginning Runner's Handbook: The Proven 13-Week Walk-Run Program by The Sports Medicine Council British Columbia
	The Courage To Start: A Guide To Running for Your Life by John "The Penguin" Bingham
	No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running by John Bingham
	Running for Mortals: A Commonsense Plan for Changing Your Life With Running by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield
	Running: Getting Started by Jeff Galloway