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What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
This was the first book I read about running. Murakami is a great author and in this book he talks about his running experience and achievements. He also talks about the effect of running on his life and his career in particular.
“People sometimes sneer at those who run every day, claiming they'll go to any length to live longer. But don't think that's the reason most people run. Most runners run not because they want to live longer, but because they want to live life to the fullest. If you're going to while away the years, it's far better to live them with clear goals and fully alive then in a fog, and I believe running helps you to do that. Exerting yourself to the fullest within your individual limits: that's the essence of running, and a metaphor for life — and for me, for writing as whole. I believe many runners would agree”
A simple question leads Christopher McDougall to an amazing journey of understanding the secrets of a running tribe.
"You don't stop running because you get old. You get old because you stop running ..." Jack Kirk aka Dipsea Demon
It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life by Lance Armstrong
Lance's great story of his cancer and the survival. Easy to read and inspirational.
“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever. That surrender, even the smallest act of giving up, stays with me. So when I feel like quitting, I ask myself, which would I rather live with?”
Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner by Dean Karnazes
Dean Karnazes, how he started running and all the crazy stuff he has done!
“Struggling and suffering are the essence of a life worth living. If you're not pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone, if you're not demanding more from yourself - expanding and learning as you go - you're choosing a numb existence. You're denying yourself an extraordinary trip.”
Lore of Running by Tim Noakes
All you need to know about running. A book for every runner's bookshelf.
“Your body will argue that there is no justifiable reason to continue. Your only recourse is to call on your spirit, which fortunately functions independently of logic.”
Runner's world guide to Cross-training by Matt Fitzgerald
Running anathomy by Joe Puleo, Dr. Patrick Milroy
Illustrated description of all muscles involved in running and exercises for strength, flexibility and injury prevention. This is the book that helps me dragging myself to the gym for some weight training.
Runner's world The Runner's Diet by Madelyn Fernstorm
This is the first ever book I read on dieting. It describes the importance of different nutritions for runners. Loosing weight without compromising the performance.
Run! 26.2 stories of blister and bliss by Dean Karnazes
" Over the years, I've come to not only embrace failure, but to welcome it and celebrate the occurrence. You cannot grow and expand your capabilities to their limits without running the risk of failure. And failure can provide invaluable lessons."
The Perfection Point by John Brenkus
John Brenkus analyses the records improvement and current record holder athletes in several sports such as 100-meter sprint, Marathon and 50-meter freestyle swimming. He points out how fast they could go if they were in perfect condition and up to which point we can improve. "The perfection point" is the best result we as human will get eventually and will never be able to pass it. You will probably find the result surprising. For 100-meter sprint for instance, he believes the perfection point is 8.99 seconds!
The title says it all. Brad Hudson talks about adaptive running.
50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons In 50 Days by Dean Karnazes
This was the third Dean's book that I read. Once Ultramarathon Man is the most inspiring, I would say this one is the most useful one. Dean describes how he did 50 marathons in 50 consecutive days in 50 states. And he shares his experience and gives numerous tips for running marathons and ultras.
I Run, Therefore I am STILL Nuts! by Bob Schwartz
It makes you laugh and still gives you a lot of useful tips. If you are obsessed with running, you'll enjoy reading this book.
Eat & Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness by Scott Jurek
Scott Jurek's biography. Probably not a book for everyone. But it's a must-read for someone who is considering running ultras.
" I found the best way to get your running mojo back is to lose the technology, forget results, and run free. And forget that running needs to be painful or that it's punishment. (Definitely get rid of those echoes of countless coaches ordering you to "take a lap" because you dropped a pass or double-dribbled.) Run for the same reason you ran as a child -- for enjoyment. Take your watch off. Run in your jeans. Run with a dog (does he seem worried?). Run with someone older or younger, and you'll see running, and the world, differently. I know I have.
Run a trail you have never run before. Pick a new goal, race, or a large loop that keeps you motivated to go out on those bad-weather days. Do all and any of these things often enough, and you'll remember why you started running in the first place -- it's fun."
A Life Without Limits by Chrissie Wellington
Found this while I was wandering around in a bookshop in a train station. Didn't know Chrissie Wellington or any other triathlete before then. Neither did I know much about triatholon and the Ironman. Chrissie's autobiography is absolutely inspiring. She won her first Ironman title only a few months after becoming professional. She talks about many inspirational figures and their role in her life and also points out some motivational notes, among which is "If" by Rudyard Kipling.
"Hard work and an open mind -- It's the only way to realise the potential that is inside every one of us"
"You can never reach perfection. Your ambition should be directed towards your ability to overcome imperfection, and that is how I want to live my life."
NORTH: Finding my way while running the Appalachian Trail by Scott Jurek
Scott Jurek is definitely one of my favourite ultrarunners and definitely one of the greatest ultrarunners out there. This book is all about his effort for a FKT (fastest known time) on 2200 mile long Appalachian trail. And when Scott calls this project his masterpiece then you should definitely read it.
Hal Koerner's field guide to ultrarunning by Hall Koerner's
This is one of the most practical books in the field of trail running. It takes you through everything you need to know about training and racing. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to run ultras.
Run or Die by Killian Jornet
A book by living legend Killian Jornet. He talks about his early life, his achievements and his adventures. Kilian is definitely one of those athletes that you have to keep an eye on them. He always surprises you with his next challenge.
The Ultra Mindset by Travis Macy
This one is about the importance of training your mind for ultramarathons and for life. Travis Macy has attended numerous adventure races and ultramarathons. The Ultra Mindset introduces different aspects of an Ultra Mindset and how it helps to achieve your goals.
Thanks for the list
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