There are a few running books that I keep coming back to. I've read all of these 3 times and I feel like I could still go back and read them again and again. The minimalist in me tries my best not to collect physical possessions, but I figure I can justify buying a few books that I will definitely re-read. Here is my tiny library:
Born to Run
by Christopher McDougall
I'm sure this book has gotten many folks into running. It's a fascinating story of Chris' adventures discovering and running with the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico's Copper Canyons- a setting of sheer cliffs, drug cartels and high risk of dying from heat and dehydration. Chris is not a guy with a typical runner's build. He's a big guy and gets the nickname, "Oso" or "The Bear", but he's a runner nonetheless and is out to discover how it is that the Tarahumara can regularly run 30 miles a day without injury. The book is entertaining with its wild cast of characters and it's a deep dive into the world of endurance running and why we humans are truly "born to run". It's so interesting to see Western runners try to go stride for stride with the Tarahumara. Whether or not you believe in the benefits of the barefoot running trend that resulted from this book, you'll enjoy it.
Eat and Run
by Scott Jurek
Scott Jurek's trajectory to vegan ultrarunner legend was anything but linear. He grew up in the Midwest eating meat and potatoes and had to grow up quickly when his mom was diagnosed with MS. He used running as a way to cross train for Nordic skiing and did not enjoy running at all until he raced and placed second place in his first trail 50 mile ultramarathon. His mantra of, "Sometimes, you just do things!" got him through hardship, but also pushed him to his record-setting number of seven consecutive 1st place finishes at the Western States 100 mile Endurance Run, three consecutive wins at the Spartathalon and overall wins at Badwater 135 and the Hardrock Hundred. I love the book because you get to hear about Scott's journey, but there are also some running tips and wonderful plant-based recipes after each chapter. It's fun picturing Scott running a race and downing a bean burrito while running. Scott makes an appearance in "Born to Run" as one of the elite Western runners who toes the line at the race in the Copper Canyons. I was fortunate to see Scott and his wife Jenny speak at an event in NYC back in 2018 when they were on tour for Scott's second book, "North" about his FKT (Fastest Known Time) adventure of the Appalachian Trail.
Finding Ultra
by Rich Roll
If you pick up this book, I highly recommend getting the revised and updated version. This past Christmas, I received a signed copy (available at his website richroll.com). I had previously given away a copy that I had, but then felt like I needed to get another copy of my own. This book does sometimes feel like a self-help book, but I love it anyway. If you've read my post about his podcast, I just generally really admire Rich and I enjoy his eloquent writing and speaking style. He writes the way he speaks, so it feels like storytelling and like he's just giving advice to a friend. A few themes he will always come back to are unlocking the best version of yourself and being in service to others. These are two areas I am paying attention to and aspire to achieving. Besides being an outstanding ultra athlete, Rich is a person who has been through a lot of challenges including alcoholism, a failed marriage and financial ruin. He really only became an athlete in his 40s, so it's encouraging to see an example of how it's never too late to start if you want to become a runner, swimmer or any other type of athlete. He also completely reinvented himself. He was a lawyer with a steady job and he gave it all up, not just to become an athlete, but to become a better partner, father, author, podcaster and influencer. What I find most striking about the book and about many of the guests that Rich brings on his podcast is that people can change. The transformation that people are capable of is truly inspiring.
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