Feel free to add your own books/ab... I thought there was a post already but couldn't find it.
I've been overdosing on these lately and discovered a really reasonable source where they're all 5 dollars each! Raks Books.
Your Pace or Mine - Lisa Jackson
I really loved this one. It's read by the author, it's laugh out loud funny, tears in the eyes poignant and overall; inspirational. I'm not an eventer, but if anything would convince me to try events, it would be this woman. She makes them sound so appealing. I give it 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ultramarathon Man - Dean Karnazes
How Dean got started in the ultrarunning scene... I enjoyed this so much I just let it start playing again and listened to it twice back to back. It's not read by Dean but the narrator is good and has good rhythm. Entertaining and educational as well as of course, inspirational
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Running is my Therapy - Scott Douglas
If you suffer or think you might suffer with depression or anxiety and would like to know how or why running (and other aerobic exercises) actually make a difference, this covers it. Extremely interesting, amusing, and educational.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Eat and Run - Scott Jurek
Read by Scott, it covers his early life and how he ended up getting into the ultrarunning scene and how he eventually became a vegan. There are handy tips to improve your own running at the end of each chapter. It also includes some of his favourite vegan recipes at the end.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
North - Scott Jurek
Read by Scott, and his wife Jenny. His epic, and gruelling run of 2189 miles along the Appalachian Trail to set (at the time) a new record.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fat Man to Green Man - Ira Rainey
I enjoyed both Ira's books although I tuned out some of the Bristol specific references, as if you don't know the area it's just place names. If you're thinking of doing the Green Man Ultra this could be very useful. It is well written and if you're doing the audio version, well read.
3.5 ⭐⭐⭐
Nowhere Near First: Ultramarathon Adventures from the Back of the Pack - Cory Reese (narrated by Cory)
Like Lisa and Ira, Cory is not an elite althete, never will be, but that does not stop him from pushing the boundary to see just what he can achieve. Light-hearted and positive, a very likeable chap.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This Girl Ran - Helen Croydon
This one covers how a failing relationship led Helen (read by her) to look for new meaning in her life, which ended up being running, cycling and swimming. From occasional park jogger to triathlon and all the bumps along the way. Frequently funny although there is some repetitive phrases and if you're not at all interested in triathlon you might feel mis-sold. I give it 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐
There is No Map in Hell - Stephen Birkinshaw
Oh I'm struggling with this one. I really want to finish it... but... the writing is a bit clunky, overusing certain phrases to the point I found myself shouting the words out loud before the narrator got them out. The narrator too, doesn't seem to help the story... I feel bad as the author says he struggled a lot with writing and still does. I wish he had had a collaborator to help him make this book flow 🙈 it's 2/3 way through and I think it will stay there for a bit! I think if you know the area well it would have more appeal.
2 ⭐⭐
Chicken Soup for the Soul; Running for Good
Stories from all kinds of runners, hikers and walkers. Heartwarming, frequently heartbreaking, but heartening all the same. Individual tales of battles both mentally and physical and how running, or walking changed their lives.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Road to Sparta - Dean Karnazes
I love Dean's work but I didn't enjoy this one quite as much. All of the running related, and personal oriented chat was just as good as always but there's a lot of Greek history. Don't get me wrong, history is great but I'm not listening to be educated, just entertained and I found my brain tuning out some of the historical stuff which probably just makes me look bad! 🙈 There is no doubt that Dean's Spartathalon is simply monumental and for that alone it's worth it 👍🏻
3 ⭐⭐⭐
Couple more to come but I'll re-listen to get a better grasp again for you!
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GoGo_JoJo
Ultramarathon
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I was so inspired by Rosie Swale back in the 70's that I sailed the Atlantic in an old trimaran with 3 others, 2 of them complete novices in a boat. She was so adventurous, I loved that.
2,800 miles later Barbados appeared, a low mound on the horizon. a huge boost to my navigation skill, which, like running, had been zero a few months earlier.
Yep, been there, done that. My Dad and I had a sextant each and would race to see who could get a position first. On the day I not only beat him but got a triangulation within a mile or so he couldn't decide whether to be proud or annoyed 👍🏻🤣
Running Up That Hill; The Highs and Lows of Going that bit Further - Vassos Alexander
Read by Vassos, he's entertaining and inspirational. His Spartathalon journey is fantastic and I just loved the ending of his experience there 🤣 the way he talks about that event it actually makes me think I would want to do it.... (🙄🤣🙈). We also hear about his Dragons Back race and many other runners tales which is nice. Actually this one bounces around a bit between different events and times which can be a little confusing if you're not paying attention but it's brilliant that it covers so much.
Vassos Alexander is also the author of "Don't Stop Me Now - 26.2 tales of a runner's obsession" ⭐⭐⭐.5
I've docked half a point on this one. Read by Vassos it's highly entertaining...but for me, having to stop and start during work it can be very confusing as to whether he is retelling his part of the story, or one of the others runners' stories interspersed with each mile. It might have been helpful if someone else had read those parts, and would have been really nice if a female could have read the female runners stories.
It's still an excellent offering and well worth the time. 👍🏻
Yes, interesting. I fear I also seem to come across as a ultra positive person all the time, which I am aware can be exhausting for others. So maybe our positivities clash🤣🤣🤣
Definitely helps. I enjoyed both his books (need to revisit Still not Bionic to give a decent review) just of course details of training runs and indeed the GMU course could be on Mars for me 🤣
Hi GoGo_JoJo ...thanks for this...I’ve actually got ‘your pace or mine’ by Lisa Jackson, the actual book but haven’t read it yet, I might just buy the audio book now though, I like listening to chatting while I’m running...she has a column in runners world that’s always funny & down to earth xx
I would really recommend Exercised by Dan Lieberman - not exclusively about running but it probably gets more time than any other sport. I particularly liked the section where they talked about what happened in a runner's body during and after a run and how the body overdoes healing the damage, making the used parts stronger. Generally fascinating about why the body needs to be active but why we find ourselves so reluctant to exercise.
Running to the edge was interesting but very focussed on elite athletes and made me feel vaguely guilty that I wasn't training hard enough because I wasn't permanently doing extremely long or extremely hard runs.
Running like a girl was fun, loved the bits where she connected with her dad through running.
I had to use up some credits on Audible so I have Run for your life, Thinking on my feet and Run the World ready to listen to next.
I used to be a voracious reader but I genuinely don't have the time now, however I can listen whilst driving and working and given the radio was driving me nuts it has been a sanity saver lately. 👍🏻
I used to read so much, then with the pandemic and working from home I lost all my train reading time and work exploded so I lost home reading time too.I have 2 unread books though, so I'll get back on it
Listened again. Dealing with mental and physical health issues, once again Ira is funny and heart-felt. Adventures in ultras and great anecdotes in his fitness journey. I think I preferred this one to Fat Man.
This is a very good book. You've got to be a little careful not to be too swayed by all the barefoot running stuff otherwise it's really easy to want to throw away your shoes 🤣 This book crosses over in part with Jurek's Eat and Run and it's great to get two differing perspectives on an event. I really enjoyed it
I've also completed Daniel Liebermans' Exercised. This book is very interesting. I enjoyed all the story portions the best. Later on things get much more "sciencey" so maybe not the best on motorway miles. I did tune out here and there when my brain was already tired and there were too many (it felt) acronyms involved. It definitely gives you a better feel for how bodies work and busts many exercise myths too!3.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐
A fantastic tale of his life running unusual events with RunnersWorld and how he got into running at all. Extremely entertaining and the last bit full of tips for your own running. Def 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Run The Mile You're In - Ryan Hall So I completely missed the sub title "Finding God in Every Step" 🙈 don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-religion, I'm just not religious and can only cope with so much. If you can filter some of his religious fervor, this is a good book. Ryan is without doubt a very good human and was a very fast runner. This book focuses more on track running than anything else but is still very useful. Only 3 ⭐⭐⭐ but just because of the religious aspect.
Running by Ronnie O'SullivanYes, the snooker player. I was surprised. Now this book is about 1/3 running, 1/3 snooker and 1/3 personal life story. His story is pretty impressive alone and Ronnie is actually a dedicated and fast runner. If you have a passing interest in snooker the other bits are interesting too. A good, entertaining book. 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐
This one is tough. It has lessons in it but so many times I wanted to just shake him and tell him to just grow up!! This guy has/had issues. By the end you don't really know if he's finally sorted his life out. Whilst I empathised, a lot, with his parental relationship issues and self esteem problems, he just didn't seem to be really doing anything about it. Overall I found this book much darker, or even negative, compared to all the rest so far. I don't regret buying/listening... but I still want to shake him! 🤣🙈 I'm giving him 3 as it's well written and does cover some important human interest elements (always trying to please your parents etc) ⭐⭐⭐
Running For My Life - Rachel Ann Cullen. I'm giving this 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ although it's not just about running. It's about body dysmorphia, mental health, growing up, self belief, or lack of it. About following your heart rather than just to keep plodding on what we think, and are told, is the right path. Very well written, emotive and funny. I would recommend mums to read it with or at the same time as their daughters to discuss body image and any concerns. So many mums unwittingly pass on their own issues without ever realising it.
I didn't really enjoy this one. It was originally written back in the 70s, and it shows. There were some bits I liked but then too much theology, philosophy and once again, religion. Everything for him has to be about suffering to the max which goes against my personal running journey ideas. A lot seemed to revolve around the Boston mara too, which quite frankly if I never hear about again I won't be disappointed 🤣 sorry Doc, its just 2 ⭐⭐ from me...
I came across this by accident but I'm glad I did. Raven is best described as a "character" with all the possible connotations the word can have, yet his running is legendary, especially in Miami. Laura tells his story through her own experiences with him and many, many others who know, and run, or have run, with him. A fantastic human interest read. 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I couldn't get this one through my cheap source so finally had to pay 8 quid via Google play but it was well worth it and I'll listen again, maybe even straight away.
Beyond Impossible - Mimi Anderson
This is a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Seriously. I want to be Mimi when I grow up, I really do (minus the kids that is 🤣).
What she has achieved is just remarkable, truly remarkable. When you consider that after only 1, yes, ONE HM she decides to sign on for the MDS well, that is just mind boggling! Yes, of course she trains hard for it, but still, one HM!? 🤪 this is one crazy, determined and strong lady. Maybe I'm biased as I'm female... I don't care. Ladies, read it! Men, eh, up to you, you've got loads of amazing role models. One thing is for sure the world needs more ladies like Mimi. What an awesome, and I don't use that word lightly, truly awesome woman 👏🏻💪🏻👍🏻
My Year of Running Dangerously by Tom Foreman I loved this one. So well written, funny and sincere. One Dad's promise to his daughter takes him much further than he could ever have imagined. The amazing journey together Dad/daughter made me miss my own so much but made me so happy for their shared memories 💖 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐👍🏻
Wow. Just Wow. This could be a film, or several in fact. This is gritty, moving, at times heartbreaking. It deals with drug and alcohol addiction, as well as a stint in prison. But Charlie's adventures with running are legendary.
Running Thru by Stephanie White This is Stephanie's Appalachian Trail journey which she used as training for the "Triple Crown" 3 x 200 mile runs... yep, 200 miles! 🤣 During her AT journey she took a 5 day break and flew out to do an 81 mile race before returning to the AT to finish the trail. An excellent tale followed up by her race reports. This is one strong woman! 💪🏻 I'm giving her 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐. Not quite as entertaining as some but still a good read/listen.
How can I ever moan again about a few extra miles? This guy, who is "legally blind" has been running from the eye condition that will ultimately leave him in the dark forever, and still, he keeps on running!
As his condition worsens his life takes some turns, understandably falling into depression, yet he is still able to not only climb back out of that pit of despair but then runs across the USA! At the time of completion, only the 7th to ever do so and the only blind person. He does have very limited sight in the daylight hours but nothing after dark and barely any in low lighting.
I don't understand why I haven't come across his name before. Should be 5 stars really but for the overuse of the word "however" 🤣🙈 I'm so mean! You'll laugh, and you'll cry. Maybe you'll learn something and maybe you'll be inspired 👍🏻
Finding Ultra by Rich Roll ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read by Rich. I've actually listened to this 3 times now. I really like Rich but he has a fairly monotone voice which, when my brain is tired, can just get lost amongst all my other brain noise.
There's so much in this book though that it was no hardship to hear it again and again. From the early years as an addiction to overweight Dad to athlete and beyond.
As a plant powered athlete he also includes his journey to health.
I have to give his second book "Broken Open - Mountains, Demons, Treadmills and a search for Nirvana" 5 stars too. His complete vulnerability and openness is so heartbreaking. I've listened to this at least twice and will do again. Sadly Dave Clark is no longer with us following complications in back surgery but he has left a legacy to be proud of, both in his writing and the work he did with projects for people in recovery and coming our of addiction. Keep running on the other side Dave 💖
Catra is known (in her own words) for "doing epic shit" and she absolutely does!
This is a recovery/addiction/eating disorder story but in many ways Catra is easy to identify with. She's not uber fast, she's more mid to rear pack but with tons of determination and a desire to complete what she sets out to do, regardless of how hard it is.
There is no doubt she'd be an amazing friend to have...oh, and she is older than you expect but still retains a youthful joy we should all endeavour to follow. 💖
I found this one confusing and had to listen to it twice to get it straight in my head. This is mainly due to the way the story jumps back and forth from today to the past. Might also have been a tired brain on my part but I failed to retain a crucial part from the start which left me very puzzled at the end.
Alcohol abuse, drug addiction and an unsettled childhood. His father was arrested by the KGB but eventually made it out, and to the USA. Going back to Moscow sober, and as an adult was always going to be interesting.
This really is the dream; to live and train like the elites, with the elites... can your training, eating, just being with other top class runners make a relatively "ordinary" runner better?
If only we all had the right connections to see for ourselves. I know I'd give it a go!
Entertaining and interesting. A bit lighter than some of my others 👍🏻
Both excellent books. As a journalist, very well written and entertaining.
Running with the Kenyons is narrated by Finn himself, Rise, by someone else who tries to do voices, with accents. This can be amusing at best and at little bit racist at worst but I found it amusing, especially as he finds it hard to keep track of them and occasionally they just slip into a sort of Irish melting pot 🙈🤣
I read/listened to them the wrong way round so I definitely recommend starting with Kenyons and finish with Rise.
Rise of the ultra runner… a story of pain and despair followed by some pure joy. This is a book that could have had me thinking there’s not a chance I will run an ultra. Yet, here I am waiting for the announcement of dates for one next September.
This book is, and isn't, about running. This book is an interesting combination about the loss of a parental figure, the watching, and waiting for the end. Dealing with grief and the paranoia that sometimes comes with it (I certainly felt it after losing both parents at relatively young ages, I too was convinced I would get sick, that I would have my time cut short) learning to live with, and embrace mortality.
In doing so Katie pushes herself through her running through these invisible barriers, finding new and forgotten strengths and finding a way to live for the present, and the future.
Tough at times if you're going through, or have been through a similar experience. 💖
Running: A Love Story - How an Overweight Radio DJ got Hooked on Running Marathons by Dom Harvey ⭐⭐
I'm going to sound harsh on this one, but maybe after hearing so many ultra and epic journeys I've lost sympathy with a mere marathoner 🙈 Don't get me wrong, being a DJ this guy is fairly funny, gets some good laugh out loud moments, a few awful moments when I had to shout "la la la la la la" until he had finished some gross moments 🤪....
But seriously Dom, it's just a bloody marathon!! This book could have been shorter, in fact it might have been better shorter. There is repetition in the "can't do it" "gotta trust the training" "do I trust the training" self doubting that just makes you shout "yes Dom, just trust the training!" 🤣 He's an over thinker and ties himself in knots, contradicts himself and drives the listener to distraction.
What a journey. Listened twice on the trot and I'll be going there again, and again.
What you think starts off as just another (harsh I know) recovering addict turns their life around takes a twist and the result is jaw dropping. What this young man has achieved and been through is quite literally awe inspiring and these are not words I use lightly.
Both Feet on the Ground (Reflections from the Outside) - Marshall Ulrich ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I need to find his previous book. This is a really good book. Again, like Pam, Marshall is just straight down the line, tells it like it is which is completely my style.
I think I've heard this one now 3 times and still enjoy it.
If you've heard of Badwater, or of folk doing "doubles" or "quads" you've probably heard this name. If you haven't, read it anyway 👍🏻😁
The Tao of Running - Your Journey to Mindful and Passionate Running by Gary Dudney ⭐⭐.5
This one jarred a little. This book tries to do two things. Tell you all about Gary's running exploits, which are great, and interesting, but it also tries (somewhat unsuccessfully in my view) to tell you how to approach your running. Personally I would just have liked his stories for their own sake.
Can't Hurt Me - Master Your Mind & Defy The Odds by David Goggins ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think anything less than 5 stars would be lying. This is a great book, and even better in the audio form. Make sure it's narrated by Adam Skolnick as after each chapter they talk too so you get extra content not in the book. This book was self published and became a HUGE hit.
OK, it's not just about running. Fine. But he does a huge amount of running!
For those who don't know him, you've probably heard the 40% rule, that your mind gives up when your body is only 40% done. This is the guy that said it and made it a thing.
This book is great. I've listened to it about 4 times already. I do think he's way too hard on himself as a child, he was just a child after all but I understand where that comes from.
Listen to this, then go listen to him on Rich Rolls' podcast. 👍🏻
This is a bit different, this is a collection of stories from women, both althetes and non of their experiences good and bad in the world of running. Not completely for women but it covers female specific issues too.
I didn't review Haruki Murakami's "What I talk about when I talk about running" at the time that I heard it and perhaps I'll give it another spin to see if it grows on me. I was not enamoured with his book. I remember thinking afterwards that perhaps there was some depth lost in translation. I guess it depends on what you are looking for. If you want something that holds your attention, entertains, and informs, then there are better examples (many above). If you have an interest in the man himself I'm sure you will gain lots from it. I only gave it ⭐⭐
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