I’m a running book junkie.
Dozens of volumes on my shelves have enriched my running. So when Amy started talking Holiday Wish Lists for runners, I thought I’d throw out some titles that would be great literary partners for anyone to more fully enjoy and improve their running.
The Competitive Runner’s Handbook. Like a colossal how-to reference a plumber would keep in his truck, this is a true users manual. It covers everything for the beginner to the advanced, every distance, including great training programs, racing techniques, injuries, nutrition—it’s got it all. If you want to better talk about running, this one is a must.
How Running Changed My Life. Hand me a tissue. We'd expect and love to hear these stories on Oprah. Powerful short stories by ordinary runners that speak from their hearts about how running has and continues to transform them. It's regularly on my night stand.
Running Within: A Guide to Mastering the Body-Mind-Spirit Connection For Ultimate Training and Racing. The Joy of Sex of running. A great guide to the stuff not found in most running books—relaxing, being courageous, dealing with fatigue, dealing with your mental game.
Run Right Now: What a Half-Century on the Run has Taught. If you don't have a running mentor, at least own this book. Compiled with wisdom that will save you from making unnecessary mistakes. You’ll want to try several dozen new approaches to increase your enjoyment and success with your running.
The Cutting-Edge Runner. Iran could probably build a nuclear bomb—or a better one—with this book. Written with some of the latest science in mind for improving running performance by one of the best running writers. I don’t want my competitors reading this book.
Complete Book of Beginning Running. Remember the Betty Crocker Cookbook your mom had in her kitchen? This is it for running. Not just for beginners. Either you already know everything in this book or you better own it. Thorough, inspirational, and will help you get the most out of running. You would want your beginning running friends to own this.
Daniel’s Running Formula. Like a money guru who will help you take $1,000 and predictably invest it to earn $100,000. Contains arguably the best explanations of the principles of training, types of workouts, a systematic guide to training at the right intensity, and how to put together your own training plans. I wouldn't attempt a serious running goal or start a new competitive season without it.
Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running. Yup. I do own this book, although it's always out on loan.
What other titles do you suggest Amy and I add to our Wish Lists?