Running Books to Run to
Turning pages in any book is a staple to my daily bedtime (or morning hot beverage) routine. I’m often drawn to non-fiction to satisfy my unrelenting cravings for more, more information, more knowledge, more understanding. This pilgrimage, admittedly, is for selfish reasons (how to be a better athlete, a coach, and a person) and the curiosity to continuously learn. There is SO much!!
Here are a few of my favorite reads (more to be added with time):
Mental Grit, Headspace, and Elite Mental Psyche
Mind Games by Annie Vernon - I loved her in-depth review of research and anecdotal findings from elite athletes.
Mental Training for Ultrarunning by Addie Bracy - Catered directly to ultrarunners, you’re certain to find some tools from Addie!
Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness by Steve Magness - It’s not just “Stay hard, Mother####,” there’s more to it.
The Science of Running
Science of Running: Analyze Your Technique, Prevent Injury, Revolutionize Your Training by Chris Napier - Beautiful illustrations to accompany a well-written book.
Science of Running by Steve Magness - A great framework for understanding training.
Training for the Uphill Athlete by Scott Johnston, Killian Jornet, Steve House - An incredible manual for training.
The Joys of Running
“Once a Runner” and the sequel “Again to Carthage” by John L Parker - A gripping page-turner that makes you fall in love with the main character and his ability to go beyond.
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall - Isn’t this everyone’s first running book that gets you hooked on running?
Eat & Run by Scott Jurek - Great stories that make you want to get out the door.
Running Anatomy, Injury and Rehab
Running Rewired by Jay Dicharry - An amazing read, with many of the missing pieces that other prominent running books have.
Hip and Knee Pain Disorders by Benoy Mathew - A dense collection of research findings and case studies, a hefty coffee table read. Moreso geared towards health professionals.
Elite Performance
Peak Performance: Elevate Your Game, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive with the New Science of Success by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness - Fantastic read!
Female Athletes and Health
Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution - A wildly eye-opening read for any person who works with or values women!
Roar by Dr. Stacy Sims - Every Coach should have read this, and female athletes too!
Up to Speed: the Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes by Christine Yu
The XX Brain: The Groundbreaking Science Empowering Women to Maximize Cognitive Health and Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease by Dr. Lisa Mosconi - A must-read for all women, especially for those going into peri and menopause. Female health starts from day 0 of our life!
Nutrition
Nutrition Periodization for Endurance Athletes: Taking Traditional Sports Nutrition to the Next Level by Bob Seebohar - A great foundational read for endurance athletes. *Though I found it lacks digging into female-specific nutrition.
*Not yet found, a complete book that encompasses ultra running/endurance fueling, daily nutrition, nutrient timing, AND female-specific nutrition (i.e. information provided on RED-S, menopause, pregnancy, and more). Please message me if you have recommendations!
