So I’ve done the work for you. What you see below is a week’s worth of searching, culling and categorizing of the best, most interesting, most informative, most inspiring books from the vastness of Amazon. In developing the list, I tried to represent most aspects of distance running, while also paying attention to popular items that frequently make it on Amazon user Listmania lists. There’s a little here for everyone. Training, heroes, women’s running books, history books, coffee table books, and much, much more. I’m hoping a few items on the list even surprise you.

I’ve intentionally gone lean with book descriptions (amazon’s already got that amply covered). Think of this list as ‘Amazon-lite’ or ‘Amazon Concentrate’ – a very focused collection of the best Amazon has to offer on the subject of running. I hope you like this list, and I’d love to hear if you’ve got a favorite book that’s not here.

So, without further ado, on to the books!

Best Coffee Table Books

26.2 Marathon Stories by Katherine Switzer I absolutely love this book. It sits proudly on my coffee table. It’s such a beautifully inspiring page turner. Lovely photos with evocative writing. A must have.

Terry Fox & His Marathon of Hope I’ve given this book to many runners as a gift. The story of Terry Fox is becoming well known but his legend is one that should continue to grow. The book is emotionally charged. There are pictures of Terry running, of the prosthetic leg he ran on, of letters he received from children all over the world. It’s a beautiful tribute. If there is one book you should have, it’s this one.

The Trifecta of Training Bibles

These three books are widely regarded as absolute essentials for runners looking to ‘take it to the next level’ in their training and knowledge about running. All are highly recommended.

	The Lore of Running by Dr. Tim Noakes Arguably the book that says you’ve arrived at the ‘serious’ running scene. Lore’s got it all.
	Daniels Running Formula by Dr. Jack Daniels Daniels formula explains – like no other – the science behind your runs.
	Advanced Marathoning by Pete Pfitzinger Take your marathoning to that next level.

Heroes & Heroic Performances

	Terry: Terry Fox Marathon of Hope I know this appears in the ‘Coffee Table’ section of this post but it’s just that good. Terry was, in every sense of the word, a hero. Buy this book as a two-part purchase for the amazing pictures and scrapbook images.
	Terry Fox: His Story This is the official biography of Terry Fox. It’ll put words to all the pictures you’ll see in the first book shown above.
	Marathon Woman: Running the Race to Revolutionize Women’s Sports Katherine Switzer is famous for being the first woman to (illegally) run the Boston Marathon. She broke down barriers for women’s running.
	Duel in the Sun Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley, and America’s Greatest Marathon From Amazon: Within the running community, the 1982 Boston Marathon is arguably the most memorable race in the modern era. It was a neck-and-neck battle between the favorite, Alberto Salazar, and an upstart at what would be the zenith of a sudden, meteoric rise, Dick Beardsley. Brant, a contributor to Runner’s World since 1985, re-creates the principals’ careers leading up to the race, describes the race itself, and, most significantly, analyzes its aftermath. Neither runner was ever the same again.
	Roger Bannister The Four Minute Mile From the legend who ran the first four minute mile.
	The Perfect Mile
	Alan Webb & the Quest for the Sub-Four Minute Mile Follow high school phenom as he sets out to smash Jim Ryun’s high school mile record.

More Training Resources

	Run Less, Run Faster The book that professes you can maximize your training into a few key workouts per week.
	Brain Training For Runners by Matt Fitgerald Get your head in the game!
	Explosive Running by Michael Yessis Lots of great stuff for building strength and power into your running.
	Treadmill Training for Runners How to train when you’re stuck indoors.
	Healthy Intelligent Training: The Proven Principles of Arthur Lydiard Arthur Lydiard’s principles written in today’s layman terms.
	Total Heart Rate Training Get the most out of your heart and heart rate monitor. Learn the perfect method for identifying how hard you are working.
	Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide by Hal Higdon Hal Higdon is legendary in getting people to finish the distance.
	Running To Win by George Sheehan Another legend of running teaches you how to get the most out of your training.
	Alberto Salazar’s Guide to Running Boston winner and current U.S. running coach. You can’t go wrong listening to what Alberto has to say.
	Alberto Salazar’s Guide to Road Racing
	Running Times Guide to Breakthrough Running A great deal of information packed into a fairly small package. That’s khalid khannouchi on the cover.

Cross-Training

	The Runner’s Yoga Book Yoga is all about breathing, relaxing, core strength and more – all good stuff for runners.
	Core Performance by Mark Verstegen Excellent, excellent excellent book on building core strength. Terrific descriptions with fantastic photo illustrations and training programs. Highly recommended.
	Runner’s World Guild to Cross Training
	Ultimate Weight Training for Runners
	Jumping Into Plyometrics Plyometrics = power = speed. ’nuff said.

By Arthur Lydiard & Bill Bowerman

	Jogging With Lydiard Many people credit Bill Bowerman with starting the jogging movement in the US. However, it was Arthur Lydiard who taught Bowerman about jogging. The rest is history.
	Running With Lydiard
	Running To The Top by Arthur Lydiard
	Jogging by Bill Bowerman One of the books that started it all.

Bios of Elite Runners & Coaches

	Pre If you don’t know who Pre was (Steve Prefontaine), you owe it to yourself to find out. He, like no other American athlete, has inspired millions of aspiring runners.
	Paula Radcliffe Paula: My Story So Far Paula is the world record holder for the women’s marathon. She’s got guts, determination and talent. She also tells a great story.
	Bowerman and the Men of Oregon: The Story of Oregon’s Legendary Coach and Nike’s Cofounder I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s absolutely packed with US running history. It covers (among many things) Bowerman, Steve Prefontaine, the birth of Nike and so much more.
	The Greatest: The Haile Gebrselassie Story It’s very easy to call Haile the greatest. He’s set more records than seems possible – including the last two world records in the marathon. He’s also an amazing, gracious human being. His is a wonderful story of triumph.
	The Perfect Distance – Ovett and Coe: The Record-Breaking Rivalry Ovett and Coe were dominant in a very special competitive way that elevated the sport of running in their generation. This book covers this story, as well as bios of each runner.
	The Man Who Ran Faster Than Everyone: The Story of Tom Longboat Tom Longboat was a native Canadian runner from the early 1900s. He was the dominant runner of his age having won Boston and races too numerous to mention. He is still regarded as a role model for First Nations people in Canada.
	Barefoot Runner: Abebe Bikila Abebe is famous for having won the Rome Olympic marathon while running barefoot. His emergence really opened the door for African distance runners who are today, still dominant on the world stage.

For Beginners & The Back of the Pack

	The Courage To Start by John Bingham One of many books by self-professed ‘Penguin’ John Bingham. If you have doubts whether you can run, John will erase them.
	Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham John leads you through your first marathon.
	No Need for Speed by John Bingham
	Galloway’s Book of Running by Jeff Galloway It’s possible Jeff Galloway has been responsible for getting more Americans running than anyone else. He’s famous for his run-walk method.
	Running: From Start to Finish by John Stanton of the Running Room John Stanton is the Galloway of Canada. An excellent book covering all the basics of running.
	Absolute Beginners Guide to Half Marathon Training A nice addition to the ‘beginner’ stuff since it focuses on running a half marathon – a great intermediary race to do before tackling 26.2.
	Beginning Runner’s Handbook
	Jeff Galloway’s Marathon: You Can Do It!

Famous Races & Amazing Places

	The Boston Marathon – A Century of Blood, Sweat and Cheers
	Boston, a Century of Running : Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Boston Athletic Association Marathon
	New York Marathon: A Race Like No Other
	The Essential Guide to Running the New York Marathon
	London Marathon: The History of the Greatest Race On Earth
	Olympic Marathon Centennial
	The Coolest Race on Earth: Mud, Madmen, Glaciers, and Grannies at the Antarctica Marathon Very cool!
	Great Races, Incredible Places: 100+ Fantastic Runs Around the World This book goes on my wish list.
	From Fairbanks to Boston: 50 Great U.S. Marathons

Fiction

	Once a Runner by John L. Parker Unquestionably the most famous piece of running fiction and very highly rated by all who’ve reviewed it.
	The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner
	Again to Carthage by John L. Parker The follow up to ‘Once a Runner’. Also highly reviewed.
	Running with the Buffaloes: A Season Inside with Mark Wetmore, Adam Goucher, and the University of Colorado Men’s Cross-Country Team
	Life at These Speeds A young runner must overcome tragedy to win.

History & Reference

All of the following books are fascinating takes on the history of running.

	Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen Currently the number one selling running book on Amazon.
	Strides: Running Through History With An Unlikely Athlete
	Running Through the Ages
	Why We Run: A Natural History
	Running Cultures: Racing in Time and Space
	Runner’s World The Runner’s Body: How the Latest Exercise Science Can Help You Run Stronger, Longer, and Faster

Quotes & Inspiration

	The Quotable Runner
	Gigantic Book of Running Quotations
	The Runner’s Guide to the Meaning of Life: What 35 Years of Running Has Taught Me About Winning, Losing, Happiness, Humility, and the Human Heart by Amby Burfoot
	Runner’s Book of Daily Inspiration
	What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami Murakami’s latest is a nonfiction work mostly concerned with his thoughts on the long-distance running he has engaged in for much of his adult life. Through a mix of adapted diary entries, old essays, reminiscences and life advice, Murakami crafts a charming little volume notable for its good-natured and intimate tone. While the subject matter is radically different from the fabulous and surreal fiction that Murakami (The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle) most often produces, longtime readers will recognize the source of the isolated, journeying protagonists of the author’s novels in the formative running experiences recounted.
	My Life on the Run: The Wit, Wisdom, and Insights of a Road Racing Icon by Bart Yasso Many people are familiar with the Yasso 800 workout. Bart created those but he’s done much, much more. Trust me on this!

Running Form/Mechanics/Technique

	Pose Method of Running by Dr. Nicholas Romanov I am a follower of the Pose Method. It’s changed everything I thought I knew about running. Highly recommended.
	Chi Running by Danny Dreyer As passionate as I am about Pose, others are equally passionate about Chi Running.

Books For or About Women

	Running and Fatburning for Women
	Runner’s World Guide to Running and Pregnancy
	Running & Walking for Women Over 40
	Women Who Run
	The Silence of Great Distance: Women Running Long
	Complete Book of Running for Women
	Runner’s World Complete Book of Women’s Running
	Joan Benoit Samuelson’s Running for Women Who doesn’t love Joannie?
	The Nonrunner’s Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On with Your Training

Injury Prevention & Treatment

	5-Minute-Plantar-Fasciitis-Solution
	Runner’s World Guide to Injury Prevention
	Fixing Your Feet: Prevention And Treatments for Athletes
	The Runners’ Repair Manual: A Complete Program for Diagnosing and Treating Your Foot, Leg and Back Problems

Funny

I Run, Therefore I Am –Nuts! Very funny stuff!

Trail Running

	The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running: Everything You Need to Know About Equipment * Finding Trails * Nutrition * Hill Strategy * Racing * Avoiding Injury * Training * Weather * Safety
	Runner’s World Complete Guide to Trail Running
	Trail Running: From Novice to Master (The Mountaineers Outdoor Expert Series)

Ultra Running

	Ultra Running With Scott Jurek Scott Jurek is legend in ultra-running. If you were to buy one book on the subject, it should be one written by/about him.
	Ultra Marathon Man: Confessions of an All Night Runner Dean Karnazes is either famous or infamous depending on your view of his ability to self promote. That aside, Karnazes has done some pretty cool things and he also has some very positive messages to share.
	50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days — and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance!
	The Extra Mile: One Woman’s Personal Journey to Ultrarunning Greatness by Pam Reid Pam Reid is just an unbelievably talented ultra runner. She should be an inspiration to anyone involved or interested in the sport.
	Running Through the Wall: Personal Encounters with the Ultramarathon For those who find the 26.2-mile marathon just not enough, there is the ultramarathon. What makes ultra-runners tick? What goes through their minds at mile 93? How can you train for such a colossal undertaking? These questions and many more are answered in Running Through the Wall, an inspiring collection of 39 personal stories from ultramarathoners.

Free Downloadable Running Book

Gordon Pirie Running Fast and Injury Free Note: This ebook is not on Amazon. Throughout the 1950s the most talked about athlete in Britain was Gordon Pirie. Part of the explanation was that Gordon kept talking about himself and what he might and might not do. Making statements, for example, like the one when he predicted he would smash the world 5000m. record with a time of around 13min. 40sec. some 18 seconds below the then world record. He knew how to ruffle the feathers of his fellow competitors, but he did have talent in abundance. What’s cool about Pirie’s book are his discussions about running form. He was clearly a visionary thinker. Definitely worth a read!

Nutrition, Diet, Weight Management

	Runner’s World Runner’s Diet: The Ultimate Eating Plan That Will Make Every Runner (and Walker) Leaner, Faster, and Fitter
	Endurance Sports Nutrition
	Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes

The Corporate Face of Running

	Building the Nike Empire by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight
	Bowerman and the Men of Oregon by Kenny Moore Very prominent sections of this book are devoted to Bowerman’s role in the building of Nike. A fantastic read.
	Out of Nowhere
	Swoosh: The Unauthorized Nike Story
	Adidas/Puma Sneaker Wars: The Enemy Brothers Who Founded Adidas and Puma and the Family Feud That Forever Changed the Business of Sports

More Book Resources on Complete Running

Check out our archive of running book reviews.

1. The Superhero Pendant for the superhero runner in your life. (I’m putting this first because it’s my favorite.)
2. Body Glide
3. Bondi Bands – a comfy, colorful and creative way to hold your hair back while running. Buy 5 headbands for $25! (Enter redeem code at checkout: XMAS.)
4. Gym Membership to keep everyone in shape.
5. Subscription to Runner’s World.
6. Books about running and nutrition.
7. Garmin Forerunner to keep your runner on track.
8. Polar heart rate monitors.
9. Warm gloves and hats.
10. Socks – always a great gift.
11. Reflective gear for the nighttime or early morning runner.
12. iPod or MP3 player to keep your runner company.
13. Fuel or hydration belt.
14. Entry into that favorite marathon your runner has been talking about.
15. Power bars, Gu or other healthy fuel and snacks.
16. Lip balm to keep those lips kissable.
17. Running shoes. Who couldn’t use a new pair?
18. Chocolate. Need I say more?
19. The Marathon Stick to sooth those sore muscles.
20. Gift certificate to a massage therapist.

Bondi Band
Fuel Belt
Trail Blazer Socks

Bill Bowerman coached the University of Oregon track team (“the Ducks”) for 25 years, but is most famous for co-founding Nike and coaching Steve Prefontaine.

Those interested in these two stories won’t be disappointed with Bowerman and the Men of Oregon. The Nike story is explored in a depth that will likely surprise even the most avid Bowerman/Nike fan. And, of course, the Pre story is here too. Everything from his still-impressive domination of U.S. running to the heart-wrenching tale of his early passing – and its effect on Bowerman.

But the Nike and Pre stories are only small fragments of this epic biography. Epic because Bowerman was a legend long before Pre laced up his shoes, and because his influence continued to be felt long after Pre’s passing. It’s lucky for us that author Kenny Moore – a former Bowerman “Duck” and Sports Illustrated writer – took his time telling the Bowerman story:

• It all starts with Moore delving into Bowerman’s love of Oregon. A sentiment founded upon tales of his ancestors – a hardy group of settlers who opened up the west and settled Oregon.
• You’ll learn how Bowerman was raised in a one-parent home, and how his high school councilor changed his life by challenging him to never disgrace his mother.
• You’ll follow him to war and discover the unlikely way he became decorated with the Silver Star for Gallantry.
• You’ll get a glimpse into Bowerman’s incredible seven decade relationship with his wife, Barbara.
• You’ll trace the path that led to the popularization of jogging in North America – how the running boom of the 70’s was a phenomenon that started with Bowerman making a trip to New Zealand, and receiving a rather painful, humbling lesson at the hands of coaching legend Arthur Lydiard.
• You’ll get on board with Bowerman’s fondness for Canadian athletes (yeah!) and why he enlisted them to help build his house.
• You’ll take a seat for the first 4-minute mile on U.S. soil – a milestone set by an athlete Bowerman coached in a race that saw John Landy beaten in the process.
• You’ll get Bowerman’s reaction to Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ black-gloved fist in the air demonstration at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.
• You’ll gain insight into Bowerman’s prophetic but unheeded concerns prior to the hostage tragedy at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
• You’ll witness Bowerman’s bizarre method of hazing new recruits with urine, car keys and saunas.
• And you’ll get an in-depth appreciation for the decades-long battle Bowerman and Pre waged against a corrupt national athletics organization.

All this, and much more, are part of Bowerman’s biography, but perhaps most important is that the “Men of Oregon” are featured throughout the entire book right alongside Bowerman (I suspect the way he would have wanted it). The pages are absolutely packed with stories of athletes and teams that made Oregon a dominant force in the US track scene. The reader is treated with insights into how those great teams trained and won. Races are dissected in a way that puts you right in the action. I was thoroughly envious of the passion not just Bowerman and his athletes had, but that their fans had. In the era of Bowerman, runners (not just Pre) were the rock stars of American athletics.

The love of competition – of races and race tactics – is joyfully embedded throughout this book. It’s a marvelous adventure.

If Kenny Moore’s intent in writing this book was to pay tribute to Bowerman and get you excited about the sport of running, I suspect he will succeed.
——–

Related Links

• Another review at Eliterunning.com
• An article I wrote a while ago about Pre and Bowerman
• Bowerman and the Men of Oregon on Amazon.com

The goal of RunningDVDs.com is simple – to provide athletes with resources to run faster. The first DVD is called “Building a Better Runner: Building from the Ground Up,”

RunningDVDs says their product is made for all types of runners. I have not viewed any of their product (they have one DVD so far) but the samples appear to be of very high quality. Please leave me a comment if you’ve viewed their product and let our readers know what you thought of it.

I’d like to wish the folks over at RunningDVDs all the best. They look like they’ve hit on a great idea.

This might make a great gift!

Light-It-Up Vest:

The vest combines reflectivity with LED power, giving 360-degree visibility. 3 LED-settings: glow, blink and off. One size fits most. $29.00

Bondi Bands:

Where fashion meets function. All runners should have great hair and Bondi Bands in their stocking. Bondi Performance Wear is made from sweat-absorbing wicking fabric. $8.00

Pulse Lite Glove:

Soft, lightweight, and highly breathable running glove is ideal for fall marathons. Keeps hands dry and offers just enough protection as you run. Five fun colors. $20.00

Nightlife Magnetic Clip:

Lightweight, magnetic light adds instant visibility with 3M™ Scotchlite™ retro-reflective detail and L.E.D. light. $15.00

Vapor Dry Racer Cap:

Moisture-transfer cap with Element mesh band; helps regulate temperature by moving moisture away from the head, keeping you dry and comfortable.
Fit: Semi-fitted. Blue and green. $18.00

Tech Pocket:

This neoprene and Velcro pouch is just the place to stow your mp3 player while you’re on the move. It straps securely to your arm and is padded for comfort. $14.00

Briza Watch:

This watch is perfect for running a marathon or running around town. A genuine mother of pearl face makes it as pretty as it is functional. It is also water-resistant to 100 meters. $75.00 ON SALE! $59.99

ABA Cellulite Smoothers:

You asked and here they are, the shorts worn by the women on the hit TV show, The Biggest Loser. For biking, running and losing that jiggle factor. I’ll take one in every color, please. Shorts available in sizes small (4-6) through 3X (24-26). $29.99 and up.

Custom Running Artwork:

Each piece is handcrafted and original. Send a photo and any associated memorabilia, favorite colors or anything else, and artist One Pink Fuzzy will create a one-of-a-kind, hand-made keepsake. Prices for a 12″x12″ start at $45. Truly a bargain.

Custom Running Shirts:

The Running Banana offers the perfect gift for someone with a marathon in his or her future. Simply add ‘Go Runner Name’ and they will sure to be a celebrity! Tanks, short sleeved and long sleeved shirts. $35.00 and up.

Oakley Thump Pro Sunglasses:

Sunglasses and an MP3 player all in one. No wires, no mess. 100% UVA, UVB, UVC and blue light protection. $299.00

iPod Shuffle:

Clip on the world’s most wearable music player and take up to 240 songs with you anywhere. Choose from five colors — including four new hues — to make your musical fashion statement. I’ll take the red one. $79.00

Marathon Stick:

Made popular by world-class runners. This is the favorite model of Bob Anderson, world’s foremost authority on stretching, and author of the bestseller, Stretching. $29.95

Don’t forget—tune in for Part Two next week!

The New York Times has a nice review of a few of the better known models in “How Dry I’m Not (Sip, Sip),” April 5. Complete with slideshow!

They enticed Masters ultrarunner Steve Smucker to try out five models. The Camelback Flashflo ($40) emerged the clear winner.

Click on the graphics below to see what’s new!

Available at Lucy, $58.00. Size: 17″ tall x 19″ wide x 5″ deep.

Go on, live a little! You deserve it.

Available at Red Envelope. Set of 3, $58.00.

But if the perfect running gift is a must, try this Heart Hoodie by Yogi. The tie-die heart on the front adds the touch of romance. Made of easy-fitting raglan, two front pockets.

Available at Lucy, $88.00

1. Body Glide
2. Runner Ornaments
3. Runner Girl Pendant
4. Magnetic Runner Night Light
5. Sunglasses
6. Lock Laces
7. Warm Gloves
8. Race Charms
9. Inspirational Jewelry
10. Warm Socks
11. Warm Hats
12. Swiss Army Tool
13. Snot Spot Snot Wiper
14. Healthy Snacks
15. Not- So-Healthy Snacks
16. Mini Cliff Microlight
17. iPod Shuffle
18. Soothing Muscle Recovery Gel
19. Marathon Stick
20. Massage Balls
21. Trail Runner Head Lamp
22. Mace
23. Penguin Sport Wash
24. Sport Watch
25. Sunscreen

What’s your favorite stocking stuffer? Leave me a comment.