5 Must-Read Books for Runners Seeking Inspiration and Growth

Can't hurt me

I have always been a fan of David Goggins and his no BS approach to life. Owning up to things and having accountability are themes that I can easily buy into. How does this apply to running? In so many ways! In Can't hurt me **, David talks about his life journey, shares his challenges and teaches you to be stronger. Reading this book gave me the tools I needed to improve my training and reach the lofty goals on my bucket list. His athletic accomplishments are amazing but his life lessons are why you will want to read this book.

Running with the Kenyans - Adharanand Finn

I truly loved this book! In Running with the Kenyans **, Adharanand delivers us into the heart of the running in Kenya and shares with us the lifestyle of an amazing running community. It is hard to not get inspired as you see the spirit, the effort , and the absolute joy of running that so many embrace in the region. Adharanand's quest to learn the secrets of the Kenyans and improve his own running, is a fascinating read and a book that I go back to for a re-read every now and then.

Eat & Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness - Scott Jurek

Like most people, I first learned about Scott through Born to Run. Diving into Eat & Run **, helped me to learn more about Scott and his passions in life, which include healthy eating and of course running long distances. Scott recounts many of the challenges he faced as he went on to be successful in many of the worlds toughest endurance events. He is a down to earth human who has done super human things. There is so much to be learned from this fantastic book.

Pre: The Story of America's Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine

The hard charging, hard living American runner Steve Prefontaine "Pre", was the best runner in his era and Pre:The Story of America's Greatest Running Legend **, shares with us the story of his life. The book covers Pre's progression from his early running days to his stature as the most dominant collegiate runner of the time. It's a compelling read about the the man who once said "A lot of people run a race to see who is the fastest. I run to see who has the most guts". Embracing the spirit of Pre, living and racing with his determination will help to bring your running to the next level.

The longest race - Kara Goucher

I remember hearing about Kara Goucher as she was coming up through the ranks and followed her career as she was often the top American runner at major marathons such as the Boston marathon. In her book, The Longest Race: Inside the Secret World of Abuse, Doping, and Deception on Nike's Elite Running Team **, Kara brings us into the world of competitive running and shares the challenges she faced as she unmasks the dark side of the sport that she faced as part of the Oregon project with Nike. Kara shows unbelievable courage and honesty as she speaks out against abuse and doping. Seeing her come out of the other side of this terrible part of her life should serve as an inspiration to us all.

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