I've read 11 books about running in 2024 so far. here are my rankings.
Hi, bookworms, runners, and bookrunworms!
Here are the 11 books I’ve read about running, fitness, and recovery so far in 2024 in order from best to worst.
Let’s go!
5 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
How to Lose a Marathon: A Starter's Guide to Finishing in 26.2 Chapters by Joel Cohen
I would highly recommend the audiobook for this one. Hilariously written, very well narrated, and a vulnerable look into training for a marathon.
Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run by Martinus Evans
I’ve read this book all the way through twice, and have picked it up to reference certain chapters countless times. I love Martinus’ voice - both as a writer and speaker. This book is the how-to guide I wish I’d had as a young athlete, and I am grateful for as someone getting back into it. Part guide, part workbook, I wish I could gift this to all beginner runners.
Runner's World How to Make Yourself Poop: And 999 Other Tips All Runners Should Know by Meghan Kita
It’s not all about pooping, I promise. It’s not even mostly about that. I thought this was a really well-rounded, all-inclusive, read for runners. I learned a lot and even sent my friends notes from this book about running nutrition, recovery after runs, and, yes, even how to make yourself poop before a race.
How to Run a Marathon: The Go-to Guide for Anyone and Everyone by Vassos Alexander
Another audiobook recommendation! Now that I’m signed up for 2 marathons in the next year, I can see myself returning to this book, as well as the rest of the 5 star’s, regularly over the next several months.
4 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Good to Go: What the Athlete in All of Us Can Learn from the Strange Science of Recovery by Christie Aschwanden
I enjoyed this as both a physical therapist and as a PT patient. I appreciated the studies referenced to dispel common myths and educate readers on recovery tools (such as ice baths, compression boots, etc.), electrolytes, protein intake timing, and more.
Choosing to Run: A Memoir by Des Linden
I really enjoy Des’ writing style. She feels very relatable and accessible while still being an elite athlete. She won the Boston Marathon in 2019 and the book goes back and forth between that specific race and her entire life’s journey into running, finding love, and high level competition.
3 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Shut Up and Run: How to Get Up, Lace Up, and Sweat with Swagger by Robin Arzón
I was really hoping for more from this book. I really love following Robin’s Peloton workouts and her energy certainly comes through on the page. However, this book seemed to be trying to be everything for everyone, which never really works in a book this short. She writes to beginners and ultramarathoners, and I was tempted to skip a lot of chapters. I would not recommend the Kindle version - I liked the pictures and inspirational quotes, but the formatting was weird and I was never really sure what chapter I was on or what topic I was reading about.
The Fitness Mindset: Eat for energy, Train for tension, Manage your mindset, Reap the results by Brian Keane
Not a bad book, but just very basic. I think this could be a good introductory read for people who do not have any fitness or wellness background and need an intro. However, I’d guess there are more entertaining reads with the same introductory information.
Confessions of an Unlikely Runner: A Guide to Racing and Obstacle Courses for the Averagely Fit and Halfway Dedicated by Dana L. Ayers
I feel terrible for saying this, but I don’t remember a single thing about this book. I must not have hated or loved it, based on my rating, but either way it’s just not one that stuck with me.
2 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️
A Beautiful Work In Progress by Mirna Valerio
I think this book could have been so much more. Mirna is an inspiration as a plus-size runner and athlete for so many people online. However, this book was all over the place - chronologically, topically, and even the content was…lacking. Any struggles she mentions don’t have much of a lesson to them - things seem to simply work out. I was hoping there would be more story of struggle and overcoming, but it felt more like a diary of various trail runs with details that made every chapter seem like a repeat of the last.
1 Star ⭐️
Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory by Deena Kastor
Ayiyiyi…unfortunately this was just a mess of privilege, zero actual story, and it just kind of seemed like she wanted to show off. I’m sure she’s a lovely person, but not every athlete needs a memoir.