Improve your running performance with these 10 best books!

If you are looking for ways to improve your running performance, then you need to check out these 10 best running books. These books will help you increase your speed, and endurance, and stay injury-free. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced runner, there is something for everyone on this list. So what are you waiting for? Start reading and see how much better you can run!

With tips and advice from some of the world’s best runners, these books will help you take your running game up a notch. Learn how to train smarter, not harder, and discover new techniques that will help improve your form and prevent injuries. You’ll be amazed at how much better you can run with the information in these books.

Pick up one of these books about running today and start improving your performance!

With so many running books on the market, it is hard to know which one is going to give you the information or advice you need for your running journey.

We have researched thousands of reviews and ratings to compile a list of the best books about running. From training for a marathon to running cookbooks we have got you covered.

Here at Smart Frog, we take pride in our reviews. We only recommend products that we believe in and use ourselves. We also believe in transparency, so we want you to know that Smart Frog Reviews may receive a commission at no cost to you from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business).

With that said, we would never recommend a product we didn't believe in just to make a quick buck. We stand by our reviews 100%, and we hope you find them helpful. Thanks for supporting us and happy shopping!

Best For Marathon Training

Luke Humphrey – Hansons Marathon Method

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What We Like The Most About It

Do you want to run your first marathon or your fastest one yet? Hansons Marathon Method can help you do just that! This revolutionary training program from one of the best running teams and ultra runners in the world, the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project, can help you become a true marathoner, smash your personal bests and become a successful runner.

Hansons Marathon Method is an innovative training program that has helped thousands of runners and ultra runners reach their goals. It throws out old-fashioned ideas like mega-long runs and high-mileage weekends that often injure and discourage runners. Instead, it allows runners to gradually build up to the moderate-high mileage required for marathon success, spreading those miles more sensibly throughout the week.

With Hansons Marathon Method, you'll get expert guidance from some of the most experienced coaches in the business. They'll help you understand how to properly train for a marathon and avoid any injuries or setbacks along the way. And because they believe in spreading the miles sensibly throughout the week, you'll have plenty of time to rest and recover between runs.

So if you're looking for a new and improved way to train and improve your marathon career, look no further than Hansons Marathon Method!

Best For Female Runners Guidance

Melody Fairchild – Girls Running: All You Need To Strive, Thrive, And Run Your Best

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What We Like The Most About It

Running is one of the most popular sports in the world, enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. It’s a great way to get fit, relieve stress, and just feel good.

For female runners, however, there can be some unique challenges when it comes to running. That’s why Girls Running was created, a resource that offers the guidance and tools girls need to thrive on their running journey, right from the start.

Girls Running is inspired by high-school phenom Melody Fairchild’s groundbreaking journey. With straight talk on training, physiology, menstruation, sports nutrition, winning mindset, body image issues, gear, team-building, and competition, Girls Running educates and empowers young runners to achieve their potential and love running more.

This valuable resource is backed by science, research, and over 100,000 miles of experience. It answers the most timely and sensitive questions that girls face when their bodies change and the miles increase.

So whether you’re just starting out on your journey or you’re looking to take your training to the next level, Girls Running has the information and inspiration you need to succeed.

Best For Unlocking Your Potential

Alex Hutchinson – Mind, Body, And The Curiously Elastic Limits Of Human Performance

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What We Like The Most About It

In Alex Hutchinson's groundbreaking book, Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance, readers will discover the science and psychology of endurance, and how to tap into the hidden extra potential of human endurance that is within us all.

Drawing on cutting-edge research and gripping storytelling, Hutchinson reveals that our physical limits are set as much by our brain as by our body. This means that the mind is the new frontier of endurance. With this in mind, Hutchinson shows us how to push ourselves harder and achieve more than we ever thought possible.

In addition to being an illuminating and inspiring read, Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance is also an essential guide for anyone looking to improve their performance in any field. If you're looking to push your boundaries and reach your full potential, this is the book for you.

Best Professional Coach Advice

Nicholas Romanov – The Running Revolution

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What We Like The Most About It

Are you a runner looking to improve your performance and prevent injuries? Then you need The Running Revolution by Nicholas Romanov. As a two-time Olympic coach and creator of the Pose Method, Romanov has spent his career helping runners reach their potential.

In this essential guide, he provides everything you need to know about transitioning to a safer and more biomechanically efficient way of running.

You'll learn about the different types of foot strikes and how to choose the right one for you, as well as the importance of proper form and posture. You'll also get guidance on strength training and stretching exercises that can help improve your running economy.

Whether you're just starting out or are an experienced runner looking to take your performance to the next level, The Running Revolution will help you run faster, farther, and injury-free.

Best For Running Issues

Meghan Kita – Runner’s World How To Make Yourself Poop

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What We Like The Most About It

For any runner who wants a comprehensive guide to everything running, Runner's World How to Make Yourself Poop is essential reading. With tips on training, practical advice, nutrition, gear, motivation, health, and racing, this book is packed with reliable advice from experts that can help improve your performance.

Whether you're looking for tips on how to tie your shoes or how to bust out of a running rut, you'll find it all in this concise, easy-to-use guide.

Best True-Life Runner’s Story

Hillary Allen – Out And Back: A Runner’s Story Of Survival Against All The Odds

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What We Like The Most About It

On July 15, 2017, Hillary Allen was competing in the Tromsø Skyrace in Norway when she fell 150 feet off an exposed ridge. The resulting fractures in her back, ribs, and feet - not to mention the multiple breaks in her lower arms - left her fighting for her life.

But as anyone who knows Hillary will tell you, she's a fighter. And so began her long journey back to health and the life she loves.

In Out and Back: A Runner's Story of Survival Against All Odds, Hillary chronicles her experience with unflinching honesty, vulnerability, and introspection. She takes readers on a journey that is at times painful but always inspiring.

We witness her physical and mental struggles as she confronts the reality of her new limitations and comes to terms with the fact that healing takes time. Along the way, Hillary learns some hard-earned lessons about life, love, and what it means to be an endurance athlete.

Ultimately, Out and Back is a story of hope and determination. It is proof that even when everything goes wrong, it is possible to pick yourself up and start again. Hillary Allen is living proof that when you fall, you can get back up - stronger than ever before.

Best Running Guidance For Beginners

Brendan Leonard – I Hate Running And You Can Too

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What We Like The Most About It

Brendan Leonard knows how you feel about running. He hates it too. In fact, he once logged fifty-two marathon-length runs in fifty-two weeks. So he's the perfect person to show you that anybody can learn to love (or at least tolerate) running.

I Hate Running and You Can Too is packed with Leonard's wisdom, humor, and attitude, as well as tips and quotes from other runners. With more than sixty charts and illustrations, this book is the ultimate motivator for anyone who's ever struggled to get off the couch and go for a run.

Leonard understands the difficulty of starting to run, and he provides readers with valuable advice on how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. He also shares his insights on the importance of running with proper form and incorporating walking breaks. And he celebrates the mantra of "Easy, light, smooth, and fast," showing readers that anybody that runs has a runner's body.

Whether you're new to running or you've been struggling to stick with it, I Hate Running and You Can Too will help you find your love (or at least your tolerance) for the sport.

Best Guide To Avoiding Injury

Amanda Brooks – Run To The Finish

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What We Like The Most About It

Are you a runner who just wants to enjoy the sport, without having to worry about your pace or finishing first? If so, Amanda Brooks' "Run To The Finish" is the book for you!

Giving practical tips and inspiration throughout, Brooks lays out the path to finding greater fulfillment in running, even if you're not the fastest or the best. By learning to love the run you've got, without comparing yourself to others, you'll be able to achieve true enjoyment from the sport.

Filled with strategic training advice that is easy to follow and implement, "Run To The Finish" is a must-read for any runner who wants to get strong, stay injury-free, and enjoy running for years to come. So pick up your copy today and start enjoying your runs more than ever before!

Best Runners Cookbook

Shalane Flanagan – Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow

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What We Like The Most About It

Looking for a cookbook that will help you fuel your runs and enable you to recover quickly afterward? Look no further than Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky's Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow.

This New York Times bestseller is packed with recipes that are both indulgent and nourishing, so you can perform at your best. Whether you're an athlete in training or just looking for quick and easy meals the whole family will love, this cookbook has something for everyone.

Fill up on pre-run snacks like homemade energy bars and post-run recovery breakfasts like pancakes with bacon and eggs. There are also plenty of on-the-go lunches like grain salads and veggie-loaded power bowls, as well as 30-minute dinner recipes like chicken tacos and pizza. Each recipe is designed to help you perform at your best without sacrificing flavor.

So if you're looking for a cookbook that will help you run fast and eat slow, pick up a copy of Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky's Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow. today!

Best Older Runner Motivation

Kate Champion – Never Too Late: Motivation And Sage Advice From 7 Later In Life Athletes

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What We Like The Most About It

For many people, the thought of working out and staying in shape is daunting. It can be difficult to find the motivation to get off the couch and start moving, especially as we get older. But it's never too late to start living a healthier lifestyle.

Never Too Late shines the spotlight on seven amazing athletes who didn't start working out until later in life. These inspiring individuals share their thoughts, feelings, and knowledge about what it takes to stay fit and active at any age.

They offer helpful tips on everything from motivation and nutrition to injury recovery and dealing with challenges.

Whether you're a seasoned athlete looking for some fresh inspiration, just want to improve your times in your cross country team or you're just starting out on your fitness journey, these stories will motivate and encourage you to never give up on your dreams. So don't wait another day – pick up a copy of Never Too Late and start living your best life today!

Running FAQs

What does 30 minutes of running do to you?

Thirty minutes of running is a good amount of time to get your heart rate up, improve your cardiovascular health, and burn calories. Running for 30 minutes also has some other benefits such as improving your mood, reducing stress levels, and increasing lifespan.

What are the benefits of running?

The benefits of running are vast. Running is one of the simplest and most efficient exercises for overall fitness. It strengthens your heart and lungs, improves circulation, burns calories, tones your muscles, and reduces stress.

Running also has psychological benefits such as improving moods and providing an outlet for stress. It can be done anywhere at any time, making it a convenient form of exercise. And if you're looking to improve your race times or participate in endurance events, running is a great way to achieve that goal.

Can you get in shape by endurance running?

Yes. Endurance running can help you get in shape, but it's important to make sure that you're doing it correctly.

Endurance running is fantastic for overall fitness and weight loss, but it's not the best way to build muscle. If your goal is to put on muscle mass, then you should focus on strength training instead of endurance running.

However, if your goal is to lose weight and get in shape, then endurance running is a great option. Just make sure that you're taking proper care of your body and getting enough rest so that you don't burn out. You will also need to make sure you have the correct running shoes to give you enough support to avoid the risk of injury.

What happens if I run every day?

You will get better at running.

Your body will become more efficient at transporting oxygen and removing carbon dioxide from your blood. This means that you will be able to run for longer periods of time without becoming tired. You may also see a decrease in your resting heart rate and an increase in your maximum heart rate.

Does running reduce belly fat?

Yes. distance running is one of the best exercises for burning belly fat because it torches calories and strengthens your cardiovascular system, both of which help to reduce the accumulation of stomach flab.

Running also helps to tone the muscles in your abdominal region, so you'll look leaner and more sculpted once all that extra baggage around your midsection disappears. Just be sure to avoid eating unhealthy foods that can offset your hard work in the gym!

Should I follow a running plan?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best training plans will depend on your personal fitness level and goals. However, many experts recommend starting slowly and gradually building up your mileage to avoid injury.

There are a variety of online running plans available that can help you get your running career started, or you can consult with a personal trainer to create a plan tailored specifically for you. Regardless of which plan you choose, make sure to listen to your body and take rest days when needed to allow your muscles time to recover.

What type of exercise is running?

Running is a type of aerobic exercise. When you run, your heart rate increases and more blood flows to your muscles. Scientific research has concluded that this increases blood flow and delivers more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles, which helps them work harder and longer. It also helps burn calories and this is how running can help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Why are runners so lean?

Runners are lean because they burn a lot of calories. A runner's body is constantly burning calories, even when they're not running. This is because running is a very high-intensity activity that requires a lot of energy.

In order to be able to run for long periods of time, a distance runner needs to have a high level of aerobic fitness. This means that their bodies are able to use oxygen efficiently to produce energy. The more fit you are, the more calories your body will burn, even when you're not running.

So a distance runner is usually lean because they have high levels of aerobic fitness and because they burn a lot of calories.

When should I stop running?

There is no definitive answer to this question since everyone's individual physiology is different. However, as a general rule, you should stop running when you start feeling pain in your joints, feel excessively tired, or develop any other health complications as a result of running.

It is always important to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine in order to get their professional advice on the best way to stay safe and healthy while running.

What Is The Best Running Book For You?

So, which is the best running book for you? The answer to this question will vary for everyone due to personal goals. We have tried to provide a variety of options for you to choose from based on thousands of reviews that we have read and analyzed.

We really hope that you have found this information helpful and that you now have a better understanding of which book could be the most suitable for you.

All you need to do now is just tap the red button to check the price of the best book for you and put on your running shoes!

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