Do you walk with music? Are you tired of the same 5 songs on the radio?
I was.
This is why I started listening to audiobooks while training for the San Diego Marathon in 2007… I’m pretty sure the process involved burning a CD on the computer, then transferring a few chapters to my iPod. I would have had much more free time 7 years ago.
Anyway, the first book I listened to was Eat, Pray, Love and it did exactly what I needed:
- Stopped my mind from thinking about my dead legs.
- Encouraged me to go a little farther to listen to the next part.
- Added some humor to stressful runs.
- Provided insights and ideas for better living.
Now it only works when I Don’t allow yourself to listen to audiobooks except when I’m running. And of course I quickly give up on any book that isn’t motivating me to move on. This is another one of those mental tricks that can help you run ahead!
Since then I’ve fallen in love with podcasts {check out my top podcasts for running}…but when it comes to training for a long marathon, nothing beats a great running book to get you excited. And maybe pushes you a little harder. Engage in your story.
Over the years I’ve found some great books to run to and some that are just not that motivating.
Some people might get into murder mysteries on the run, but I actually like stories about athletes or people pushing their limits. It helps me dig into the mental side of running and push myself a little harder.
The best running audiobooks
While I’ve heard many different ones over the years, I’ve found these to be among my favorites. Finding great inspirational audiobooks isn’t always easy, so hopefully my suggestions will give you some ideas.
There are two easy options for audiobooks:
- Audible.com A great option because you get a free book when you sign up. It’s a simple app on your phone and covers every topic imaginable.
- Libby is a free app that many libraries now use, so you get audiobooks for free!! But the available titles are often very limited, so sometimes you have to pony up through Audible and it’s worth it.
Every book below is linked to Amazon if you want to try it out!
And what kind of writer would I be if I didn’t point out that you can now access this website in a much more intense and funny version. Audio book!!! Here’s 12 years of researched writing about running, everything you need to know to mentally crush runs, stay injury-free, and have some fun.
You can check out the review, that’s not all I’m saying it’s worth your time.
#1 Finding Ultra
Rich Roll
Life may be a mess, to put it bluntly, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a way over or around it. I love the brutal honesty of Rich’s history and his description of the present. The athlete in you will be motivated to break some of your own bad habits.
#2 Unbroken
Laura Hillen Brand
The true story of athlete Lou Zamparini who was drafted into World War II and not only survived being stranded at sea {Sharks Are Kidding Me! Who helped others. Runners will see each obstacle in a new light.
#3 Once a runner
JOHN L. PARKER, JR
Not a competitive runner? Me neither, but his inner form of a competitive college athlete’s mind and training forced me to work at my own pace and accept the discomfort of training. Follow his quest to run the 4 minute mile while life {war, school, love} happens all around him.
#4 What I talk about when I talk about running.
Haruki Murakami
Ah what a fun book. It’s literally like being inside your own mind as you run through the reasons for stopping, continuing and the entire journey…just better written than our minds.
I’ve heard it at least 3 or 4 times.
#5 Let your mind run.
Dina Kastoor
I highly recommend this book. It’s a beautiful cross between Dina sharing her experience of becoming and becoming an elite runner, along with the most valuable tips.
You’ll start to see a different way of thinking about training and racing. You’ll have new tools to help you succeed. And it’s a really great fun read.
#6 Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
Cheryl wandered off.
In the first few chapters, I wasn’t sure if this book would be something I could handle…his life was rough…like really rough. Then this woman {out of shape and untrained} embarks on an incredible journey through the wilds of the California coastline with nothing but a large backpack. It’s hard to stop running when you’re listening to women talk about hiking miles in 1 shoe.
#What do you listen to while running? Have you tried an audiobook? Click to tweet.
#7 Born to run: A hidden tribe, super-athletes, and the greatest race the world has ever seen
Christopher McDougal
Famous for creating a craze for barefoot running, this book does a lot for the sport.
It shows the passion of distance running through the eyes of different people and gives an inside look at the way of life that has created people who run with ease and joy… and a little competition.
#8 Running on empty.: An ultramarathoner’s story of love, loss, and a record-setting cross-country run
Marshal Ulrich
Commitment is one thing, but there’s a whole new level of pushing yourself when there’s no competition, no specific reason, other than you said you would and you wanted to. This is his run from California to New York….the equivalent of running two marathons and a 10k every day for about two months.
#9 The Ultra Marathon Man: Confessions of an all-nighter
Dan Karnaz
How did this legendary runner become such an icon? You might be surprised… and after hearing the story of his first run you’re a little more motivated to get your feet moving.
#10 Running with Kenyans
Adharananda Art
You can read my full review here, but here’s the two-sentence summary…a fascinating story about a runner and his family who travel to Kenya to see how they train.
This is his story, interspersed with their stories and perhaps a little insight into their dominance in the game. I really learned a lot from reading it and have the physical version on my shelf.
#11 Life without limits
Chrissie Wellington
I’ve referenced the chair from this book several times and even reviewed it in its entirety because it honestly blew me away. I had no idea how His life was interesting before and during racing!
He has a perspective that will make you want to enjoy the journey and yes, push yourself a little harder once again.
Chrissy is an incredible and determined person. This audiobook on running will absolutely prepare you to push some limits.
#12 Run to the Finish: Middle of the Packer’s Guide to Training
Amanda Brooks
I’m going to leave it at this amazing review by Casey…
“
First and foremost, I love the fact that Amanda wrote all the words in this book. As a writer myself, I appreciate the fact that she is a journalism major and didn’t need a co-author on this one. There are many books by influencers or superstars that are great books but co-authored. It made me smile that it was all Amanda.
This book is easy to read, fun and full of truth on many levels. Amanda focuses on the average or middle part of the road runner.
She offers solid and honest advice for new runners.
That “who” Takes the myths of being a runner and reveals the truths.
This book contains solid research on how to start running and be your best.
This book has great exercises, running plans, and everything you need to start your running journey.
Most importantly, this book allowed me to see that “there is forward momentum” And it’s okay to forget the bitrate or whatever else you have. (From the day people saw that I was your “average” (I have struggled since the day I was not a mama runner.) It allowed me to see what I could do to bring back the joy of running and running for a greater cause. . “
There are many other books I love from Brain Training for Runners, but they just don’t translate to audiobooks.
Or to be honest, trying to focus on a few other books I’ve tried is like someone crying and I can’t run away! I know for many of you this list is incomplete because I didn’t include David Goggins. What can I say, it didn’t spark anything for me. I loved it on Rich Rule’s podcast, but couldn’t get into the book.
Bonus audiobooks for runners
I’ve come across some other motivational audiobooks that aren’t playing specific, but that I really enjoyed listening to, so I wanted to throw them out there too!
Age is just a number
Dara Torres
Wow that really got me! Maybe because I’m no longer that “my prime.”” I’m in years and coming back from injury. She proves that while we may need to do things differently as we age, we can still crush our goals and sometimes surpass what our younger selves did.
Eat, pray, love
Elizabeth Gilbert
I mentioned this at the beginning and I stand by it. Something about her bravery to take on the world, to feel her emotions resonates when you run and makes you want to discover what’s inside you!
Champions mind
Jim Afremo
I’m all about anything that helps us dig deeper into the mental side of running, which is where we benefit the most. Also, listening while you run allows you to quickly check things.
Other ways to connect with Amanda
Let’s chat on Instagram: RunToTheFinish
Have some laughs on Facebook: RunToTheFinish
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