Looking for the best running books to help with your next race? I’ve gathered some useful reads on marathon training, running technique, strength, nutrition and ultrarunning, alongside a few great stories from the sport. Whether you’re preparing for your first 26.2 miles or chasing another personal best, there’s plenty here to explore.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Training & Performance
The Norwegian Method Applied
by Marius Bakken
A closer look at threshold training and the Norwegian approach to managing effort.
Daniels’ Running Formula
by Jack Daniels
VDOT, training paces and sensible plans for runners of all levels.
80/20 Running
by Matt Fitzgerald
Why keeping most of your miles easy can help make the harder ones count.
Marathon Training
Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide
by Hal Higdon
A practical companion for the long build-up to 26.2 miles.
Advanced Marathoning
by Pete Pfitzinger & Scott Douglas
A detailed look at marathon preparation, with structured training plans for runners looking to take the next step.
Strength & Injury Prevention
Strength for Runners
by Jay Dicharry
An eight-week approach to building a stronger runner’s body. Useful food for thought alongside all those running miles.
Nutrition & Fueling
Run Fast. Eat Slow.
by Shalane Flanagan & Elyse Kopecky
Recipes for runners who want to eat well and keep training consistently.
Running Stories & Inspiration
Born to Run
by Christopher McDougall
A terrific running adventure for the days you fancy a story rather than a schedule.
1:59
by Philip Maffetone
An intriguing look at the sub-two-hour marathon barrier and what it takes to run fast.
50/50
by Dean Karnazes
Fifty marathons, fifty states, fifty consecutive days. Quite an undertaking, and a fascinating endurance story.
Ultrarunning
Hal Koerner’s Field Guide to Ultrarunning
by Hal Koerner
Practical advice for the longer distances, from training and pacing to tackling the challenges of ultra races.
Relentless Forward Progress
by Bryon Powell
A guide to the world of ultramarathons, with plenty of advice on preparing for the miles beyond 26.2.
Training Essentials for Ultrarunning
by Jason Koop
An evidence-based guide to endurance training for ultras, with useful ideas about workload, recovery and race preparation.