Chasing My Joy

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January 11, 2013

Books That Inspire

I have found that one of the best ways to get or stay inspired about running and triathlon is reading a good book about the sport. During this time of year I find it especially helpful since the cold, dark, dreary days don’t make me want to get out and swim, bike run as much as the long days of summer. I really enjoy reading magazines and regularly read Runners World, Triathlete and Women’s Running but I don’t think they are as inspiring as a full length book/memoir can be. Here are some books that I have loved reading and have sparked my dedication to train in these cold dark days:
Chrissie Wellington’s A Life Without Limits: A World Champion’s Journey
Such a great book about the love of sport and her journey undefeated ironman champion. I would have loved more detail about what she did for training during her time with Brett Sutton, but I love to read about other people’s training and this might be a highly guarded secret anyway.

Matt Long’s The Long Run: A New York City Firefighter’s Triumphant Comeback from Crash Victim to Elite Athlete

 If this book doesn’t inspire you to get after it nothing will. If you are at all feeling bad about yourself for being injured or not doing as well as you would like, this book can help put things in perspective.

You Are an Ironman: How Six Weekend WarriorsChased Their Dream of Finishing the World’s Toughest Triathlon

Maybe a little less inspiring but really cool to read about age groupers experience in getting ready to race Ironman Arizona.

 

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, andthe Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen

I LOVED this book, I am not completely into the barefoot running craze so I wasn’t sure I would like this book when I first started it but ended up loving the story and the people in the book. If you are going to read just one book about running this would be my recommendation.

 

I want to read Finding Ultra  next but I am always looking for recommendations. What is your favorite running/triathlon/inspiring books?

Posted by bethcurtis 6 Comments
Filed Under: books

Comments

  1. Big Daddy Diesel says

    January 11, 2013 at 6:18 pm

    I would love to learn more at Brett Sutton, there is NOTHING about his coaching philsophy ANYWHERE, it might be the best kept secret. All I know he is brash and speaks his mind, and if you dont like it, leave.

    Reply
  2. Betsy says

    January 11, 2013 at 6:55 pm

    I read Born to Run right before my first IM and I LOVED it. I was inspiring to go run barefoot. I think I came away realizing that there might actually be something harder than IM. My favorite quote “I always start races expecting to something spectacular and then I’m reduced to where I am right now, where the best I can hope for is not to puke on my feet”. Or something along those lines 🙂

    Reply
  3. J. L. says

    January 13, 2013 at 5:06 am

    I just read Macca’s book. I appreciate all the talk he gave regarding the mental toughness one needs to survive the sport. It’s a really good book.

    Reply
  4. RunItMyWay says

    January 14, 2013 at 3:11 pm

    Oooh Chrissie Wellington’s book and Born to Run are two of my faves! I just bought the Long Run a few weeks ago and am pretty pumped to read it. The other book on my list is Scott Jurek’s book Eat and Run – it looks awesome and I totally enjoyed the first (free) chapter off the Kobo website.. Now when they stop charging $20 for an eBook (that Kindle sells for $3!!) I will buy it 🙂

    Reply
  5. Henry Jordan says

    February 14, 2013 at 5:27 am

    one of the best running books i have ever read. also a great insight into a lost culture. teaches that some people can achieve great things with hard work and determination. have read it 2 times and am about to read it again.The Equation

    Reply
  6. Greg R. says

    December 26, 2013 at 11:01 pm

    “A Life Without Limits” is really great. Check out “Marathon Journey, An Achilles Story” It is a nice inspiring story about marathon running.

    Reply

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