Which running books inspire you? Which ones have you loved?

I’m currently building a running library. Whenever I find a new book about running, I read it. If it’s good (or cheap), I will buy it and add it to my collection. I’ve filled two shelves with running literature ranging from Dr. George Sheehan’s and Jim Fixx’s writings from original running boom to cutting edge training concepts like Brain Training for Runners that I reviewed last month. I don’t discriminate. I also make room for running fiction like the iconic Once a Runner and Higdon’s lesser Marathon novel. Here are some of my favorites.

Once a Runner and Again to Carthage: Due to its scarcity, the original book once marked you as a dedicated follower of the running cult. Since the re-print, it now may also indicate that you follow all the Runners’ World hype. Whatever the case may be, I find Once a Runner to be magical. Parker manages to paint my passion for running through the story even though I’ll never be near a four-minute mile. I love this book. I’ve heard a few less obsessive runners admit that they don’t see the appeal. It may be more meaningful to runners who constantly seek ways to run faster and farther. If nothing else, it provides a dynamic insight into those distant specks at the front of the pack and why they do what they do.

Running with the Buffaloes and An Honorable Run are two non-fiction books that chronicle Mark Whetmore and the runners at Colorado University,one of the more storied cross country programs in the United States. These book may also appeal to more competitive runners, but I found them completely absorbing. I’m not sure I would want Whetmore to coach my sons, but I would love to have him as a running partner. His obsession with running and training are fascinating.

Advanced Marathoning and Daniels’ Running Formula are focused mainly on training and training plans. Reading these books has done more for my training and racing than anything else (other than Miles of Trials, Trials of Miles). They really give an insight into why I do different workouts. Through this understanding, I am able to get more out of my workouts. If you are looking to improve, these two books are must reads.

Life at These Speeds is a novel about a fictional half miler. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone else discuss this book, but I thought it was exceptional. The author, Jeremy Jackson, does a masterful job of crafting the narrative to feel like an 800-meter race. The main character, perhaps a younger version of Quentin Cassidy, is deep and complex. I can’t recommend this book enough.

Personal Record by Rachel Toor is a memoir that seemed to capture the essence of running. I’m drawn to writers who express feelings about running that mesh with mine. For example, I doubt I would read a book by Ed Whitlock because I once read an interview in which he stated that he probably wouldn’t run if he stopped winning his age group and setting records. Even though I am competitive, I don’t run against others as much as I seek to challenge myself. I wouldn’t really relate to Whitlock’s point of view. As I read Toor’s book, I found myself nodding and agreeing even if I didn’t always agree with her per se.

These are my top eight running books right now. I’m sure I’ve forgotten some of my favorites, but I believe your life would be enriched if you made time to read these. This time of year is great for resting and rejuvenating, so why not inspire your training this spring by reading some great literature right now. Also, I’d love to hear which running books inspire you.