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10 Best Running Books 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

Daniels' Running Formula

28%OFF

Daniels' Running Formula

Human Kinetics

9.8 score

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Daniels' Running Formula is a well-regarded guide in the running community, authored by Jack Daniels, a highly respected exercise physiologist and coach. His expertise is evident throughout the book, which provides detailed, scientifically-backed training plans suitable for runners of various levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. The book's target audience is mainly adult runners (18 years and up) who are committed to improving their performance and understanding the science behind their training.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,118
Author Expertise
Training Plans
Technical Information

Most important from
1200 reviews

Author Expertise
Jack Daniels is an excellent coach with many years of experience, and his methods truly work.
Training Plans
Jack Daniels' training methods helped me achieve a top finish in a 10K event and continue to enhance my enjoyment of running.
Technical Information
While foundational for American distance running, the book could benefit from updates to reflect the latest advancements in sports science.
Reviews and Recommendations
An excellent resource for runners looking to improve their performance.
#2
9.6 score

How Bad Do You Want It?: Mastering the Psychology of Mind over Muscle

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How Bad Do You Want It?: Mastering the Psychology of Mind over Muscle

VeloPress

9.6 score

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'How Bad Do You Want It?: Mastering the Psychology of Mind over Muscle' is written by Matt Fitzgerald, a well-regarded author in the field of endurance sports. His expertise is evident as he blends psychological principles with athletic performance, making the book a valuable read for runners and athletes looking to enhance their mental toughness. The target audience spans from amateur runners to seasoned athletes, as the book addresses common mental challenges faced during training and competition.

Rating
9.6
Author Expertise
Target Audience
Motivational Content

Most important from
2229 reviews

Author Expertise
Matt Fitzgerald's book offers stories of elite athletes who have achieved their best through better mental training skills and mindsets, making it truly inspirational.
Target Audience
The purpose of the book is to help readers become their own sports psychologists, understanding that the muscles can only perform to the degree that the mind is able to cope.
Motivational Content
The combination of science and personal narratives makes complex ideas easy to grasp, leaving a lasting impact and a renewed sense of motivation.
Technical Information
The book seamlessly blends scientific insights with real-life experiences, creating a powerful and engaging read.
#3
9.4 score

Hal Koerner's Field Guide to Ultrarunning: Training for an Ultramarathon, from 50K to 100 Miles and Beyond

Hal Koerner's Field Guide to Ultrarunning: Training for an Ultramarathon, from 50K to 100 Miles and Beyond

VeloPress

9.4 score

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Hal Koerner's Field Guide to Ultrarunning is authored by Hal Koerner, a well-known ultrarunner with significant expertise in the field. His experience and knowledge lend credibility to the book, making it a reliable resource for anyone looking to train for an ultramarathon. The book is geared towards a wide range of readers, from beginners to experienced ultrarunners, as it covers distances from 50K to 100 miles and beyond. Its training plans are comprehensive and detailed, providing readers with structured workouts and schedules to follow.

Rating
9.4
Author Expertise
Target Audience
Technical Information

Most important from
1146 reviews

Author Expertise
The advice in the book is practical and approved by experienced long-distance runners.
Target Audience
Koerner's book includes useful advice on bonking, foot care, hiking, nutrition, night running, and headlamps, although it might be more geared towards the 100-mile distance.
Technical Information
Koerner's book includes useful advice on bonking, foot care, hiking, nutrition, night running, and headlamps, although it might be more geared towards the 100-mile distance.
Reviews and Recommendations
The book is short, concise, and easy to read. It lays out a firm foundation for success and highlights many points I never would have thought of.

Top 10 Best Running Books 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8  score
Slide 1

Human Kinetics

Daniels' Running Formula

Author Expertise: Jack Daniels, physiologist and coach
Target Audience: Adult runners (18+ years)
Training Plans: Detailed, scientific, customizable
Motivational Content: Included
Technical Information: Complex concepts made understandable

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28% OFF

Chosen by 1118 this week

#2
9.6  score
Slide 1Slide 2

VeloPress

How Bad Do You Want It?: Mastering the Psychology of Mind over Muscle

Author Expertise: Matt Fitzgerald, endurance sports expert
Target Audience: Amateur runners, seasoned athletes
Motivational Content: Woven through athletes' experiences
Technical Information: Psychological training aspects, accessible

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8% OFF
#3
9.4  score
Slide 1

VeloPress

Hal Koerner's Field Guide to Ultrarunning: Training for an Ultramarathon, from 50K to 100 Miles and Beyond

Author Expertise: Hal Koerner, well-known ultrarunner
Target Audience: beginners to experienced ultrarunners
Training Plans: detailed, covering 50K to 100 miles
Motivational Content: Koerner shares personal anecdotes
Technical Information: nutrition, gear, race strategies
Reviews and Recommendations: positive reviews from running community

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#4
9.2  score
Slide 1

Rodale

Runner's World How to Make Yourself Poop: And 999 Other Tips All Runners Should Know

Author Expertise: Experts from Runner's World
Target Audience: Casual joggers, competitive athletes
Motivational Content: Engaging, humorous approach

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30% OFF
#5
8.9  score
Slide 1

VeloPress

Running Rewired: Reinvent Your Run for Stability, Strength, and Speed

Author Expertise: Jay Dicharry, respected physical therapist
Target Audience: runners improving stability, strength, speed
Training Plans: easy to follow, scientifically backed
Motivational Content: inspires readers to stay committed
Technical Information: detailed technical info and exercises

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25% OFF
#6
8.7  score
Slide 1

Breakaway Books

Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons

Author Expertise: solid expertise
Target Audience: runners new to ultramarathons
Training Plans: guidance to create own plans
Motivational Content: encouragement with practical advice
Technical Information: pacing, nutrition, mindset, strategies

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#7
8.4  score
Slide 1

Rodale

Bowerman and the Men of Oregon: The Story of Oregon's Legendary Coach and Nike's Cofounder

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32% OFF
#8
8.2  score
Slide 1

Human Kinetics

Lore of Running, 4th Edition

Author Expertise: Timothy Noakes, sports science expert
Target Audience: beginners and advanced runners
Training Plans: detailed training plans
Motivational Content: inspiring motivational content
Technical Information: technical insights

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44% OFF
#9
7.9  score
Slide 1

VeloPress

Girls Running: All You Need to Strive, Thrive, and Run Your Best

Target Audience: young female runners, ages 12-18
Motivational Content: motivational advice and practical tips

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8% OFF
#10
7.6  score
Slide 1

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

The Trail Runner's Companion: A Step-by-Step Guide to Trail Running and Racing, from 5Ks to Ultras

Author Expertise: Sarah Lavender Smith
Target Audience: runners of all levels
Training Plans: detailed for different race distances
Motivational Content: woven throughout the book
Technical Information: clear and accessible
Reviews and Recommendations: praised for thoroughness and encouraging tone

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Buying Guide for the Best Running Books

Choosing the right running book can be a great way to enhance your running experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced runner. The right book can provide you with valuable insights, training plans, motivational stories, and tips on improving your technique and performance. To find the best fit for you, consider the following key aspects and how they align with your personal needs and goals.
Author ExpertiseThe expertise of the author is crucial because it determines the credibility and reliability of the information presented. Look for books written by experienced runners, coaches, or sports scientists. If you're a beginner, you might prefer an author who has a reputation for making complex concepts easy to understand. For more advanced runners, an author with a deep technical background might be more beneficial.
Target AudienceRunning books are often tailored to specific audiences, such as beginners, intermediate runners, or advanced athletes. It's important to choose a book that matches your current level of experience. Beginners should look for books that cover the basics of running, including starting plans and injury prevention. Intermediate and advanced runners might seek books that offer advanced training techniques, race strategies, and performance optimization.
Training PlansTraining plans are a key component of many running books, providing structured schedules to help you achieve your goals. These plans can vary in length and intensity. If you're training for a specific event, like a marathon or a 5K, look for books that offer tailored plans for those distances. Ensure the plan aligns with your current fitness level and time availability.
Motivational ContentMotivational content can be a significant factor in keeping you inspired and committed to your running journey. Some books focus heavily on personal stories, overcoming obstacles, and mental strategies. If you find it challenging to stay motivated, a book with a strong motivational component might be the best fit for you.
Technical InformationTechnical information includes details on running form, biomechanics, nutrition, and injury prevention. This content is essential for improving your performance and staying healthy. Beginners might need more basic explanations, while advanced runners could benefit from in-depth technical analysis. Choose a book that matches your interest and understanding of these topics.
Reviews and RecommendationsReviews and recommendations from other runners can provide valuable insights into the book's effectiveness and readability. Look for books with positive feedback from readers who share similar goals and experience levels. Online reviews, running forums, and recommendations from running clubs can help you gauge the book's suitability for your needs.

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