Reading and running

I love to read, but find that I have little time for reading things that aren't work-related. However while running, or spending hours on the indoor cycle trainer, I listen to a huge number of books via Audible. Many of these are related to endurance sport, as I love to hear the stories of endurance athletes while I'm out pounding the pavements. I find that I often remember a run more for what I listened to during it, than what I saw, or how it felt.

Some of my recent favourite listens have included the following books, which I have linked to on Audible but I would recommend however you choose to read them.

Dare to Tri

Louise Minchin
I enjoyed this account of Minchin's first steps in triathlon through to competing as an age group athlete in the GB team. She is a similar age to me, and while she is obviously a far more talented athlete, I related to so many of her stories and struggles; especially the parts about being grumpy with family members who were only there to help and support!

The Rise of the Ultrarunners

Adharanand Finn
Finn writes about his own journey to become an ultrarunner, while also weaving into the account the stories of many of the top ultrarunners in the world. The book explains the sport, while sharing the highs and lows of running these huge distances in often inhospitable places. I've not yet tackled an ultra, I'm now far more intrigued about the experience than I was. Perhaps this book should come with a warning, "may encourage far more running than is sensible".

Dottir: My Journey to Becoming a Two-Time CrossFit Games Champion

Katrin Davidsdottir
Read by the author, this book is an intriguing look into the world of a CrossFit Games athlete. However, even if you are not a CrossFit enthusiast, this is a lovely book to listen too. Davidsdottir shares her journey, not just in fitness, but also mentally as she matures as a person and an athlete.

If you enjoy this book then it is also worth listening to the book written by Davidsdottir's coach Ben Bergeron, Chasing Excellence: A Story About Building the World's Fittest Athletes. This recounts a similar period as the first book, but from the point of view of the coach and not the athlete.

Let Your Mind Run

Deena Kastor and Michelle Hamilton
Read by the author, I enjoyed this autobiography with a focus on the mental side of training and running. Kastor understands the link between her thoughts and her abilities, and the book speaks just as much to those of us at the back of the pack as those racing for gold.