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1
Feet in the Clouds: A Story of Fell Running and Obsession
Richard Askwith
Reviewed by 47 users
  • houchen
    Hats off to the stars of these amazing stories, I’m in awe of your talents. 5
  • Shortcut Cam
    Brings the Bob Graham to life and leaves me in awe of anyone running ultras in The Lakes 5
  • steve45
    This is what running is really about for me! 5
  • A fantastic history of fell running, full of valuable insights for us soft southerners. Am using to plan my next fell running expedition 5
  • So good I've read it many many times. 5
  • FlyingScotsman
    Very Good, gave me a great appreciation for fell runners and inspired me to make my routes more creative 5
  • Captain S
    An awesome read. 5
  • West Yorkshire Plodder
    A must read for hill lovers. 5
  • Nightjar
    The story of a runners addiction full of amusing anecdotes of both the authors adventures and those of varying fame that he has met. If this doesn't inspire you to do a Bob Graham Round nothing will. 5
  • SimonF
    A passage from this was read at my wedding by Northern Exile. No other words needed :) 5
  • HappyG(rrr)
    A great story of how a personal goal can take over your life. I'm sure we can all relate! Conveys a real love of the hills and a willingness to commit to getting there and meeting the challenge! :-) G 5
  • panad
    Loved it! Led me down the rabbit hole of fell running...! 5
  • Northern Exile
    This book has got a lot to answer for. Still the best book ever written about fell running. 5
  • Albert O Balsam
    Just read it, and be inspired! 5
  • GordonG
    Gave me a great insight into a world i'd known nothing about. You don't need to be massively "in" to running to appreciate this book 5
  • Ocelot Spleens
    I found this very atmospheric. You could be there, again not a running book more a telling of a period in a life that revolves around running. 4
  • RichHL
    The book that put me off fell running for life, a reality check for flatlanders. A beautiful book of praise for running in the hills and the heroes who run in the high and beautiful places. 4

2
Just A Little Run Around The World
Rosie Swale Pope
Reviewed by 21 users
  • fleecy
    Very entertaining 5
  • LouiseRuns 🌹🇬🇧 🇪🇺
    Inspirational. Loved this book. Amazing what you can do when you set your mind to it. 5
  • Mascott
    What running is all about, wrapped up in a humble story, of incredible magnitude. 5
  • wrexhamrob
    Read this a few years ago then met ‘round the world Rosie’ at the Rhayader 20 mile race, told her how inspiring , full of spirit the book was. Enjoyable book 5
  • Schnecke
    An entertaining and inspiring read. 5
  • geordiegirl
    Absolutely love this book.... completely in awe of Rosie Swale Pope and her write up of her journey is inspiring. Restored my faith in humans a lot too. The bit about the wolves.. wow! Read it! 5
  • Helegant
    Borrowed it, read it, enjoyed it. 5
  • EuanB
    Loved this book, it was an excellent travel book which included running too! 5

3
Advanced Marathoning
Pete Pfitzinger & Scott Douglas
Reviewed by 38 users
  • fetcheveryone
    Some of the plans seem intimidating to a tentative marathon runner - but they point to the importance of building up a base before a serious attempt. Useful and inspiring. 5
  • Windsor Wool
    Really good. Read it though, don’t just go straight to the schedules as you’ll run them better with the background as to what, why, how. 5
  • puzzler
    Does what it says on the tin. Not one for beginners but a must read for someone serious about getting the most out of their Marathon training. 5
  • For a keen marathon runner, this is a must. 5
  • SeanMc
    Brilliant book, no matter how many or how little marathons you have run its brilliant. Highly recomended 5
  • Schnecke
    I used the 'easiest' training plan in the book several times - twice to achieve marathon PBs and my holy grail of a sub 4 marathon, so its not just for the super speedies. 5
  • Son of a Pronator Man
    When I was trying to go sub 3, this was the book I followed. I never made but my lack of ability, not the training plan was the reason. It completely transformed how I though about marathon training 5
  • Ticketyboo
    My go to training plan for marathons. 5
  • Snailpace22
    2:58:21, need I say more. Thank you Mr Pfitzinger. 5
  • Oscar the Grouch
    Can't fault it. PB by following and expect more to come 5
  • HappyG(rrr)
    Best marathon training book I have used. In addition to the plans, it gives excellent background information, so it's a good read too. Covers nutrition, strength work, recovery and more. :-) G 5
  • Jock Itch
    Good but the taper on the training plans in my opinion is too heavy. 4
  • CogNoscensme AHA
    Great for a structured approach. Interesting to see how P has shifted from light to heavy on the supplementary training. 4

4
Endure: Mind, Body and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance
Alex Hutchinson
Reviewed by 9 users
  • Binks
    Really good. Masses of evidential stuff on human endurance. His blog "sweatscience" is well worth looking at 5
  • Velociraptor
    Evidence based yet highly readable book covering a wide range of subjects of interest to athletes and those who just enjoy finding out about human physiology and psychology. 5
  • Chrisull
    This is great, Alex Hutchinson always has an interesting angle, and is as happy discussing free diving holding your breath as describing how zapping his brain with electricity may or may not work. 5
  • boyband6666
    One of the best books linking general science to running. A rare thing to do it accurately 5
  • Rosehip
    A very interesting read 5
  • Cerrertonia
    In the same vein as his excellent columns, a wide-ranging look at latest research on endurance. The best writer on sports science out there. 5
  • The Mussile
    One of the more interesting 'technical' books focusing on what the body and brain can achieve and how physical limits are not always purely physical 5
  • Bowman 🇸🇪
    I loved this one. Well worth a read. 5

5
The Perfect Distance
Pat Butcher
Reviewed by 7 users
  • runnerbean
    The rivalry between Coe and Ovett. A really good read esp if you ‘picked’ sides back in the days they competed. 5
  • Ocelot Spleens
    This is excellent and gives you a very god idea of how athletics was back then and what drives athletes to compete at the highest level. 5
  • light78
    Really enjoyed and wishing I hadn't 'lent' it to someone else! 5

6
Brain Training for Runners
Matt Fitzgerald
Reviewed by 7 users
  • Velociraptor
    Much of this book is duplicated and updated in "The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel" and "80/20 Running" but it remains relevant and interesting. 5
  • milkybar kid
    The only book you need. Pacing tables and training plans are perfect. A real go-to book for runners of all distances 5K and over. 5

7
Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons
Bryon Powell
Reviewed by 18 users
  • _andy
    Running Ultramarathons? Contemplating one in the future? Then this should be top of your "must read" list. Highly recommended. 5
  • SeanMc
    Has to be the bible for ultra runners, by far the best ultra book I have ever read. Hightly recomended for anyone thinking of or already ultra running. 5
  • geordiegirl
    Really enjoyed this book I was embarking on my first 100k when I read this so very useful. 5
  • Oscar the Grouch
    First class for first steps into ultra and what to consider 5
  • StuH
    Very useful but it did feel like a collection of separate articles rather than a cohesive book 4

8
Daniels' Running Formula
Jack Daniels
Reviewed by 14 users
  • fetcheveryone
    For me, a great balance between science and practical advice. Very useful. 5
  • puzzler
    In a choice between this and Noakes’ Lore of Running for the bible of running, I would go for this one. Good if you like numbers... 5
  • Night-owl
    My go to book for training advice Full of great advice and easy to understand 5
  • SeanMc
    An absolute must for all runners, brilliant charts , great for "Numbers" people 5
  • Barky
    This is a real technical book and a the terminology is very 'geeky'. Once past that, it offers good ideas into training with a wide range of plans that suit most runners. 4

9
Once a Runner
John L. Parker Jr.
Reviewed by 6 users
  • stuart little
    The best novel about running 5
  • Ticketyboo
    My all time favourite running book. 5
  • houchen
    Loved this, left it’s mark on me. 5
  • boyband6666
    A classic for a reason 5
  • Rosehip
    Listened to rather than read, but a very engaging story 5

10
Shoe Dog
Phil Knight
Reviewed by 6 users
  • katypie
    This is a long book. I must confess I listened to this on audible. Fascinating on many levels 5
  • Windsor Wool
    brilliant insights, I found it particularly interesting to learn a little about Bowerman. Really good. 5
  • boyband6666
    Fascinating book on the history of Nike and it's founder, which crosses paths with so many legends of the sport. Must read for anyone interested in running culture 5
  • Superjools
    Enjoyed this one. I don't do biographies as a rule but his storytelling is fab and he came across as a genuinely nice guy 5
  • SailorSteve
    I loathe Nike and their unashamed support for drugs cheats. That said I thought this was a great read and a fascinating insight into a lost age. 5

11
Last to First
Charlie Spedding
Reviewed by 9 users
  • wrexhamrob
    As Charlie is an amazing runner a& pharmacist as I am but I have double his time & some. I had to read this. Glad I did v. enjoyable, particularly his running reflections over a pint few of real ale 5
  • steve45
    An easy read which kept me turning the pages and straightforward thoughts and ideas about running which fit well with me. 5
  • puzzler
    Best book about running on my voluminous shelf 5
  • boyband6666
    One of th best and most honest books from a runner 5

12
The Secret Race
Tyler Hamilton
Reviewed by 9 users
  • paul the builder
    Eye opening stuff from someone who was there, and has no obvious reason to lie now (compare and contrast with cyclists or journalists of your choice...) 5
  • Velociraptor
    A highly absorbing tale of skulduggery and retribution in the professional peloton by someone who was in the middle of it. 5
  • houchen
    The bad guy gets found out. Gripping. 5
  • Derby Tup
    Sad but fascinating 5
  • Tikka
    I really loved this. A very believable account from Tyler which left me with a greater understanding of why he (and others) felt they had no choice but to play the game. 5
  • Nilz
    A tale about cycling's dark side. 5

13
Running and Stuff
James Adams
Reviewed by 25 users
  • fetcheveryone
    Hard not to love James' storytelling - and an insight into ultra running that doesn't attempt to embellish any of the hard work that goes into them. #suncream 5
  • TeeBee
    I loved this book 5
  • John Tovell
    I enjoyed it a lot! 5
  • Seratonin
    Honest, funny and well written 5
  • Rosehip
    Surprisingly brilliant :) 5
  • fleecy
    I know he’s a fetchie but it’s still very funny and I enjoyed it a lot 5
  • HappyG(rrr)
    Obviously the finest book ever written! ;-) Seriously though, what an undertaking 3200 miles in 70+ days across USA. By turns heroic, hilarious & very moving. Buy it for your friends for Xmas! :-) G 5
  • Jock Itch
    Foreword by Richard Osman 5
  • Mrs Jigs (Luverlylegs)
    If you haven’t read it already than I strongly recommend you do. 5
  • minardi
    Brilliant & funny 5
  • Nightjar
    I didn't know he'd written a book! Must read it again. 5
  • Albert O Balsam
    A great book - really liked the MDS section 5
  • SarahWoo
    Are there any copies left?? ;) Thoroughly enjoyed it :) 5
  • Binks
    Bloke shits himself and cries. I don't want to read about that. 1

14
Two Hours
Ed Caesar
Reviewed by 5 users

15
Hanson's Marathon Method
L Humphrey, K Hanson, K Hanson
Reviewed by 5 users

16
A Life Without Limits
Chrissie Wellington
Reviewed by 25 users
  • steveearle55
    Amazing, inspiring and absolute legend. Good story as well 5
  • Fbf-Dave
    Inspirational 5
  • fraggle
    Inspiring 5
  • Sweetie
    Great biography, really enjoyed. 5
  • Genuinely inspiring book. Made me want to do triathlon. 5
  • spinodal
    Interesting to learn how pros live daily life... 5

17
Running Free
Richard Askwith
Reviewed by 10 users
  • Captain S
    I found this book to be interesting and inspiring. 5
  • Rosehip
    "Perhaps it's a mid-life thing: that fear that...your life will have swept past in a flood of haste and drudgery, without your having snatched enough shining memories to brighten your remaining days" 5
  • Finch
    My favourite running book by a long way - he just totally captures the spirit of running for me. I have read this book many times and recommended it many more. The 7 phases of running are bang on! 5
  • Northern Exile
    Excellent, enjoyed greatly. 5
  • mr d
    I agree with Love Lettuce. 4

18
The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances
The Oatmeal
Reviewed by 7 users
  • fetcheveryone
    The funniest running book I have ever read. 5
  • Mascott
    My 11 year old has no interest in running, nor reading really. He's pinched it! and is laughing from his bedroom! Only David Walliams has achieved this. I have had a look-- its strange! 5

19
The Mountains are Calling: Running in the High Places of Scotland
Jonny Muir
Reviewed by 4 users
  • Northern Exile
    Excellent, even though he blatantly plagarised the "Feet in the Clouds" format. 5
  • K5 Gus
    The author's quest to complete a Charlie Ramsay round - the Scottish version of Feet in the Clouds. Very readable with lots of anecdotes from the Scottish hill racing scene 5
  • Absolutely brilliant. I re-read this book on a regular basis. Possibly my favourite running book. 5

20
Training Essentials for Ultrarunners
J Koop, J Rutberg
Reviewed by 4 users
  • Velociraptor
    Probably the best ultramarathon training and racing guide out there at present, though Mr Koop's taste in race nutrition is a bit gruesome. 5

21
The Triathlete's Training Bible
Joe Friel
Reviewed by 4 users
  • Sweetie
    This is a hefty book which covers everything. I refer back to it regularly. 5
  • Angus Clydesdale
    I bought the 2nd Edition a very long time ago and it remains a pillar of my coaching/planning. Apparently the new 4th Edition is the best ever. 5
  • Dibble
    I'm a duathlete, not a triathlete but I still found (the non-swimmy bits) of the previous edition really useful 5

22
26.2 Miles to Happiness
Paul Tonkinson
Reviewed by 9 users
  • Dannyboy01
    An enjoyable read about Pauls sub 3 aspirations. 5
  • dfwboro
    The running book by which I now judge all others. Paul is so down-to-earth, as listeners of Running Commentary will know. An excellent tale of his attempt to break a 3:00 marathon, buy it! 5
  • EdJ
    I really enjoyed this. A gentle, witty, self-deprecating tale of the author's quest for a sub-3 marathon. 5
  • SailorSteve
    My favourite running book. 5
  • A fantastic story about the highs and lows of training for a sub 3hr marathon. 5

23
Around the World in 80 Days
Mark Beaumont
Reviewed by 6 users

24
The pants of perspective
Anna McNuff
Reviewed by 6 users
  • Nessie
    An account of Anna's 3000 mile run of the Te Araroa trail the length of New Zealand. Funny, warm and inspiring. 5
  • Ness
    A good read and funny. I enjoyed it. 5
  • katypie
    Really liked this. Am reading 50 shades of the USA currently. 5
  • geordiegirl
    I struggled in places, probably Anna's writing style compared to Rosie Swale Pope but what a journey, another inspiring lady with balls of steel. A great account of an amazing achievement. 5
  • steve45
    Good reading throughout which I much preferred to Rosie Swale Pope's writing (just my opinion!). And a great personality too! 5
  • fleecy
    This was easy to read and funny 4

25
The Competitive Runner's Handbook
Bob Glover
Reviewed by 6 users
  • Velociraptor
    A classic running book that remains very relevant. 5
  • Oscar the Grouch
    first running book I read and didn't let me down 5
  • ♪♫ Synge ♪♫
    A great book which contains lots of training advice. It focuses on different abilities and on different lengths of race from 5k up to marathon. I found it invaluable in those early "improver" days. 5

26
The way of the runner
Adharanand Finn
Reviewed by 11 users
  • katypie
    Loved this 5
  • Albert O Balsam
    This is great - knew nothing about Japanese running, certainly opens the eyes. 5
  • Northern Exile
    Very enjoyable, Finn is an outstanding writer. 5
  • Running sim
    Possibly my favourite of Finn’s book so far! 5
  • Captain S
    Fascinating insight into a running sport that I didn't know anything about with a slightly bitter-sweet ending I thought. 5
  • SailorSteve
    Finn’s best in my opinion. Great insights into a world I knew very little about and now follow with interest. 5
  • boyband6666
    Sadly I didn't enjoy this as much as the kenyans, perhaps as he didn't get that up close with the better runners. Still worth reading if you love running, but not as gripping 3

27
Lore of Running
Tim Noakes MD
Reviewed by 16 users
  • fetcheveryone
    Extremely heavy duty - but a great reference manual. Everything from biological processes, right up to training cycles. 5
  • Kenyan John
    My favourite running book 5
  • SailorSteve
    Excellent reference source. Not ideal for hand luggage. 5
  • The bible. 5
  • steve45
    Just about everything one needs in here even though written a while ago. A tome of a book which I wouldn't be without. 5
  • Little Miss Happy
    One to have on the bookcase for reference rather than to read cover to cover. 5
  • Velociraptor
    Terrific reference book on all aspects of running. Contains everything from detailed physiology and biochemistry to engaging biographies of great athletes past and present. Full of citations. 5
  • Mrs Jigs (Luverlylegs)
    Good for reference, not read it in full... 5
  • Gobi
    The reference gospel- not a page 1 to end read but a reference !! 5
  • SeanMc
    Very technical and very hard to read but an excellent reference book 4
  • ♪♫ Synge ♪♫
    Brilliant book, but some of the science is a bit over my head. It all sounds convincing, though! Highly recommended. 4
  • speedy rob
    A great reference, but getting dated so there is always a doubt as to whether the information has been superseded. 4
  • Sharkie
    Read it while I was a distance runner over ten years ago. It's full of useful information - but unless updated may be slightly out of date now? 4
  • light78
    Great reference guide though my copy is quite old now and wonder if some of the science/theory has since been superceded? 4

28
The Runner’s Handbook
Bob Glover
Reviewed by 3 users
  • Velociraptor
    Old but still good! 5
  • Tikka
    First running book I ever bought as a beginner, and I still think it's the best running book I ever bought now that I'm no longer a beginner. Practical advice presented in a very readable format. 5

29
IronFit Secrets (for Half Iron-Distance Triathlon Success)
Don Fink & Melanie Fink
Reviewed by 3 users
  • Angus Clydesdale
    Brilliant wee book. 3 training plans, depending how fast/fit you are. Got me round Edinburgh IM70.3 a couple of years ago. Easy to read and understand. 5
  • g1ngerrevolution
    A book and plan so good I wrote an entire blog about it: https://www.fetcheveryone.com/blog/70109/2016/12 5

30
Running Well
Sam Murphy & Sarah Connors
Reviewed by 3 users
  • speedy rob
    A good book covering the basics, but its 53 page chapter on running related injuries makes it an essential reference for me. 5
  • Bright Strider
    I have it, and like it. Two sections: as I recall, first a how it works section, then a problem solving section. 5
  • Mrs Jubbly
    Always go back to this book for essential advice. Injury section is genuinely useful. Core exercises and stretches cover everything I need. Well written and motivating with sensible advice. 5

31
Why We Run: A Natural History
Bernd Heinrich
Reviewed by 3 users
  • Binks
    Possibly my favourite running book. A decent US and zoologist looking at how animals such as birds, bees, frogs, antelopes deal with endurance. You will learn a lot from this book! 5
  • jacdaw
    I love this book... but lots of other people hate it. 5

32
The Ghost Runner
Bill Jones
Reviewed by 10 users
  • The Mussile
    This book moved me in many ways. tragic story well written 5
  • Wezza
    One of my favourites. I agree that this could make a cracking movie. 5
  • houchen
    This story would be a great movie. 5
  • mr d
    Incredible and sometimes harrowing story. 4
  • Schnecke
    The often fascinating but ultimately tragic history of an obsessive man, fighting great hardship and a class system that was heavily stacked against him. 4

33
Fixing Your Feet
John Vonhof
Reviewed by 10 users
  • Velociraptor
    A brilliant insight into how hard many runners have to work to keep their feet healthy, and lots of useful advice that's transferable to my work in primary care medicine. 5
  • Running sim
    The authority on foot care! 5
  • jacdaw
    Essential reading for everybody who has feet. 5

34
Strength and Conditioning for Endurance Running
Richard Blagrove
Reviewed by 5 users
  • Velociraptor
    Useful, sensible guide to supplementary training for runners. 5
  • SPR
    Best strength training book I've seen for endurance runners. Until this book was written, it was necessary IMO to buy strength training specific books if you wanted to do useful strength training. 5
  • speedy rob
    Well set-out, comprehensive and comprehensible. 5
  • puzzler
    Comprehensive with good pictures to understand the exercises 5

35
Eat & Run
Scott Jurek
Reviewed by 23 users
  • Kenyan John
    An excellent read with good down to earth recipes. 5
  • Cerrertonia
    Odd mix of biography, ultra running stories and vegan recipes, but I liked it. 5
  • Fbf-Dave
    Takes us on his journey from a Big Mac eater to vegan champion. And has loads of tips for every runner 5
  • SailorSteve
    Excellent book. Inspiring. Tails off a little but still one that I go back to. 5
  • Mascott
    the vegan hero 5
  • puzzler
    Good read and perspective on vegan running 5
  • Little Miss Happy
    More engaging than I expected it to be. 5
  • fleecy
    Seem to remember it being moderately interesting but couldn’t work out how he fitted in ALL THAT COOKING and eating he must do to fuel his running... 3

36
Today we die a little - The rise and fall of Emil Zatopek
Richard Askwith
Reviewed by 13 users
  • zuistu
    Great read both as a Sports biography and as a social history 5
  • Running sim
    Absolutely captivating read! Fascinating insight into the period of history too. 5
  • Kenyan John
    A fascinating account of one of the greatest ditance runners. 5
  • SailorSteve
    Wot Worthy said ^^^^^^ 4
  • Northern Exile
    Absorbing read about one of the greatest ever runners, felt the book lost a bit towards the end though. 4
  • First three quarters of this book is fantastic but the last part gets bogged down and is boring. The insight into this complecated athlete is worth the effort though. 4

37
In it for the Long Run
Damian Hall
Reviewed by 2 users
  • Strutbrother
    Really enjoyed this book. Damian Hall is a funny and entertaining writer, not to mention an excellent ultra runner too. Highly recommended! 5

38
How to Shit in the Woods: An Environmentally Sound Approach to a Lost Art
Kathleen Meyer
Reviewed by 2 users
  • rhb
    A must read for those crazy ultra runners headed out where there may be no loos 5
  • EdJ
    One of my favourite books. A well researched, well written, considered but at the same time light hearted, treatment of a serious subject 5

39
Island Marathons
Jim Manford
Reviewed by 2 users
  • An enjoyable guide to 25 island based marathons, including first-hand accounts of events overseas in Cuba, Seychelles, Tenerife, Torshavn & Reykjavik plus Jersey, Guernsey & Isle of Man in the UK 5

40
Marathon
Hal Higdon
Reviewed by 2 users
  • becca7
    This book was very helpful when I first started marathon running. Hal Higdon's plans tend to balance training and recovery sufficiently to get runners to the start line well-trained and not broken. 5
  • Fbf-Dave
    I constantly refer to this book 5

41
Good To Go: What the athlete in all of us can learn from the strange science of recovery
Christine Aschwanden
Reviewed by 2 users
  • NordRunner
    Covered in Fetch thread https://www.fetcheveryone.com/forum/the-strange-science-of-recovery-60924/. 5
  • Chrismean
    Great writing 5

42
Never Wipe Your Ass with a Squirrel: A trail running, ultramarathon, and wilderness survival guide for weird folks
Jason Robillard
Reviewed by 2 users
  • Finch
    Great fun but also helpful and insightful - made me laugh out loud and taught me many tricks. Highly recommended. 5
  • EdJ
    Practical, down to earth, never takes itself too seriously, but actually really helpful. Would recommend! 5

43
Fast 5k
Pete Magill
Reviewed by 2 users
  • Dillthedog
    This is a really concise book that distills down everything you need to know about training for a 5k. The workouts are also relevant for training up to a half as well. Very highly recommended 5
  • Chrismean
    Clear, great tips, helped me set a big bp 5

44
Jumping Into Plyometrics (100 Exercises for Power & Strength)
Donald A. Chu
Reviewed by 2 users

45
Periodization Training for Sports
Tudor O. Bompa & Michael C. Carrera
Reviewed by 2 users

46
Build your running body
Pete Magill
Reviewed by 2 users
  • Barky
    Really good book that covers a lot of information on how to run better, a holistic view - running, core, strength, flexibility - it covers it all. Well worth it for some of the ideas it has to offer. 5
  • puzzler
    For all aspects of maintaining your body for running this a great book. Particularly helpful on stretches, but tons of other exercises. 5

47
Becoming Brutal
Claire Smith
Reviewed by 2 users
  • The Mussile
    Claire is an amazingly inspiring lady who has overcome so many personal issues to set up her own events company and completed some of the toughest events in the world including a Double Deca Ironman 5

48
The Complete Book of Running
James F. Fixx
Reviewed by 2 users
  • Strutbrother
    The first running book I ever read. Probably quite out of date in places now, but as it really inspired me in my early days as a runner it deserves 5 stars from me. 5

49
Running Free Of Injuries
Paul Hobrough
Reviewed by 4 users
  • FormerHos
    Excellent book full of information to keep running and better understand the causes and treatment of injuries. 5

50
Again to Carthage
John L. Parker Jr.
Reviewed by 4 users
  • Rosehip
    Listened to this as an audiobook and enjoyed 5

51
Swim Smooth
P Newsome, A Young
Reviewed by 6 users
  • Shoddy
    Much to my surprise, I’m an Arnie 5
  • Raemondo
    I finally understand and mastered bilateral breathing! 5
  • Angus Clydesdale
    Comprehensive guide to swimming front crawl, aimed squarely at triathletes. Nothing new, but Newsome does a good job of explaining. I’m not a fan of his pigeon-holing swimmer types. Overall I like it. 4

52
Fat man to Green man
Ira Rainey
Reviewed by 10 users

53
North
Scott Jurek with Jenny Jurek
Reviewed by 5 users
  • phal
    I really enjoyed this and finding out what Scott went through to re-find his motivation and why he ran. Especially liked the view of Jenny alongside his. Very interesting. Easy read. 5
  • Kenyan John
    A good insight into running the Appalachian Trail with interesting comments from Scott's wife Jenny. 5
  • mr d
    Uniquely written by the support crew and runner as Jurek attempts the Appalachian Trail FKT. Plenty of moaning, highs, lows and a couple of thousand miles. 4

54
Flannagan's Run
Tom McNab
Reviewed by 3 users
  • steve45
    Ok..it's a novel but quite a gripping running story! Set in 1928 at the height of the Depression when folks would race for money. It's about a 3,000 mile race across America. I couldn't put it down 5
  • Great book, make a point of reading it at least once every year usually at the beginning of a new season to give me some inspiration to get out there ! 5
  • Forrest Jooligan
    An entertaining yarn 4

55
The Science of Running: How to Find Your Limit and Train to Maximize Your Performance
Steve Magness
Reviewed by 3 users
  • SPR
    Great book for understanding how training works and then applying it. Especially useful if you don't follow a plan written by someone else and want to structure your own training. 5
  • Rosehip
    Can't fit the review I wanted to 200 chars. Initially needed A'level bio revision to get into it. Full of citations. V. useful for coaches but also for those plotting their own long-distance plans. 5
  • Velociraptor
    Not as good as The Lore Of Running, and so full of typos that I wondered if I'd received a last-but-one draft copy. Verging on the academic. A staple for coaches and cerebral runners. 4

56
Running With The Kenyans
Adharanand Finn
Reviewed by 33 users
  • Fbf-Dave
    I loved this! 5
  • Neilio
    Nice read, gives a good overall “How they achieve what they do” 5
  • Exmoor Runner
    A very enjoyable read 5
  • runnerbean
    My most favourite book in the world. I read this at least once a year. If you ask for nothing you’ll get more than you ever dreamed of. It teaches you just that. 5
  • geordiegirl
    I enjoyed the stories but sometimes found it difficult to keep up. Overall worth a read and some good tips picked up as I moved towards ultra distance. 5
  • Northern Exile
    The best book I have ever read on running. Brilliant. 5
  • Cerrertonia
    Really excellent book, although (spoiler alert), the subtitle "discovering the secrets of the fastest people on earth" largely turns out to be that there is no single factor. 5
  • houchen
    Really enjoyable and somewhat insightful. 4
  • Ocelot Spleens
    Very good, gives you a very good idea of what's involved running hard. 4
  • Albert O Balsam
    Not so much insight - but real immersion into the Kenyan way of life, so to be applauded 4
  • SailorSteve
    Well written but not the level of insight that I was expecting. 3
  • dfwboro
    An o.k. book in my opinion , there are some good insights into the lore of Kenyan running 3
  • Terrible. Don't bother. 1

57
The Swimming Drill Book
Ruben Guzman
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Angus Clydesdale
    An excellent resource for adding variety to your swim workouts. 5

58
Running Beyond Limits
Andrew Murray
Reviewed by 1 user

59
The Running Man
Gilbert Tuhaboyne
Reviewed by 1 user
  • runnerbean
    A book of courage and belief. This book changed me from the inside out. 5

60
Running the Himalayas
Richard and Adrian Crane
Reviewed by 1 user
  • steve45
    Published in 1984, 2,000 miles with total ascent of 300,000 ft in the days when New Balance were "top"! Maybe a bit too much stuff about things other than running in it but I enjoyed it a lot. 5

61
Running with Sherman
Christopher McDougall
Reviewed by 1 user
  • mr d
    A rescued and mistreated donkey joins McDougal family and together the train for the Pack Burro World Championships. Exploring Ainimal and Human realitionships and the bonds between us. 5

62
Roar
Stacy T. Sims
Reviewed by 1 user
  • RunnyBunny
    Nutrition and training for women. Lots on menstrual cycles, a chapter on the menopause, a chapter on pregnancy. Mantra: women are not small men. 5

63
Safe Cycling in the City
Chris Sidwells
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Bright Strider
    Stuff people new to bike commuting need to know: 1 Buying a bike. 2 Bike kit. 3 Bike fit. 4 Maintenance. 5 Skills. 6 Fitness. I am reviewing the recent first edition; the book deserves updates. 5

64
Staying The Distance
Rob Grillo
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Northern Exile
    Like this a lot. If you're at all interested in the lore or running in Northern England, it's for you. Cracking read. 5

65
Swimhiking in the Lake District and North East England
Peter Hayes
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Northern Exile
    Engaging and very funny book about Peter's swim/run antics. It's where the Frog Graham Round is defined. Oh, and I get a mention .... :-) 5

66
Terry Fox His Story
Leslie Scrivener
Reviewed by 1 user

67
Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance
Lennard Zinn
Reviewed by 1 user
  • fetcheveryone
    Lured in by the title - and not disappointed. A weighty 400+ pages, this is a proper textbook, with loads of useful advice and step-by-step guides for hundreds of different aspects of your bike. 5

68
The Mechanics of Sprinting and Hurdling
Ralph Mann
Reviewed by 1 user
  • SPR
    Detailed analysis of sprinting and hurdling mechanics. One for those interested rather than a training/ learning manual. 5

69
Mental Mastery- Tried and tested techniques for excpetional sports performance
Ken Way
Reviewed by 1 user
  • steve45
    Helps to add that often missed element of training into one's running and into daily life too! 5

70
Marathon Tourism
Jim Manford
Reviewed by 1 user
  • The first book in the author's 11- book series on the increasingly popular pastime of Marathon Tourism. Altogether, the series provides an excellent runner’s guide to over 250 marathons worldwide 5

71
A Year on the Run- 365 stories from the world of running
Damian Hall
Reviewed by 1 user
  • steve45
    A great book to dip into or follow day by day! Short interesting running stories/facts related to the dates in question. 5

72
And then the vulture eats you
John Parker Jr
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Garfield
    Short stories about various ultras and ultra runners. 5

73
Championship Swim Training
Bill Sweetenham & John Atkinson
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Angus Clydesdale
    This is THE go-to reference book for swim coaching, particularly for designing training programmes. Possibly a bit specialist for multi-sports athletes. 5

74
Who Taught You How to Run?
Mike Antoniades
Reviewed by 1 user
  • jennywren
    I found this book fascinating, so much so that I’ve now had an assessment and have booked some lessons with a practitioner of The Running School Method 5

75
We Can't Run Away From This: Racing to improve running’s footprint in our climate emergency
Damian Hall
Reviewed by 1 user

76
Exercised - Why something we never evolved to do is healthy and rewarding
Daniel E Lieberman
Reviewed by 1 user
  • SlownOld
    Not a how to book, more a why but well worth a read. It stresses the advantages of exercise particularly as we age. 5

77
Faster Road Racing
Pete Pfitzinger
Reviewed by 12 users
  • Mrs Jigs (Luverlylegs)
    Useful guide for shorter races 5
  • Daz Love
    Love this book. For the more ‘serious’ runner. Plans for all common distances up to half. Lightest plans start at around 35 miles per week. Away from the plans there is lots of good info that helps. 5
  • Windsor Wool
    Good, interesting variations on the tried and tested P&D marathon theme. 4
  • HappyG(rrr)
    I didn't find this as helpful as Advanced Marathoning book, but could be just where I was in my running life & training. Plans have lots of speed & intensity, as you'd expect, I prefer jogging! :-) G 4

78
The Rise Of The Ultrarunner
Adharanand Finn
Reviewed by 12 users
  • Northern Exile
    Outstanding. Captures the highs and lows of the UTMB like few other books have done. 5
  • jennywren
    I loved this book. His best one i think. 5
  • geordiegirl
    I enjoyed it but I’ve become a bit ultra running reading obsessed. 4
  • Sorely disappointed. Perhaps I just don't like the authors style. Have re-read it and have not enjoyed it any more. Free to a good home. 2

79
Fast After 50
Joe Friel
Reviewed by 6 users
  • Velociraptor
    Very readable and informative guide to training for those of us who won't see 49 again. One mark off from me because the author leaps on the low-carb bandwagon. 4
  • jacdaw
    Pretty good. Certainly readable. 4

80
Be Iron Fit (Time-Efficient Training Secrets for Ultimate Fitness)
Don Fink & Melanie Fink
Reviewed by 4 users
  • Little Miss Happy
    Accessible, achievable plans whatever your goal. 5
  • Angus Clydesdale
    Superb book with some great plans and ideas about how to stay on track. Definitely for Long (IM) distance. For Middle (½IM) distance their book IronFit Secrets is better focussed. 5
  • Used this to train for my first ironman. Was very easy to follow and sensible, a big emphasis on long easy bike/run miles. 5
  • fraggle
    Some good ideas in here, but, I found the swim sets unachievable in the time suggested,and the long bikes are not long enough. Going long is all about the bike 3

81
Let Your Mind Run
Deena Kastor and Michelle Hamilton
Reviewed by 4 users

82
Training Food
Renee McGregor
Reviewed by 2 users
  • Sharkie
    Science backed. Renee McGregor is super sensible and her Nepalese curry is a go to meal for me. Docking 1 star because if the book looked more appealing it might have sold better. I really rate her. 4

83
Find a way
Diana Nyad
Reviewed by 2 users

84
World's Most Exotic Marathons
Jim Manford
Reviewed by 0 user

85
Memories of a Marathon Man
Jim Manford
Reviewed by 0 user

86
Marathon Tourist's Guidebook
Jim Manford
Reviewed by 0 user

87
Staying The Course
Dick Beardsley
Reviewed by 0 user

88
Slow jogging
Dr. Hiroaki Tanaka
Reviewed by 0 user

89
Marathon Tourism USA
Jim Manford
Reviewed by 0 user

90
Marathon Tourism in Spain
Jim Manford
Reviewed by 0 user

91
Marathon Tourism in Eastern Europe
Jim Manford
Reviewed by 0 user

92
Out of thin air: running wisdom and magic from above the clouds in Ethiopia
Michael Crawley
Reviewed by 0 user

93
Ironwomen
Tiffany Jolowicz
Reviewed by 0 user

94
Marathon Tourism in Europe's Capitals
Jim Manford
Reviewed by 0 user

95
Marathon Tourism Down Under
Jim Manford
Reviewed by 0 user

96
Run Like Duck - A Guide For The Unathletic
Mark Atkinson
Reviewed by 0 user

97
Marathon Bucket List
Jim Manford
Reviewed by 0 user

98
Older Yet Faster: The Secret to Running Fast and Injury Free
Keith Roland Bateman, Heidi Melissa Jones et al.
Reviewed by 3 users
  • geordiegirl
    So much good information and the foot exercises have really helped. Add they they have a Facebook group OYF where Keith and Heidi offer first hand advice you can’t go wrong. 5
  • SeanMc
    Didnt find this book great to be honest 3

99
Born to Run
Christopher McDougall
Reviewed by 52 users
  • HappyG(rrr)
    Love this book! You can criticise the US tone & some of the pseudo-science, but it's a fun read, with some interesting insights & facts you can trot out at parties. Evolution made you a runner! :-) G 5
  • usc215
    Do you have pain in your foot, knee, hip or back? read this book, throw the expensive brand-name running shoes in the bin and run on your forefoot, as nature has taught us for 1,000,000 years 👍 5
  • Superjools
    Loved this book. Read it during a hiatus from running and was soon inspired to get my daps back on 5
  • Mascott
    Great book, interesting history around why we run... not sure about barefoot running- it does make sense, but is a lot of work! 5
  • Nilz
    A pretty good read. 5
  • geordiegirl
    Loved this book. I go so engrossed in it I didn't want it to end. 5
  • Kenyan John
    A good read 4
  • tonyp2604
    Even if your'e not really into running - this is a good read. 4
  • Rosehip
    A good story :) 4
  • steve45
    Enjoyed it when it first came out but not wholly convinced about the principles about shoes! 4
  • BaronessBL
    I quite enjoyed it in places but found it hard going in others. Not one I'd read again and again but I'm glad I gave it a go. 4
  • Windsor Wool
    Good. In some ways I suppose this book helped the (boom and busted?) barefoot running fad. I enjoyed it a lot (even though barefoot running and minimalist shoes broke me 🤣) 4
  • Jock Itch
    not great 3
  • Little Miss Happy
    Didn't do it for me. 3
  • Sharkie
    ok I suppose 3
  • Decent read, but maybe a little overrated. 3
  • Nightjar
    I gave this book a good go because everyone raves about it, but it didn't do it for me. I'd have to go back and try again to recall why, but that's not going to happen! 3
  • Ocelot Spleens
    Not bad. Repetitive. Not that interesting in the end. 3
  • What do I smell? Bullshit. It is ok as a story but not much use for a runner. 2
  • StuH
    I've tried to read this book 3 times, felt like a chore each time. Just couldn't engage with it. 2

100
80/20 Running
Matt Fitzgerald
Reviewed by 16 users
  • TBR (TheBeardRunner)
    Have used this for over 12 months. I love the structured training plans. 5
  • Barky
    A really good book offering insight into training - covering HR/VO2/Pace/RPE - he pros and cons of them as well as the base idea of slow will make you faster. 5
  • Binks
    Excellent book. 80/20 has been the basis of my training for years and I think is what allows me to complete lots of miles without injury. 5
  • puzzler
    A good read but not so much new if you’re familiar with Lydiard style training. Kindle version has rubbish formatting so avoid and get the paper version. 4
  • steveearle55
    Good read with loads of data studies. Worth knowing the principals even if your not following the plan 4
  • SailorSteve
    Makes a little go a long way. 3
  • Velociraptor
    A typical Fitzgerald offering. Readable, safe advice, and presents well established training principles in a manner that suggests he's the first person to have thought of them. 3

101
The Cycling Revolution
Patrick Field
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Bright Strider
    Things to bear in mind, in life on a bike, and just in life. It is possible to fault the expression of the author's thoughts, but the good, sensible intention is clear. Printed and bound in China. 4

102
Racing the Rain
John L. Parker Jr.
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Ticketyboo
    Prequel to Once a Runner. More of a novel featuring running than a training book. 4

103
Swimming Fastest
Ernest W Maglischo
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Angus Clydesdale
    It’s one of my go-to references and is one of the foundations of modern swim coaching. Excellent technical “bible” for coaching swimming. Probably too technical unless you’re a qualified swim coach. 4

104
Swim Workouts for Triathletes
Gale Bernhardt & Nick Hansen
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Angus Clydesdale
    These are excellent, well-balanced workouts which are easy to include in a training plan. Printed on waterproof paper too. The downside is that you’ll have to learn new acronyms and jargon. 4

105
I'm Here to Win
Chris McCormack
Reviewed by 1 user

106
Chased by Pandas
Dan Martin
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Sigh
    An entertaining and refreshingly honest account of life as a professional cyclist. 4

107
Running the Dream
Matt Fitzgerald
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Rosehip
    One Summer Living, Training, and Racing with a Team of World-Class Runners Half My Age. Interesting insight into training of USA elite runners and what training properly to a plan can achieve 4

108
The Tao Of Running
Gary Dudney
Reviewed by 1 user
  • mr d
    Lots of tales from the authors attempts at US ultras and a look and the mental side of running. I liked it, but it won't be everyone's cup of tea. 4

109
Underwater Foraging - Freediving For Food
Ian Donald
Reviewed by 1 user

110
Diet Cults
Matt Fitzgerald
Reviewed by 1 user
  • NordRunner
    He is a sports coach and nutritionist with a science approach. This is interesting for anyone training but wanting to avoid being sucked into cult-like practices and diets, sticking to what works. 4

111
Jog On. How Running Saved My Life
Bella Mackie
Reviewed by 1 user
  • NordRunner
    This is an interesting personal account. It describes obsessive-compulsive behaviour, anxiety, and related problems that the author struggled with. Running gave some control and coping mechanisms. 4

112
Outrunning the demons
Phil hewitt
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Shoddy
    Phil Hewitt used running to help his recovery after being viciously attacked and left for dead. Here he compiles over 30 similar tales of people using running to help heal their mental wounds. 4

113
Natural Born Heroes
Christopher McDougall
Reviewed by 9 users
  • Shortcut Cam
    My favourite fitness book. So good I went on holiday to Crete. 5
  • mr d
    Great story, takes some big diversions which may frustrate people. 4
  • Mascott
    sorry, couldn't quite feel it, too disjointed 3
  • geordiegirl
    Started off enjoying it then I struggled with it. Not 100% sure still not finished it. 2

114
More Fire
Toby Tanser
Reviewed by 2 users
  • boyband6666
    Interesting but limited insight; A lot of name dropping, and dismissing doping - when several of the names dropped have since been caught. Also a little dated now. If you love the topic, sure, read it 3

115
Accidental Ironman
Martyn Brunt
Reviewed by 2 users
  • Mrdigitaljedi
    Amazingly funny look at the middle of the pack triathlete https://www.amazon.co.uk/Accidental-Ironman-Martyn-Brunt/dp/1472111052/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=martyn+brunt&qid=1638964375&sr=8-1 5
  • The Mussile
    Not as funny as he thinks he is. 3

116
Finding Gobi
Dion Leonard
Reviewed by 2 users
  • FrogMan
    Stray dog follows ultra marathoner who end up rescuing the pup. Good for both runners and dog lovers! 5
  • Northern Exile
    Mmmm, thought that it was going to be better than it was. 3

117
401: The Man who Ran 401 Marathons in 401 Days and Changed his Life Forever
Ben smith
Reviewed by 6 users
  • geordiegirl
    Like LazyDaisy I saw Ben when he came to our town. He was so interesting to listen too. I bought the book not got to reading it yet, I expect it to be a great read. 5
  • LazyDaisy
    I haven't read it but Ben gave a talk at our AGM not long after he'd completed this challenge. What a smashing guy, very inspirational - if his book is anything like him, it'll be a good read! 5
  • sinj999
    I haven't read it, but my OH has and she says it is very good. Who am I to argue...? 4
  • steveearle55
    Good in parts, but can get a little boring. 3

118
Becoming a Supple Leopard
Dr Kelly Starrett
Reviewed by 7 users
  • becca7
    A bit of a daft title but this book is highly recommended as a guide to increasing mobility. 5
  • PAJ89
    I've had it for years, refer back to it regularly and have implemented daily mobility during that time. Easy to follow with lots of images. Has helped me substantially. 5
  • A cracking read, recommended to me by Rob Thickpenny. It's a resource that I recommend to all the runners I coach, and all the coaches / clubs I work with. 5
  • Sharkie
    Lots of good stuff - but VERY heavy (weight wise- not practical to lug about) and expensive 4
  • K5 Gus
    Not personally read this, but comes very highly recommended from various clubmates 4
  • Velociraptor
    Over-complicated, anecdote-based bullshit. 1

119
The Art of Running Faster
Julian Goater
Reviewed by 8 users
  • Oscar the Grouch
    Really interesting read and insight. Lots to help you improve 5

120
There is no Map In Hell
Steve Birkinshaw
Reviewed by 9 users
  • SimonF
    Very honest and really interesting. 5
  • phal
    Loved it. 😍 5
  • Dave A
    Probably the most inspiring fell running book I’ve read. Fantastic. 5
  • mr d
    Intricate detail on his Wainright record attempt. 5
  • Rosehip
    Took me a while to get into this and I dipped in and out but once I did I couldn't put it down. 5
  • Northern Exile
    Not what I expected. Good account of a phenomenal journey though. 3
  • jacdaw
    Possibly one of the dullest books I have ever read... 2
  • Poor. I struggled to keep up the necessary enthusiasm to read it all. 2

121
Running the Red Line
Julie Carter
Reviewed by 4 users
  • Northern Exile
    Outstanding read, definitely one to seek out. 5
  • xt350 🇳🇿
    Brilliant book with references to places and people I know, this did help with relating to the text. Well worth a read. 5

122
Total Immersion: The Revolutionary Way To Swim Better, Faster, and Easier
Terry Laughlin
Reviewed by 5 users
  • Sweetie
    I couldn't swim, read this book and now I can! Big focus on becoming more efficient in the water. 5
  • Helegant
    Lots of useful hints. I'm using it as a 'dip in' book. 5
  • Angus Clydesdale
    It’s a cult thing. Those that get it love it. I don’t get it and would not recommend, unless you’ve already tried everything else. 3
  • jacdaw
    Convincing... but ultimately the TI method is a dreadful blind alley. Avoid. 2

123
What I talk about when I talk about running
Haruki Murakami
Reviewed by 43 users
  • fleecy
    The only book of his I’ve got past chapter 1 :) Actually I really like the philosophical approach 5
  • Ocelot Spleens
    Only just a book about running, more about how a life involves running. 5
  • TheScribbler
    Murakami reflects on running as philosophy, as a way of life, as a way of understanding, and an aid to writing and thinking. The nearest thing I've ever read to what goes on in my head when I run. 5
  • light78
    I love this book. As much autobiographical as a running book. Found his running experiences really relatable. Some great quotes about life in general that really resonated with me 👍 5
  • Nilz
    Almost a one off in running books. I rather liked it. 5
  • houchen
    Loved it. 5
  • FunkyPOM
    Got one main quote from this that applies to life too. Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. Has given me perspective many times 4
  • Seratonin
    I like Murakami so the fact that he has written a book about running intrigued me. I don't agree with some of his comments but it's okay as an insight into his views on life and running. 4
  • Little Miss Happy
    Only ok. 3
  • zuistu
    Its one of the most readable books by Murakami, But when I read about running Im normally looking for something else. 3
  • HappyG(rrr)
    Not really a running book. Very well written and interesting philosophically, perhaps. I haven't read it a second time though! :-) G 3
  • puzzler
    Underwhelmed by a writer with a big reputation 3
  • Ticketyboo
    Disappointing, just couldn't relate to the runner. 2
  • SailorSteve
    I found the book a bit of a downer. Disappointing after many positive reviews elsewhere. 2
  • steve45
    Absolutely dull! 1
  • Tikka
    Couldn't finish this. No idea what all the hype is about. 1

124
The Race Against Time
Richard Askwith
Reviewed by 1 user
  • jacdaw
    A bit dull, following the Askwith formula seen in FITC, applied to the Masters track scene. Probably contradicts his last(?) book about running for the pure joy of it. Honestly? Disappointing. 3

125
1001 running tips - the essential runners’ guide
Robbie britton
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Rosehip
    Difficult one to score - there’s lots of information-reading a few forums on here would tell you most of it - but it’s quite funny and worth dipping in and out of to see what he says about each topic 3

126
Running Hard
Steve Chilton
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Northern Exile
    Better than his two previous offerings ("It's a Hill" and "The Round"), but still poorly written. Shame, because it's an interesting theme. 3

127
Clean & Lean Warrior (Blueprint for a Strong, Lean Body)
James Duigan
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Angus Clydesdale
    Not finished yet. Seems ok so far. Will post definitive review later 3

128
The Looniness of the Long Distance Runner
Russell Taylor
Reviewed by 3 users
  • Strutbrother
    Easy read and pretty funny in a laddish sort of way. Quite enjoyed it as a holiday book. 4

129
Swim Bike Run
Alistair and Jonathon Brownlee
Reviewed by 6 users
  • Little Miss Happy
    Enjoyable easy read. 5
  • Northern Exile
    Could have been better. They should have hired a better editor, the true story of the Brownlee brothers is not told here. 3
  • The Mussile
    Appalling cash in that doesn't show the Brownlees in their true light 1

130
Run Wild
Boff Whalley
Reviewed by 9 users
  • steve45
    One of my all time favourite running books-- it fits in with my personality and my feelings about commercial races. I found the whole book inspirational on many levels--and I loved Chumbawamba too! 5
  • fleecy
    Loved this, Boff Whalley of Chumbawumba leaping round fells lyrically 5
  • sinj999
    A bit heavy on the anti-commercial races, but a good read otherwise. Did someone mention New York? Has left me looking for any fells around the Home counties...:) 4
  • Shoddy
    Sticking it to the man, as always. Boff explains why running should be free, and big city marathons make us prisoners of our own desires. 4
  • Northern Exile
    Boff is a great fell runner and musician, but he fails here. Focuses way too much on the negativity of road marathons. 2
  • Derby Tup
    What NE said. A missed opportunity 2

131
Racing Weight
Matt Fitzgerald
Reviewed by 15 users
  • Velociraptor
    One of the best of its genre at its time. The author gets an extra point for me for dismissing the glycaemic index as a "pseudometric", then spoils it by introducing a new pseudometric of his own. 3
  • speedy rob
    It gave no significant insights, and laboured through as much padding as required to make it look like a substantial book 2
  • boyband6666
    Ok, some useful concepts, could have been a tenth of the size though 2
  • Gobi
    Its OK 2

132
Running Up That Hill
Vassos Alexander
Reviewed by 3 users
  • stilldreaming
    Easy read. Vassos writes about his ultra races, interspersed with interviews with other ultra runners. 4
  • dfwboro
    Another top book from Vassos told is his usual easy going manner, a very good read. 4

133
Running For My Life
Rachel Ann Cullen
Reviewed by 3 users
  • Little Miss Happy
    One woman's journey through life and how running helped. Personal, engaging, easy to read. 5
  • katypie
    I really didn’t Get on with this book. 2

134
Coasting: Running Around the Coast of Britain – Life, Love and (Very) Loose Plans
Elise Downing
Reviewed by 2 users
  • dfwboro
    A great read, a book about running challenges and life in general, even the days when running is terrible. My criticism would be that the Scottish part of the journey isn't given many pages 4
  • LazyDaisy
    It's alright but not very useful or inspiring I'm afraid! 2

135
In the Running
Phil Hewitt
Reviewed by 1 user
  • boyband6666
    I tried, but not for me - perhaps more of interst to a novice? 2

136
All or Nothing at All
Steve Chilton
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Northern Exile
    The latest in the series of fell-running books by Steve Chilton, in this case chronicling the life of the legendary Billy Bland. It's as bad as the rest of his books, Billy deserves better :-( 2

137
Run
Dean Karnazes
Reviewed by 9 users
  • wrexhamrob
    Very easy reading tale of his ultrrunning , read it in a few short episodes 5
  • Seratonin
    Really enjoyed this book. I find Dean to be really inspiring. 5
  • xt350 🇳🇿
    i enjoyed it. 5

138
The End of the World Running Club
Adrian J Walker
Reviewed by 9 users
  • steve45
    Plenty of tension in this book which kept the need for the pages to turn. Not what I expected when I bought it maybe, but an exciting surprise. I'd even read it again! 5
  • Seratonin
    Decent read. A bit grim in places but what would you expect in a post-apocalyptic thriller? Well written and engaging 5
  • A real page turner! 5
  • Rascal
    Not your average running book, but a decent read. A bleak look at a dystopian future where running can help you survive. Get those training miles in fetchies. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. 4
  • fetcheveryone
    Quite good fun - and I'm sure I'm not alone in imagining that being able to run a few miles will give me an edge in a post-apocalyptic world. 3
  • Forrest Jooligan
    A dreadful book. Full of terrible hackneyed disaster scenes, cliched 2-D characters + a totally unsympathetic & dull protagonist. Very little running in it & what there is is ludicrously unrealistic. 1

139
Why We Run: A Story of Obsession
Robin Harvie
Reviewed by 5 users
  • SailorSteve
    Interesting personal journey. Well written climax. I enjoyed it. 3
  • _andy
    The weakest book on my shelf of running books. I even re-read it again recently, thinking it couldn't really have been that bad. But it was. 1

140
Beyond Impossible
Mimi Anderson
Reviewed by 5 users
  • Kenyan John
    Well written book about her early struggles then her amazing life as an ultra distance runner. 5
  • Little Miss Happy
    Not as engaging as I thought it was going to be. 4
  • geordiegirl
    I struggled got part way through and lost interest there was some good points and stories but as dfwboro said a bit self obsessed. 2
  • dfwboro
    I found this book awful, probably the worst running book I've ever read, although I gave up half way through. Such a self-obsessed person. 1

141
Don't stop me now
Vassos Alexander
Reviewed by 23 users
  • Gooner
    Easy to read and quite funny in parts. 5
  • smallclanger
    Loved it! 5
  • Little Miss Happy
    Easy reading. 5
  • wrexhamrob
    Easy reading lots of anecdotes of his running and incidents , having listened to him on R2 and met him at marathon run camp ,and like him it’s interesting, if he’s not for you then neither is the book 4
  • Fbf-Dave
    I enjoyed it! 4
  • dfwboro
    Top read and very accessible, I would definitely recommend reading this. 4
  • geordiegirl
    I enjoyed the book for the banter and ease of reading. Not the best book on running but an enjoyable read. I love listening to Vassos & Chris and the book was an extension of that (for me) 4
  • Mascott
    its ok.... he's dull! 3
  • Albert O Balsam
    It's ok, good in places. Vassos does have rather an inflated view of himself in parts (of this book, I'm sure in real life he's very down to earth) 3
  • Windsor Wool
    Quite crap. If you want to read a book about someone who obsessively chases a goal then read Feet in the Clouds. 2
  • Sweetie
    Really disliked the gimmicky way they split up the Outlaw race over 26 chapters - a very disjointed read. 2
  • smoke free
    A bit dull and predictable 2
  • Ocelot Spleens
    This person is a berk in ALL his'sport' coverage. Avoid at all costs. 0 stars. Bought as a present. I put it in the lend section of my local train station. It has never moved. 1

142
Keep on running
Phil Hewitt
Reviewed by 6 users
  • Strutbrother
    The story of an ordinary bloke running his first marathon and what happened next. Definitely worth a read. 4
  • Fbf-Dave
    I found it condescending when describing areas of London 3
  • SailorSteve
    Pretty good. 3
  • boyband6666
    Tried, but not for me. Also poor printing quality 2

143
It Kept Me Off The Streets: The Sleepless Nights of an Ultra Runner
Martin Thomerson
Reviewed by 1 user
  • Northern Exile
    Awful book, don't waste your time. It's badly written and edited, combine that with a weak and desultory theme and you have something that's barely readable. 1

144
Heart Monitor Training for the Compleat Idiot
John L Parker Jr
Reviewed by 10 users
  • GimmeMedals
    I've just been reading this - it's dead easy to follow. The plans included look ok so I'm giving it a go. 5
  • Helegant
    I found it helpful on one of my many returns to running because it gave structure and a plan that matched quite well to my own body. 4
  • fetcheveryone
    Very straightforward (but could probably be condensed into a pamphlet). Still not sure why the author used the 18th century spelling of 'Compleat'. A relaxed, simple read covering the basics. 3
  • geordiegirl
    I used it found it helpful, but I struggle with books I am meant to learn from... much more of a story reader :) 3
  • Velociraptor
    Do you want your heart rate monitor to be your master rather than your servant, and a set of numbers that may not apply to you to dictate your training? If so, this book will suit you perfectly. 2

145
Your pace or mine?
Lisa Jackson
Reviewed by 5 users
  • dfwboro
    What a great read, how refreshing to hear from someone who isn't condescending and relates to those who are often at the back of the pack. 4
  • wrexhamrob
    Back of the pack fun read 4
  • SailorSteve
    Meh 2

146
Run or Die
Kilian Jornet
Reviewed by 5 users
  • Northern Exile
    This could have been so much better, not at all what I expected. 3
  • jacdaw
    It's ok. 3
  • 2triornot2tri
    Poorly translated sadly so it reads very strangely. 3

147
Running in the midpack
Martin Yelling and Anji Andrews
Reviewed by 3 users
  • wrexhamrob
    Knowing the authors through marathon talk , this is very easy reading, experienced runners may not get much benefit. Those of us with an open mind may always pick up odd hint . For the mid pack 4
  • FreshStart
    Found the book so difficult to read, I gave up on my third attempt. Perhaps as a back of the pack, injury-prone runner I'm not the target audience for the book. 2
  • SailorSteve
    Dull as ditchwater; repetitive; patronising. 1

148
Running My Life
Seb Coe
Reviewed by 5 users

149
Ultramarathon Man
Dean Karnazes
Reviewed by 13 users
  • _andy
    One of the books that inspired me to give ultras a go. Re-read a second time and still throughly enjoyed it. Yes, DK is full of himself, but it's still a great read. 5
  • Pothunter
    I really enjoyed this, very easy to read style. He’s an exceptional athlete and he knows it, don’t expect modesty. 5
  • Velociraptor
    I get the impression that Mr Karnazes's ghostwriter didn't take to him. 1
  • paul the builder
    Just awful. Imagine the worst humblebraggy blog anywhere on the internet, in book form. That. 1

150
It's a Hill, Get Over It
Steve Chilton
Reviewed by 4 users
  • stilldreaming
    Found this heavy going - could only read and digest one chapter at a time. 3
  • EuanB
    I found this to be a real mixed bag - some of the interviews were interesting, but I got lost in the numbers and didn't have the motivation to read it to the end. 3
  • Velociraptor
    The subject matter is rich and fascinating, the book is unengaging and laborious. I was disappointed. 2
  • Northern Exile
    Full of facts and figures about fell running, but pretty dull and not very readable. 2

151
Chi Running
Danny Dreyer
Reviewed by 4 users
  • Columba
    Taking things gently. Helped to get me back running after injury. 4
  • Inconsistent. 3
  • Velociraptor
    Imagine a book on running written by an American televangelist. This is it. Toe-curling. 2
  • Northern Exile
    On the shelf, but I didn't get past the first ten pages. Absolute bollocks. 1

152
Runner
Lizzy Hawker
Reviewed by 8 users
  • mr d
    This is a great book, her first UTMB, becoming an elite athlete, attempting FKTs then in the last couple of chapters it's a bit weird. The editor should be fired. 4
  • stilldreaming
    Couldn't get into this book. Disappointing. 3
  • zuistu
    First half is very good , but about halfway through the writting gets a bit self conciously literary/mystic and it doesn't really work for me. 3
  • It starts off great but disappoints towards the end. Worth it for the first 60pc of the book. 3
  • Sigh
    Really enjoyed it until the last few chapters when it goes into a bit of a tailspin. 3
  • flanker
    Tried to red it several times, but found the writing painfully poor and after the first coupe of chapters it got really boring. Disappointed as I'm a big Lizzy fan. 2
  • Northern Exile
    Did not like this book at all, overly feminist and wide of the mark. 2

153
Run Less, Run Faster - Third Edition
Bill Pierce and Scott Murr
Reviewed by 9 users
  • JPF
    Excellent plans for full fitness runners who also like to bike and swim. A good update to the 2012 2nd edition. Run less, it may be. Train less, it is not. You need to put in the training hours to PB! 5
  • HappyG(rrr)
    A controversial training approach, that gained a bit of a following early 2000s. But don't knock it 'til you try it! I did try it and got a marathon PB, despite my running limited due to injury. :-) G 4
  • boyband6666
    Has it's place, but is very specific - kind of relies on you having had a lot of years of background first, as the speedwork is quite hard for a newbie. With the warning though, it's a decent approach 4
  • Velociraptor
    Has its place! Do not, however, be fooled into thinking that "run less" = "spend less time training", the cross-training is highly prescriptive, and the book is very Boston-centric. 3
  • Shortcut Cam
    Keep meaning to bin it but has some reference material I keep referring back to. 3
  • Angus Clydesdale
    If anyone wants my “as new” copy, fmail me. 1
  • Derby Tup
    Not for me 1

154
The Round: In Bob Graham's Footsteps
Steve Chilton
Reviewed by 4 users
  • SimonF
    The interviews are interesting. The rest of it just sucks all the joy out and completely misses all the reasons why people become so wrapped up in it. 2
  • Northern Exile
    Dreadful. If you want to know about the Bob Graham Round, read "Feet in The Clouds", this is just badly-written rubbish. 1
  • Derby Tup
    Dreadful writer. Dreadful book. Enough to make you want to run on tarmac :-O 1
  • Captain S
    It's a bit boring really 1

155
Paula: My Story So Far
Paula Radcliffe
Reviewed by 12 users
  • wrexhamrob
    Amazing runner, with half my time! I found this enjoyable including her reflections on where things went right and particularly where they didn’t. Some may enjoy some won’t 4
  • fetcheveryone
    Inspirational person - but I found the book to be a bit flat. Sorry Paula, you're still awesome though. 2
  • Velociraptor
    I admire Paula Radcliffe enormously, but I think she wrote this autobiography about 30 years too early and it portrays her as immature and whiny. 2
  • Northern Exile
    Did not enjoy, way too whiney and full of self-pity 2
  • EdJ
    Disappointing. A repeating cycle of getting an injury, flying to get it treated, and having a row with Gary. Would have been more interested to read about her training, nutrition, sponsorship etc. 1
  • Windsor Wool
    too Mills & Boon for me! 1
  • steve45
    A lousy book by a great runner. Boring with little subtle inspiration anywhere within it. A pity. 1
  • jennywren
    Really boring, which it absolutely shouldn’t be because she’s such a great athlete. Disappointing. 1
  • jacdaw
    Drivel. 1

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