A Runner’s Favorite Books, Podcasts and More

Feb 28

Winter blues have you in a rut? We have compiled a list of our favorite running related books, podcasts, and Runner influencers to keep your mind busy as we wait “patiently” for the Spring season to arrive. For me personally, many of these podcasts have gotten me through lonely, cold, long runs, these books have inspired me and challenged my thinking (and introduced lots of life lessons), and the social accounts have brought me laughs, information and fun! Comment with any other suggestions of running related material that keeps you inspired and enjoying the process that is Running!

Books

Bravey, Alexi Pappas
- Olympic runner, actress, filmmaker and writer Alexi Pappas shares what she’s learned about confidence, loss, mental health, and achieving big dreams. This book is full of inspiration, laughs and tears. A great read that humanizes professional athletes!
Finding Ultra, Rich Roll
- The night before he turned 40, Rich Roll had a cardiac event which launched him from sedentary “couch potato” into the world of Ultra Running. So inspiring and a glimpse into the world of Ultra and Trail Running.
Good for A Girl, Lauren Fleshman
- I just couldn’t put this book down! Accomplished professional distance Runner and founder of Picky Bars, Lauren, tells her story of success and hardship. She discusses important topics that are often “pushed under the rug” like the prevalence of disordered eating and the “broken-ness” of female athletics in the collegiate system. As a former collegiate Runner myself, this one really hit home for me and I highly recommend this important read to all runners!

Let Your Mind Run, Deena Kastor
- Deena is a legend and this book is nothing short of legendary! This book takes you into the mind of one of the most successful American Distance Runners in history. Her positive mindset, work ethic and life lessons were inspiring. A great inspirational read.

Running While Black, Alison Dèsir

Alison is a Runner, Activist and Mental Health Advocate who challenges the commonly held idea that “Running is a Universally Accessible Sport”. As someone who has had the privilege of a non-racialized experience in running, this book challenged me to reflect, learn and take action to make the sport of running more inclusive, welcoming and diverse. An important call to action and read.

Books We Can’t Wait to Get Our Hands On this Spring and Summer…

Choosing to Run, Desiree Linden
Slow AF Run Club, Martinus Evans
The Longest Run, Kara Goucher

Podcasts

Ali on the Run
- Ali is so fun to listen to and has such interesting guests: Pros, everyday runners, doctors, nutritionists, entrepreneurs— all walks of people who love running! She keeps things light and fun.
- Favorite Recent Episodes:
  - 614: Alicia Monson
    - 3k and 10k American Record holder
  - 604: Molly Seidel
    - Returning to racing in 2023 after her battles with injury, ED and mental health
  - 598: Heather MacLean
    - UMass Amherst Alum and Olympian!

Another Mother Runner
- Another great podcast with a well rounded group of guests. The Another Mother Runner also hosts lots of fun community events!

I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Hein

Favorite Recent Episodes

Nutrition: 403 Anna Turner, 393 Maddie Alm
Coaching: 449 Sheila Burrell, 445 Jon Green
Athlete: 448 Bailey Kowalczyk

Keeping Track: A Women in Sport Podcast

Hosted by professional runners Alysia Montaño, Roisin McGettigan, and Molly Huddle

Favorite Episodes

Creating Community with TrailBlazHers Run Co (Boston Based Women’s Running Group)
Alison Dèsir (Runner and Activist)
Mary Cain (Pro-Runner and Activist)

Nobody Asked Us
- Hosted by Marathon legends Desiree Linden and Kara Goucher, this podcast is just incredible! They are hilarious and its a great glimpse into the lives of elite marathoners. A new episode is out every Tuesday. Great easy run listening content

Favorite Episodes

All of these are amazing— I can’t choose.

The Runner’s Zone Podcast

Favorite Episodes

Episode 1: Common Strength Training Errors for Runners
Episode 9: Prescribing Footwear for Runners
Episode 15: RED-S with Rebecca McConville

Instagram Accounts

Nutrition:

Anna Turner, Sports Dietician: @annaturner_sportsnutrition
Meghann Featherstun: @featherstonenutrition

Training/Coaching:

MyStryde Train Boston:@mystryde
- Follow our friends at mystryde for training tips and programs!
Laura Green
- Laura is a new follow of mine and I am so happy I found her. Her reels are relatable and hilarious. A great reminder to not take ourselves or our running too seriously!
Shalane Flanagan
- Mom, Nike Coach, Olympian and NYC marathon champion — of course she deserves a follow!

Inspiring Athletes (and so many more I didn’t list!)

Alexi Pappas, Professional Runner: @alexipappas
- The Author of Bravey is a actress, writer and professional runner, meaning she has a ton of fun inspirational posts, stories and photos she shares on her page!
Allyson Felix, Professional Runner: @allysonfelix
- I hardly think she needs an introduction… the most celebrated Track and Field Athlete in history. She continues to use her voice to fight for the rights of female athletes, athletes of color, and health care in the athletic world.
Adrianne Haslet, Para-Athlete: @adriannehaslet
- A Boston Marathon Bombing survivor, Adrienne completed the Boston Marathon with the legendary Shalane Flanagan pacing last year.
Brenda Martinez, Professional Runner: @bmartrun
- Middle Distance specialist and Olympian, Brenda is huge on giving back to her community and is currently documenting her running journey through pregnancy!
Eliud Kipchoge, Professional Marathoner: @kipchogeeliud
- Marathon World Record Holder (2:01:09) on a quest to “officially” break the 2 hour barrier!
Emma Coburn: @emmacoburn
- Steeple chase Queen, Olympic Medalist, and BOSS runner
Nikki Hiltz: @nikkihiltz
- They are the first openly non-binary athlete to win a USATF national title!