You’ve seen your friends do it. They’re fit, energetic, and they always look so happy!
You want what they’ve got– so you’re thinking of taking up running. It can’t be that hard! Do you really need to read books for beginning runners?
While it may seem like you just throw on a pair of running shoes and hit the road, becoming a runner– and sticking with it– gets a little more complicated. Staying injury free, building up mileage, and eating well for runners are just some of the topics that you will find add enjoyment to running.
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Best Books for Beginning Runners
These eight books for beginning runners offer different approaches to learning to run. Whichever one you choose, you’ll be sure to find expert advice as you join the millions of people who have found joy in running.
Reviews of the Best Running Books for Beginners
- Galloway, Jeff (Author)
If you’re just getting started on your running journey, why not go into it thinking it will be something you can enjoy for the rest of your very long life?! That’s running expert Jeff Galloway’s thinking.
Galloway is the most outspoken proponent of a run-walk system of running to keep you healthy and enjoying the sport for years. This beginner-friendly method of learning to run is the most popular worldwide.
Galloway’s advice in this book is aimed at the 40+ audience. Packed with practical tips to keep you healthy and running strong for your whole life, Running Until You’re 100 is a great blueprint for a beginning runner.
Different than most books for beginning runners, Chi Running uses principles of Tai Chi to build strong runners in mind and body.
The four main principles of Chi Running are:
1. Get aligned. With good running posture, injury risk decreases dramatically.
2. Engage your core so you can take the work out of your legs and utilize your body’s central powerhouse.
3. Add relaxation to your running. For real!
4. Make running a Mindful practice. (I can attest that this principal alone will help you enjoy running for life!)
By approaching running as a mind-body practice Chi Running helps beginning runners learn to tune in to their body as they run, rather than seek distractions.
- Anderson, Mr George (Author)
If you’re really starting at the beginning– like the VERY beginning– this book is a great resource.
Most importantly, it is written with the perspective that anyone who is running is a runner. It doesn’t matter your pace or distance. If you are running, claim the title of RUNNER and wear it proudly.
For a beginning runner, that type of encouragement is powerful. The author’s Facebook group is a popular source of continued support along your running journey. The Beginner’s Luck Guide for Non-Runners may just be what you need to get running!
- Van Allen, Jennifer (Author)
I feel somewhat obliged to include this heavy doorstop of a book on any list of books for beginning runners, because Runner’s World does hold authority on the subject. That said, I hate that the first mention in the tag line is lose weight!
(Run because it’s fun and feels good! Who cares what you weigh?!)
The Big Book of Running for Beginners is a compilation of advice from Runner’s World experts. In some ways, it reads like a series of short essays packed with helpful running tips.
Do note that this book does not include any full training plans. If you’re looking for marathon training plans, try here instead.
Written with a supportive and encouraging tone, the Complete Book of Women’s Running aims to get women off the couch and out on the road. With tips that range from what shoes to buy to how to plan a safe route, this book is a comprehensive guide to get you going.
One of the strongest chapters is about nutrition, and it addresses dietary needs that are specific to women. There is also a chapter about running and weight loss. (Ugh Runner’s World– why your fixation on weight!?) Training plans for different levels of experience are included.
- Used Book in Good Condition
Robert Ryan takes a different approach with this book for beginning runners– his goal is to inspire you to consistent action.
The Ultimate Beginning Runner’s Guide explains proper form, shoes, terrain, target heart rate for weight loss or cardio endurance, nutrition, common injuries, overcoming mental blocks and more. It is wide-ranging in topics but clear in focus: running can help you lead a confident and inspired life.
There are training schedules included at the end of the book, with variations depending on your age and starting fitness level.
- Used Book in Good Condition
According to the publisher, “This easy-to-use, practical guide helps runners safely build strength and endurance, get motivated and set realistic goals, choose the proper footwear and clothing, eat right, and avoid injury.” Those are the basic topics for any beginning runner, and this book covers them well.
What sets this book apart from other books for beginners is that there are sections focusing on preparing for charity runs– an increasingly popular activity– and encouragement of other sports and activities to balance out your running.
The Beginning Runner’s Handbook includes a run-walk plan that gradually increases your body’s strength and endurance without subjecting it to undue stress.
- Used Book in Good Condition
Looking for a hard-charging, no-excuses approach to running? Army veteran author JM Parker delivers!
Parker recognizes that physical training is only one aspect of running. As you increase your distance, training your mind becomes even more important than training your body. The discipline that you develop through running training is its own reward.
While Parker’s “no sissies” attitude and tone aren’t for everyone, for the beginning runner who likes a little tough love, The Ultimate Running Guide is for you.
What To Do After Reading The Best Books for Beginning Runners
Hop over to my article 15 Must Haves Every Runner Needs to find out about the top gear to keep you safe, injury-free, and enjoying every step of your runs.
Karen Shopoff Rooff is an ACE certified personal trainer and health coach with more than 20 years’ experience running marathons and ultramarathons. The Marathon Finish Line blog is for informational purposes. Please seek advice from a medical practitioner before engaging in a new fitness program.