Best Running & Jogging Books of 2026

Choosing to Run: A Memoir is an inspiring book that tells the story of Des Linden, a Boston Marathon winner and Olympian. Linden shares her personal journey, from her first competitive race to becoming the first American woman to win the Boston Marathon in thirty-three years. The book provides valuable insight into the life of an indelible champion, her training, her relationships with other great runners of her generation, and her deep connection to the most famous marathon in the world. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for inspiration and motivation to pursue their dreams.

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike is a captivating memoir that reveals the inside story of Nike's early days as a start-up and its journey to becoming one of the world's most renowned brands. Phil Knight, the founder, and board chairman of Nike, shares his story in an unfiltered, funny, and beautifully crafted way. Knight's memoir is more than just a story of a successful business, it's a story of triumphs, setbacks, and the importance of relationships. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, business, and sports culture.

The Longest Race is an unvarnished memoir by Olympian Kara Goucher, revealing her experience of living through and speaking out about one of the biggest scandals in running. Goucher's book exposes the dark secrets behind the Nike Oregon Project, coached by distance running legend Alberto Salazar. The book is a call to action, as Kara became a crusader for female athletes and a key witness helping to get Salazar banned from coaching at the Olympic level. The Longest Race is an unforgettable story of courage, perseverance, and determination to fight for what is right.

National Geographic's "100 Hikes of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Scenic Trails" is the ultimate guide for hikers and sightseers alike. With breathtaking photography, expert advice from hikers like Andrew Skurka, and practical travel information, this book offers 100 energizing hikes for all levels. From short day hikes to multi-week treks, this book covers all continents and climates, making it a modern-day wish book for nature lovers. The book features easy to difficult hikes, making it accessible for all hikers. Overall, "100 Hikes of a Lifetime" is an inspirational guide that will lead you to experience the best hikes of your life.

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen is an epic adventure that begins with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt? The author, Christopher McDougall, takes readers on a journey to discover the secrets of the blissful Tarahumara Indians, who have honed the ability to run hundreds of miles without rest or injury. The book also explores the science of running and the growing popularity of ultra-running. The climactic race in the Copper Canyons is a thrilling read that will inspire readers to hit the pavement. Overall, the book is a fascinating and entertaining story that will change the way you think about running.

Cook the recipes that Shalane Flanagan ate while training for her 2017 TCS New York City Marathon historic win!IACP AWARD FINALIST. The New York Times bestseller Run Fast. Eat Slow. taught runners of all ages that healthy food could be both indulgent and incredibly nourishing. Now, Olympian Shalane Flanagan and chef Elyse Kopecky are back with a cookbook that’s full of recipes that are fast and easy without sacrificing flavor. Whether you are an athlete, training for a marathon, someone who barely has time to step in the kitchen, or feeding a hungry family, Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow. has wholesome meals to sustain you.. Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow. is full of pre-run snacks, post-run recovery breakfasts, on-the-go lunches, and 30-minutes-or-less dinner recipes. Each and every recipe—from Shalane and Elyse’s signature Superhero muffins to energizing smoothies, grain salads, veggie-loaded power bowls, homemade pizza, and race day bars—provides fuel and nutrition without sacrificing taste or time.

The book "London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers" provides a unique perspective on the city's hidden secrets, untold stories, and special places laden with history. The book is a miscellany of historic features and curiosities, providing readers with the tools to decipher London's secret code and introducing them to a treasure trove of hidden spots to explore. Complete with maps, this book is perfect for anyone who wants to turn the city into the museum they never knew they had. Overall, this book is a delightful read for those who are passionate about history and walking.

Run Fast. Eat Slow. is a cookbook that provides nourishing and delicious recipes for athletes, co-authored by world-class marathoner Shalane Flanagan and chef Elyse Kopecky. The book emphasizes the importance of including fat in the diet for both flavor and performance, and encourages a whole foods approach to eating. With over 100 recipes for every part of the day, nutritional advice, and inspiring stories, Run Fast. Eat Slow. is a must-have for runners and anyone looking to live a healthy lifestyle. Overall, this book is a great addition to any kitchen and a unique guide to fueling the body with real, wholesome food.

Born to Run 2: The Ultimate Training Guide by Christopher McDougall and Eric Orton is a comprehensive guide for runners of all levels. The book covers seven key themes, including food, fitness, form, footwear, focus, fun, and family, and provides a 90-Day Run Free training schedule to help readers achieve their running goals. The book is filled with helpful illustrations and full-color photos, making it an engaging and inspiring read. McDougall and Orton's emphasis on learning to run well and bringing more joy into running sets this book apart from others in the genre.

This book is a perfect gift for those who want to travel back in time and celebrate the year 1953. With over 200 iconic images and 20 vintage ads, this book covers everything from politics, leading events, crimes, movies, music, sports, fashion, technological advancements to popular cars, and iconic advertisements of that year. The book beautifully presents the perfect balance between serious and popular events, making it a comprehensive yet digestible time travel. Overall, it's an unforgettable journey that will rekindle emotions of a remarkable time and place in history, making it a unique read for history lovers.