Gift Ideas: Books for Runners

Motivational and Educational Running Books

This book is for anyone who wants to run a marathon, but doesn't think of themselves as a runner or even an athlete. The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer is based on the highly successful marathon class offered by the University of Northern Iowa and follows the class's 16-week, four-day-a-week workout plan. It's a great training program for real people who have busy jobs and families, and can't dedicate their lives to marathon training.

Running can feel overwhelming to a beginner because of its many unspoken rules. The Runner's Rule Book provides answers to runners' burning questions about etiquette, lingo, gear and behavior. From the practical ("Run against traffic") to the humorous ("Post-race bagels must be dry and taste like aspirin"), author Mark Remy addresses more than 100 "rules" about running. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned runner, you'll love Remy's witty commentary about running and undoubtedly find yourself quoting his axioms to fellow runners.

This updated guide is written specifically for women runners who are looking for advice about the challenges and problems faced by women when running, from clothing, injuries, safety, and nutrition to running during pregnancy and menopause. It includes expert advice on nutrition, weight loss, body image, and more for women of all fitness levels.

Acclaimed coaches and best-selling authors Bob Glover and Shelly-Lynn Florence Glover give runners everything they need to take their running to the next level. The Competitive Runner's Handbook includes training schedules for all different distances and levels of runners, a speed-training section as well as information on weight training, stretching, proper nutrition and hydration, cross-training and treadmill running. The book also covers the mental aspects of competitive running: goal-setting, motivation, race day preparation and race strategies.

Ultramarathoner Danny Dreyer shares his secrets for running techniques that help you heal and prevent injuries, as well as run faster, farther and with much less effort at any age. Beginning runners or seasoned competitors can benefit from the book's step-by-step program of ChiRunning, which uses the core muscles of the trunk and focuses on harnessing our "chi", or inner energy.

Whether you're trying to break your personal record in a 5K or looking to improve your running leg time in a triathlon, Bobby McGee's Run Workouts for Runners and Triathletes can help runners and triathletes at all levels spice up their workouts, as well as improve their motivation and performance.

Need some running inspiration? This book of quotes will help runners get through their toughest workouts or races. The Quotable Runner is full of inspirational, practical and humorous quotes about running. Mao, Bill Clinton, Churchill, and George Sheehan are among others quoted in this book.

John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield, authors of the popular Marathoning for Mortals, explain how beginning-level runners can easily implement running in their lives. Their book covers topics, such as starting a running habit, proper nutrition and hydration, and training for speed and endurance.

For runners looking for a competitive edge, this book provides an in-depth look at the physiological and psychological aspects of running, with strategies and tools for maximizing the mental side of performance.

If the female runner in your life is a Mom-to-be, she'll definitely welcome this encouraging and informative book about how to stay fit, be safe and have a healthy baby.

Fifty marathons in 50 days sounds like an unfathomable feat, but that's exactly what Dean Karnazes, the "quintessential marathoner," did. His book details his journey and describes how he accomplished his remarkable feat. Dean also shares his advice and secrets, which can be applied to runners of all levels. Packed with practical advice and training schedules, this book will inspire and educate runners, whether they're training for their 1st or 50th marathon.