7 New Must-Read Running Books

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7 New Must-Read Running Books

Here are seven recently published books about running we’d highly recommend.

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"Run with Power: The Complete Guide to Power Meters for Running," by Jim Vance

Power meters for runners—and the corresponding
training protocols based on power
output—have only become available recently,
so the art and science of using power for run
training are still very much in their infancy. But
running and triathlon coach Jim Vance spells it
all out in the first detailed book on the subject,
explaining why power could become the ultimate
training and racing metric for runners. Vance
shows how power monitoring can allow a
runner to precisely manage training or racing
intensity as it relates to physiological markers
like lactate threshold. He also outlines how a
runner can monitor efficiency and optimize
pacing and performance by using real-time
power monitoring. This 352-page book can
give insights to unlocking performance breakthroughs
for technically inclined runners of
any ability level. ($19, VeloPress)

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"In the Distance: Why We Struggle with the Demands of Running" by Dave Griffin

Running has been part of the fabric of Dave Griffin's life for more than 40 years and he opens up about his experiences in the follow-up to his first book, "After the Last PR – The Virtues of Living a Runner’s Life." He began running in 1976 as a high school freshman and ran competitively through 1989 with PRs that include a 1:12:24 half marathon. After a 12-year period of casual running when his children were young, he returned to competitive running as a masters runner. He also started the Flying Feet Running Programs in 2004 while his daughter, Katie, was running in high school. It's from these experiences that Griffin relates stories of his own running and everyday experiences that weave together life lessons that apply to all of us. The book is full of heart-warming tales written in a conversational tone that can put running into perspective for any level of runner as he tackles topics that include fear, confidence, parenting, aging, friendship, self-acceptance and the virtues of success. He also addresses how self-discipline in running helps people tackle bigger challenges in life, how the so-called "runner's high" is truly therapeutic and how running can help an individual appreciate the clarity inner peace can bring. Even a runner who has never trained to run fast races will appreciate the keen insights and pearls of wisdom Griffin serves up. ($14, Flying Feet)

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"Hal Higdon's Half Marathon Training," by Hal Higdon

Hal Higdon was one of the first coaches of the original running boom and his sage advice continues to offer worthy input to runners of all abilities. This book offers insights to numerous aspects of half-marathon training, including 16 customizable training plans. His 11 secrets of success are invaluable tips, while his explanation of the importance of easy and hard running is also key. ($20, Human Kinetics)

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