Tackling the Top 100 Running Books (50-26), Hurricane Helene Relief, and Overcoming Long-Run Dread

In this episode, Coach Christine shares the next part of the Top 100 Running Books list, covering books ranked 50 to 26. Before diving into the book discussion, she addresses the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in Appalachia and the southeastern US, encouraging the running community to come together and help those in need. For those looking to donate or offer support, check out the Hurricane Helene Relief Resources.

Coach Christine also reflects on her recent training for the Marine Corps Marathon 50k, sharing a personal lesson about relying on discipline when motivation fades. As the miles get longer, it’s crucial to put in the work during training to avoid penalties on race day. She offers practical and fun tips to banish long-run dread and gives a special shout-out to her other half for encouraging her through a tough run, even promising a post-run margarita!

The episode includes a recap of the Berlin Marathon 2024, celebrating all the runners who completed the race, and offers encouragement to those preparing for the upcoming Chicago Marathon, the next big race on the horizon.

Finally, we dive into books 50 to 26 from the Top 100 Running Books list. You can find the full list of books from 26-100 here.

Limited Coaching Spots Opening:

Winter training is just around the corner, and if you need 1:1 help to get ready for your spring races, now is the time! Spots are opening up, but they’re limited, so don’t miss out. You can also join The Extraordinary League for group coaching and accountability. Sign up here.

Links and Resources:

For donation information: Hurricane Helene Relief Resources.

For more about the Top 100 Running Books: Full list of books 26-100.

Chapters

• 0:00 Long Run Motivation and Tips
• 10:27 Inspirational Running Books Review
• 22:00 Running Books Review and Recommendations

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

Hello runners, welcome back to Extraordinary Strides. I'm your host, coach Christine, and today we're diving into the next portion of our top 100 running books list, covering books ranked 50 to 26. But before we get into that, let's take a moment to talk about something far more urgent. The devastation in Appalachia in the southeastern portion of the US, caused by Hurricane Helene has hit really hard and for quite a few of us pretty close to home. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this disaster. The running community is deeply intertwined with these regions and it's going to take a collective effort to help rebuild. So if you're wondering how you can make a difference, I've included links in the show notes for where you can donate and support those affected. Remember, it's time like these when our community really shines. So, whether we're running, volunteering or stepping up in tough moments, let's come together and help our fellow runners and neighbors in need. So thank you very much for that and truly, if you're in those impacted areas or have loved ones there, please do reach out. If there's anything that we can do for you as a community, we are here to help With. That said, as we now know, running and life have so many lessons to teach us, whether we want them or not, and I recently had a pretty powerful lesson on one of my long runs. I've been training for the Marine Corps Marathon 50K and there have been so many days that I have been filled with absolute dread about some of my runs, or my long run specifically, especially as some of these miles get longer, like the 20 plus miles. And listen, we all have days where we don't want to do it right, like there's days where running feels easy and effortless and it flows, and then there's other days where not quite so much. So I've learned and continue to have this lesson reinforced, that I have to lean on discipline versus motivation because, to be honest, motivation has packed her bags. She's off, vacationing, living her best life somewhere in Tahiti, I'm thinking but definitely hasn't called on my home recently. However, again, leaning on that discipline and then accruing some tips from the running community have been very, very helpful. So let's talk about some of those tips that were shared by, actually, the Extraordinary League, because I'm not the only one who's been kind of struggle busing a little bit on these long runs.

Speaker 1: 2:21

It's summer, it's humid and a lot of us just have a big goal helping and we don't want to, but we still know we have to lace up right Because, as I've mentioned before and I will say it again until I'm blue in the face I'm a really big believer that when it comes to training, we are paying the bills. So if we skip paying it now with showing up for our training runs, our strength training, our mobility, our cross training, those bills still come due. Training, our mobility, our cross training, those bills still come due. However, they come due on race day and, believe me, they came in with late fees, penalties, surcharges and taxes. You don't want that. So training allows you to truly, really make that race day your celebratory lap. I'm not saying it's not going to be tough and you're not going to have to dig in deep, but it is quite a difference, going into it feeling trained and a little bit more confident than when maybe training takes a back seat and life comes up. I get it, my friends, I totally understand. But if it's just because you have a big old helping of, I don't wanna do it, then tune in, because I got these tips amassed for you. So some of the tips that we're gonna talk about you may already be doing or maybe you just needed to revisit them.

Speaker 1: 3:25

But the very first one out of the gate is mixing up your route. Change your scenery, and if you're running the same roads over and over and over and over, I don't mean like, I'm talking from experience. Well, boredom is inevitable. So explore a new trail, a new neighborhood, maybe even a new running group. And I want to give a shout out to Mod Squad member Lynn. She's been on the podcast a couple of times. She is the prime example of this specific one. She is always planning some kind of a fun run in a new route all over town, meeting up with all sorts of run groups. So I definitely think that, lynn, you have shown us the way of getting in some of those extra fun runs throughout different parts and mixing up that route. Now, I know that's not always possible, so maybe, if you can't go to a new neighborhood or new trail, maybe it's just about taking a different way, going counterclockwise, or exploring a different side street in your neighborhood. Of course, we have wonderful resources online for you to dive a little bit deeper with my run or Strava Plata route. All of these will kind of help you to make sure that you still know where you're going to be and staying safe and that it works for you.

Speaker 1: 4:31

So this is the next one, which is break it down. Don't think of it as the big long run, as a 20 miler, but instead think of it as four or five mile runs and you can even plan your route so that you come back, you go out and back and that's your first part of the run, and maybe you have your little aid station set up in your car. This is something I do quite frequently, even celebrate Every quarter, celebrate that you got in so far into your run. That's the next one on the list, which is definitely one of my favorites, incorporating treat stops. So plan to stop maybe at a coffee shop and get a little shot of espresso, if it settles well in your GI tract, of course or maybe a convenience store and getting a frozen pop, whatever it takes to really get you on the move again out the door. It needs to be something quick. You don't want to necessarily wait or pause too long. You're not going to have coffee chat time there, but still having a little bit of a treat to look forward to. I've mentioned before sometimes I'll run to my quote unquote finish line party and I plan my route accordingly. So I am a big fan of this one as well.

Speaker 1: 5:36

Now, of course, there's a little bit of listening to your favorite podcast or playlist or maybe even an audio book. So what you can do is to add a little bit of fun to that is play a little podcast or playlist roulette where you really don't know. Maybe add it on shuffle and whatever comes up comes up, so you can kind of just go with the flow. Being surprised along the way is always quite fun. And, last but not least, training with a buddy or a running group. If you have a running group, if you have a running group near you, please do look into meeting up with them. Sometimes I run my runs alone, sometimes I run it with others. There's a couple reasons why maybe schedule changes or just because the way that it's working out that specific run, but definitely if you want your miles to go by much faster, much easier, throwing yourself into a good old-fashioned conversation pace with your training buddies is the ultimate way of banishing that boredom and that long-run dread. Now, if the idea of socializing much less socializing while you're sweating and trying to figure out how to breathe and go the distance creates tons of social anxiety for you. Look into your running group's social hours. Most local running groups have social hours where maybe it's a very casual fun run or walk, or they're meeting for coffee or beers. Join those so you feel more comfortable when it's finally time to go out for those long runs with your local groups.

Speaker 1: 6:58

And my very final tip and this is the one that truly was the biggest takeaway from my most recent long run, where there was so much dread and I did not want to do it was surround yourself with people who give you the answers that you need, not the answers that you want. I'm going to pause there because this is a huge shout out to the other half, because on one of my long runs recently I hit a wall. I was so over it and I picked up my cell phone out of my pocket, called the other half and I said hey, I'm bored, I hate this, I don't wanna do this anymore. And I was hoping that the offer would be sure I'll come pick you up. And that was not the response I got. I got the answer that I needed was keep going, and then he popped onto his bike and met me out there.

Speaker 1: 7:50

May have promised me a post finish of this long run, margarita. That may have helped to get me through those final miles, but again giving me the answer that I needed not the one that I wanted and I do believe that this is the number one reason that if you're not working with a coach or not working with a training group, that you should consider checking into it. I have open spots in my roster because so often we surround ourselves with people who do want to support us and encourage us, but they also don't want to necessarily give us a little bit of that tough love that we need. So if you do not have that extra bit of tough love, maybe you're running a little low on those reserves do reach out and we can have a conversation, christine at extraordinarystridescom. But I do again want to give a big shout out to the other half. Thank you so much for that, because it really did make that run so much more special, and I swear that's not just the margarita that's talking.

Speaker 1: 8:43

Okay, my friends, I do want to give a big shout out to all of the Berlin Marathon 50th anniversary finishers. It looked like it was an incredible race and super exciting. I know people already gearing up for all of the other majors that are coming down our way, which, of course, next up on the list is Chicago, and it is always exciting to get this fall race energy, whether you're going to the majors or you have some local races that you're tackling. So, to everyone who has officially got into their race season, maybe you're in your peak miles or you're already in taper town big shout out You've made it this far. You're gonna make it all the way to that start line. Have that extra pep of confidence, rockstar, and we can't wait to cheer you on. All right for the big moment. Drum roll. What you've been waiting for the next installment of our top 100 running books list. And I am loving hearing from you guys on the books that you have decided to tackle or you're reading from the list so far.

Speaker 1: 9:38

So, without further ado, let's get into number 50, which is Running Past Midnight by Molly Sheridan. This inspiring memoir follows Molly, an ultra marathoner who didn't start running until her 40s, which, of course, is always very relatable to a lot of folks. Her story proves it's never too late to chase your dreams, and her journey through some of the world's toughest races serves as a testament to perseverance and self-discovery. And coming in at number 49 is the Cool Impossible by Eric Orton. A renowned endurance coach, orton shares his holistic approach to training, blending physical, mental and emotional aspects to help runners reach their full potential. He also focuses on running form, strength and mental preparation to achieve what seems impossible, and that's always quite cool.

Speaker 1: 10:27

On this list, number 48, racing the Clock by Bernd Heinrich. Blending science with personal stories, heinrich is a biologist and ultra runner. I'm telling you guys, I'm sorry there's just so many ultra runners on this list because I think there's so many miles out there. You start to compose these books in your head, but anyway, heinrich explores the relationship between aging and athletic performance. His fascinating analysis dives into human biology while reflecting on the beauty of running and its impact on life as we grow older, maybe even a little bolder.

Speaker 1: 10:57

Next on the list is number 47, feet in the Clouds by Richard Asquith, a captivating account of fell running. Have you heard of this before? It's basically off country or off road, in the country, hill running. It's a demanding, exhilarating form of off-road racing through, specifically, the hills of the UK, and Asquith combines his personal experiences with the history of the sport, showcasing both the physical challenges and spiritual reward of running through rugged and also beautiful landscapes.

Speaker 1: 11:28

Number 46 on the Art of Running Faster by Julian Goeder. Goeder is a former international athlete presents a guide to improving your running speed through better technique and training smarter, not harder. Built with practical advice, his book helps runners of all levels break their personal records and run with more efficiency. This next book on the list, my friend, number 45, is absolutely a fantastic read, definitely incredibly inspiring. The Long Run by Matt Long, a deeply personal memoir that tells the story of Matt Long, a New York City firefighter who survived a horrific accident only to go on and compete in marathons and Ironman triathlons. His incredible journey of resilience and recovery is both emotional and truly inspirational.

Speaker 1: 12:16

Number 44, there Is no Wall by Allie Bailey and I'm gonna say, girl, I had a little bit of a wall, but in this book the book explores the mental side of running because truly it really is all about the mental aspect of running when it comes to those walls, particularly in ultra marathonsons, where mental endurance is often important and more important than physical stamina. Bailey discusses her experiences and emphasizes the power of mindset when faced with extreme challenges, which is really why we all come back to the sport right. I really loved putting this list together, if you can't tell, because I had to dig a little deeper. We have so many wonderful books that are really popular, but I know a lot of you have just voracious appetites when it comes to both reading and reading books about running. So I had to dig really deep, but I think that this one maybe you haven't heard of and you definitely need to put it on your must read list, which is number 43, the Tiger Bells by Amy Alley Card. It's a historical look at the legendary Tiger Bells, a women's track team from Tennessee State University that overcame racial and gender barriers to dominate the sport in the mid-20th century. This book celebrates their achievements and highlights the perseverance of these trailblazing athletes. This may be one. While I love me some audio books, you're going to want the hard copy as well. There's some really great pictures and photos in this book as well. Now you know this next author, likely, especially if you're listening to this podcast. We know him. We love him.

Speaker 1: 13:46

Running Strong by Jeff Galloway. Running legend and Olympian, jeff Galloway shares his famous run-walk-run method, offering guidance on how to stay injury-free while improving endurance and speed. Perfect for beginners and seasoned runners alike, galloway's strategy promotes lifelong running success. Again, we're all part of that run till we're 100 club. All right.

Speaker 1: 14:09

Number 41 on this list We've got ourselves Running in the Mid-Pack by Angie Andrews and Martin Yelling. It's a relatable, insightful actually quite funny guide for runners who aren't at the front of the pack but are dedicated to improving and finding joy in the process. Andrews and Yelling provide encouragement and practical advice for the mid-pack runners who aim to push their limits. Now this is a bit of an older book but I loved it so much because it used to be that truly the mid-pack was kind of considered maybe like the middle child, didn't get a lot of love, but I think that's where a majority of us find ourselves at. So the mid-pack running guides a little bit of humor. I absolutely loved it. It made me giggle when I read it.

Speaker 1: 14:51

Number 40, run the World by Becky Wade. This is a travelogue style book and it follows elite runner Becky Wade as she embarks on a year-long journey around the world Kind of got that in the title right. She starts to learn from different running cultures and she shares fascinating stories and training tips from various countries, offering a fresh perspective on the global running community. You knew that was going to be on my list, right, my friends? I mean travel, running, cultural, global perspective. It is. I'm telling you, this was such a fun list to put together. Okay, let's keep this going.

Speaker 1: 15:31

Number 39, we have Slow AF Running Club, and of course we're going to say that Slow AF stands for slow and fabulous. I mean, why not? But this is the ultimate guide for anyone who wants to run, by Martinus Evans, and Martinus breaks down the barriers of running, creating a welcoming space for runners of all sizes and paces. His guide encourages beginners to take up running with confidence, regardless of their speed, and celebrates the joy of moving at your own pace. Now, what I find fascinating about this particular book is that, as I mentioned, running in the mid pack is an older book and it's kind of was at some point. We running in the mid pack was just it was looked down a little bit from like the elite runners, and so that book kind of came into the scene to really help the average everyday runner feel seen and have tips specifically for them, and I feel like Slow AF has done that here for what we consider back of the pack or party pace runners. So I am so loving that we have these opportunities to get these multiple, different perspectives of our running shared and also feel like that kinship in that community that continues to come across the page or again into your ears if you're listening to audiobooks. Which, of course, brings me to number 38, which is Nowhere Near.

Speaker 1: 16:46

First by Corey Reese. In this book, ultra runner Corey Reese offers a humorous and truly heartfelt take on his experiences at the back of the pack. It's filled with relatable stories and Reese's memoir encourages runners to focus less on results and more on the adventure of each run, embracing the joy of simply being out there on the course. Are you starting to feel a little bit of a pattern here in this portion of the list? I think so, right, okay, well, with that said, we've got number 37, run Like a Girl how Strong Women Make Happy Lives, by Mina Samuels. It's a celebration of women runners and Samuels Reeves together personal stories, interviews and cultural analysis to show how running like we didn't know this already, but how running can empower women both on and off the track. It's an inspiring call for women to embrace the transformative power of running. And again, going back to that Lincoln episode notes, if you are called to support the Girls on the Run chapter of, specifically, the Appalachia and the Carolinas. I know that they are gonna be desperately in need of figuring out how they're gonna continue to keep that program going there. So big shout out to that, along with all of the other resources in episode notes. With that said, this book is absolutely phenomenal. Again, I think that every female runner feels this way already, but having this book continues to give a lot of reasons as to why it makes such a big impact in our lives.

Speaker 1: 18:22

Which brings us to number 36, ultramarathon Mom by Holly Zimmerman. Zimmerman's book follows her as she tackles ultra marathons around the world while balancing motherhood and family life. Her story highlights the challenges and triumphs of taking on extreme endurance events while maintaining a very busy personal and family life. I think that we could easily just call that book superhero, right, I mean, why not? But with that said, add that to your must read list.

Speaker 1: 18:55

As we continue to work down here, we're going into number 35, to Be a Runner by Martin Duggard. This is part memoir, part motivational guide, and this book takes readers through Duggard's lifelong passion for running and how it shaped his life and his view on life. Through personal antidotes, duggard shares lessons about perseverance, goal setting and the joy of the run. Now, I've had a lot of books that are inspirational and motivating and really want you to connect to the joy of movement. But this next one, specifically to the joy of movement, but this next one specifically, if you are a bit more of a physiology focused runner, science makes your heartbeat a little faster, not just running.

Speaker 1: 19:38

Well then, you are definitely going to want to add this next book on the list, which is Running Rewired by Jay Dickery. This practical guide focuses on biomechanics and strength training to help runners move more efficiently and avoid injury. Dickery's innovative approach to rewiring the body for better running mechanics makes this a must read for athletes seeking longevity. In the sport Plus, it's just another reminder that if you're just running and you're not strength training, you're likely not setting yourself up for long-term success. Okay, getting off my high horse there, I'll let you read the book. Let him preach that to you.

Speaker 1: 20:22

Next on this list, we've got number 33, which is Run Strong by Kevin Beck, in this comprehensive guide to strength training specifically designed for runners. Yes, there are definitely themes to this list. Run strong offers exercises and routines that help improve running performance and prevent injuries. Beck emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation for long-term success. My friends, get it in, just do it. I know it's not anywhere near as much of your love language likely as running is, but it's so important to keep you able to express yourself through your love language with running, okay.

Speaker 1: 21:02

Next on the list we have Running for your Life by William Pullen. Pullen introduces the concept of dynamic running therapy, combining the mental benefits of running with therapeutic techniques. This book highlights how running can be a powerful tool for processing emotions and improving mental health. Big shout out to all of our mental health workers. And we think you guys are so amazing, we so appreciate you, and I know it's always fascinating to kind of learn a little bit about how running is such a great tool. We're starting to have even some research coming out that there's some possibilities that it mimics other techniques, kind of like EMDR. So I'm not going to get into all of it because it's beyond my knowledge. But this book will definitely dive deeper and can give you guys a little bit more insight as to how beneficial running can be for our mental health. Not that you really need to tell us that. We already knew that right, but this dive's a little deeper into the why.

Speaker 1: 22:00

Okay, my friends, so we've had some science. We've had some, of course, like biomechanics. We've talked about physiology, anatomy, inspiration and motivation. And we've talked about physiology, anatomy, inspiration and motivation. And we've talked about joy, but running with joy by Ryan Hall, book number 31. And in this book, hall, one of America's most successful marathoners, takes readers on a journey through his final competitive year. In this reflective memoir, he shares the physical, mental and spiritual highs and lows of running at an elite level, offering inspiration for runners of all abilities.

Speaker 1: 22:36

And if you're part of the Get Literati book club, then you know that recently thank you to Nikki we tackled number 30 on this list, finding Gobi by Dion Leonard. And this heartwarming true story follows ultra runner Dion Leonard and a stray dog that everyone has fallen madly in love with, named Gobi. He joined Gobi, joined Dion on a grueling race across the Gobi desert. Their unlikely friendship captured hearts around the world and this book tells the remarkable story of resilience and companionship. Now, something tells me that if you've listened this far, likely you like books. But if you don't love books, or maybe this book isn't going to make it on your list because there's so many ones to go out there and read. I will say that there's also little mini movies you can find on YouTube that are absolutely adorable about this story as well. Okay, we continue to make our way into this list. We've officially gotten into the 20s. We're at number 29,.

Speaker 1: 23:42

Running on Empty by Marshall Ulrich, an ultra running legend. Ulrich chronicles his incredible cross country run at the age of 57. His memoir explores both the physical and emotional challenges of the journey, offering insight into the mindset of an endurance athlete pushing beyond the limits. This was also a documentary. Documentary was quite interesting, I shall say, but neither here nor there I can talk about that off the mic. But I digress. I wait for you to let me know, if you've seen or read the book, what your thoughts were. It is a fantastic read and I absolutely highly suggest it. Okay, my friends, let's keep this going. We have reached our way to number 28,.

Speaker 1: 24:20

The Brave Athlete by Simon Marshall and Leslie Patterson. This is a science-backed guide to help athletes conquer the mental challenges that come with endurance sports, marshall and Patterson, and provide strategies for dealing with everything from self-doubt, and I know a lot of. You guys need to have this book on your list because there's a lot of self-doubt and if you're not already addressing it, that's a big one that I want you to address. To race anxiety Again, a lot of us have race anxiety, so I would like you to definitely make this on your list. That's why it's so high on this top 100. And it helps to give athletes the tools to train their brains as well as their bodies. Before we wrap up, we have two more books. I would be absolutely just crazy to not mention that. If reading is not your thing, I'm kind of surprised. But if you need to have these kind of fully encapsulated, that's kind of what I do. So, again, if you're looking to come on one-on-one, you need somebody who's going to address all of these aspects holistically, from strength training to mindset training and how to help you reach your peak performance while creating joy in the run. You're definitely going to want to fill out my application because I do have some spots opening up. Okay, my friends, we have just two more on this list and we are at list number 27,.

Speaker 1: 25:38

The Lost Art of Running by Shane Benzie, where Benzie combines years of research on biomechanics while his experience coaching runners to uncover the secrets of efficient, natural running. This book offers practical advice for improving form, building strength and running injury-free, all while rediscovering the joy of running. There is a theme what can I tell you? Us runners? We love to talk about biomechanics and strength training and mindset and grit and perseverance and inspiration all of the great things in life, but especially joy, which brings us to number 26, the finish line feeling by Liz Farrow. In this uplifting memoir, liz recounts how running helped her overcome a difficult childhood and find healing, and now she's the founder of Girls With Soul, an incredible nonprofit. In this book, farrow shares her journey of transformation through running, highlighting the power of sport to change lives. So with that, my friend, we have tackled 75 books in this top running books 100 list.

Speaker 1: 26:37

We have next up our final portion of the list in next week's episode and I want to thank you so much. If you want to read through this list so far, do know that you can find it on the website extraordinarystridescom. If you want to reach out to me, you have a conversation that you'd like to have, christine at extraordinarystridescom, here and now. I want to again thank you so very much for being part of this incredible running community. This is it for today's episode. I hope you found some inspiration and practical tips to help banish that long run dread. And, as always, thank you for joining me. Be sure to check out the donation links in the show notes to support those affected by Hurricane Helene. And let's continue to come together as a community, keep striving for those extraordinary feats. I'll see you out on the roads or trails, or maybe with our own finish line feelings. Until next time, keep shining, runners. Bye.