Do you run with music? Are you tired of the same 5 songs on the radio?
I was.
That’s why I started listening to audiobooks while training for the San Diego marathon in 2007…I’m pretty sure the process involved taking a CD burning it on the the computer, then transferring a few chapters to my iPod. I must have had far more free time 7 years ago.
Anyhow, the first book I ever listened to was Eat, Pray, Love and it absolutely did exactly what I needed:
- Kept my mind from thinking about my dead legs
- Encouraged me to go a little farther to hear the next part
- Provided a little humor to stressful runs
- Provided insight and ideas for living better
Now this only works when I don’t allow myself to listen to the audiobook except when I’m running and obviously I call it quits immediately on any book that isn’t inspiring me to get moving. This is another one of those mental tricks that can help you run farther!
Since then I’ve gone on to fall in love with Podcasts {checkout my top podcasts for running}…but when it comes to marathon training long runs, nothing beats a great running book to excite you and maybe push you just a little bit harder by getting engaged in their story.
Over the years I’ve found the best books to run to and the one’s that just aren’t all that…
