Books
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Advanced Marathoning is a book for those of us who want to try and perfect our training and squeeze out a marathon PR. If you have the motivation to work harder than you ever have before but aren't sure as to how you should direct your efforts than this book is definitely worth your time. As there is very little published on training for the 50 kilometer distance, I believe that many of the concepts are transferable to that distance as well.
Run Faster has been an indispensable resource, and is a great a book for anyone intending to race and not simply run any distance.This is the first technical running book that I ever owned or read. Authors Hudson and Fitzgerald believe in an adaptive running philosophy and they provide you with the framework from which you can build your own training plan if you are so inclined, tailored to your experience, age, goals etc. The back of the book contains several training plans for all of the common racing distances from the 5k to Marathon.
Running with the Buffaloes is a detailed and inside-look into a male Division 1 NCAA cross country program. The book is authored by journalist and running enthusiast Chris Lear. It includes the details of workouts, intra-team competition and coach anecdotes from one of the most successful collegiate coaches and running phenomenon Adam Goucher, current husband of professional runner Kara Goucher.
Born to Run is the preeminent running scripture of my generation. If you haven't already read this book, do yourself the favor. Journalist Christopher McDougall weaves a compelling tale in which he unlocks running's relationship with human evolution and delves into what is certainly the most incredible running society found in the Americas today, in the rugged Copper Canyons of Northern Mexico. In addition to introducing the concept of barefoot and minimalist running to many thousands of people for the first time, Born to Run propelled ultra running great Scott Jureck to fame. Recently Caballo Blanco, an intriguing running gringo/expat and major character in the story, tragically died running in New Mexico
Finn writes a great adventure story in which he moves his family to the running mecca of Iten, Kenya. After rediscovering the sport, he acts on a foolishly awesome impulse to see if he can't figure out how to run like the Kenyans with his family in tow. This book addresses the running mechanics of the forefoot strike, human evolution and training habits, all woven into his easy-to-read narrative.
The Runner by Cythia Voigt is actually the fourth book in the critically acclaimed Tillerman series. Although intended for young adults, this piece of fiction portrays a running protagonist better than anything else I've read. The scene is set in a racially charged Vietnam War era town in Maryland as a young racist talent fights with his demons. Ultimately uplifting and tragic, I highly recommend this book as a runner and activist.
The Last Season is admittedly not a running book, no matter how hard you squint. Nonetheless, it is a moving saga about the mountain range that I first fell in love with, the granite wonderland that is the Sierra Nevada. It also serves as a potent reminder that the mountains which we so dearly love are intrinsically dangerous. The story delves into the subculture of backcountry rangers in the telling of the disappearance and search for longtime Ranger Randy Morgenson in Kings Canyon National Park.
So technically I haven't gotten around to reading A People's History of Sports in the United States. Nonetheless, Dave Zirin is the foremost progressive sports commentator in the country and I'm proud to say that we both graduated from Macalester College. If you are under the delusion that sports take place in an apolitical vacuum, please, allow Zirin's historic and current sports analysis to burst your bubble. You may also like to check out his blog, The Edge of Sports.
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Podcasts
Video Clips
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If you haven't already discovered the educational and addicting intellectual inquiry that is Radiolab, well my friend, you are behind the times. Not to worry, I have the excerpts from a couple of particularly relevant productions which include the following pieces - Cut and Run delves into a question that is on the minds of everyone in The Running Mafia , "Why are Kenyans such good distance runners?" In the Running is a look at ultra runner Diane Van Deren, and the unlikely origins of her running career. Limits of the Body not surprisingly touches on the limits that athletes confront in extreme endurance events such as the Ironman and The Ride Across America.
Racing the Rez is an inspirational and raw inside look at the world of cross country running in the Four Corners area. See the rez through the eyes of young, valiant and talented runners on the Hopi and Navajo reservations. This documentary is dynamite. If you are interested in supporting these young women and men check out this great organization, Wings of America.
This is the most moving running clip that you'll ever see. Watch it! Need a little pre-run inspiration? I'm sure the 3 minutes and 8 seconds that you spend on this clip will be an investment well made as you find your flow! |
Websites/Blogs
On the Road and Track
The two links which I recommend for technical training and running advice (which also offer online coaching) are Strength Running and Runners Connect. Both of these sources provide updates on the latest and greatest in running-oriented sports science research, and the authors are clearly passionate about the sport and community.
MUT (Mountain, Ultra & Trail) Running
As far as I'm concerned, iRunFar.com, is the foremost destination for news, reviews and interviews in the trail running world. For road runners looking to transition into some ultra racing, this would be a great place to start.
Don't be fooled by it's sleek appearance,Trail Running and Ultra Running is a website with some useful reports, gear reviews and race reports!
Trail Runner Nation, Ultra Sports Live TV, Ultra Runner Podcast all offer original material in the form of podcasts or video reports reflecting from the most trivial to the most grueling and competitive aspects of our sport. Ultra Sports Live TV will be providing coverage of the 2015 US Sky Running Series, which is exciting to say the least. Ultra Runner Podcast also offers a pretty awesome, eclectic and witty run down of articles to read and news to take notice off on a daily basis throughout the work week.
Ultra Runner Girl is my favorite inspirational blog from someone who has grabbed both running and life by the horns. Currently residing in the Gaza strip and working from the UN, she runs on a roof top, and occasionally in the desert. If you think that conditions are too difficult for you to train, think again.
Music (Running Jams)
The Running Mafia's Official Hip-Hop blog is Youthful Kinfolk. Interviews, music reviews, mix tapes and more.
The two links which I recommend for technical training and running advice (which also offer online coaching) are Strength Running and Runners Connect. Both of these sources provide updates on the latest and greatest in running-oriented sports science research, and the authors are clearly passionate about the sport and community.
MUT (Mountain, Ultra & Trail) Running
As far as I'm concerned, iRunFar.com, is the foremost destination for news, reviews and interviews in the trail running world. For road runners looking to transition into some ultra racing, this would be a great place to start.
Don't be fooled by it's sleek appearance,Trail Running and Ultra Running is a website with some useful reports, gear reviews and race reports!
Trail Runner Nation, Ultra Sports Live TV, Ultra Runner Podcast all offer original material in the form of podcasts or video reports reflecting from the most trivial to the most grueling and competitive aspects of our sport. Ultra Sports Live TV will be providing coverage of the 2015 US Sky Running Series, which is exciting to say the least. Ultra Runner Podcast also offers a pretty awesome, eclectic and witty run down of articles to read and news to take notice off on a daily basis throughout the work week.
Ultra Runner Girl is my favorite inspirational blog from someone who has grabbed both running and life by the horns. Currently residing in the Gaza strip and working from the UN, she runs on a roof top, and occasionally in the desert. If you think that conditions are too difficult for you to train, think again.
Music (Running Jams)
The Running Mafia's Official Hip-Hop blog is Youthful Kinfolk. Interviews, music reviews, mix tapes and more.