5 Running and Adventure Books that I Have Read More Then Once

Training for a marathon—or an ultramarathon—takes more than just physical endurance. It requires mental toughness, emotional resilience, and a deep reservoir of inspiration to draw from when the miles get tough. While structured training plans, recovery strategies, and nutrition tips are crucial, there’s another tool many runners overlook: books. Stories of grit, purpose, and transformation can provide the fuel needed to keep going when the finish line seems far away.

Here are five powerful books that blend running, adventure, and the human spirit that I really enjoyed reading over th last few years and that I recommend. Whether you’re just starting your running journey or chasing your next ultra, these reads will give you more than a temporary boost, they’ll give you a different perspective.

1. Finding Gobi by Dion Leonard (About unexpected friendship)

Synopsis:
This international bestseller tells the heartwarming true story of ultramarathon runner Dion Leonard, who meets an unexpected companion during a 250km race across the Gobi Desert in China. A stray dog starts following him—mile after mile—and refuses to leave his side. Moved by her loyalty, Leonard embarks on a mission not only to finish the race but also to bring the dog (whom he names Gobi) back home with him to the UK.

About the Author:
Dion Leonard is a seasoned ultramarathoner originally from Australia. He’s competed in some of the world’s toughest endurance races. But what makes his story unique isn’t just the physical challenge — it’s the bond between man and animal, and the unexpected emotional journey that transforms both of them.

What it reached me:
Sometimes, our strongest motivation comes from the smallest of companions. Friendship, love, and loyalty can push us further than we think possible. Surrounding yourself with people (or animals) that make you feel good is as, if not more important, then your own capacity to succeed.

2. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin (My Favorite)

Synopsis:
While not strictly about running, Three Cups of Tea is a story every endurance athlete should read. After a failed attempt to climb Pakistan’s K2, mountaineer Greg Mortenson stumbles into a remote village where the kindness of strangers leads him on a new path: building schools in some of the most isolated and impoverished regions of the world. It’s a story of persistence, cultural humility, and service.

About the Author:
Greg Mortenson, a former nurse and mountaineer, has dedicated his life to promoting education in Central Asia. While later parts of his story have been surrounded by controversy, the heart of this book lies in the power of purpose-driven action.

What it reached me:
Just like running and adventures, life’s most meaningful accomplishments often come after an unexpected detour or a failure. True endurance is not only measured in distances, and accomplishment but also in service to others. Greg is a real inspiration that when things are getting hard, this is the perfect time to not giving up if you really believe in it.

3. In Search of Al Howie by Jared Beasley (Most inspirational)

Synopsis:
This biography uncovers the incredible, almost unbelievable life of Canadian ultramarathon legend Al Howie. Known for running across entire countries and winning multi-day races, Howie was a misunderstood genius of endurance sports. His feats include running over 7,000 km across Canada in just 72 days. Yet he did it without the fame or recognition of more mainstream athletes.

About the Author:
Jared Beasley is a journalist and playwright who discovered Al Howie’s story and brought it to life with depth and compassion. His writing not only captures the races but the man behind them: flawed, eccentric, and utterly compelling.

What it reached me:
Pushing your boundaries means being misunderstood sometimes (often). But real greatness doesn’t seek approval, it simply runs forward. Al teached me to go beyond what people think and say, do you, believe in you, and move forward.

4. Running Up That Hill by Vassos Alexander

Synopsis:
BBC sports broadcaster Vassos Alexander takes readers through the world of ultrarunning, from his own start in marathons to tackling the legendary Spartathlon—a 246km race from Athens to Sparta. The book is full of humor, humility, and hard lessons learned through the pain and joy of long-distance running. It’s an honest portrayal of what it means to find joy in suffering.

About the Author:
Vassos Alexander is a British radio presenter and sports commentator. He’s also a passionate runner who shares not only his victories but also his doubts, blisters, and breakthroughs with sincerity and wit.

What it reached me:
Running isn’t just about the podium — it’s about the personal journey, the stories, and the friends we gather along the way. As athletes, we sometimes forget to embrace the training and the journey. It’s not all rainbow and unicorn but it always worth it.

5. Ultra Ordinaire: Journal d’un coureur by Joan Roch (French only)

Synopsis:
This journal-style memoir takes us through the mind of Quebec-based ultrarunner Joan Roch as he balances life, work, and a growing obsession with running insane distances. It’s as much a philosophical exploration as it is a training diary. Roch challenges the limits of the body and the meaning of what’s “ordinary.”

About the Author:
Joan Roch is not a professional athlete—he’s a father, an IT specialist, and a passionate trail runner. His story resonates because it shows that ultrarunning isn’t reserved for elites; it belongs to anyone willing to put in the miles and question the norm.

What it reached me:
You don’t need to be extraordinary to do extraordinary things. Being consistent and curious can lead to amazing outcomes. This book is an easy French read pack with inspirationals, and funny stories with tons of beautiful pictures and fun quotes: “Like the time where… I quited an ultramarathon because my parents were worried about by health!! Nah, I’m kidding, I never did.

Conclusion: Why Read During Training?

As runners, we spend hours with ourselves, on trails, on roads, and even on treadmills. But reading gives us a chance to learn from others who’ve gone farther, suffered more, or found new meaning in the grind. Books like these offer more than entertainment; they provide companionship, wisdom, and renewed motivation.

Whether you're resting with sore legs, preparing for a new challenge, or questioning your "why," let these stories remind you: you're not alone. Others have struggled, persevered, and triumphed before you, and you can too.

So next time you're building your training plan, make room on the schedule for a good book. Your mind, like your legs, deserves a little training too.