Get extra motivation to finish that marathon training run with some bestselling audiobooks to listen to while running.

Audiobooks to listen to while running

Running is among the healthiest of physical activities. Whether you’re a beginner runner, getting ready to start your tenth marathon training, or a professional running coach, you could probably use some mood boosters to stay pumped up.

Audiobooks are great before, during, and after a run. When you add the time-saving and language-skill-boosting benefits, it doesn’t get any better than audiobooks.

Here are the best audiobooks you can listen to on your next run.

The best audiobooks for runners

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

“Born to Run” is a must-read for any long-distance running enthusiast. This national bestseller shares an entertaining and astonishing story that could change the way you run. Christopher McDougall, a runner himself, discovers the secrets of Tarahumara Indians who could run for miles without injury or rest.

He takes the reader from Harvard labs to the fields of North America with ultramarathon runners who push their bodies to the limit. The incredible story is engaging for the mind and inspiring for the body, making you feel as if you were born to run.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami

Haruki Murakami is a well-known Japanese writer who is loved by the running community thanks to this book. You can enjoy the audiobook version of “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running” if you haven’t read it before.

This book was conceived when the author was training for the New York City Marathon. The memoir features vivid insights about running and writing - two of his biggest passions in life.

Experience a playful, funny, sobering, and philosophical novel while training for your big race, and go for a run with Murakami.

Running with the Kenyans by Adharanand Finn

“Running with the Kenyans” is an exciting read about a runner and his family moving to Kenya. The story focuses on Kenyan elite training camps and seeks to uncover the secrets of the world’s fastest nation.

Adharanand Finn’s quest around Kenya combines barefoot running, practical advice, and the making of a long-term dream come true - running with his heroes. He made it to a small Rift Valley town known as the heart of the country’s best long-distance runners. He got to run with former Olympic champions and barefoot schoolchildren and met some wonderful people.

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

This is a good book if you’re struggling to keep up with your running routine because of daily life obstacles. “Unbroken” is about a World War II runner, Lou Zamparini. He survived being stranded in the ocean and held in a detention camp. His story represents survival, resilience, and an unbreakable spirit.

It’s considered among the most inspiring running books for good reason. You learn not to give up on the first, second, or tenth obstacle that comes your way.

Normal People by Sally Rooney

“Normal People” by Sally Rooney is a love story that serves as a perfect distraction from a tired body after a run. The author is often called the “Queen of the Irish complicated story.”

This tale is about two young lovers who met in high school and kept an on-and-off relationship for years. The only similarity between the couple is that they come from the same town. However, their mutual fascination, love, and friendship make for a compelling read.

Run the World by Becky Wade

“Run the World” is a story by a professional marathon runner, Becky Wade. This book is about her travels around the globe, where she had to meet with different people and running cultures. It’s one of the best books for ultrarunners who attend events in other cities, regions, and countries.

Finding Ultra by Rich Roll

“Finding Ultra” is a fascinating true story about one of the greatest physical transformations in history. The book is about a guy (Rich Roll himself) who went from being an overworked lawyer with a drinking problem to one of the best athletes in the world.

Vegan runners will love this book because it’s also a practical guide to plant-based living. It will also interest anyone who wishes to transform their life but lacks the stamina, motivation, and courage.

Speechify

Speechify is a text to speech software that can transform any digital or printed text into a listening experience so you can easily listen to the latest news articles, your study materials, or even emails while you run. Speechify combines text to speech with OCR technology to scan any image and read the text featured on it aloud.

Whether going on a half marathon training run, a minute mile, or shopping for running shoes, you can make the experience more enjoyable by listening and multitasking with Speechify.

Adjust the reading speed, choose from dozens of natural-sounding male and female voices, sync content across devices, and much more.

You can try Speechify for free by visiting the official website or downloading the app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).

FAQ

Are audiobooks good for running?

Audiobooks are packed with benefits for runners. They can boost your mood, support multitasking, and simultaneously work on your cognitive skills.

What do you listen to on a long run?

The content you listen to on the long runs depends on your personal preferences. If you want to work on your focus, you can play audiobooks. Distance runner music playlists that keep you pumped up are also a good idea.

Should you listen to audiobooks while working out?

The answer to this question is primarily personal. There’s nothing wrong with listening to audiobooks while working out, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your attention too much to keep you from doing the exercise right.

Can you listen to a podcast while running?

Yes, you can listen to any podcast you find convenient while running. There are no negative consequences to doing so.

What is the best way to listen to audiobooks?

The easiest way to enjoy audiobooks is on your mobile device using Amazon or Speechify. Put in your earbuds and enjoy your favorite content wherever you go.

Should you listen to music while running?

Absolutely. Music is a significant mood booster while running. Often, a good beat can get you further than when you run without music.