Happy Friday Everyone! If you have a big run set for this weekend and need some motivation to get through, guest blogger Alicia of MarCom Land is here with aduio book recommendations.
I wish I had this list with me when I was training for my marathon. Holding your pace for 3+ hours can be rough, but with the right entertainment the time flies by (well, sorta). I’m glad I’m now armed with this awesome list for the next time I have a long run ahead of me!
The Reading Runner: Audio Books to Enjoy While on the Run
If you’re the kind of person who likes to multi-task, I have great news for you. With audio books you can get in a workout for your body AND mind by listening to a book while you run!
You might be skeptical as to how well running and reading mix, especially if listening to music or you being one with nature is your thing. But for those times when getting your butt off the couch is a chore and you can’t seem to get yourself out the door, audio books could be just the thing to get you running and keep you running, one mile and chapter at a time.
Here are some of the best picks for running along to an audio book:
Fiction Must-Reads:
1. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
This novel tells the story of Louisa Clark, a 26-year-old girl who works as the caretaker of Will Traynor, a bitter paraplegic. In addition to being Will’s caretaker, she helps him to see the beauty in life despite his unfortunate condition. Funny at times, sad at others, this novel will have you laughing and crying all through your run, so you might want to bring a pack of tissues along with you!
2. Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
A novel told in epistolary form might sound a little strange, but with her sharp, observant wit and brilliant prose, Semple nails it. Through letters, emails, and magazine clippings, she tells a touching story about a mother and daughter’s bond and explores what happens when creators who were born to create don’t do what they were made to do.
3. The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty
In this gripping page-turner, Moriarty tells the story of a woman who has been married for 15 years only to have her husband announce that he is in love with her best friend. An intriguing exploration of relationships, love, secrets and trust, this is a story you won’t soon forget.
4. The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith
Don’t let the name on this fool you: this novel was actually penned by the creator of the beloved and best-selling Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling. In her latest work Rowling successfully tries her hand at a mystery, telling the story of a detective who is investigating a supermodel’s sudden death, which many say was the result of a suicide, but he isn’t so sure.
Young- Adult (YA) Literature Must-Reads:
5. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
In case you haven’t heard, this wildly successful book is being made into a movie that’s out in theaters this winter. It’s based on the story of a girl living in Nazi Germany who manages to survive by stealing, when suddenly she discovers something she can’t live without: books. Zusak has created a masterpiece with this New York Times bestseller that shows the power of the written word to nurture and sustain life.
6. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
This chilling young-adult novel tells the tale of a young girl who has recently committed suicide and left behind a series of tapes explaining what led her to such a dramatic act. With a story this gripping, don’t be surprised when you end up running five miles more than you originally planned.
Memoir Must-Reads:
7. Bossypants by Tina Fey
If you want a laugh, you can’t go wrong with Tina Fey. She doesn’t disappoint in this hilarious memoir in which she recounts summers from her childhood, how she became a part of Saturday Night Live, her role as Sarah Palin and more. Listening to this is a surefire way to put a smile on your face, even during the toughest of runs.
8. Let’s Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir) by Jenny Lawson
Lawson bases this funny self-professed “mostly true” memoir on the premise that the most cringe-worthy moments we experience are the ones that actually make us who we are. She recounts memories from her quirky childhood in small-town Texas, describes her heinously awkward teen years and discusses the issues of married life with a snarky, self-deprecating wit that makes her impossible not to like. In the end, you’ll come away from this feeling like you just heard the hilarious confessions of one of your closest friends.
Running Must-Reads:
9. Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seenby Christopher McDougall
Sometimes the greatest adventures can start with a simple question. In this case, it was a perplexed McDougall wondering why his foot was bothering him. That conundrum propelled him on a quest to uncover the hidden lives of the Tarahumara athletes living in Central America who can run literally all day long, for days on end without any rest and without getting injured. What McDougall discovers will shock, challenge and inspire you in the very best ways.
10. Once a Runner by John L. Parker Jr.
Labeled a cult classic of the sport, this book really is a must-read for anyone who considers themselves a runner. It follows the adventures of Quentin Cassidy, a collegiate runner who dreams of breaking the four-minute mile. The novel is a fascinating exploration of what it means to chase your dreams with unbridled passion, unshakable determination and unwavering faith.
Hopefully this list gives you some ideas of books to check out while you’re on the run! And if you don’t run, but somebody special in your life does, a gift card for downloading audio books and a pair of headphones makes an excellent present this holiday season that any runner on your list is sure to love!
