I don't care what you think, Once a Runner brings up the feels. It is like the Catcher in the Rye or Tropic of Cancer of distance running.
Seriously. It’s far from the best writing in the world and there’s really no reason for a non-runner to read it. But there are numerous passages that I can still read decades after reading it for the first time that still give me chills.
This post was edited 36 seconds after it was posted.
I would strongly suggest reading the Cassidy trilogy. It was interesting to not only learn the pre and post story to Once a Runner, but to see the difference in the much more mature writing style.
For historical importance, I'd nominate Jim Fixx, Complete Book of Running (1977), but I'd consider another candidate that was more important to the first running boom.
The running lifestyle bestseller that also made Bill Rodgers into a star. Bill was 5'9" tall, wore size 9.5 shoes, put mayonnaise on his cold pizza, drank pickle juice, was married to an understanding woman, owned a running shoe store, and trained on the streets of Boston.
If we're going to bring up Salazar, then another book to mention is John Brant's Duel in the Sun. Stronger writing than Once a Runner and more informative about running boom-era marathoning than Marathon Man.
You want to read Duel in the Sun along with the books of Salazar, Beardsley, and Rono.
It wouldn't hurt to take in the book of Job, too. That one will definitely prepare you for the endless, sometimes hopeless, search for meaning while you're trying to hit your last interval time.
*What are the 10 most important books in running? Books Mentioned in thread:
200 Tips Every Runner Should Know 20x400 - by The Wizard J.S 26 Marathons: What I Learned About Faith, Identity, Running, and Life from My Marathon Career A Cold Clear Day Buddy Edelen - Frank Murphy A Scientific Approach to Distance Running - David Costill Adharanand Finn's trilogy (Running with the Kenyans/The Way of the Runner/Rise of the Ultra Runners) Advanced Marathoning by Pfitzinger and Douglas Again To Carthage Alberto Salazar - 14 minutes Amazing runners, a book about the FM squads that dominated NXN for many years. Anatomy for Runners by Dicharry Athletics by Percy Cerutty Barefoot Runner- Paul Rambali Be Fit or Be Damned! Cerutty Best Efforts Kenny Moore Better Training for Distance Runners by Martin & Coe Born to Run by Chris McDougall Boston Marathon: The History of the World's Premier Running Event from 1993. Brain Training by Matt Fitzgerald Brain Training For Runners Matt Fitzgerald Bravey Brendan Foster's biography by Cliff Temple Chasing Ghosts Clean Pair of Heels Competitive Runner's Handbook by Glover Complete Book of Running (1977), Computerized Running Training Programs - Gardner, Purdy Daniels Running Formula Deena Kastor - Let Your Mind Run (just a great story) Duel in the Sun John Brant Endure by Hutchinson Faster 5k Feet in the Clouds by Richard Askwith Frank Shorter - My Marathon From Last to First, Charlie Spedding Golden Mile Herb Elliot Good for a Girl and How She Did It Good to Go Christie Aschwanden Guide to Long Distance Running. Osler, Tom, and Edward Dodd. South Jersey Track Club, 1965. How Bad Do You Want It? by Mark Fitzgerald In Quest of Gold (Jim Ryun autobiography) Jogging John McDonnell: the most successful coach in NCAA history Kings of the Road ( about first running boom in late 70s, early 80s) kiwis can fly Lore of Running (2003 ed, 2nd I believe) Lore of Running (first edition) Mafferone's big yellow book and big red book. Marathon Man Bill Rodgers - Matthew Shepatin Marathon Training: A Scientific Approach by Arcelli and Canova Men Of Oregon by Kenny Moore Moneghetti's and De Castella's bios My LifeOn The Run- Yasso My Marathon, Frank Shorter Nearly to the Top no bugles no drums Peter Snell - Gilmour Olympic Gold Frank Shorter - Mark Bloom Once a Runner Out of Thin Air Michael Crawley Pain Peak When it Counts: Periodization for American Track and Field Periodization by Bompa Personal Best, George Sheehan Pre by Tom Jordan. Pre: The Story of America's Greatest Running Legend Prefontaine Programmed to Run by Miller Racing the Antelope" by Bernd Heinrich (I think it was re-printed as Why We Run) Racing Weight Road Racing for Serious Runners (Pfitzinger/Douglas) Road to the Top by Vigil Run like a Prop Even if You're Slow Run to The Top -Lydiard Run,run,run Fred Wilt Running and Being by Dr. George Sheehan Running for My Life Running Periodization by Jason Karp Running Rewired Dicharry Running to the Edge Running to the Top by Lydiard Running to the Top, Derek Clayton Running to Win, George Sheehan Running with Lydiard. Running with the Buffaloes Running with the Champions Serious Runner's Handbook. Osler, Tom. World Publications, 1978. Shoe Dog Slinger Sanchez (Running Gun) speed trap - charlie francis steve Ovett: an autobiography Sub 4: Alan Webb and the Quest for the Fastest Mile Tales of the Times- Bob Hodge The 4 minute mile The Art of Running Faster Julian Goater The Complete Book of Running, Jogging, Running to the Top (Lydiard), Daniels, and Once a Runner The Complete Guide to Running by Earl Fee (Essential read if you're a masters runner, especially at 200 to 1500m) The Conditioning of Distance Runners. Osler, Tom. Long Distance Log, 1967. The Courage to Start John Bingham The Four Minute Mile by Bannister The Greatest (Haile G) The Jim Ryun story by Cordner Nelson The Last Word on Running" by Richard Karlgaard The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner? The Men of Oregon The Milers The Olympian The Perfect Distance The Perfect Mile The Science of Running by Magness The Science of Speed: The Art of the Sprint by Tellez The Secret Race Tyler Hamilton Obviously it’s not directly running but shows what really goes on at the top level of endurance sports. The Silence of Great Distance by Murphy The Sports Gene The various How they Train series. When I was in High School we would read the very detailed training of Ryun and be overwhelmed at his workouts. The Way of the Runner by Adarandan Finn to the EDGE by Kirk Johnson Today We Die a Little about Zatopek Total Heart Rate Training by Joel Friel (he has updated the LTHR method online, but the book changed how I trained. I think it's far superior to the traditional zone methods of HR training. If you train by HR Zones, this book and the updates online will make you a faster runner.) Train Hard Win Easy the Kenyan Way Training Distance Runners Training for Young Distance Runners Two Hours by Ed Caesar - on the first sub 2 hour attempt Ultramarathon man by Dean Karnazes Ultramarathoning: The Next Challenge. Osler, Tom, and Edward Dodd. World Publications, 1979. Unforgiving Minute - Ron Clarke Virgin Territory Wannabe Distance God by Timothy Tays Why Die? by Sims Winning Running: Successful 800 & 1500 Racing and Training by Coe
Once A Runner is great, for what it is. Everyone should check it out.
Again to Carthage may be one of the worst books I've ever read.
I will not read the third Cassidy book, simply based off how bad AtC is.
It's funny but I was just thinking Again to Carthage- I've read it and reread it many times.
The beginning where he's not running is boring and just goes on and on. I have a book mark at the point where I start. When he's training for the marathon I really like it.
There's a chapter, I think it's called, Days like this, something like that. I love it.
The actual marathon is a little over the top towards the end of the race.
*What are the 10 most important books in running? Books Mentioned in thread:
200 Tips Every Runner Should Know 20x400 - by The Wizard J.S 26 Marathons: What I Learned About Faith, Identity, Running, and Life from My Marathon Career A Cold Clear Day Buddy Edelen - Frank Murphy A Scientific Approach to Distance Running - David Costill Adharanand Finn's trilogy (Running with the Kenyans/The Way of the Runner/Rise of the Ultra Runners) Advanced Marathoning by Pfitzinger and Douglas Again To Carthage Alberto Salazar - 14 minutes Amazing runners, a book about the FM squads that dominated NXN for many years. Anatomy for Runners by Dicharry Athletics by Percy Cerutty Barefoot Runner- Paul Rambali Be Fit or Be Damned! Cerutty Best Efforts Kenny Moore Better Training for Distance Runners by Martin & Coe Born to Run by Chris McDougall Boston Marathon: The History of the World's Premier Running Event from 1993. Brain Training by Matt Fitzgerald Brain Training For Runners Matt Fitzgerald Bravey Brendan Foster's biography by Cliff Temple Chasing Ghosts Clean Pair of Heels Competitive Runner's Handbook by Glover Complete Book of Running (1977), Computerized Running Training Programs - Gardner, Purdy Daniels Running Formula Deena Kastor - Let Your Mind Run (just a great story) Duel in the Sun John Brant Endure by Hutchinson Faster 5k Feet in the Clouds by Richard Askwith Frank Shorter - My Marathon From Last to First, Charlie Spedding Golden Mile Herb Elliot Good for a Girl and How She Did It Good to Go Christie Aschwanden Guide to Long Distance Running. Osler, Tom, and Edward Dodd. South Jersey Track Club, 1965. How Bad Do You Want It? by Mark Fitzgerald In Quest of Gold (Jim Ryun autobiography) Jogging John McDonnell: the most successful coach in NCAA history Kings of the Road ( about first running boom in late 70s, early 80s) kiwis can fly Lore of Running (2003 ed, 2nd I believe) Lore of Running (first edition) Mafferone's big yellow book and big red book. Marathon Man Bill Rodgers - Matthew Shepatin Marathon Training: A Scientific Approach by Arcelli and Canova Men Of Oregon by Kenny Moore Moneghetti's and De Castella's bios My LifeOn The Run- Yasso My Marathon, Frank Shorter Nearly to the Top no bugles no drums Peter Snell - Gilmour Olympic Gold Frank Shorter - Mark Bloom Once a Runner Out of Thin Air Michael Crawley Pain Peak When it Counts: Periodization for American Track and Field Periodization by Bompa Personal Best, George Sheehan Pre by Tom Jordan. Pre: The Story of America's Greatest Running Legend Prefontaine Programmed to Run by Miller Racing the Antelope" by Bernd Heinrich (I think it was re-printed as Why We Run) Racing Weight Road Racing for Serious Runners (Pfitzinger/Douglas) Road to the Top by Vigil Run like a Prop Even if You're Slow Run to The Top -Lydiard Run,run,run Fred Wilt Running and Being by Dr. George Sheehan Running for My Life Running Periodization by Jason Karp Running Rewired Dicharry Running to the Edge Running to the Top by Lydiard Running to the Top, Derek Clayton Running to Win, George Sheehan Running with Lydiard. Running with the Buffaloes Running with the Champions Serious Runner's Handbook. Osler, Tom. World Publications, 1978. Shoe Dog Slinger Sanchez (Running Gun) speed trap - charlie francis steve Ovett: an autobiography Sub 4: Alan Webb and the Quest for the Fastest Mile Tales of the Times- Bob Hodge The 4 minute mile The Art of Running Faster Julian Goater The Complete Book of Running, Jogging, Running to the Top (Lydiard), Daniels, and Once a Runner The Complete Guide to Running by Earl Fee (Essential read if you're a masters runner, especially at 200 to 1500m) The Conditioning of Distance Runners. Osler, Tom. Long Distance Log, 1967. The Courage to Start John Bingham The Four Minute Mile by Bannister The Greatest (Haile G) The Jim Ryun story by Cordner Nelson The Last Word on Running" by Richard Karlgaard The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner? The Men of Oregon The Milers The Olympian The Perfect Distance The Perfect Mile The Science of Running by Magness The Science of Speed: The Art of the Sprint by Tellez The Secret Race Tyler Hamilton Obviously it’s not directly running but shows what really goes on at the top level of endurance sports. The Silence of Great Distance by Murphy The Sports Gene The various How they Train series. When I was in High School we would read the very detailed training of Ryun and be overwhelmed at his workouts. The Way of the Runner by Adarandan Finn to the EDGE by Kirk Johnson Today We Die a Little about Zatopek Total Heart Rate Training by Joel Friel (he has updated the LTHR method online, but the book changed how I trained. I think it's far superior to the traditional zone methods of HR training. If you train by HR Zones, this book and the updates online will make you a faster runner.) Train Hard Win Easy the Kenyan Way Training Distance Runners Training for Young Distance Runners Two Hours by Ed Caesar - on the first sub 2 hour attempt Ultramarathon man by Dean Karnazes Ultramarathoning: The Next Challenge. Osler, Tom, and Edward Dodd. World Publications, 1979. Unforgiving Minute - Ron Clarke Virgin Territory Wannabe Distance God by Timothy Tays Why Die? by Sims Winning Running: Successful 800 & 1500 Racing and Training by Coe
Wow, thanks for this reply. I've only 7 books from this list, and the most I liked The Perfect Mile
*What are the 10 most important books in running? Books Mentioned in thread:
200 Tips Every Runner Should Know 20x400 - by The Wizard J.S 26 Marathons: What I Learned About Faith, Identity, Running, and Life from My Marathon Career A Cold Clear Day Buddy Edelen - Frank Murphy A Scientific Approach to Distance Running - David Costill Adharanand Finn's trilogy (Running with the Kenyans/The Way of the Runner/Rise of the Ultra Runners) Advanced Marathoning by Pfitzinger and Douglas Again To Carthage Alberto Salazar - 14 minutes Amazing runners, a book about the FM squads that dominated NXN for many years. Anatomy for Runners by Dicharry Athletics by Percy Cerutty Barefoot Runner- Paul Rambali Be Fit or Be Damned! Cerutty Best Efforts Kenny Moore Better Training for Distance Runners by Martin & Coe Born to Run by Chris McDougall Boston Marathon: The History of the World's Premier Running Event from 1993. Brain Training by Matt Fitzgerald Brain Training For Runners Matt Fitzgerald Bravey Brendan Foster's biography by Cliff Temple Chasing Ghosts Clean Pair of Heels Competitive Runner's Handbook by Glover Complete Book of Running (1977), Computerized Running Training Programs - Gardner, Purdy Daniels Running Formula Deena Kastor - Let Your Mind Run (just a great story) Duel in the Sun John Brant Endure by Hutchinson Faster 5k Feet in the Clouds by Richard Askwith Frank Shorter - My Marathon From Last to First, Charlie Spedding Golden Mile Herb Elliot Good for a Girl and How She Did It Good to Go Christie Aschwanden Guide to Long Distance Running. Osler, Tom, and Edward Dodd. South Jersey Track Club, 1965. How Bad Do You Want It? by Mark Fitzgerald In Quest of Gold (Jim Ryun autobiography) Jogging John McDonnell: the most successful coach in NCAA history Kings of the Road ( about first running boom in late 70s, early 80s) kiwis can fly Lore of Running (2003 ed, 2nd I believe) Lore of Running (first edition) Mafferone's big yellow book and big red book. Marathon Man Bill Rodgers - Matthew Shepatin Marathon Training: A Scientific Approach by Arcelli and Canova Men Of Oregon by Kenny Moore Moneghetti's and De Castella's bios My LifeOn The Run- Yasso My Marathon, Frank Shorter Nearly to the Top no bugles no drums Peter Snell - Gilmour Olympic Gold Frank Shorter - Mark Bloom Once a Runner Out of Thin Air Michael Crawley Pain Peak When it Counts: Periodization for American Track and Field Periodization by Bompa Personal Best, George Sheehan Pre by Tom Jordan. Pre: The Story of America's Greatest Running Legend Prefontaine Programmed to Run by Miller Racing the Antelope" by Bernd Heinrich (I think it was re-printed as Why We Run) Racing Weight Road Racing for Serious Runners (Pfitzinger/Douglas) Road to the Top by Vigil Run like a Prop Even if You're Slow Run to The Top -Lydiard Run,run,run Fred Wilt Running and Being by Dr. George Sheehan Running for My Life Running Periodization by Jason Karp Running Rewired Dicharry Running to the Edge Running to the Top by Lydiard Running to the Top, Derek Clayton Running to Win, George Sheehan Running with Lydiard. Running with the Buffaloes Running with the Champions Serious Runner's Handbook. Osler, Tom. World Publications, 1978. Shoe Dog Slinger Sanchez (Running Gun) speed trap - charlie francis steve Ovett: an autobiography Sub 4: Alan Webb and the Quest for the Fastest Mile Tales of the Times- Bob Hodge The 4 minute mile The Art of Running Faster Julian Goater The Complete Book of Running, Jogging, Running to the Top (Lydiard), Daniels, and Once a Runner The Complete Guide to Running by Earl Fee (Essential read if you're a masters runner, especially at 200 to 1500m) The Conditioning of Distance Runners. Osler, Tom. Long Distance Log, 1967. The Courage to Start John Bingham The Four Minute Mile by Bannister The Greatest (Haile G) The Jim Ryun story by Cordner Nelson The Last Word on Running" by Richard Karlgaard The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner? The Men of Oregon The Milers The Olympian The Perfect Distance The Perfect Mile The Science of Running by Magness The Science of Speed: The Art of the Sprint by Tellez The Secret Race Tyler Hamilton Obviously it’s not directly running but shows what really goes on at the top level of endurance sports. The Silence of Great Distance by Murphy The Sports Gene The various How they Train series. When I was in High School we would read the very detailed training of Ryun and be overwhelmed at his workouts. The Way of the Runner by Adarandan Finn to the EDGE by Kirk Johnson Today We Die a Little about Zatopek Total Heart Rate Training by Joel Friel (he has updated the LTHR method online, but the book changed how I trained. I think it's far superior to the traditional zone methods of HR training. If you train by HR Zones, this book and the updates online will make you a faster runner.) Train Hard Win Easy the Kenyan Way Training Distance Runners Training for Young Distance Runners Two Hours by Ed Caesar - on the first sub 2 hour attempt Ultramarathon man by Dean Karnazes Ultramarathoning: The Next Challenge. Osler, Tom, and Edward Dodd. World Publications, 1979. Unforgiving Minute - Ron Clarke Virgin Territory Wannabe Distance God by Timothy Tays Why Die? by Sims Winning Running: Successful 800 & 1500 Racing and Training by Coe
Wow, I've heard about maybe half of these books. And I was actually looking for something to read, so the list you provided is very helpful for me.
And I think that for now Once A Runner is the book I liked the most.
*What are the 10 most important books in running? Books Mentioned in thread:
200 Tips Every Runner Should Know 20x400 - by The Wizard J.S 26 Marathons: What I Learned About Faith, Identity, Running, and Life from My Marathon Career A Cold Clear Day Buddy Edelen - Frank Murphy A Scientific Approach to Distance Running - David Costill Adharanand Finn's trilogy (Running with the Kenyans/The Way of the Runner/Rise of the Ultra Runners) Advanced Marathoning by Pfitzinger and Douglas Again To Carthage Alberto Salazar - 14 minutes Amazing runners, a book about the FM squads that dominated NXN for many years. Anatomy for Runners by Dicharry Athletics by Percy Cerutty Barefoot Runner- Paul Rambali Be Fit or Be Damned! Cerutty Best Efforts Kenny Moore Better Training for Distance Runners by Martin & Coe Born to Run by Chris McDougall Boston Marathon: The History of the World's Premier Running Event from 1993. Brain Training by Matt Fitzgerald Brain Training For Runners Matt Fitzgerald Bravey Brendan Foster's biography by Cliff Temple Chasing Ghosts Clean Pair of Heels Competitive Runner's Handbook by Glover Complete Book of Running (1977), Computerized Running Training Programs - Gardner, Purdy Daniels Running Formula Deena Kastor - Let Your Mind Run (just a great story) Duel in the Sun John Brant Endure by Hutchinson Faster 5k Feet in the Clouds by Richard Askwith Frank Shorter - My Marathon From Last to First, Charlie Spedding Golden Mile Herb Elliot Good for a Girl and How She Did It Good to Go Christie Aschwanden Guide to Long Distance Running. Osler, Tom, and Edward Dodd. South Jersey Track Club, 1965. How Bad Do You Want It? by Mark Fitzgerald In Quest of Gold (Jim Ryun autobiography) Jogging John McDonnell: the most successful coach in NCAA history Kings of the Road ( about first running boom in late 70s, early 80s) kiwis can fly Lore of Running (2003 ed, 2nd I believe) Lore of Running (first edition) Mafferone's big yellow book and big red book. Marathon Man Bill Rodgers - Matthew Shepatin Marathon Training: A Scientific Approach by Arcelli and Canova Men Of Oregon by Kenny Moore Moneghetti's and De Castella's bios My LifeOn The Run- Yasso My Marathon, Frank Shorter Nearly to the Top no bugles no drums Peter Snell - Gilmour Olympic Gold Frank Shorter - Mark Bloom Once a Runner Out of Thin Air Michael Crawley Pain Peak When it Counts: Periodization for American Track and Field Periodization by Bompa Personal Best, George Sheehan Pre by Tom Jordan. Pre: The Story of America's Greatest Running Legend Prefontaine Programmed to Run by Miller Racing the Antelope" by Bernd Heinrich (I think it was re-printed as Why We Run) Racing Weight Road Racing for Serious Runners (Pfitzinger/Douglas) Road to the Top by Vigil Run like a Prop Even if You're Slow Run to The Top -Lydiard Run,run,run Fred Wilt Running and Being by Dr. George Sheehan Running for My Life Running Periodization by Jason Karp Running Rewired Dicharry Running to the Edge Running to the Top by Lydiard Running to the Top, Derek Clayton Running to Win, George Sheehan Running with Lydiard. Running with the Buffaloes Running with the Champions Serious Runner's Handbook. Osler, Tom. World Publications, 1978. Shoe Dog Slinger Sanchez (Running Gun) speed trap - charlie francis steve Ovett: an autobiography Sub 4: Alan Webb and the Quest for the Fastest Mile Tales of the Times- Bob Hodge The 4 minute mile The Art of Running Faster Julian Goater The Complete Book of Running, Jogging, Running to the Top (Lydiard), Daniels, and Once a Runner The Complete Guide to Running by Earl Fee (Essential read if you're a masters runner, especially at 200 to 1500m) The Conditioning of Distance Runners. Osler, Tom. Long Distance Log, 1967. The Courage to Start John Bingham The Four Minute Mile by Bannister The Greatest (Haile G) The Jim Ryun story by Cordner Nelson The Last Word on Running" by Richard Karlgaard The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner? The Men of Oregon The Milers The Olympian The Perfect Distance The Perfect Mile The Science of Running by Magness The Science of Speed: The Art of the Sprint by Tellez The Secret Race Tyler Hamilton Obviously it’s not directly running but shows what really goes on at the top level of endurance sports. The Silence of Great Distance by Murphy The Sports Gene The various How they Train series. When I was in High School we would read the very detailed training of Ryun and be overwhelmed at his workouts. The Way of the Runner by Adarandan Finn to the EDGE by Kirk Johnson Today We Die a Little about Zatopek Total Heart Rate Training by Joel Friel (he has updated the LTHR method online, but the book changed how I trained. I think it's far superior to the traditional zone methods of HR training. If you train by HR Zones, this book and the updates online will make you a faster runner.) Train Hard Win Easy the Kenyan Way Training Distance Runners Training for Young Distance Runners Two Hours by Ed Caesar - on the first sub 2 hour attempt Ultramarathon man by Dean Karnazes Ultramarathoning: The Next Challenge. Osler, Tom, and Edward Dodd. World Publications, 1979. Unforgiving Minute - Ron Clarke Virgin Territory Wannabe Distance God by Timothy Tays Why Die? by Sims Winning Running: Successful 800 & 1500 Racing and Training by Coe
Wow, I've heard about maybe half of these books. And I was actually looking for something to read, so the list you provided is very helpful for me.
And I think that for now Once A Runner is the book I liked the most.
Couple new novels in the OAR genre, same author:
Racing Shadows and Malone Ridge (great reviews), James K. Dill
Fast 5k - this is the best distillation of correct training ideas I’ve seen in one place. Not perfect but anyone following the guidelines will get good(ish).
The four minute mile
Starship Troopers - not running, but about running.