We certainly live in a great time. Sure, there are some lame aspects, but never before have people had such a wide variety of information and support available to them so immediately and inexpensively. And what a great time to be runners. Our sport has gained in popularity exponentially over the past decade, and we have at our fingertips loads of great resources.
I’ve put together a list of resources for runners (many of them from local sources!) that I hope will help boost any runner’s game from ‘so-so’ to ‘hell yeah!’
Podcasts
There are hundreds of running-related podcasts out there, but I’ve found that only two are worth downloading. If you know of any others that I should be listening to, please let me know.
Not only are the two podcasts listed below full of humor, motivation, information, and advice, but they are both based out of Portland. Try them out and see what you think.
Another Mother Runner – Amazing podcast for mothers (and fathers) who like to run. Even if you don’t have kids, they share a wealth of knowledge, and each episode is humorous and entertaining. I love these ladies and this podcast.
Bib Rave – A husband and wife duo host this podcast. They are running beasts, and they talk about everything running related. They live and breathe running, and it’s apparent with each episode. They have great topics, guests, and information.
Books
I know books aren’t for everyone, but even if you don’t like to read with your eyes, you can pick up the audiobooks for just about anything through your local library app (Libby or Overdrive).
I’ve gotten so much motivation, information, and training advice through reading running books. Here are some of my favorite authors of running books.
Matt Fitzgerald – Fitzgerald offers solid information on training and nutrition. He writes with science in mind so things can get a little nerdy at times, but it’s good stuff.
Christopher McDougall – Yes, I’ve read Born to Run a few times, and each time I get more from it. I haven’t read his new running with donkeys (Running with Sherman) book yet, but I plan to soon.
Haruki Murakami – Murakami lays out all the running feels in his running memoir What I Talk About When I Talk About Running. His fiction is terrific too.
John “The Penguin” Bingham – I love Bingham’s take on running. He runs because he loves it, not because he is fast or because he ever hopes to win any race he enters. He knows he is slow (like a penguin), but he just loves the sport. It is super motivating and funny stuff.
Magazines
Unfortunately, magazines are going the way of the phone book. Soon, we won’t need them anymore. Who wants magazines laying all over the coffee table when you can just read your magazines on your tablet? I do. I want physical magazines. I hate reading them from my tablet. So, I support magazines when I can.
Runner’s World – This magazine is a staple. They have great columns, interviews, and gear reviews. I have been a subscriber for many years.
Trail Runner – I just started subscribing to this zine, and I’m totally in love. If you would rather run the trails instead of the road, this magazine is for you.
Movies
There are so many running movies, but two of my favorites get me all kinds of excited and motivated to run are the following:
Hood to Coast – A Hood to Coast documentary. This movie is so fun, and it’s PacNW based, which is always fun.
Brittany Runs a Marathon – A newer movie, and it is depressing and dark, but also has a beautiful message about fitness, self-image, and friends.
Facebook Groups
I belong to a few running Facebook Groups, and they are great. I love seeing motivational, funny, informative posts pop up on my feed. All you have to do is search for them.
Local Running Groups
If you are looking for a way to stay motivated and to feel the sense of running community, join a local running group. Or, if you can’t find one, do what I did and start your own.
If you have any great resources for runners that I inadvertently left off this list, I would love to hear them!
