Haruki Murakami recently created a splash with the publication of his latest book 1Q84. Fans of Murakami's writing, runners, and anyone interested in the workings of this unique author's mind, may enjoy What I talk about when I talk about running: a memoir. In this slim volume Murakami discusses the beginning of his career as an author and the important role distance running plays in his work. The epitaph he suggests for his tombstone - “Haruki Murakami 1949-20** Writer (and Runner) At Least He Never Walked” – is indicative of his dedication to the sport.
Even those who don't aspire to run 50 miles through Mexico's Copper Canyon are likely to be fascinated by Christopher McDougall's Born to run: a hidden tribe, superathletes and the greatest race the world has never seen. Colorful characters, accounts of grueling races and poignant tales of exemplary sportsmanship make this book a thrilling read. McDougall's exploration of barefoot running is also enlightening and is credited for contributing to the current trend.
To learn more about barefoot running consider reading Run Barefoot Run Healthy: less pain more gain for runners over 30 by Ashish Mukharji. Written in a question and answer format, the book provides practical advice for those new to barefoot running.
For those new to running in general the Runner's World Complete Book of Beginning Running is a useful tool. Part one of this book, Why run?, addresses the reasons one might want to take up running. Other chapters focus on nutrition, stretching, weight loss and injury prevention. The chapter on intermediate training provides plans to achieve specific goals. Two training plans are provided, one for those who are already active and another for those who have not exercised for a while.
Runners who are interested in increasing distance and entering races may benefit from the advice found in Marathon and Half Marathon: the beginner's guide. This book contains a detailed 26-week training plan plus lots of great tips for dealing with injuries, setting goals and improving speed.
