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The best audiobooks for running
Instead of running to music, try an engrossing thriller, memoir, or microhistory to make the miles fly by.
Published on July 12, 2023
Walking the Nile
Levison WoodIf you’re facing a long run, take inspiration from Wood’s epic trek through northern Africa. As the first person to ever walk the entire length of the Nile, he journeyed through six countries and overcame incredible obstacles from wildlife to life-threatening weather. Hopefully your next run isn’t as treacherous as his journey.
Running Like a Girl: Notes on Learning to Run
Alexandra HeminsleyIf you want to start running but don’t know where to begin, or perhaps wonder why people bother with the grueling sport at all, Heminsely has the answers plus a fair share of practical advice aimed at women. The British journalist and novelist details how she went from barely making it to the end of the block to completing marathons. Her warm and chatty style makes it seem like you’re out for a jog with an old friend.
Can't Nothing Bring Me Down: Chasing Myself in the Race against Time
Ida KeelingKeeling is proof that running can get you through even the most trying of times. After living through the Great Depression and the civil rights movement, she tragically lost two sons to the drug epidemic of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Her daughter, Shelley, convinced her to start running at the age of 67 as a way to heal her grief. The Bronx native never looked back and went on to run several marathons and set several world records for the fastest 60-meter and 100-meter dashes in her age group. Her matter-of-fact narrative and indomitable spirit will urge you to keep pushing forward.
The Silent Patient
Alex MichaelidesKeep your heart rate up with Michaelides’ thrilling debut that became an instant bestseller in 2019. Painter Alicia has been convicted of murdering her husband, but she refuses to talk after his death. Psychotherapist Dr. Faber is particularly determined to hear her side of the story. His systematic attempts to unlock the gruesome mystery accompany intriguing journal entries by Alicia.
Pretty Revenge
Emily LiebertLiebert’s fast-paced domestic thriller will breathe life into your next tempo run. Jordana, a wealthy and successful wedding concierge, ruined Kerrie’s life 18 years ago and Kerrie will stop at nothing to get revenge. In her ruthless quest, she reinvents herself as Olivia and takes a job as Jordana’s assistant. An exhilarating game of cat-and-mouse ensues with plenty of twists and turns thrown to keep you hooked.
Hollywood Homicide
Kellye GarrettAmateur detective Dayna Anderson is on the case to solve a hit-and-run accident. The investigation evolves into something much more sinister than one accident and leads Dayna down a rabbit hole of Hollywood crime. Dayna will do anything to find the driver and collect the reward money, but little does she know her determination could land her on the killer’s hit list. A lighthearted, cozy mystery with a dynamic lead and an action-packed plot.
The Road to Sparta: Reliving the Ancient Battle and Epic Run That Inspired the World's Greatest Footrace
The Road to Sparta: Reliving the Ancient Battle and Epic Run That Inspired the World's Greatest Footrace
Dean KarnazesIt’s the legendary race that inspired the marathon itself — Pheidippides’ 153-mile run from Athens to Sparta in 490 BCE. Ultramarathoner Karnazes retraces Pheidippides’ path and combines his love of history and running in a captivating dialogue that will transport you to ancient Greece.
My Heart Is a Chainsaw
Stephen Graham JonesJones is a national treasure, as proven by his three award-winning horror novels in this list alone. A young Native American woman who relishes gory slasher movies must put her encyclopedic knowledge of the genre into action when something sinister starts stalking people in her gentrifying small town. Scary and thought-provoking in the best way, “My Heart Is a Chainsaw” won the 2022 Locus Award, the 2021 Bram Stoker Award, and the 2021 Shirley Jackson Award, all in the Novel category.
The Last House on Needless Street
Catriona WardWard (“The Girl from Rawblood”) dizzies readers with an eerie story in which no one can be trusted and nothing is what it seems. Ted Bannerman lives in a dark, dilapidated house with his violently angry adopted daughter and a God-fearing cat. Then, a new neighbor arrives, convinced that Ted’s daughter is her kidnapped sister, and things become even more erratic. This unsettling tale won the August Derleth Award for Best Horror Novel at the 2022 British Fantasy Awards.
Finding Gobi: A Little Dog with a Very Big Heart
Dion LeonardHug your canine running partner a little closer after listening to the incredible true story of Gobi, a stray dog that crossed paths with veteran ultramarathon runner Leonard during a 155-mile race. The fierce little stray ran with Leonard for a whopping 77 miles before the pair were separated. Heartbroken, Leonard took to the internet to do everything in his power to reunite with Gobi. Their story proves that with enough determination and drive, anything is possible.
Running with the Mind of Meditation: Lessons for Training Body and Mind
Sakyong MiphamA leader of meditation centers all around the world, Mipham combines his knowledge of mindfulness and the art of running in this collection of practical advice that’s easy to implement. Reap the benefits of strengthening the body and quieting the mind with this insightful, light-hearted guide.
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
Phil KnightJust as Nike’s swoosh symbol is one of the most recognizable symbols of excellence around the world, this memoir from the shoe company’s founder has quickly become one of the most-lauded, must-read business books of all time. Knight’s story, one full of grit, passion, and strategic genius, embodies the international brand’s slogan that has pushed generations of athletes over the years to “just do it.”
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Angela DuckworthDuckworth’s motivational classic proves you don’t have to be a genius to succeed. All you need is grit. Learn how to use your passion and persistence to plow through the rough patches on the road (both literally and metaphorically) to make your dreams a reality.
People, Places, Things: My Human Landmarks
Chuck PalahniukPalahniuk knows how to tell a story in unexpected, fascinating ways, and this personal essay from the “Fight Club” author doesn’t disappoint. Palahniuk shares the people, places, and things that shaped his writing growing up in the Pacific Northwest — from serial killers to secret gardens to Sears catalogs.
Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Explain Everything About the World
Tim MarshallTake a journey around the world with 10 maps that explain how geography shapes different countries’ strengths, vulnerabilities, and politics. From the lack of navigable rivers in Africa to Russia’s dire need of warm water ports, every country is bound by the limitations of its location. An insightful, big-picture history lesson on geo-political strategies.
Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness
Peter Godfrey-SmithThe octopus is an inherently fascinating creature, and this book ventures to the depths of the ocean to marvel at what we’ve learned about octopus minds, and by extension, how those findings affect our understanding of consciousness. Godfrey-Smith is both a philosopher of science and an experienced diver, but perhaps more importantly, he’s an exquisite writer and an empathetic explorer.
The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate
Peter WohllebenIn our age of climate change, it’s essential to understand the irreplaceable value of old-growth forests. Forester Wohlleben combines knowledge and empathy in this book, and the effect is an engrossing education on sustainable forestry. Whether you love trees or want to learn more about the complex webs that impact our climate, “The Hidden Life of Trees” is a great read.
The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way
Bill BrysonWith his signature sharp wit and humor, Bryson takes a deep dive into the complicated history of the weird and wonderful English language. Tons of linguistic trivia along with Bryson’s personal musings on the topic make “The Mother Tongue” a fascinating listen that explains how the English language has evolved over the years into its present form.