Stay inspired and motivated during your runs with these recommended top 10 audio books

Listening to music or podcasts is always a great idea to pass the time while running to get your mind off the burn in your lungs or the tiredness in your legs. What we offer you in this guide isn’t just something to get your mind off but to get you even more into running by reminding you why you’re doing this. We have here a list of audiobooks that will inspire and motivate you and push you to the finish line on your runs while also widening your worldview regarding all the other challenges in your life. 

Ten Motivating and Inspiring Audiobooks

Here are ten inspiring audiobooks that motivate you during your runs or workouts. The books on this list aren’t identical in subject matter, but they all share a relentless positivity and belief in our capability to improve our lives, no matter how hard it is. 

Finding Ultra by Rich Roll (2012)

Finding Ultra, which has the full title “Finding Ultra: Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World’s Fittest Men, and Discovering Myself,” is Rich Roll’s memoir. It details his journey from alcoholism to becoming an ultra-endurance athlete at the top of fitness. 

The book recounts Rich’s journey to the starting line of the elite Ultraman competition—a grueling 320-mile ordeal of swimming, biking, and running. He later conquered an even greater challenge: the EPIC5—five Ironman-distance triathlons across different Hawaiian islands in less than a week.

Not only a drunkard, Rich Roll was also sedentary, out-of-shape, and over fifty pounds overweight. He was also forty years old. This memoir is a testament to the idea that no matter how bad your shape is, no matter how far you’ve delved into bad habits, breaking out of them and pushing yourself to the other end of the spectrum is entirely possible. 

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (2009)

“Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen” by American author and journalist Christopher McDougall is an investigative account of the Tarahumara Native Mexican tribe in the Mexican Copper Canyons. The tribe is known for this remarkable injury-free running endurance, and McDougall wanted to get to the bottom of that. 

Listening to this book will increase your knowledge about running and how to improve yourself while minimizing any possible injuries. It will also introduce you to new methodologies to try out in your approach to running.

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (1997)

“The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” by Eckhart Tolle, first published in 1997, gained widespread acclaim after being recommended by Oprah Winfrey and has since been translated into 33 languages. It is still very relevant. 

Tolle emphasizes that emotional problems stem from our identification with our minds. The present moment (the “Now”) is the only reality, and dwelling on the past or future causes suffering. He offers ways to be more mindful, like slowing down (avoiding multitasking), spending time in nature, and letting go of future worries. There is much more in the book itself.

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins (2018)

“Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds” by David Goggins is an inspiring memoir where Goggins shares his astonishing life story, detailing traumas, setbacks, mental disorders, and gruesome physical injuries. 

He transformed himself from a depressed, overweight young man into a U.S. Armed Forces icon and one of the world’s top endurance athletes. You will learn the fullness of mental toughness and resilience and will be inspired to tap into your own potential. 

Atomic Habits by James Clear (2018)

“Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear is about practical strategies for forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. 

Clear emphasizes the importance of systems over goals and draws on ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience. The book contains inspiring stories from Olympic athletes, artists, business leaders, and more. This can be applied to fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being.

Endure by Alex Hutchinson (2018)

“Endure Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance” by Alex Hutchinson is a groundbreaking book where Hutchinson explores the fascinating interplay between our minds and bodies when it comes to endurance. 

Hutchinson challenges the idea that our physical limitations are predetermined. He shares cutting-edge research that suggests that our brain plays a critical role in setting these limits and that our horizons are much more elastic than we imagine.

The Champion’s Mind by Jim Afremow (2015)

“The Champion’s Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive” by Jim Afremow is an insightful book in which the sports psychologist shares advice he provides to Olympians, Heisman Trophy winners, and professional athletes. 

He teaches how to get in the “zone,” thrive within a team, and maintain humility. He emphasizes the mental game in the athlete’s process and how to achieve long-term sustainable excellence. The book offers hundreds of useful tips, breakthrough science, and cutting-edge workouts from world-class trainers.

Running with the Mind of Meditation by Sakyong Mipham (2013)

“Running with the Mind of Meditation: Lessons for Training Body and Mind” by Sakyong Mipham is a unique fitness program that blends physical and spiritual practices, regardless of age, spiritual background, or ability. Here are the key takeaways:

The book melds internal meditation practice with physical movement. It offers basic meditation instructions and fundamental principles. It can help you find peace and focus during workouts.

The Brave Athlete by Simon Marshall and Lesley Paterson (2017)

“The Brave Athlete: Calm the F*ck Down and Rise to the Occasion” by Dr. Simon Marshall and Lesley Paterson is a practical guide that addresses common mental challenges faced by athletes during training and races. 

The book draws from clinical science and real-world experience, offering evidence-based solutions to help athletes control their thoughts and feelings.

The Long Run by Matt Long (2009)

“The Long Run: A New York City Firefighter’s Triumphant Comeback from Crash Victim to Elite Athlete” is an emotional and candid memoir by Matt Long, a New York City firefighter. 

After an accident, Long’s injuries pushed him to the brink of death, but he miraculously survived. The book chronicles Matt’s journey to recovery, both physically and psychologically. The book encourages perseverance and gratitude. It also shows how remarkable the human body is and how capable it is. 

Remember, the right audiobook can transform your workout. Those ten audiobooks will enlighten you, widen your horizons and worldview, and show you precisely what you can do. They will motivate and inspire you like nothing else.