The best books on ultrarunning for amateur adventurers

Janet Patkowa Author Of The Impossible Long Run: My Journey to Becoming Ultra
By Janet Patkowa

Who am I?

I want an adventurous life filled with experiences and challenges that make me appreciate the world around me. My experience in running 50 miles shows just how determined I am to lead an uncommon life. The books I’ve compiled here all share that one thing in common, they chronicle the author’s paths in following this mantra. Life is meant to be lived, no matter what form you find that in. I hope you find and nurture your adventurous life from these stories that were written from the heart.

I wrote...

The Impossible Long Run: My Journey to Becoming Ultra

By Janet Patkowa

Book cover of The Impossible Long Run: My Journey to Becoming Ultra

What is my book about?

If you think you want to run an ultra marathon, you don’t, trust me. 

Are you still reading? Oh boy, then you are about to go down a very difficult road and you’re going to need all the help you can get. The Impossible Long Run chronicles my journey to a 50-mile race, and it can help you do the same. I show you that it is possible. Not easy! But possible. I chose to do this because I wanted to shake up my cozy 9 to 5 existence. This race jumpstarted my adventure-seeking life that I continue to pursue because running a 50-mile race taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

The Books I Picked & Why

Bedtime Adventure Stories for Grown Ups

By Anna McNuff

Book cover of Bedtime Adventure Stories for Grown Ups

Why this book?

Although the author is a runner, these stories don’t focus solely on that, but the adventures she can do because she is a runner. Anna speckles her life with adventures she can manage all the time instead of waiting for an epic adventure that you might only get to once or twice a year. She embodies my philosophy that life is meant to be lived. Do what inspires you right now. Sometimes that’s a race with a team number, and sometimes it’s a climb to the top of a mountain. Anna retells her tales of adventure in a collection of fun stories about epic undertakings and colors her stories with personality. 

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail

By Scott Jurek, Jenny Jurek

Book cover of North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail

Why this book?

This is a dazzling tale of an ultrarunning icon running the length of the Appalachian Trail. However, I found myself waiting for the chapters written from Jenny’s perspective as his one-woman crew bringing him supplies and a place to sleep each night. I wanted to know how she dealt with the fear of driving down desolate roads. How she made sure to be in the right place at the right time navigating areas with no cell service. I liked hearing her find pride in what she was accomplishing.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Finding Gobi: A Little Dog with a Very Big Heart

By Dion Leonard

Book cover of Finding Gobi: A Little Dog with a Very Big Heart

Why this book?

Who wouldn’t want to find their best friend in an epic race? And a terrier nonetheless! This little dog ran alongside his chosen human for miles and miles and miles. The dog’s stamina amidst the harsh conditions of the desert is awe-inspiring. Then comes the challenges of bringing an animal home from a foreign country. Not an easy task, but a worthwhile endeavor. 

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

By Cheryl Strayed

Book cover of Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

Why this book?

Not a runner story, but a long-distance amateur hiking story. Who hasn’t dreamt of hiking off into the wilderness with just the pack you can carry? Cheryl is scared, she is healing, and she is growing. Her journey shows what’s possible when you take a leap of faith and follow that voice that nags you to do something extreme. 

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen

By Christopher McDougall

Book cover of Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen

Why this book?

An aspiring ultra runner must read this book. It gives homage to a tribe of people who have used long-distance running as part of their society. Micah True planned the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon to bring together the ultrarunning community with this local tribe. Jenn and Billy, two young ultra runners, tie the story to a current-day nomadic and free lifestyle that is sure to inspire any new ultra runner. 

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Closely Related Book Lists

The best books to make you fall in love with WWII fiction

Soraya M. Lane Author Of Under a Sky of Memories Soraya M. Lane

The best modern fairy tales to make you believe in magic again

Jo Danilo Author Of The Blackwood Crusade Jo Danilo

The best books about the experience of dying

Jennie Dear Author Of What Does It Feel Like to Die?: Inspiring New Insights Into the Experience of Dying Jennie Dear

The best brief books on the art of living and dying

Loren Mayshark Author Of Death: An Exploration: Learning To Embrace Life's Most Feared Mystery Loren Mayshark

Distantly Related Book Lists

The best books for self care and motivation

Allison Fishman Task Author Of Personal (R)evolution: How to Be Happy, Change Your Life, and Do That Thing You've Always Wanted to Do Allison Fishman Task

The best books on King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

Cory O'Brien Author Of Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes: A No-Bullshit Guide to World Mythology Cory O'Brien

The best books about dogs as our teachers

Tammie Rogers Author Of Shamaron: Dog Devoted Tammie Rogers

The best comfort books when you’re depressed

Gwyneth Lewis Author Of Sunbathing in the Rain: A Cheerful Book on Depression Gwyneth Lewis