Thinking about tackling an ultra? Or perhaps you’ve already run a few but need some good inspiration to keep your momentum going? If so, I’ve rounded up some of the best ultra running books out there for you!
I admittedly haven’t taken the plunge into the ultra world yet myself. Running my own business with a toddler at home has put a bit of a limit on my total training time right now. 😉
However, it’s definitely a goal for the future. I’ve done two full marathons and would absolutely love to do a 6-hour or 12-hour timed ultra race. For some reason, the timed race seems more appealing to me than a distance based one. (If you’re an ultra runner, what do you prefer?)
A few of these books are choices I’ve read myself while others were recommended by a few ultra friends. I hope they help spark your passion for long course racing!
5 Best Ultra Running Books
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1. Running Through the Wall: Personal Encounters with the Ultramarathon by Neal Jamison
If you’re thinking about exploring the world of ultramarathoning, this book is sure to motivate you. It features interviews with 35 different ultra runners exploring concepts like their drive, training, and how the ultra differs from short course racing. The book will help you realize that any person can train for an ultra if they put their mind to it and put the training in.
2. Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons by Bryon Powell
If you’re looking for a practical choice to help guide training, this is one of the ultra running book you’ll want. It’s a how-to guide for training for and racing in ultra distance events, whether you are looking to complete a 50K or a 100 miler.
3. Running Your First Ultra: Customizable Training Plans for Your First 50K to 100-mile Race by Krissy Moehl
There are a lot of inspirational stories and biographies in the ultra world, but I’ve found fewer specific training guides. This is another great option in addition to the book above that will help you conquer the race of your choice. Written by top female ultra runner Krissy Moehl, it’s a favorite among fellow female athletes. The only caveat is that the training plan tables in this book do not convert well in e-book format, so definitely order the paperback if you’re going to purchase this one.
4. Eat and Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness by Scott Jurek
As an RD, I’m always interested in what professional athletes are eating. This book chronicles Scott Jurek’s path to veganism, and explores how he uses a plant-based diet to fuel running. While I’m a meat-eater myself and don’t necessarily believe veganism is the best choice for me, I found the book fascinating. (Side note, I think the “best” choice is the typically choice that feels best for your body).
5. Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner by Dean Karnazes
Dean Karnazes is probably one of the most famous ultra-marathoners to date. The fact that this book is several years old now doesn’t take away from it being motivating and humorous. He discusses his high school running experiences as well as his rejuvenated interest in running later in adulthood. I think just about anyone reading this book walks away feeling inspired to run.
Looking for other good running books?
You can find a roundup of some of the best running cookbooks here. And if you’re looking to branch into triathlon, find 5 of the best triathlon training books here.
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I read Dean’s book as well as Scott Jurek’s. That said, I have no desire to ever run an ultra. It’s not a matter of whether I can, I just don’t feel a need to go past 26.2. Haha! Maybe that will change someday. .
Haha, I think that is totally an understandable opinion. I think I’d like to check it off my bucket list someday, but I definitely get it’s not for everyone!
Although I will never run an ultra, I do have ‘Eat & Run’ book. I read it last year and thought it was really great!
Yay, so glad you enjoyed the book and can give it a vote of confidence for being on this list 🙂
I loved Scott Jurek’s book. But one ultrarunning book that I highly recommend is by Vanessa Runs: Daughters of Distance. Excellent!
Ooooh I will have to check that one out! Great suggestion!
I have run two ultras (a 6-hour and a 12-hour), but have not read any of the above-mentioned books…..but ALL of them sound enticing!
Wow, way to go Kimberly! Did you enjoy the 6-hour or the 12-hour more?
I cannot even imagine running an ultra ever! I will pass along your recs to some friends in my MRTT group
Haha, I feel that way often when I think about it, but then I remember that’s how I used to feel about the marathon distance too. Thanks for sharing these recs with your group! 🙂
Wow, out of all those i”ve only read Eat and Run. I’m surprised I haven’t read more of them! Now I know what to pick up at the library… 🙂
Yay, hope you enjoy them Rachel!
I’ve read Scott Jurek’s book and really liked it. However, I have absolutely no interest in running an ultra. I’m actually looking to run my first marathon this year.
I think with a lot of these there’s good inspiration you can take from it regardless of the distance! And totally get that feeling; my husband has said the same thing, haha.
I’m always fascinated by their diets too! Especially the vegan ones! I’m always so impressed with their strength to complete those races on that type of diet! I don’t think I’ll ever run an ultra, but I’ll always love watching other people do them! 🙂
It’s definitely inspiring to read their stories and learn about their diets, habits, motivation!
You know, I have toyed with the idea of a 50k. It hasn’t gone beyond the thought process, but the idea has been there. It’s just soooo long and soooo far. I dont know. Maybe one day. At least now I have some book suggestions to talk me in or out of it 🙂
Haha, grab some of the books and see if it sways your decision one way or the other. And I agree, 50K sounds so far, lol. I think that’s why if I take the plunge to do an ultra, I’ll go for a time based race. 6 hours of running to me sounds far more achievable (probably because my full marathon time is only a little shorter than that, so I know it’s not too far of a stretch!).
I’m too much of a wuss to run an Ultra! But these stories look super interesting. Especially the Eat & Run book.
I think there’s definitely some fun in reading some of these even if you’re not thinking about doing an ultra – great info & motivation 🙂
I have yet to run a full marathon, but if I survive that maybe a timed ultra. That sounds more appealing to me knowing there is a set time frame.
I have not read any of those books yet but need to add some to my wish list.
Exactly! That’s my same thought process too on timed vs distance.
12 & 24-hour races are great. They’re really more like parties with running thrown in. I’ve done a few 12-hours, and I did my first overnight 12-hour earlier this year. I’d love to find a 24-hour race, but I’m so accustomed having friends from my local trail running group around during these that I’d have to convince them to come with me. (The nearest one I’ve seen is about an 8-hour drive away.)
If you want to come out this way, Anchor Down Ultra is 24 hours and close be me 😉
My husband has most of those books. Though he hasn’t run an ultra, they are great books to read!
Yep! Totally agree.
Running an ultra is far from my bucket list, but if any ultra friends need reading recommendations I’ll certainly send them to this post.
Thanks for offering to share with your friends! 🙂
I read Krissy Moehl’s book & followed the training plan in preparation for my first 50K. (Mostly – we had the worst winter in recent memory, and that called for a lot of modifications.) I DNFd – my first – but I credit that to my inadequate fitness prior to starting training, not the book. It was a slog entering all those workouts in Training Peaks, but I found that more helpful than less-detailed workout plans. I’ve recommended the book to friends who’ve said it was helpful, and I’ll use the training plan again when I train for my next ultra.
I still haven’t gotten a pedicure, though.
That’s helpful to know about Krissy Moehl’s book! I’m tossing around the idea of doing a time-based ultra at some point because I think I’d like that better than a distance-based one, but that’s still a “maybe someday” goal lol.