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Read, then Run: The Runner’s Reading List

At some point in 2012, I started running, after my last run had been in, oh, primary school sometime. I had been strong-armed into joining cross-country for reasons still mostly unclear to me, considering how very, very slow and uninterested I was. (And I was tiny, with the shortest legs in the grade). In any case, I found myself running with my fellow karate-ka on a Sunday morning in September. It was 7kms long, it was hot and there were hills, and the next week I went and bought myself some running shoes.

Let’s fast-forward to today: I have done three half-marathons, five 10km races and many, many Zoo Trots. I hope to do Comrades next year, and at least finish it. This sounds like a humblebrag, but you have to remember that I didn’t do any voluntary sport until I went to university. I hated it that much, especially the teamwork (running and karate are blissfully free of that tedious nonsense). So, things and people do change, and now I find myself devouring everything there is to be read and known about running. South Africa is a country with a massive running culture, host of the world’s biggest and most famous mass-participation ultramarathon, and possibly the world’s most beautiful race in the Two Oceans marathon. There are so many clubs, all delighted to meet and help beginners.  This is a great country to run in, to see and explore.

If you’re considering running, or are a long-time racer, there are definitely plenty of books worth your time. Whether you’re into trail, road-running, Iron Man, ultra-marathoning or even just walking really fast, there are books to inspire, improve and entertain every runner. And they make great gifts (hint hint, nudge nudge).

This article originally appeared on zoehinis.com 

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