Books by and About Women Runners

Looking for a good book by or about a woman runner? There are many to choose from! Check out this inspiring list, and happy reading during Women's History Month and all year long.

Saving Myself One Step at a Time by T.J. Bryan

Bryan went for her first run at age 64. It was an instant love affair, but she was surprised to find few other Black older women runners. She’s worked to change that by sharing her story and continuing to represent for over 10 years.

First Ladies of Running by Amby Burfoot

This book features bios of American women running pioneers and trailblazers, from rebellious schoolgirl Grace Butcher in the 1940s to groundbreaking marathoner Oprah Winfrey in the 1990s.

Running While Black by Alison Mariella Désir

Désir’s experiences as a Black woman distance runner shed light on systemic racism in the sport. The founder of Harlem Run also shares long-hidden stories of Black American distance runners as a first step toward greater equity and inclusion.

Run Fast. Eat Slow. by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky

Flanagan, the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon champion and Olympic medalist, and nutritionist Kopecky share delicious recipes, nutritional guidance, and inspiring stories. Also check out their Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow. and Rise & Run.

Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman

Olympian and women’s sports advocate Fleshman narrates her running journey, which saw her success in childhood later sabotaged by body dysmorphia and cycles of injury. She presents a case for remaking the sport to better serve all girls and women.

The Longest Race by Kara Goucher

The subtitle, Inside the Secret World of Abuse, Doping, and Deception on Nike’s Elite Running Team, sums up Goucher’s experiences as an Olympian-turned-whistleblower. Now a commentator, podcaster, and public speaker, she continues to shine a light on the challenges facing women athletes.

Dandelion Growing Wild by Kim Jones

One of America’s fastest marathoners of the 1980s and 90s and a two-time New York City Marathon runner-up, Jones tells of how running helped her come to terms with the poverty, addiction, and mental illness that had shaped her childhood.

Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor

The Olympic marathon bronze medalist and former American record holder achieved greatness by harnessing the power of the mind. Inspired by women running pioneers who came before her, Kastor in turn has paved the way for future generations.

Can’t Nothing Bring Me Down by Ida Keeling

Raised in Harlem and a longtime Bronx resident, Keeling was a member of NYRR Striders until her death in 2021 at age 106. Here she tells of taking up running at age 67 after a family tragedy and setting age-group world records in her 90s.

Long Run to Glory by Stephen Lane

This is the incredible story of the 1984 Olympic women’s marathon and the top four finishers—Joan Benoit Samuelson, Grete Waitz, Rosa Mota, and Ingrid Kristiansen—who changed women’s running forever.

Choosing to Run by Des Linden

An unheralded collegiate runner, Linden rose to become one of the best—and most beloved—athletes on the world stage today. This memoir interweaves her life story with a mile-by-mile account of her dramatic win at the 2018 Boston Marathon.

Ya Sama! Moments From My Life by Tatyana McFadden

Born with spina bifida and raised in a Russian orphanage before being adopted by an American family, 22-time Paralympic medalist McFadden’s story is about overcoming obstacles and discrimination to succeed on her own terms.

Becoming a Sustainable Runner by Tina Muir

Tina Muir shares how she stepped away from the life of a professional distance runner to take on a life-changing role as sustainability advocate.

Running Tide by Joan Benoit Samuelson

The gold medalist at the 1984 Olympic women’s marathon shares her dramatic journey from teenage ski racer derailed by injury to professional women’s running pioneer who embodied courage and determination.

Marathon Woman by Kathrine Switzer

Switzer broke the gender barrier at the Boston Marathon in 1967, went on to lead the fight for equality in distance running, and now advocates for women runners worldwide through her 261 Fearless nonprofit.

A Beautiful Work in Progress by Mirna Valerio

This myth-busting memoir is a call for body positivity and inclusivity as Valerio—known as “the Mirnavator”—challenges any notion of runner that’s defined by skin color or body size.

On the Run by Grete Waitz

The nine-time New York City Marathon champion wrote this inspiring and accessible running and fitness book for adults. Earlier she wrote World Class, a memoir of her 25-year career at the pinnacle of women’s distance running.