Tuesday’s Training Tip: Read a Motivational Book

Strange things can be motivational!

Let’s face it, it can be difficult to stay motivated when you are training for a race that is months away, or when you are struggling to see improvement in your physical fitness, or when you have been injured. Reading a good motivational book can help you pass the hours while recovering.

What’s the best motivational book to read? That depends on what you need …

 If your desire to run is waning …

Read something running related such as a runner’s biography or a classic running novel. 

Running with the Buffaloes by Chris Lear

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Run toOvercome by Meb Keflezighi

If you’ve been injured and need some down time to recover …

Read something entertaining to pass the time or something that will instill patience and positivity.

The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Running the Edge by Tim Catalano and Adam Goucher

If your improvement is slow and you need daily motivation …

Read something that inspires you daily such as your favorite book of scripture, a daily motivational tip from a life coach, or browse a recent copy of Runners’ World magazine. 

Remember, running is hard.  Life is hard.  It’s going to take a little help to get through it.  You can read and learn from those who have gone before. It might make things a little bit easier.

Do you have a favorite motivational book you would like to share?  Please tell us about it in the comments below.

Get your copy of The Hard Run: Painful Lessons from a Running Granny. HERE

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

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Tuesdays Training Tip: Read something inspiring

That’s right, I said READ something inspiring.  I’m not talking about a fortune cookie, or a subway print found on Pinterest, or even this blog – although I am grateful you are here!  I’m talking about reading a book that inspires you and leaves you wanting to do and be more.

My daughter sent me a text to tell me her six year-old can read Green Eggs and Ham.  It’s one of my favorites, 1) because it is challenging and entertaining to read aloud, and 2) its message is to try new things.  I love to read it to my grandchildren and now they can begin to read it to me.

I once read “Mary Kay” by Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. It left me feeling encouraged and capable.

The Hobbit brought my nightmares to life and taught me that everyone has talents and purpose. I haven’t read it as many times as I’ve read Green Eggs and Ham or my favorite book of scripture, but it’s a repeated read.

I am currently reading Running the Edge loaned to me be a cousin of one of the authors.  I’m learning some things about running that I did not know.

Why read as part of a training plan? 

Reading something that inspires, uplifts, or encourages doing ones best helps her stay on the path both mentally and physically. Sometimes we need a mental or emotional boost to keep doing things that are hard, and running is hard, but it’s worth it!

Question: Have you read a book that truly inspired you?

Tune in every Tuesday for more training tips and visit my Training Tips page to find all the tips you may have missed.

Happy Running!