Guide to Media & Motivation
In this guide, I break down what keeps me running. I divided the page into three sections by media type: audio, print, and social.
Audio Media
The great thing about audio media is that I can listen to it on the run.
Music
Music preferences are very individual, but I include playlists with my favorite tunes in this guide anyway.
Often, music playlists include songs with a high bpm (“beats per minute”). However, I don’t always want blood-pumping songs when I run. I often prefer music with a slower tempo, particularly on easy days or at the start of a marathon playlist.
Warning: I tend to download the definitive version of these songs, which may have offensive lyrics.
I also compose playlists for races. For example, see the Music heading in my Guide to the Boston Marathon and Guide to the New York City Marathon.
For headphone reviews, see my Guide to Running Gear – Headphones.
Podcasts
Sometimes, I want to hear about a runner or learn something about training. Here are some of my favorite active running-related podcasts. I also included the tag on this blog that leads to my favorite episodes.
Ali on the Run. Infectiously engaging host Ali Feller interviews a wide range of interesting runners [Tag].
I’ll Have Another. Great interviews with runners and other experts in the field hosted by Lindsey Hein [Tag].
The Morning Shakeout. Host Coach Mario Fraioli interviews a full range of athletes, coaches, and other personalities involved with this sport [Tag].
Pace the Nation. Once a more D.C.-centric podcast, Chris Farley and Julie Culley now draw in guests from across the country [Tag].
Run to the Top. This podcast has good tips for runners [Tag].
Running for Real. Host Tina Muir shares authentically and asks the same of her guests [Tag].
Running Rogue. The show focuses on practical training advice with occasional interviews. Host Chris McClung isn’t afraid of giving his opinion on controversial topics surrounding the sport [Tag].
Honorable Mention. The Runner’s World Show. This podcast is now defunct, but the old episodes are worth a listen.
Print & Visual Media
When I want to take a deeper dive into running topics, I look to longer media formats such as books, magazines, and movies.
Books
“Advanced Marathoning,” by Pete Pfitzinger and Scott Douglas. Popularly known just as “Pfitz,” this book is my favorite for marathon training. IIn the first seven chapters, the book covers the fundamentals of marathon training and race preparation. The rest of the book features several training plans depending on how many weeks a runner has to train (12 or 18) and how much mileage they can do per week (no more than 55, 55 to 70, 70 to 85, or more than 85). Each plan also has a post-marathon recovery phase.
“Daniels’ Running Formula, 3rd ed.,” by Jack Daniels. I rely on this book when I’m training for distances under a marathon. In addition to extensively covering the science behind running fast, including a deep dive into a runner’s maximum oxygen consumption (VO2Max), it has several training plans at the back of the book based on three quality workouts a week. Finally, the book has several useful tables, including one for race time equivalencies.
“Hansons Marathon Method,” by Luke Humphrey. This book details the top-rated Hanson marathon training plan. Known for its 16-mile long run (which the author has attempted to dispel) and weekly run at goal marathon pace, it advises on race day execution.
“Run Faster,” by Brad Hudson and Matt Fitzgerald. Often overlooked, this book offers a slightly different approach to marathon training by taking a more holistic view than other plans. Training weeks are structured to include various distances and paces. The book has training plans from the 5K to the marathon. However, my favorite part of the book is the chapter on doing a self-assessment before designing a training plan.
“Running Your First Ultra,” by Kristi Mohl. I used this book to train for my first (and only) ultra-marathon, and it was very helpful. In addition to general guidance on how to run over 26.2 miles, she provides several training plans.
“The Science of Running,” Steve Magness. This book covers everything a runner would want to know about the science behind peak performance and more. It also has a few basic training plans at the back of the book.
“Two Hours: The Quest to Run the Impossible Marathon,” by Ed Caesar. This well-researched book questions what it would take for a human being to run a marathon in under 2 hours. It’s a fascinating examination of the body’s physical limitations and the dedication it would take to break the two-hour barrier.
Magazines
Runner’s World. The premier running-related magazine in the United States, this publication is only published quarterly. Online content is published daily but often behind a paywall.
RunWashington. This magazine is local to Washington, D.C., and covers everything from elite runners and races to government meetings about trail improvements.
Movies
Here are 10 of my current favorite running-related movies, listed in order of “must-see” immediately to “watch sometime.”
1. Spirit of the Marathon. I watched this movie the night before almost all of my marathons. It follows three amateur runners and two elites leading up to the 2005 Chicago Marathon. The commonality that all runners share. IMDB Rating: 7.5
2. The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young. The movie has inspired so many runners to try ultramarathons. It challenges to answer, Why would someone start something when they know they’re going to fail? IMDB Rating: 7.8
3. Breaking2. At the end of the Breaking2 documentary, Eluid Kipchoge smiles as he talks about someone else conquering the 25 seconds he couldn’t get. That’s the beauty of sport – challenging yourself and encouraging others. IMDB Rating: 7.3
4. Boston: An American Running Story. This movie is a touching tribute to the most iconic race in running history. It covers the history of the race and some of its most notable finishers. IMDB Rating: 7.4
5. Skid Row Marathon. This documentary chronicles the relationships between Craig Mitchell, a judge on the Superior Court in California, and former criminals who have lived on “skid row.” The show follows several members of the Skid Row Running Club‘s marathon in Ghana and Rome. But ultimately, it’s a tale of second chances and redemption. IMDB Rating: 8.3
6. Prefontaine. Before running the 2017 Eugene Marathon, I watched this movie about the legendary runner. This film stars Jared Leto in the titular role. (Another movie about Pre came out around the same time, Without Limits. but I think this one was better acted and produced.) IMDB Rating: 6.8
7. Britney Runs a Marathon. This film, based on a true story, comically tells the story of a woman who decides to change some bad habits and run a marathon. While I found the movie enjoyable, it wasn’t as funny as I thought it would be. IMDB Rating: 7.2
8. Like Harvey, Like Son. This movie was the last that my boyfriend and I saw in a movie theatre before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. This movie chronicles Harvey Lewis III‘s attempt for the “fastest known time” on the Appalachian Trail and what it teaches him about the relationship he has with his father.
9. Unbroken. This film tells the story of Louis Zamperini, who ran the 5000m in the Berlin Olympics in 1936. Later, he survives a plane crash in World War II, only to be taken prisoner by the Japanese. It’s a remarkable story, but running isn’t a central theme of the movie. “A moment of pain is worth a lifetime of glory. IMDB Rating: 7.2
10. McFarland USA. This movie tells the story of a coach trying to build a winning cross-country team with a group of kids who are battling problems outside of practice. It’s a Disney film and predictable. IMDB Rating: 7.4
Honorable Mention. Forrest Gump. Is Forrest Gump a running movie? Considering how often “Run, Forrest, Run!” is yelled at runners, it deserves consideration as one. Even though he sparked the running boom in the 1970s, running is not a major part of this movie. IMDB Rating: 8.8
Social Media
Motivational Runners
Other runners certainly motivate me. Their passion for the sport and the challenges they’ve overcome can be downright awe-inspiring. I limited myself to 10 for this guide, but there are certainly more.
Alison Desir. She makes me want to do more for the running community.
Deena Kastor. Deena is an eternal optimism. In Spirit of the Marathon, the viewers could tell how disappointed she was, but she remained optimistic.
Desiree Linden. She was always a hard worker and finally took her rightful place as a running legend when she won the 2018 Boston Marathon.
Eliud Kipchoge. Arguably the greatest marathoner who has ever lived, the Breaking2 project was a massive inspiration for me and many other runners.
Jared Ward. Another top American runner, he provided the “Get Fit!” mantra that helped me train harder a few years ago.
Meb Keflezighi. I will never forget how I felt when I learned he won the 2014 Boston Marathon.
Michael Wardian. Like Mike, I love racing. I also see him occasionally on the local running trails.
Mirna Valerio. Breaking down barriers and stereotypes, “The Mirnavator.” has inspired many women to run.
Sally Bergesen. Business owner and social activist, she made a brand that stood behind female athletes.
Sara Hall. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she placed at the 2020 London Marathon, motivating many American runners.
Forums
Finally, I also like to run ideas from other runners beyond my immediate circle of friends.
RunningAhead. I like to hang out in this community and occasionally comment on running or other topics.
Lets Run. This community is not for the faint of heart. But, if you have tough skin, it’s a place to engage with other runners.
Reddit Running. This community features a daily thread.
This page was initially published on May 6, 2022, and I will edit or update it as needed.