I would consider myself a light runner. I run a few miles a day, a few days a week, and mostly enjoy running with people so we can chat. I don’t often listen to music when I run, but when I do, I listen to the same playlist that I had put on my iPod when I got it three years ago.  I generally find music to be boring and I end up running a shorter distance when listening to my playlist than I do when I’m involved in a conversation with others.
I’ve recently been hearing a lot about the benefits of running with audiobooks and decided to give it a shot. At first, I thought it wouldn’t be that different from listening to music, but I quickly found it to be a positive distraction. Audiobooks tell a story, and unlike short, nonsequitor songs that make up a playlist, each chapter feeds off the last. As with any good novel, you are hooked before you know it.
I have listened to a few fast-paced thriller novels that have made me want to keep running so I can find out what happens as well as comedies and light reading that keeps me moving without taking my full concentration away from my run. Either way, audiobooks have been a great motivator to get me to go that extra mile so I can finish listening to a chapter.
Here are a few audiobooks I suggest to help get those long runs under your belt, whether training for an upcoming race or just keeping fit. To find more, visit randomhouse.com/audio.
Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn
A suspenseful thriller with so many twists you almost want to finish the book in one run (if it wasn’t 19 hours long)!
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns), by Mindy Kaling
A lighter, very entertaining comedy about the life of Mindy Kaling – one that will entertain you while going the distance.
The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern
The reader, Jim Dale, will keep your feet moving with this gripping story of a magical circus mystery.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum
There is nothing like a classic to keep you looking for that yellow brick road. Your run will fly by as you chant with the Scarecrow and Tin Man, “There’s no place like home.â€
Star Island, by Carl Hiaasen
This is another great comedy that will entertain you and motivate you as the miles go by.
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, by Helen Simonson
A love story and comedy combo to keep you on the move.
Engaging content is what keeps me going, and any good story can give you that. So, go to it! Try running while listening to an audiobook and revolutionize your workout routine. If you have audiobooks suggestions for fellow runners, let us know in the comments below.
