Top 50+ Audiobooks and Podcasts to Distract You When Running
Some days I find running a complete drag, but a good audiobook can be just the distraction I need.
Having a great audiobook or podcast that I save exclusively for my long runs motivates me to get my sneakers on and head out the front door.
While I trained for my first marathon, I listened to a huge range of self-help books, fiction stories, podcasts and business books. I love having a few books on the go so I can switch between whatever I feel like on that particular day.
One of my running friends shared with me; ‘I got into running as a legitimate way to escape my family for an hour and have someone read me a story!’
If you don’t see yourself as a runner, listening to a great audiobook might be just the thing you need to get you hooked.
Another of my fellow running moms confessed “I’m the kind of person who needs to be distracted from my pain!” Sure, there’s always nature and listening to the birds, but when running gets hard, sometimes the sounds of outdoors just isn’t enough.
As fellow long-run-moms, we’ve collated an extensive list of our favorite books and podcasts for the ultimate distraction:
Table of Contents
The Best Audiobooks to listen to when running
Non-Fiction Audiobooks for Running
- Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey – I honestly kept running because I didn’t want to stop listening to this. It’s like listening to an old friend tell stories that’ll both shock you and make you laugh.
- Becoming by Michelle Obama (narrated by Michelle Obama) – Although I’m not a massive politics fan, I loved this and found it incredibly inspiring. It was refreshing to hear Michelle talk about her strong values and what drivers her everyday. This book could inspire you to get more clarity in your own life.
- The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman – A modern crime series which is very English! This series was great one for distracting myself on my really long training runs.
Fiction Audiobooks to Listen to When Jogging
4. The Crescent City Series by Sarah J Maas
5. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
6. American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
7. Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton
8. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
9. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
10. None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
11. The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley
12. Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch
13. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
14. Still Life by Sarah Winman
15. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Audiobooks about Running: Listen on your next run!
16. Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
17. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
18. Eat and Run by Scott Jurek
19. The Incomplete Book of Running by Peter Sagal
20. Showing Upby Ned Brockman
Inspirational and Life-Changing Audiobooks
These books are some of my favorites from my Audible library. I keep coming back to these time and time again to get myself reinspired, not just for running but all aspects of my life. Listening to inspiring self-improvement books can get you ahead in your personal, business and home life.
21. The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks – Practical and actionable, this will help you blow the roof off your own personal limits.
22. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki – The 21st Century’s best book about money, investing and financial habits. It’s a good one to review every so often to keep your financial future in shape.
23.How to Win Friends and Influence People – This is my husband’s ultimate book. According to him, you should read this book
24. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey – Talk about self-help! This is my ultimate go-to book for self improvement. Unfortunately, as fickle human beings we keep reverting back to our old habits so I should re-listen to this book more often than I do. If you’re looking to improve communication, relationships and yourself, I’d read recommend this book. I also recommend the ‘7 Habits of highly effective families’ which is based on the same principles.
25. Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger – I mean, it’s by Arnold. It’s going to be good. But jokes aside, I have listened to this several times and love the sage wisdom from a man who has smashed every goal he set himself in life. It’s a great quotable book to inspire you to do more, become more and make a difference in your life.
26. The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod – I listened to this recently and fell in love with the concept. As a result, I practice my miracle morning daily and have found much more clarity not only in my day-to-day life, but also my life as a whole. Starting my day right helps me be a better mother, wife and friend to all those close to me. I’d recommend this book to anyone struggling with their life’s purpose, or feeling like they never get enough done in a day.
27. The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason – This is an old classic, and if you haven’t read it yet, can I ask – Why Not?? The 7 principles all still apply in today’s world. Listen to it. Apply it. Teach it to your kids. You won’t regret it. (You can thank me later!)
28. The Ultimate Jim Rohn Library (Audible) – Jim Rohn is such an inspiration to me, and I always feel motivated after listening to Rohn. If you’re after a highly quotable book, this is the one. My favorite quote is ‘Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day’
29. Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin – written by Navy SEALs, this is mainly focused for those within the workplace. But I feel the book has a strong message which can be applied to all areas of our lives. As mothers and parents we are always in a leadership role which makes this book applicable.
Classic Audiobooks to Distract you when Running
Call me old school, but these audiobooks are some of my favorites. I love how easy they are to listen to, and there’s a certain familiarity about them.
30. Sherlock Holmes – My ultimate favorite is Sherlock Holmes, read by Stephen Fry. I love listening to Fry with his theatrical drama. So many of my training run routes will forever remind me of Sherlock, Watson and Moriarty.
31. The Count of Monte Cristo – A long story, but an old goldie. If you can stick it, this is a real classic.
32. Pride & Prejudice – Am I the only one who loves the old Victorian era? Maybe I love this book because I love BBC’s film version of Pride & Prejudice. All I’ll say, if you haven’t read this classic within the last 12 months, it’s time to listen again!
33. Harry Potter – Maybe I like this series because I like listening to Stephen Fry. Either way, whichever book you pick, the story is always gripping and a great distraction.
The best Podcasts to listen to when running
Running Related Podcasts
34. Another Mother Runner: Lots of back episodes to listen to.
35. Women’s Running Podcast: Hosted by two journos from UK Women’s Running magazine.
37. RMA Podcast – Aussie based podcast with some epic & entertaining pods
38. Run to the Top Podcast: Weekly episodes with expert interviews on various running topics.
39. The Running for Real with Tina Muir: Hosted by former elite marathoner Tina Muir, featuring high-caliber guests.
40. Strength Running Podcast: Hosted by Jason Fitzgerald, focusing on mental and physical strength for runners.
41. Fuel for the Sole: Hosted by sports dietitian Meghann Featherstun, covering race day fueling and hydration tips.
42. Not Your Average Runner: Emphasizes size inclusivity and starting running.
Inspirational Podcasts & Other Recommended Podcasts:
Personally, I haven’t listened to all of these podcasts so I can’t comment on each of these. However, these were suggestions from my fellow running moms:
43. Mel Robbins
44. Hamish and Andy – These Australian comedians are my ultimate favorite. It might take a few episodes for a newbie to find their feet, but this podcast is always entertaining.
45. Craig Harper
46. Call Her Daddy
47. Andrew Denton’s Conversations
48. High Scrollers
True Crime Podcasts for long runs
If crime isn’t your thing, feel free to skip these! If you’re a crime buff, you’ll love listening to some of these crime podcasts to truly distract your mind off the pain of running. I wouldn’t recommend these for running at night as they can really mess with your mind!
Personally, true crime isn’t my jam so I steer clear. But all these were recommendations from fellow moms so I’ll their word for it!
50. My Favourite Murder – Apparently it’s like hanging out with your two besties. They tell each other one story – sometimes it’s a murder or theft etc. Sometimes the stories are insane, while others are really sad.
51. Scmanda – Hosted by Charlie Webster
52. No One Should Believe Me – Hosted by Sara Burton
53. The Teacher’s Pet – Hosted by The Australian (Hedley Thomas)
54. The Boy in the Water – Hosted by Marianna Spring and Michael Buchanan
55. The Truth About Amy – Hosted by Michael Bodner
56. Shadow of Doubt – Hosted by CNN’s legal analyst, Laura Coates
57. Casefile True Crime – Hosted by Anonymous
We hope you found some ideas for the best podcasts for running or what to listen to on your next long run! If there’s something you love that isn’t on the list, feel free to drop us a line in the comments.
This list contains affiliate links to Amazon – if you wish to buy any of these books or podcasts, this blog will earn a small commission.