Description
Running is more than moving one foot in front of the other. Running can evoke spiritualism and mindfulness; it can teach fundamental lessons about goals, self-awareness, and self-improvement; it can be a transformative existential experience.
The Tao of Running offers a fresh perspective on this mental side of running while entertaining with vivid tales of running adventures. Going well beyond the standard training and racing advice found in most running books, it guides runners to a wider understanding of how running fits into their own aspirations, goals, and life philosophy.
The Tao of Running answers questions such as: How does running evoke mindfulness and lead to stress reduction? How does running promote special friendships and new perspectives on life?
No other book offers readers these multiple frameworks for understanding their running experiences along with lots of practical advice on getting the most out of running. Readers are guaranteed to gain a greater appreciation for the rewards and possibilities inherent in running and will significantly deepen, enlighten, and enrich their running experience.
Author information
Long-time columnist for Ultrarunning magazine and author of The Tao of Running, Gary Dudney is thrilled to share his hard-won understanding of the mind of the runner from being ‘out there’ himself during 40 years of running. He has also written advice pieces and adventure stories for all the major running magazines. Gary has completed over 200 marathons and ultramarathons, including over sixty 100-mile races. His home base is Monterey, California.
Where to buy
RRP £12.95
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Alternatively the title is available to purchase from online retailers on the buying links above.
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Hugely enjoyable read, inspiring.
1 October 2016
Amazon. Kindle edition
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the very first page the author aims to excite you and inspire you for your own runs, and this book did. Gary Dudney’s ‘The Tao of Running’ which was very entertainingly and eloquently written, with some great lines of humour also. The Tao of Running makes you want to go out and run, to find new routes, to practice the ‘mindfullness of running’ – enjoying the here and now, noticing the smells, the sights, the scents of nature. The author manages to inspire and excite the reader, makes you consider your own running and how it fits into your life, makes you wish to explore and push.
This inspiration is nicely balanced by the author’s humourous accounts of his own 100mile race runs and his own moments of mindfulness, his own pains and pushing his own barriers, but all written in a way that makes you consider your own running, makes you want to go out and run, to find your own “inner trail monster”. But you don’t have to be a trail runner (I’m not) to enjoy it.
Thoroughly enjoyable book, inspiring, buy it, read it, and go running feeling refreshed about your runs.
Worth checking out!
19 October 2016 – Published on Amazon.com
Verified Purchase
This is a great book about running. I enjoyed the personal experiences sprinkled in with the bit of practical knowledge. This would be a great gift for a runner. It inspired me to get back to running trails and being present in the moment while running. I just completed my first long course Triathlon and running had almost become an afterthought and I was soured with watching my garmin and just running to get the work out done. This book reminded me that I run to be present with my mind and body and to gain clarity in other aspects of my life. It also helps the reader see that although one needs to train to complete ultra distances, it is actually the training of the mind that is crucial. There is a great chapter regarding friendships that runners develop which most long distance runners I hope can identify with. My running club had the pleasure of meeting the author at one of our meetings and he is the real deal.
plus a lot of really good storytelling. Taoism itself
21 September 2016 – Published on Amazon.com
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I’ve been reading Gary’s magazine “Running Wise” column for years, and this book is an entirely new dimension on how I think about running. There is so much food for thought in the book – why we run, why we don’t (!), the health impacts of running, mental aspects of running that parallel our challenges and successes in life, building relationships and communities around running, plus a lot of really good storytelling. Taoism itself, was a bit hard to grasp but the more I think about this book and the more I run while thinking, the more I have a sense of the flow (the Tao) that the book talks about.
Don’t confuse this book with another HOW-TO guide to running (there are plenty of those), but more like shopping for some new clothes, or testing a new recipe in the kitchen. There are plenty of ideas to try out – and what better time than while out for a run – like mindfulness, a bit of existentialism, how to try and fail with passion, or how quitting at something can open your eyes to what’s really important to you. Try them on, see what fits and what you like, then keep what fits you best.
Gary’s writing is colorful and engaging, and not dumbed down for anyone’s sake. This book has real depth that you’ll want to read and re-read to let it all sink in, and it has some really fun stories you’ll want to share with friends.
I loved the book as soon as I opened it and found it was a fast read. Now I’m really enjoying the audiobook, too!
A great book on philosophy of distance running
9 February 2018 – Published on Amazon.com
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Gary Dudney’s “The Tao of Running” is a sure inspiration for long distance runners. Having been in the trade for so long, Gary knows his stuff.
There are many books on “how to run”, usually dealing with technical aspects. These books are valuable for new runners and runners who want to improve upon timings, efficiency, and also how to avoid injury.
“The Tao of Running” deals with the philosophy of running or what motivates people to run long hours. Gary is an ultra runner who is a tribe on their own. Gary beautifully narrates his own experience, which is plenty, and the joy of running many ultra marathons. With a fantastic sense of humor, Gary’s book is a good read for long distance runners and long time running runners.
Gary was one of the few runners who inspired people like me to take up running. I never ran ultras. But I have seen Gary running so many times and even ran with him on some stretches. It always amazes me how Gary keeps on running with a happy face and never gets tired and injured.
Great read, insightful and very well written
11 April 2018 – Published on Amazon.com
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Great read, insightful and very well written! As a former runner, I was amazed by what all is involved in the challenge of running 100 mile events. The author does a great job of describing the arduous process of completing this ultra-sporting event. He uses a nice mix of fact, humor and personal running experiences to paint a comprehensive picture of what is required to achieve such a challenging goal; I especially loved the concept of the “trail monster.” What I found most interesting is the author’s contention that to be consistently successful, extreme runners must integrate and utilize all aspects of their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual selves. I would recommend this book to any runner, from beginner to ultra-trail monster!
Much more than just a book about running.
September 27, 2016 – Published on Amazon.com
Format: Paperback
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The Tao of Running is a very insightful book. Although it deals with various aspects of long distance running, the concepts are transferable to other sports activities and life situations. Being able to relax, reduce stress and increase mindful awareness is beneficial in nearly any situation. Gary helps you realize that the tiniest details, and a strong belief in yourself, are important to success. The Tao of Running is an enjoyable, easy read and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone.
Absolutely amazing. Not only does Dudney weave in his own …
June 14, 2016
Format: Paperback
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Absolutely amazing. Not only does Dudney weave in his own stories as examples, he discusses the whole experience. You feel like you’re there.
A great book
November 5, 2016
Format: Paperback
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This is an amazing book, not only for those who want to be able to run 100 miles, but for the rest of us who want to learn strategies on how to apply discipline, mindfulness, endurance, and a positive attitude toward our exercise programs. Gary Dudney is a genius in his ability to write about his passion for running. He is funny, motivational, and he has the rare talent of inspiring his readers to be both mentally and physically prepared for challenging running experiences. This book was a great read.
Great
October 11, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
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Enjoyable read. Helpful tips.
Fantastic read! Loved it.
May 6, 2016
Format: Paperback
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This beautifully written book opened my eyes to a whole new natural high. Also gave me insight into why and how ultrarunners do what they do. As my brother Joe Fejes is a champion of multi-day marathons including the 6-day, the insight this book gave me is especially important. If you run, or are thinking about running, or have loved ones who run, this is a MUST READ.
Someone finally explains us!
October 9, 2016
Format: Paperback
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I recommend this book to anyone interested in what makes runners tick. Gary Dudney brings the inner and the outer dimensions of distance running into clarity, in language accessible even to rational people. If you’ve ever wondered what makes us do it, or if you’ve ever wondered if you yourself could, this book will be not only entertaining, but enlightening. I highly recommend it!
A Good Read!
December 30, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
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This was a fun read. Full of good reminders of why it’s helpful to remember that running should be fun along with reminders on how to keep it that way.
I loved every minute of this book
June 8, 2016
Format: Paperback
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I loved every minute of this book! I am not a trail runner so each page was an adventure into a new world and mindset. The strength and stamina of mind and body that it takes to finish a 100 mile race is incredible.
Must read for all runners.
August 9, 2016
Format: Paperback
Verified Purchase
Excellent resource for all runners regardless if your new to running or a veteran.
Enjoyed it.
August 29, 2016
Format: Paperback
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This is a fun and informative read!
Terrific Book!
May 15, 2016
Format: Paperback
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This is a great book about running and about life. Having run dozens of ultras the author knows of what he writes. Not only has he walked the walk he has run the run.
am running over rocks and roots along the Minnesota Superior Hiking Trail
September 8, 2016
Format: Paperback
Verified Purchase
I am somewhat biased since I have known the author since 7th grade and spent one night pacing him from 12 MN until 4 am running over rocks and roots along the Minnesota Superior Hiking Trail. I liked this book mostly for the adventure. It felt like I was on some of the trails with Gary. I doubt I will ever be an ultramarathoner but I could see where you could apply some of the messages regardless of whether you chose running or any other form of arduous activity. The book gives you a map about ways to think about and appreciate the adversities of life.
Definite must read!
August 26, 2016
Format: Paperback
This book takes you on a journey of the author and his exploits through some of the most difficult Ultra trail races in the country. Gary also explains and teaches techniques and methods that he has learned and applied in some dark moments of them. The learnings in this book helped me through my first 100 mile race with great success, from using mantras to running with mindfulness and dialing into your surroundings. I would recommend this book to anyone who runs, either seasoned or novice.
Great read – guaranteed to inspire amateur runners
June 15, 2016
Format: Paperback
Great Read! I am a hobby runner and run 15 to 20 miles a week. I was very inspired after reading the book. I have done a few marathons but was not sure if I would do any more…..in fact I am in a running slump. After reading the book I am inspired to continue to train and work towards a marathon again. I am not sure if Gary is correct that everyone can do a 100 miler but I loved his confidence in the rest of us who are not running beasts like him. 🙂
I would recommend this book not only to distance runners interested in …
October 27, 2016
Format: Paperback
I believe that “The Tao of Running” would be captivating reading even to the non-runner. It is heavily sprinkled with long and fascinating anecdotes about a brutally demanding sport and its incredibly devoted participants. An experienced ultra runner himself, Dudney outlines copious and detailed methodologies for dealing with the unique physical and psychological challenges of long-distance running. I would recommend this book not only to distance runners interested in improving themselves, but to anyone interested in
Excellent, encouraging road warrior’s companion – shoes in the dirt, mind in the tether.
October 23, 2016
Format: Paperback
I took The Tao Of Running on vacation with with me recently and found it to be an excellent companion. Found myself reading several passages out loud to my wife (also an excellent companion) as we travelled the Pacific Northwest, passages that either made me laugh or offered a resonant nugget of thought or noteworthy slice of practical wisdom. I am not a runner (other than my 30-minute treadmill jaunts at the gym a few times a week), but the book hit on all cylinders for me, especially on this reflective, life/passion/purpose-themed road trip. Gary’s clear, succinct, digestible lessons in applied philosophy, his practical approach to the universal problem of harnessing the human mind, made me a willing student. The grace and wit of his interspersed storytelling made me a vicarious marathoner (which is as close to running for 30 hours in a row as I’m pretty sure I’ll ever get). The book came out at every rest haven and pit stop along the way. The pages turned easily, quickly, and with relish. I can’t really think of a better metaphor for living life than running a 100 mile ultra marathon, at least not after reading Gary’s book. Literally, figuratively, or both, we are all “on the road.” I highly recommend The Tao Of Running to anyone who is trying to “get there.” You will be encouraged.
Simply Outstanding!
September 22, 2016
Format: Paperback
No author since the late-great, Dr. George Sheehan, has written so philosophically, yet practically, about our beloved sport of running like Gary has in his debut book; The Tao of Running. Gary’s profound insights and compelling narrative consistently synthesize Eastern Mysticism with Western Lore in an absolutely remarkable and inspiring way that will have couch to 5K noobs, through hard-core ultrarunners, unable to put it down…AND, if you are not a runner, but enjoyed Chris McDougall’s; Born to Run, you will ABSOLUTELY love Gary’s book, too. If you read only one book in 2016…make it this one!
Good Advice for All Sorts of Runners
October 20, 2016
Format: Paperback
Gary is a good writer which is important in books like this because you can get bogged down half way through. He intersperses really interesting race adventures with methods for helping to overcome the inevitable setbacks that occur during Ultras. What he has to offer will be useful even if you are a mere Half Marathoner like me. There is enough humor applied with a light touch to keep you chuckling too.This book is well done, read it!
A great read!!!
August 26, 2016
Format: Paperback
This book packs a lot of helpful information about ultra running, as well as personal stories about the author’s trials, successes and struggles. Very descriptive. At times, I felt like I was right there with him.
Dudney presents some very useful insights into the psychology of determination and the discipline …
December 14, 2016
Format: Paperback
This is an entertaining and informative book, a must read for distance runners, and any other endurance athletes for that matter.
Dudney presents some very useful insights into the psychology of determination and the discipline needed to tackle the nearly impossible task of running a hundred miles at one stretch.
Run with It
August 26, 2016
Format: Paperback
This is a terrific book – whether one is a runner or not. It is thoughtful, funny, sometimes hilarious, and humble. Also, great photographs, which help to illustrate the “taoness” of it all.
Five Stars
August 26, 2016
Format: Paperback
Great book. It was inspiring and informative.
Less Tao than expected.
January 7, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
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Well written and well told by an ultrarunning vet; he’s done them all and then some. Some real good pearls of running wisdom.
Good read but,,
August 13, 2017
Format: Paperback
Verified Purchase
More of a story about the authors ultra running experiences. A good read, but not a lot about toaism. The author is trying to illustrate that it is about the journey and not the goal.