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The Inner Runner: Running to a More Successful, Creative, and Confident You by Jason R. Karp
Why are so many people drawn to running? Why is running the most common physical activity? What is it about running that empowers so many people? And how can runners harness that power to create a more meaningful life? The Inner Runner addresses these questions and a whole lot more. This book is not about how to get faster or run a marathon; rather, it explores how the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other helps you harness your creative powers. Learn about the psychological, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual benefits of running and introduce lifestyle changes based on the latest scientific research on running and its effects on hormones and the brain.As a nationally recognized running and fitness coach with a PhD in Exercise Physiology, Jason Karp brings his expertise in science-based coaching to runners of all levels. He believes that running gives you a chance to discover, challenge, and bring out the best in yourself by impacting your creativity, focus, imagination, confidence, and health. Let The Inner Runner help you become not only a better runner, but a more creative, productive, and imaginative person.Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Sports Publishing imprint, is proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in sports—books about baseball, pro football, college football, pro and college basketball, hockey, or soccer, we have a book about your sport or your team.In addition to books on popular team sports, we also publish books for a wide variety of athletes and sports enthusiasts, including books on running, cycling, horseback riding, swimming, tennis, martial arts, golf, camping, hiking, aviation, boating, and so much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
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First published April 5, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 22, 2022
Este libro es excelente tanto si están perdiendo la motivación para correr como si son nuevos en este tema o simplemente aman hablar, leer y tener el running en la boca todo el día.
Inspirador, motivacional, pero al mismo tiempo logra que te sientas comprendido en actitudes que la mayoría de la gente considera "excéntricas" ya saben "esos locos que corren". Este libro me hizo sentir que no estoy sola, y que los beneficios son muchos pero lo más importante es ser consiente y disfrutar.
Ampliamente recomendado, deja un grato sabor de boca y muchísimos datos interesantes. Vale la pena volver a el de vez en cuando.
Inspirador, motivacional, pero al mismo tiempo logra que te sientas comprendido en actitudes que la mayoría de la gente considera "excéntricas" ya saben "esos locos que corren". Este libro me hizo sentir que no estoy sola, y que los beneficios son muchos pero lo más importante es ser consiente y disfrutar.
Ampliamente recomendado, deja un grato sabor de boca y muchísimos datos interesantes. Vale la pena volver a el de vez en cuando.
January 30, 2022
2.5 stars
While it was nice to read a book about running and learn some science behind the exercise, exploring healthy ways to run and grow through running, this book felt more like a creative nonfiction/reflection on running by the author. I didn’t really learn too much other than Karp’s experiences, stories, and opinions on running. There were a lot of questions arisen, but not answered. For example, Karp shares that running helps him think, but he’s not sure why, and running is his passion, but he’s not sure why. Well, I’m not sure why either, but I would’ve liked to know! Also, there the way running was compared to other sports made me feel slightly uncomfortable—yes, running is a great sport, but so are countless others. The book was just a lot about Karp admiring running obsessively. I love running, but not to that extent, so for him to assume every runner felt the same way (and was better than non-runners in that way) was a little uncomfortable at times. This should have been an autobiographer, not a self-help book like it was marketed as, because it hard hardly anything to do with the reader.
Regardless, Karp is a great writer and storyteller, and I’d love to look into his other, more scientific books on running!
While it was nice to read a book about running and learn some science behind the exercise, exploring healthy ways to run and grow through running, this book felt more like a creative nonfiction/reflection on running by the author. I didn’t really learn too much other than Karp’s experiences, stories, and opinions on running. There were a lot of questions arisen, but not answered. For example, Karp shares that running helps him think, but he’s not sure why, and running is his passion, but he’s not sure why. Well, I’m not sure why either, but I would’ve liked to know! Also, there the way running was compared to other sports made me feel slightly uncomfortable—yes, running is a great sport, but so are countless others. The book was just a lot about Karp admiring running obsessively. I love running, but not to that extent, so for him to assume every runner felt the same way (and was better than non-runners in that way) was a little uncomfortable at times. This should have been an autobiographer, not a self-help book like it was marketed as, because it hard hardly anything to do with the reader.
Regardless, Karp is a great writer and storyteller, and I’d love to look into his other, more scientific books on running!
June 21, 2016
The author does a good job of making the case for why running is a worthy passion, but unfortunately repeats the same things over and over again. Unless you're new to running, this book doesn't offer anything that isn't common knowledge.
May 2, 2017
Unorganized rambling about how awesome running is for your soul. I thought there might be more to it than that, but nope.
August 15, 2024
No soy mucho de leer este tipo de libros porque la verdad, no me llaman la atención o al final no conecto con lo que escribe y expresa el autor.
Pero sorprendentemente el libro me gustó. En un inicio fue equis, pasando a ser entretenido y luego a gustarme.
No digo que estoy de acuerdo con todo y que lo acepte, pero hay muchas cosas que me parecieron interesantes y eso es los detalles que el autor nos da de las personas, ya sea de mente, corporal o social. Cada punto lleva al lector a identificarse con alguna descripción y preguntarse si también le pasa, claro que no pensamos igual y de eso se trata, de ser diferentes pero de disfrutar y dedicarle tiempo a correr.
Otra de las cosas que me gustó es como el autor hace referencia a momentos y a personas que ha conocido en su vida, ya sea de manera personal o detrás de una pantalla o revista, y aunque no es algo motivacional el libro (porque no lo es al 100) si te muestra de verdad como correr puede cambiar a alguien llevándolo a no rendirse, quizá a esas personas sea correr y a otras otra actividad, pero es interesante como nos hace parte de ese relato.
En general es un libro interesante, el cuál la verdad no creo que sea para todos pero que al menos darle un chance sería bueno.
(Y ya que veniste de chismoso a leer esto, espero que estés contento :v tu sabes quién eres rata)
Pero sorprendentemente el libro me gustó. En un inicio fue equis, pasando a ser entretenido y luego a gustarme.
No digo que estoy de acuerdo con todo y que lo acepte, pero hay muchas cosas que me parecieron interesantes y eso es los detalles que el autor nos da de las personas, ya sea de mente, corporal o social. Cada punto lleva al lector a identificarse con alguna descripción y preguntarse si también le pasa, claro que no pensamos igual y de eso se trata, de ser diferentes pero de disfrutar y dedicarle tiempo a correr.
Otra de las cosas que me gustó es como el autor hace referencia a momentos y a personas que ha conocido en su vida, ya sea de manera personal o detrás de una pantalla o revista, y aunque no es algo motivacional el libro (porque no lo es al 100) si te muestra de verdad como correr puede cambiar a alguien llevándolo a no rendirse, quizá a esas personas sea correr y a otras otra actividad, pero es interesante como nos hace parte de ese relato.
En general es un libro interesante, el cuál la verdad no creo que sea para todos pero que al menos darle un chance sería bueno.
(Y ya que veniste de chismoso a leer esto, espero que estés contento :v tu sabes quién eres rata)
April 19, 2020
👏👍🏻
Inspiring for any level runner. Appreciated the biology and science he brings to the discussion. Many platitude-type sayings within, but still feels authentic to the runners in the crowd.
Inspiring for any level runner. Appreciated the biology and science he brings to the discussion. Many platitude-type sayings within, but still feels authentic to the runners in the crowd.
May 11, 2019
Addictive just like the sport! Running sets me free; the author simply validates.
March 28, 2019
First, some background: I've been running for ten years (since 2009 if you happen across this review some time after 2019), but I'm a late bloomer, as I was already 44 when I started. I can't say I regret how fast my run times may have been in my 20s because I never saw them!
I've read a few books and lots of articles on running. When I began, I researched shoes and other running gear and am glad I did. I still cringe when I see other joggers on the trail in the middle of summer wearing sweat-drenched cotton t-shirts.
I came into The Inner Runner not as a neophyte, then, but as someone who has been running less lately due to knee and other issues. I felt like I was losing some of my mojo, so I figured this book might provide some inspiration. And while its fine for what it is, it didn't really inspire me at all. Going for a run around the lake got me fired up again, though, and one of the mantras Karp repeats throughout The Inner Runner is to just run. So in that sense, maybe it has helped.
There are some nice success stories and anecdotes here about the running experience, but Karp seems at times confused about the audience. At times it feels like he is giving advice for the wayward runner, and at others it seems like he is trying more to entice newbies into the running life. I don't think you can effectively pitch a book at both audiences, as their needs and motivations are going to be different.
Karp wears his biases openly--he prefers short, fast runs over longer, endurance-focused efforts, and he is a big believer in running being something that can undeniably make someone's life better, through the discipline, focus and dedication it requires. He lists many benefits, such as how it is one of the most effective exercises for losing weight, but doesn't shy away from potential downsides--leg and foot injuries being the prime examples.
I did have an issue with Karp's repeated use of "pain" being a necessary part in improving your performance. Pain is not good, pain is your body telling you that you're pushing too hard and should stop. Pushing through pain is not noble or brave, it's dumb and greatly increases the chance for injury. Sometimes Karp uses the term "discomfort" instead and I actually believe this is what he really means most of the time, but word choice matters and I'd hate to have anyone read this book and come away thinking that if they aren't hurting while they run that they are doing something wrong.
Overall, this isn't a bad book. It has a lot of interesting background on the body science of running--Karp is quite knowledgeable on the subject, but it's perhaps too long and lacking in focus.
I've read a few books and lots of articles on running. When I began, I researched shoes and other running gear and am glad I did. I still cringe when I see other joggers on the trail in the middle of summer wearing sweat-drenched cotton t-shirts.
I came into The Inner Runner not as a neophyte, then, but as someone who has been running less lately due to knee and other issues. I felt like I was losing some of my mojo, so I figured this book might provide some inspiration. And while its fine for what it is, it didn't really inspire me at all. Going for a run around the lake got me fired up again, though, and one of the mantras Karp repeats throughout The Inner Runner is to just run. So in that sense, maybe it has helped.
There are some nice success stories and anecdotes here about the running experience, but Karp seems at times confused about the audience. At times it feels like he is giving advice for the wayward runner, and at others it seems like he is trying more to entice newbies into the running life. I don't think you can effectively pitch a book at both audiences, as their needs and motivations are going to be different.
Karp wears his biases openly--he prefers short, fast runs over longer, endurance-focused efforts, and he is a big believer in running being something that can undeniably make someone's life better, through the discipline, focus and dedication it requires. He lists many benefits, such as how it is one of the most effective exercises for losing weight, but doesn't shy away from potential downsides--leg and foot injuries being the prime examples.
I did have an issue with Karp's repeated use of "pain" being a necessary part in improving your performance. Pain is not good, pain is your body telling you that you're pushing too hard and should stop. Pushing through pain is not noble or brave, it's dumb and greatly increases the chance for injury. Sometimes Karp uses the term "discomfort" instead and I actually believe this is what he really means most of the time, but word choice matters and I'd hate to have anyone read this book and come away thinking that if they aren't hurting while they run that they are doing something wrong.
Overall, this isn't a bad book. It has a lot of interesting background on the body science of running--Karp is quite knowledgeable on the subject, but it's perhaps too long and lacking in focus.
December 22, 2022
“ most people complain that they don’t have time to exercise. Indeed, lack of time is the most common excuse for not exercising. But the amount of time that people perceive they would lose by exercising is more than made up for during the rest of the day. Running makes you more confident, more creative, more passionate, more energetic. As a result, you actually get more done the rest of the day, not less. Running has a way of playing with time, of enhancing your self-management.” (P. 118)
“Lack of time is really not much of an excuse when we consider how much of it we waste. I’ve noticed that people who have plenty of time on their hands don’t get much done. It’s too easy to waste time when you don’t have a lot to do. How much time does the average person spend watching television or looking at and commenting on friends’ Facebook and Instagram photos? How much time does the average person who wants to lose weight spend sitting on his or her couch reading weight-loss books? The US has a lot of weight loss book readers but not enough weight losers. Running solve this problem.” (P. 119)
“In a life over which we don’t have a lot of control, running gives us control. You can decide to run. You can decide not to run. You can decide how far to run or how fast to run or how often or where or when to run. Running puts the control in your hands. Running gives you the confidence to take risks, to take the road that Frost reminds us will make all the difference in your life.” (P. 138)
“Physical effort is the path to a better, more fulfilling life.” Page 159.
“Lack of time is really not much of an excuse when we consider how much of it we waste. I’ve noticed that people who have plenty of time on their hands don’t get much done. It’s too easy to waste time when you don’t have a lot to do. How much time does the average person spend watching television or looking at and commenting on friends’ Facebook and Instagram photos? How much time does the average person who wants to lose weight spend sitting on his or her couch reading weight-loss books? The US has a lot of weight loss book readers but not enough weight losers. Running solve this problem.” (P. 119)
“In a life over which we don’t have a lot of control, running gives us control. You can decide to run. You can decide not to run. You can decide how far to run or how fast to run or how often or where or when to run. Running puts the control in your hands. Running gives you the confidence to take risks, to take the road that Frost reminds us will make all the difference in your life.” (P. 138)
“Physical effort is the path to a better, more fulfilling life.” Page 159.
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October 27, 2025Humans are and will always be drawn to the solo run, because life is, ultimately, lived alone, in the light and dark spaces inside of us, no matter how many people we are surrounded by.
We can never be as comfortable - or as uncomfortable - with another person as we are with ourselves.
We don’t have to rush through life at someone else’s pace; we have only to take life at the pace that is right for us.
In a very deliberate way, we can find out how much we can handle simply by lacing our shoes and running out the door. We don’t have to wait for our resolve to be tested by tragedy, illness, or accident to happen to us or our loved ones. All we have to do is run.
We can never be as comfortable - or as uncomfortable - with another person as we are with ourselves.
We don’t have to rush through life at someone else’s pace; we have only to take life at the pace that is right for us.
In a very deliberate way, we can find out how much we can handle simply by lacing our shoes and running out the door. We don’t have to wait for our resolve to be tested by tragedy, illness, or accident to happen to us or our loved ones. All we have to do is run.
May 16, 2023
Este libro describe perfectamente lo que me hace sentir cuando corro. Lo que al inicio fué por hacer ejercicio se convirtió en una terapia para mi. Me hace sentirme muy feliz cada que salgo a correr. El libro no te dice que técnicas usar, te habla sobre experiencias, sentimientos, hay gente que nos dice que estamos locos por correr, y aquí explica perfectamente lo que sentimos cuando corremos, entrenamos, competimos. Me gustó muchísimo, y me motiva a ser mejor cada día y sobre todo, que cada quien lleva su ritmo, y cada persona y cuerpo es diferente.
June 10, 2018
I really liked this book. The author's passion for running is inspiring. Some things did become repetitive, but overall this book is a really good running book. I liked how he shared info about what happens when you are running, about different types of runs, what running can do for your life, and shared stories about runners. I've read numerous books on running and it's one of the better ones I've read. Two thumbs up!
February 18, 2023
This is a good book for people who are interested in picking up running, and probably also for runners in general, but I found it irritatingly repetitive. I felt it lacked structure, so if you want a collection of experiences and thoughts about running from a running coach that can convince you of all the good running does to people, this is your book, unfortunately I was looking for something more
October 6, 2023
Ugh this book frustrated me I was loving it at one point and was like oh for sure five stars. Then it was jumping around but had good info so I was like alright down to four stars. Then it started to leap frog making and ultimately ended kind of abruptly and not cohesively making it two stars. There was actually a few things I learned from the book and I think it could have been good it just needed to be executed better and put into a better order.
June 8, 2024
🎧 Great book that makes you feel awesome for running. For someone who is not an elite runner (me), this book empowered me to push myself against myself and only be in competition with what I’m capable of doing. It made me ponder about why I run and my internal motivators. I’ve developed a love for running over the past few years, and this book made sense of why I love it despite it being time consuming, difficult, and sometimes painful.
June 15, 2024
A great book for any runner who often feels misunderstood by a world made up of mostly non-runners. Dr. Karp shares his personal running journey along with other inspirational stories of other runners. The book is an easy read and delivers the nuts and bolts in a seamless and often funny manner. Dr. Karp pokes some fun at himself a few times and lightens the mood. Looking forward to reading more of his work.
February 18, 2020
While I wish I could say I learned a lot by this book or was incredibly motivated by it, but neither was accomplished. There are some cute, inspiring anecdotes. And some things that would be helpful tips for new runners. But for the most part I felt like this was a book marketed to those who don’t run and need to be sold into it, not to making someone a better runner as the title suggests.
December 9, 2025
Sparked some thought about running. The author is head over heels for the sport, perhaps too much. I enjoyed thinking through how impactful running is and can be and ways to view different workouts pertaining to running. So much upside to running. I find reading about something can make you enjoy it or do it more. Such is the case here. I think this could have been 100 pages.
May 27, 2018
Read it , practice it ....... Until you will find your inner runner
It will change you , worth spending your time. Don't just read , practice it . U will see yourself speaking to you.
It will change you , worth spending your time. Don't just read , practice it . U will see yourself speaking to you.
December 7, 2019
Very inspiring read, no matter if you are a professional runner or beginner. There are some lessons in life intertwined with the mechanics of running.
This is for the seasoned or beginner runner. As a middle aged woman who just started her running journey, I totally enjoyed it!
This is for the seasoned or beginner runner. As a middle aged woman who just started her running journey, I totally enjoyed it!
March 21, 2020
This book came into my life at the right time; it blew me away. I’m in the process of starting to run. I went from zero activity to walking daily a few months ago and soon I’ll be running. Everything Dr Karp talked about really resonated with me.
December 31, 2016
Average
There wasn't much new information in this book. It is somewhat motivational and inspirational, but I found myself skipping over parts as it wasn't holding my attention.
There wasn't much new information in this book. It is somewhat motivational and inspirational, but I found myself skipping over parts as it wasn't holding my attention.
June 25, 2018
Like a combination between a science textbook and a love letter to running. I found it really interesting. I enjoyed the insights into what changes inside your body as you become a runner.
January 10, 2019
A wonderful philosophical examination of why we run.
March 14, 2019
Listened to this book during my morning runs...beginning running. Very motivating and good insight into the emotional/mental part of running.
August 20, 2019
I loved all the genetics and biochemistry explanations that go into running, can not say the same about the poetic part...
May 3, 2022
The author has worded the thoughts of a runner. There is nothing new to learn but runners can can feel what the author has to say. I liked reading this book.
May 5, 2023
This was one of the most inspirational yet balanced running books I've read. It speaks more to the reasons for running (or walking, or whatever brings you joy). Definitely a favorite.
August 18, 2025
Should be on every runners bookshelf.
February 1, 2023
Me gustó el libro en general, pero hay partes que se vuelven muy biológicas pero sin adentrarse mucho y siento que se empieza a volver un texto entre motivacional y luego biológico, y luego cuenta historias; entonces se empieza a volver un revoltijo de muchas cosas para acabar en resumen con “tienes que correr”.
Me gustó porque soy corredora y hay frases que te ayudan, momentos que te sientes identificado, pero si el lector no es corredor, no se lo recomendaría, no es una buena prosa, no te envuelve, un libro escrito por un corredor para corredores.
Me gustó porque soy corredora y hay frases que te ayudan, momentos que te sientes identificado, pero si el lector no es corredor, no se lo recomendaría, no es una buena prosa, no te envuelve, un libro escrito por un corredor para corredores.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews