Chicken Soup for the Soul: Runners: 101 Inspirational Stories of Energy, Endurance, and Endorphins

by Jack Canfield (Editor), Mark Victor Hansen (Editor), Amy Newmark (Editor)

You’ll be motivated by these 101 inspirational running stories from a wide collection of authors, from elite Olympians to casual joggers, including co-author Dean Karnazes. Dean says Chicken Soup for the Soul helped him reinvigorate his passion for running... and life!

Read ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes’s inspiring story about leaving the business world to follow his dream and becoming one of the most famous runners in the world. And then read about his best race ever... with his 10-year-old daughter. You’ll also read stories from runners at every level, from beginners to stars, about starting out, staying motivated, running with family and friends, even running in exotic locations. Get energized by runners training for 5Ks and runners training for 100-milers, including:

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Audiobook, Sports, Inspirational

400 pages, Paperback

First published July 13, 2010

About the author

Jack Canfield is an American motivational speaker and author. He is best known as the co-creator of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series, which currently has over 124 titles and 100 million copies in print in over 47 languages. According to USA Today, Canfield and his writing partner, Mark Victor Hansen, were the top-selling authors in the United States in 1997.

Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.

Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.

In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.

Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.

Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.

Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being in the beginning stages of half marathon training after being a "casual runner" over the last year, I found myself putting off going to the gym. The distances were hard, I felt like I wasn't improving, I was always sore. But I knew I had to start training after I signed up for my first half marathon. I didn't have a choice anymore. Well, I did, but the race sure wouldn't be pretty. I was looking for a new book to read and this one happened to catch my eye. I've always been a fan of the Chicken Soup books and I figured what better way to motivate myself to kick off my training than by reading other runners' stories. I couldn't have imagined the difference it has made. This book has motivated me through the first week of my training and kept me wanting to go run some more. I laughed, I cried, I cheered for the authors over their triumphs and cried with them over their tragedies. It encouraged me and reminded me that it doesn't matter how fast or slow I run, all that matters is that I run.

[julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just started training for my first ever marathon after running on-and-off (mostly off) for the past few years. Some of these stories are misses, but a lot of them are hits and get me really motivated/energized when it's time to run! Lots of very inspiring stories.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am brand new to running, and I’m now able to run 5km, and this was fantastic, it really made me feel inspired to keep at it and see where I can go with my running. Really inspirational and a fantastic pick me up.

[Sherry Aulenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Recently started my own adventure running again with half marathon goal.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I would enjoy a chicken soup book, I didn't see them as very masculine. But I am so glad I took my wife's advice and read this one. Now when I'm out checking off the miles the stories from this book go through my head to make time go by faster. Very very good book. It's on my wishlist... :)

[Thebestdogmom · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bunch of stories from runners of all abilities. Newbies to elites. Some of the stories were really good but others were just ok. I'll admit this book seemed to drag on, pretty obvious since it took me two months to finish it. I could only read a few stories at a time without getting too bored.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chicken Soup for the Soul books are all so nostalgic and awesome to me. This was especially great since I’m about to do a race! Such good stories!

[Sue Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is always difficult to rate a Chicken Soup for the Soul book because there are so many authors. I picked this up because I was hoping to get back into my slow-paced running routine again. My hope was that these stories would provide inspiration.

I must admit that some of the stories did make me want to get out and move. Some of the stories were about runners far more advanced than I or running in events that I have no desire to try. In the same way, some stories were very touching, some were very impressive, some were inspirational. But, because there were so many stories, it took awhile for me to finish. It seemed repetitive so a few stories at a time was enough. Still, I would recommend any runner or potential runner take their time and read it. It does show the runner's thought process.

[Edit Burla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm no fan of the Chicken Soup books and had promised myself that I'd never read another, but the this one crossed my path and because it's about running I had to give it a go. And I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. For a while I even considered giving it a 4-star rating. What let it down in the end was less the mediocre quality of some of the writing than the sheer length of the book. 101 stories was too much, it actually became tedious, and by the time I reached the triathlon chapter at the end I just wanted to be done. So it's three stars from me for a very mixed bag.

[Julia Doherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not yet at the stage where I "love" running, but this book certainly made me want to continue my challenge. From a 70 year old lady that completed a triathlon just after finishing chemotherapy to motivational stories of people completing a 5k, 10K and marathons. I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down.

[Leanne Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book to a runner, or anyone who wants inspiration to become a runner! Lots of great stories - some that make you cry, some that make you laugh. Readers who enjoyed the three books written by ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes, will appreciate his introduction in this book and his personal story as well.

[Tisha · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel as if the Chicken Soup books have jumped the shark. The only good thing about them is that they are short little snippets so you can read a story or two in 5 minutes. Not sure why I finished the book when I obviously didn't enjoy it -- probably the satisfaction of getting another book off my nightstand.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for anyone who is or wants to become a runner. The stories in it are inspirational and some are emotional. While this book isn't meant to be inspirational, reading the stories will keep you motivated to reach your running goals.

[Bob Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good motivation

This is a very motivational book. Some of the stories brought me to tears. All of them made me want lace up my running shoes and go outside and start running. The shape I'm in now, I think I'll start with a short walk!

[Jamie Kirby · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay….I used to love the Chicken Soup for the Soul books when I was younger, but it wasn’t quite as good as I had hoped for. Maybe I’ve just read too many of them, or too many similar stories. It was fine but nothing that blew me away.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Very motivational when training for a half marathon

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and inspirational stories about athletes and regular people who have overcome.

[Imaculate Mosha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed stories of how everyday people grow to be runners. We all (maybe?) know why we run; the freedom, meditation, community etc. Its Reading others stories is validating.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Molli927 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like reading these short stories on my lunch break. These definitely made me want to start logging some run miles again…

[Nita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sorry about my attitude. This book proved me wrong. You can find my full review here.

[Kelsey]

<3

[Lenore Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

People can get motivated to do all kinds of things for all sorts of reasons. Some give up a few hours' sleep in favor of healthy exercise. Some give up jobs to pursue a dream. Some go out on a limb to turn
strangers into friends. All these stories and many more are shared in a new book in the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul series.


Chicken Soup for the Soul: Runners features 101 stories from amateur and expert athletes, beginners and old hands, weekend joggers and Olympic marathoners. There are tales of overcoming setbacks, of running for self, and of running for others. From the moment I opened this book and began reading the tales shared so freely, I was hooked. I couldn't put the book down; I wanted to read more. Each story told me about marathons and injuries, setbacks and goals. I'm still astounded by people who can run marathons, who get out of bed at ungodly hours just to exercise - and even look forward to it! For all my determination, I haven't quite managed that yet. However, with this book in hand, I'm sure I'll have a lot more determination to set and even surpass my own goals.


I would recommend this book to everyone, runners or not. I myself am only a walker at this point, but reading about other people setting and reaching their own goals is a message than can be used in every area of life. The stories are inspiring and quick to read and the messages behind them stay with you long after the book has been closed.

[Cindy (BKind2Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked listening to these inspirational stories on my commute. My only complaint is that I can't mark passages that I want to remember - although one did stick with me: "The miracle isn't that I finished; rather it is that I had the courage to start." That quote sums up my running experience. I started running at the age of 53, when I was nearly 50 pounds overweight, and a friend asked me join her and do Nashville's Country Music Half Marathon. In what could only have been a moment of temporary insanity, I agreed and started training at the YMCA indoor track (it was January and too cold to run outside). I could only run one lap (about 1/20th of a mile) and then walk four when I started. By the time of the run in late April, I managed to run probably 2 or 3 miles of the entire course and walked the rest, and yet when I crossed the finish line (at about 3 hrs and 50 minutes - we are talking the tortoise, not the hare) I was hooked. I have worked my way up to running the entire 13.1 miles without stopping and have done half marathons not only in Nashville, but also my home town of Clarksville, Memphis, and St Louis. Over the past 4 years I have done 9 half marathons as well as a few smaller runs (5Ks etc). I'm not much faster but the feeling of accomplishment is there. I dedicate all my races to my daughter Catie - a cancer warrior who earned her angel wings in 2007.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are my favorites.

"I could be a runner anytime I wanted, at any pace I wanted, if only that's what I believed. It didn't matter how fast I was going, or if I was walking, or where I placed in my age group. It didn't matter how fast or slow anybody else ran. The comparison and the final time are just for our amusement--a game to keep us interested." p.269

"In the world of athletics I'm the tortoise, not the hare. Even so, I find great rewards in pushing myself to my limits. It's me finding out who I really am when alone on the trail with no one to measure my distance but me. It's me finding out my true character when counting my laps and no one else is around. It's me not giving up when exhausted and continuing to grind my way to the end. I have the wonderful sense of accomplishment that comes with victory over physical and mental challenges, knowing that I did the best I could with what I have been given." p.366

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So... On Wed I woke up thinking... this traing is getting pretty hard for this old girl... maybe I am in over my head. Maybe I will just not train like this... maybe I will take today off ....
I went to school and Tanya Newman said "may I see you for minute"? We went down to her room and she said "I saw this and thought of you. I thought it would inspire you and your workouts..." She gave me the book Chickn Soup for the Soul Runners. Amazing how things happen and people make such a difference in ones life. This gift was just what I needed. I worked out that day and am back on schedule with my training. I am taking my time reading one inspirational story at a time. I even increased my distance running this week and felt great doing doing so.

Thank you to my friend Tanay for this gift.

[Nastassja Ocasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a runner since I was 13 years old. After overcoming crucial scoliosis surgery at the age of 12, I thought I was never going to be able to be active or as motivated as I had always been. I joined the track team and became known as the "track star" of my high school. After competing in all seasons (indoor, outdoor and cross country track) for 4 years, I won over 100 medals, was captain for 2 years and was indeed a much stronger and confident athlete. Running has always been my life and to this day, I can proudly say that I have been an avid runner for 12 years. This book is incredibly inspirational and heartwarming. It not only touches upon those who have been greatly influenced by running, but it touches a spot in my heart that nothing can ever compare to. I highly recommend this book to any person who has a deep and thriving love for running!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! I listened to this while I was running. Many times the stories would make me bust out laughing and other times I would cry. Running is something that is so personal but many runners have similar experiences. I found myself being flooded with my own running memories of the good the bad and the ugly. I was that first time marathoner that thought a 15 mile run would get me through...and it did, however when the older generation passed me it was humbling. My favorite story was the runner that encountered the dog owner. So many times have I had this same conversation with dog owners. I laughed pretty hard over that. I will listen to this again, and maybe attempt a triathlon?

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I just like reading short stories! I would like to say this book inspired me to head out for a run EVERY day but it didn't! It was a great collection of running stories and I enjoyed reading them and if I wasn't so lazy I probably would have been inspired :-) I recommend this for anyone who has ever laced up their sneakers and gone 'running'!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I liked this book. It's really refreshing to read a running book focused more on experiences and triumphs than advice and training plans. I just hope it helps me with the mental wall I'm trying to push through!