If you're a runner like me then you look forward to Patriots Day and the Boston Marathon every year. It's so fun to watch the amazing elite athletes and the inspiring "regular" runners take on the challenging course. If you can't wait for next Monday and need more running stories in your life, take a look at these titles. They are great for runners and non-runners alike! 

What I talk about when I talk about running: a memoir by Haruki Murakami - The acclaimed Japanese novelist is also an accomplished distance runner! This memoir talks about his running life and what it means to him. It's very interesting and meditative, even for non-runners.

Eat & run: my unlikely journey to ultramarathon greatness by Scott Jurek, with Steve Friedman - A fascinating look at ultramarathoner Scott Jurek's running and diet philosophy. Jurek is a vegan so all of his races are plant-powered! A great pick if you're interested in ultramarathoning (usually races longer than a marathon if you can believe that!) or vegan athletes. 

Born to run: a hidden, tribe, superathletes, and the greatest race the world has never seen by Christopher McDougall - Scott Jurek makes an appearance in this book as well in a race between the author, some other elite distance runners, and members of the Tarahumara Native Mexican tribe who are incredible, if reclusive, distance runners. McDougall blames modern running shoes and current training models for the increase running injuries.

The perfect mile: three athletes, one goal, and less than four minutes to achieve it by Neal Bascomb - This story of Roger Bannister trying to become the first person to run a mile in less than four minutes is a great pick if you like running and history. Bannister was also in medical school at the time of his training and trying to beat other runners to the time. It's fascinating and you'll also be sure to enjoy the subplot about the eccentric Czech runner Emil Zatopek!

Stronger by Jeff Bauman with Bret Witter - Jeff Bauman, one of the victims of the 2013 Marathon bombing writes about his experience and recovery from the attack, as well as how he helped to find the bombers even from his hospital bed. 

26.2 miles to Boston: a journey into the heart of the Boston Marathon by Michael Connelly - This updated edition of the book, a collection of stories about running the premier and historic race, was updated after the 2013 bombing. A great book for browsing and getting excited for the race this year.

The terrible and wonderful reasons why I run long distances by The Oatmeal aka Matthew Inman - Lastly, for a dose of levity, this graphic novel from the author of The Oatmeal web comic, tells about all the indignities and quirks of distance running. Very funny! 

Whether you're running the race, or watching at home or in person, you're bound to be inspired by the Boston Marathon.