Running with Joy: My Daily Journey to the Marathon

by Ryan Hall

From the fastest American-born marathoner of all time, here is an intimate, day-by-day account of what it takes--physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually--to be one of the best in the world. This journal chronicles Ryan Hall's 14-week preparation for the 2010 Boston Marathon, providing practical insights into the daily regimen of someone training at the absolute peak of human performance. It also reveals the spiritual journey of an elite athlete who is a follower of Jesus Christ.

Readers will discover how Ryan deals with nagging injuries and illness, bad weather, disappointing workouts, and a slavish focus on results that can take the fun out of running. Ryan runs 140 miles a week, often at altitude and a blistering pace. Yet millions of everyday runners will identify with and appreciate his intentional return to running with joy and his lifelong goal of glorifying Christ on and off the racecourse.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Biography

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2011

About the author

Ryan Hall is an American long distance runner. He won the marathon at the 2008 United States Olympic Trials and placed tenth in the Olympic marathon in Beijing. He holds the U.S. record in the half marathon (59:43). With his half marathon record time, he became the first U.S. runner to break the one hour barrier in the event.

Reviews

[Natalie Ezelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible Running Book

I loved this book for so many reasons. It’s neat to read such a real place from the ru near perspective (aka journal entries). He covers a lot of the running regimes, which is so helpful, but just so interesting to run alongside his journey.

[Aaron Giddings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part training diary, part spiritual journal/devotional, part autobiography, Running With Joy tells the story, in Ryan Hall’s own words, of his path to the 2010 Boston Marathon. A devout Christian, the intersection of his sport/career with his faith is an important element in the book. The other major element, obviously, is Ryan’s training regime. The book is broken up by training weeks, and each day has Ryan’s training log.

This isn’t the book for someone looking for a hardcore workout guide to train for a marathon. There are already plenty of those out there. As an introduction to the thought process of a world-class distance runner, and also a glimpse into what that training regimen can look like, however, this book is absolutely invaluable. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone I know who’s digging into long distance running.

[Bill Zdon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure where this ranks among my favorite running books although it's hardly fair to call this a book as it's more of a training log and it's pretty short (161 pages).

Ryan Hall is viewed by many as a polarizing figure in the running world because of how he speaks of his faith in the media. If you're offended/annoyed by the idea of someone being open and honest about their faith and the following words "legs felt pretty good" then you might not like this. Don't mistake that for Ryan being preachy because he isn't. His joyful soul resonates throughout this book. He comes off as genuine as one can be (and his wife seems like a fantastic person as well) and I for one will be pulling for him at this year's Boston Marathon. He SO badly wants to win one. It seems like it's the validation he seeks.

This is a good look into how an elite runner trains. He lists every single training session leading up the 2010 Boston Marathon which includes 2 runs a day, track sessions, tempo runs and hill work. If you aren't an avid runner, this isn't for you although there are some good lessons to be learned for runners of all levels. I learned a good lesson from Ryan in this book; everyone's easy pace is different. Prefontaine set the gold standard for easy pace with 6 minute miles. But Ryan doesn't apologize for running anywhere from 7 to 8 minute easy paced miles and I LOVE it. He has strong conviction for what he believes in and stays true to it including his faith based training.

Another thing I found interesting is how often Ryan struggled mentally and physically throughout training. He always hopes and maybe even expects that running a 5:00 mile is easy and it never is throughout the book. In some strange way it's refreshing to know that a super talented guy like Ryan can have his struggles with running.

I appreciate Ryan's honesty at points. When discussing an easy paced run with his wife Sara, he said it was a struggle keeping up with her (because his pace was "so slow") which made him feel pretty lousy about his training. Here's a quote I found interesting: "It was a little unnerving for me to watch the U.S men run such a fast 5k (an indoor American record)" I doubt many elite runners would admit this in a public training log because we live in a world where bravado is king.

My favorite quote: "When I am working out, I constantly ask myself, Am I making a deposit today or a withdrawal? Only you can answer that question."

Overall I'd say it's pretty interesting for an avid runner. It's a rare glimpse into an elite runner's training schedule.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. If you've ever committed to training for a race (5k or marathon doesn't matter), this book speaks to some of the struggles that can come along with that. Dealing with illness, good days, bad days, "destination disease", ect. The results of Ryan Hall's Boston effort that the book builds up to has been done And over with for a while now, but the book is relevant and the buildup is just as exciting as if the race was yesterday. I would say it's an encouraging read if your training for a race.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought a signed copy of this book at the Boston marathon expo and I read it right away. It has great tips from an elite runner and it was fascinating reading about his daily routine in preparing for a marathon.

[Berry Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done. I was surprised that reading this training account from a world-class runner still made me feel like I was one-of-them.

[Dave Westerhaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual sweat. Run in such a way as to win the prize. Run with perseverance the race laid out for us. I have learned how to be content in every circumstance. God uses our life, struggles, and training to point us to Him. Once we lose our focus, we lose our joy. Our task is to discipline ourselves to keep our focus on Him and joy follows abundantly. These lessons and many more are found in this book and also the the same place that Ryan found them: the Bible. It is one thing to read the Bible, another to apply it to our struggles, and quite another to find joy! May you, the reader, also be blessed and find joy in your own race.

[Carl Upshon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to stop reading. Just too much god in there for me. Most of the training days have a paragraph about how he was feeling on the run, then 2 or 3 paragraphs about how he just needs to get god running through his body so he can feel Christ when he runs. More religion than running so has to call it a day.

[Sarah Hetzel · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's just his training log. It's very religious. I was hoping it would be more insightful in training and there were parts that were, but I was not excited about continuing this book whenever I went to pick it back up.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running with Joy is a great biography of Ryan Hall and his training to get the record for the half marathon.

[Danny Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book describes Ryan Halls unique training approach where he is trained by God and faith. There are a lot of insights into Hall’s personality and beliefs. I appreciate his honesty and his unabashed sincerity when it comes to sharing his own convictions.

[Jason Comely · Rating 5 out of 5]

A training journal that builds up to the Boston Marathon, where Hall placed third the previous year. Now he wants to win it all. However, his competitiveness is tempered by his desire to be closer to God and to take joy in the successes of his competitors and in the simple act of running. I couldn't stop reading and finished it in an afternoon.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several months ago I added this to the wishlist of my Amazon account and ended up with it as a surprise Christmas present.

When I started reading I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I knew that it wasn't an advice book. I probably wouldn't have liked it as much. I've read a couple other running advice books written by elite marathoners and been a bit disappointed. Most of those are aimed at beginning runners and probably written with much help of a ghost writer or other expert.

This book however is the print form of Ryan Hall's personal training log/journal from the 14 weeks that he spent training for the 2010 Boston Marathon. As such it includes details about his workouts, how he felt about those workouts and often what God taught him through various things, including his training.

I found it refreshing to read how elite marathoners also get frustrated with nagging aches and niggles. I also enjoyed his discussion of how God was working in him throughout this training cycle, especially the reprinted text of an interview by Running Times on how his Christianity affects his career as an elite runner.

This is a quick read--I finished in just over an hour--but well worth it.

[Jonathan Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan Hall's training journals are a little sporadic at times, but I guess that would be characteristic of the fastest American Marathoner. It is inspiring to read about the highs and lows that he experiences in training and how he copes with the differnt obstacles he encounters on a day to day basis. Even though Hall is a devout Christian he spends most of his time in the book trying to have a "thankful heart." Faith and running do not mix in some people's view because it is deemed such a selfish endeavor, but he explains that the lord wants us to live out our passions to the fullest and finds joy in our experiences. It is only when we become greedy in wanting to reap success upon success that we are going against the what we were created to do which is to "be thankful for what we are given." Ryan Hall makes apparent in this book that he is ot only a runner, but also a believer.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan Hall has written an interesting journal. While it is not the most fast paced or literary read, it is worth reading to gain insight into the mindset of a competitive Christian runner. Hall's struggle to maintain his focus on the joy of running despite unsatisfactory training days and disappointing races was particularly interesting. Being a running geek I also enjoyed the informative sidebars and the mention of training aids such as massage, ice baths, altitude and hi/low training, compression, DS trainers, running books, etc. The book is exactly what it says it is: a series of journal entries leading up to the Boston Marathon. If you keep your expectations at that level then you will find this small book a very quick and informative read.

[Koji Kawano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Running With Joy is Ryan Hall’s daily running log between January 9, 2010 and April 20, 2010 with his personal thoughts about his training for Boston Marathon. Since he is one of the fastest American marathon runners today, I wanted to learn from his training and hoped to get inspired. While there are some good advises/thoughts and I learned about Ryan as a person better, I did not finish the book inspired. Read more.

[WH · Rating 4 out of 5]

The good: Hall very much wants his faith to play a central role in his running career. He provides an interesting description of what that means and looks like in daily life. He also provides really helpful training tips.

The bad: The journal is somewhat repetitive. I found myself being able to finish his sentences.

Overall, as a runner, I really enjoyed reading such a personal account of a brutal training regiment before a major marathon.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, seeing more fully how Ryan truly lives out his faith as he trains and runs. Through this journal, you can see that even professional runners don't always have fantastic training days - they struggle mentally and physically with completing training runs, they get sick and inured too. And yet, they also persevere.

Very glad I got it from my secret santa in a running group!

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw this book on the library shelves and picked it up. It was disappointing. I thought it had such a great title. And then I found it was written by a Christian marathon winner. He talks about enjoying the gifts God has given us. If that is running, we should run with joy. But it is a training schedule book that calls for two runs per day. I just don't think that much running is possible for most people. I didn't finish the book.

[Bob Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book, mostly because I am a runner and I believe in running with joy with Christ. Nice mixture of a runner's diary & daily logs, with faith sharing intertwined. While I may never achieve Ryan Hall's success in running times, I am glad that I can share his faith and am grateful to know that I am not alone in my running journey with God!

[Trey Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome inspiration for runners of Christian faith. Less about the minute details of training and more about finding inner peace while chasing big dreams even when you come up short. This was about joy in the midst of trial and faith that the right path is worth the work even if things don't go exactly the way you envisioned.

[Tammy Ikram · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book that chronicles Hall's journey to the Boston Marathon. I was inspired by his strong work ethic and close relationship with God. I was surprised to see how many "off-training"days he had (not up to his high expectations). Sometimes recreational runners such as myself view elite runners as super-human athletes without flaws and struggles. I found his candidness refreshing.

[Runphanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE IT so far!! Easy read in a journal format. I love that I can read about his workouts and how fast he runs his speed work as well as how slow he runs his recovery runs. Above all he reminds you that what ever your task at hand is - to do it for joy - and that will be your reward!

[LeaAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked it! The tips and insight into his training were great, but more than that, this book was about being content with where you are in your training (or life) even as you strive for your goals. Something I've been dealing with a lot lately and even wrote about on my blog.

[Julianne Hyma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am inspired by Ryan's unfailing faith in God, even under less than perfect conditions...when workouts or races don't go as planned. I love that he is so outward with his faith. I can only wish for more of that 'gift' in my own life.

[Zuzana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, inspiring read! I like Ryan even more now. It's a great book about running, but it's probably even more about faith and life in general than it is about running. I'd recommend it to runners and non-runners alike.

[Juli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting journal of Ryan's lead up to the same Boston Marathon that I ran. He spends a lot of time discussion how his faith in God relates to his running. Always interesting to get to peak into the lives of elite runners.

[Dustin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad read, but wasn't exactly what I was expecting. Glad the money spent on the book went to support Hall's charity otherwise I would be disappointed in the money spent on the book. My public library didn't have a copy. I respect Ryan and his love for Christ. I hope he does well in London.

[Cheng Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminds me how blessed I am to be a Christian runner. Reminds me why I run. I run because I love running, because running makes me feel free and running makes me feel alive. Ryan hall is a respectable person for being so selfless to share his emotions with us.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book better when I started than when I finished, his thoughts that were fresh at the beginning became repetitive by the end. But overall a good reminder to try to see yourself as God does.