The good thing about having a hobby like running is that when it comes to Christmas and birthdays, people that don’t know what to get you can always fall back on simple but useful things like running socks, t-shirts, gloves etc. It doesn’t matter the colour or what it looks like, if it’s clean (and even when it’s not) I’ll wear it to run in, so new, clean kit is always welcome.

I’ve put a couple of running-related items on my Christmas list this year – but if you’re stuggling for something to buy a runner in your life or to ask Santa to get you, here’s a few books I suggest.

The Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer by David Whitsett, Forrest Dolgener, Tanjala Cole
Perfect for anyone aiming to run their first marathon next year. This is the book that got me ready for my first marathon. It’s training plan was simple to follow and the metal techniques invaluable.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
Here the best-selling author reflects on his hobby of running which he has done regularly for most of his adult life. His account of doing an ultra-marathon and running the orginal marathon route from Athens to Marathon are worth buying the book for alone.

Just a little run around the world by Rosie Swale Pope
The amazing story of how at 57 Rosie ran solo around the world – a journey that took five years to complete and passed through Alaska and Siberia – is one of the most inspiring I have read.

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
This book has topped best-seller lists around the world, and with good reason. If Rosie’s book shows from personal experience how anyone can run a marathon, at any age – this book shows how we’re all physically built to do exactly that.

Want some more ideas? Here’s my list of top kit for runners.