Books like The terrible and wonderful reasons why I run long distances

A hilarious, illustrated exploration of the absurd lengths we go to in order to justify our love of eating and napping. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with The terrible and wonderful reasons why I run long distances.

energetic
lighthearted
absurdist
motivational

01
Ultramarathon Man
Dean Karnazes
A shot of pure adrenaline that makes the impossible seem entirely within reach.
Shares:
- energetic
- humorous
- self-deprecating
- candid
02
The Secret to Superhuman Strength
Alison Bechdel
A wry, deeply intellectual exploration of how we use physical exertion to outrun our own mortality.
Shares:
- self-deprecating
03
Food
Jim Gaffigan
A hilarious, unapologetic love letter to the worst foods in the American diet, delivered with the timing of a master stand-up.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- self-deprecating
04
Solutions and Other Problems
Allie Brosh
A hilarious and gut-wrenching exploration of life's darkest moments, told through crude drawings and devastatingly sharp observations.
Shares:
- absurdist
- self-deprecating
05
xkcd
Randall Munroe
A delightfully nerdy exploration of romance, sarcasm, math, and language told through minimalist stick figures.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- absurdist
06
TheOdd1sOut
James Rallison
A hilarious, fast-paced romp through the awkward milestones of growing up, told with the cozy familiarity of a late-night chat with a best friend.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- self-deprecating
07
Heart and Brain
Nick Seluk
A hilarious, comforting visual exploration of the eternal tug-of-war between our responsible thoughts and our impulsive desires.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- humorous
08
Big Mushy Happy Lump
Sarah C. Andersen
A warm, hilarious hug for anyone who feels like they are faking their way through adulthood.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- self-deprecating
- candid
09
You're all just jealous of my jetpack
Tom Gauld
A deadpan, delightfully nerdy collision of high literature and sci-fi tropes that feels like sharing an inside joke with your favorite librarian.
Feels:
- whimsical
- cozy
- mildly existential
10
Running with the Kenyans
Adharanand Finn
A sun-baked, sweat-drenched journey into the heart of long-distance running that blends cultural immersion with a poignant quest to recapture a childhood dream.
Shares:
- energetic
11
Guts
Raina Telgemeier
A warm, deeply relatable exploration of how our minds and bodies react to the overwhelming pressures of growing up.
Shares:
- humorous
12
Seconds
Bryan Lee O'Malley
A frantic, magical-realist spiral into the chaotic consequences of trying to edit your own life into perfection.
Shares:
- humorous
- self-deprecating

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