Runner’s World: The Runner’s Brain; How to Think Smarter to Run Better

Brown, lead psychologist for the Boston Marathon Medical team and professor at Harvard Medical School, explores the mutually beneficial relationship between running and the brain in this useful guide. Brown starts with his professional background, chronicling his move to Boston in the late 1990s, after which he began applying cognitive-behavioral therapy, aimed at transforming harmful thinking patterns into productive ones, to marathon runners. He goes on to cover how running benefits the brain, mental strategies such as goal-setting and magical thinking, training for races, handling challenges, and a useful seven-step “fit brain training plan.” Brown also briefly touches on his experience of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, drawing wider conclusions about mental resilience. This accessible book is a result of Brown’s own training and careful study of runners; he is intimately familiar with the considerations runners make, including the decision to compete, picking out “lucky” clothing, overcoming pre-race jitters and post-race blues, and “psych[ing] yourself up” for all types of weather. It will appeal to and aid runners of all levels and backgrounds, and perhaps those who aren’t runners yet. Agent: Linda Konner, Linda Konner Literary. (Sept.)