The holiday season is upon us and with it comes long weekends, sleeping-in and eating more food than you care to admit. We start to get a little too comfortable being comfortable and we start to put our goals off. After saying I’ll do it tomorrow for the fourth day in a row, it’s time to break the habit and get back to the grind.
Breaking the habit of being comfortable isn’t easy. All athletes need extra motivation, some inspiration and a reminder of how good it feels to accomplish their running goals. If you are going to sit on the couch, at least put something on that will give you the motivation to put on your running shoes after you finish watching it.
Here are my top 10 running documentaries that will get you off the couch and back to running:
Finding Traction: The Ultra Marathon Documentary
Length: 56 minutes
Year released: 2015
Ultra marathon runner and extreme athlete Nikki Kimball is trying to do the unthinkable by becoming the fastest person in history to run the 273 mile Long Trail. In Finding Traction, you follow Nikki through the rugged terrains of Vermont as she overcomes battles with her mind and body. Like her journey, this documentary has its ups and downs but by the end you will be looking up the closest running trail to break some of your own records.
The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young
Length: 1h 29min
Year Released: 2014
Based on a historic prison escape, endurance runners from around the world come together for a race of a lifetime. In its first 25 years, only 10 people called themselves finishers of The Barkley Marathons. Those who are crazy enough to even attempt this race test their limits of physical and mental endurance in this iconic documentary. When the movie ends, you can’t help but to grab your running shoes and set out on your own running journey.
UltraMarathon Man: 50 Marathons – 50 States – 50 Days
Length: 1h 50min
Year Released: 2009
Renowned endurance athlete and best selling author Dean Karnazes is a rare breed and has earned the name UltraMarathon Man. This documentary follows him over 50 consecutive days as he runs a marathon in 50 states to raise awareness for youth obesity and to get America active. Next time you are struggling while out on your run, just remember “Run if you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must. Just never give up.” – Dean Karnazes
Running for Good: The Fiona Oakes Documentary
Length: 1h 14min
Year Released: 2018
World record marathon runner Fiona Oakes doesn’t do it all for the stats, data and glory. This inspiring documentary Running for Good follows Fiona as she attempts not only to set a new global record in endurance racing, but to compete in the toughest footrace on Earth. The Marathon Des Sables, a 250km race through the Sahara Desert. Her goal is to raise awareness for the vegan community and is living proof that a plant-based runner is nothing to mess with.
Ultra High: Running at 18,00 Feet
Length: 1h 10min
Year Released: 2014
Becoming known as one of the toughest races on Earth, six ultra runners from around the globe face off to see who could finish on the top of the world. Each runner will battle pulmonary edema, hypothermia and fatigue as they cross over two of the highest motorable passes in the world to try and finish the 137 mile, high altitude ultra marathon in under 60 hours. Ultra High will get your heart pumping and excited to get out on your next run.
Length: 1h 35min
Year Released: 2013
Follow a group of ultra runners as they try and complete the most difficult ultramarathon race series ever made. Each runner fights their own demons of heartbreak and loss to conquer brutal landscapes, pushing their bodies, hearts and spirits to the limit. Desert Runners is an emotional roller coaster that dives into the mindset of ultra-athletes, and the complex ways humans deal with both grief and triumph.
Length: 1h 35min
Year Released: 2008
If you have ever dreamed about qualifying or lucky enough to finish the New York City Marathon, you can thank one person for their passionate imagination. Fred Lebow was a first generation Jewish immigrant from Transylvania who came from humble beginnings. Back in 1970, less than 100 runners participated in the inaugural 26.2 mile run though the five boroughs. The race then grew to a global event bringing runners and supporters from around the world.
Length: 1h 14min
Year Released: 2020
Wanting to avoid the same fate as his mother, who lost her battle to obesity, Jeff Binney thought to do the unthinkable. The out-of-shape comedian was going to run 100 miles though the Colorado mountains in one of the world’s most difficult trail marathons. Unlike the title, Once is Enough has to be watched over and over again. This inspiring story will definitely motivate you to make some changes in your life and attempt something unimaginable.
Length: 1h 27min
Year Released: 2016
A team of 12 formerly obese people come together to finish the 200 mile Ragnar Relay Race from Miami to Key West. Follow each athlete as they talk about the obstacles they have overcome to accomplish this grueling mental and physical challenge. For those who have been on a weight loss journey, From Fat to Finish Line is truly inspiring.
Length: 1h 37min
Year Released: 2020
Running Badwater 135 once is something to be proud of. Gerald Tabios, a Filipino ultra runner, is attempting the race for the 5th time. He will have to climb over 3 mountains and 2 deserts to finish the 135 mile race. With record breaking temperatures across Death Valley, Gerald and his crew has 48 hours to complete the distance. After watching this documentary, motivation will be pumping through your veins to get up and go for a run.