Audible curates ‘Runners’ Audiobook Collection’ to keep runners moving

Audible is releasing a collection of titles picked by podcast host and author, Hugh van Cuylenburg, to keep runners motivated to move.

The announcement:

Australia is a nation of runners, and with new research* revealing nearly all Australian runners (93%) lose the motivation to run, Audible, a leading producer and provider of audio storytelling, is today releasing a new Runners’ Audiobook Collection.

Curated in collaboration with Hugh van Cuylenburg, founding director of The Resilience Project and bestselling author and co-host of popular podcast, The Imperfects, the collection has been hand-picked to motivate and inspire runners. Hugh’s recommendations within the Runners’ Audiobook Collection are shaped by his personal passion for running, which he uses as an outlet to improve his physical and mental health.

Launching in time for Australia’s running season leading into a packed monthly fun-run calendar, Audible’s Runners’ Audiobook Collection can enhance listeners’ experience while they’re training. The collection includes Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins, The Running Club by Ali Lowe, POWER by Kemi Nekvapil, and The Resilience Project by Hugh van Cuylenburg.

“Audiobooks have a unique ability to swiftly and positively transform our emotions,” says Hugh van Cuylenburg. “Just as fresh air can relieve stress and anxiety, or watching nostalgic television can provide comfort through familiarity, audiobooks offer a powerful motivation tool in the form of a captivating escape.”

In the last year, Australia has witnessed a surge in running activity, with nearly half (49%) of runners increasing their running frequency. The most popular reasons to run among average Australian runners are the strong desire to improve physical fitness (68%) and mental wellbeing (56%). Even with the growing popularity of run clubs, nearly two-thirds (65%) of Australian runners prefer running solo to disconnect and focus on their performance.

It’s common for runners (93%) to experience dips in motivation, with other common barriers to running including the weather (53%) and busy schedules (41%). Interestingly, when runners forget their headphones, they also tend to feel less motivated to run (36%).

“Audible is the ideal companion for Aussies who want to feel entertained or inspired, whether they’re training for a race or out for a leisurely jog,” says Ben Rolleston, country manager, Audible Australia. “We found that Aussies are generally running for 30 minutes at a time, which feels like the perfect opportunity to put in your headphones, become immersed in an audiobook, and let your imagination run wild.”

One in five (18%) of those who lose motivation have turned to audiobooks for inspiration, with Gen Z (21%) and Millennials (23%) taking the lead. Over a quarter (27%) of Australian runners who increased their running in the last year have tried audiobooks for motivation, and nearly one-third (32%) are open to incorporating audiobooks into their routine.

Eight in 10 (80%) Aussie runners recognise the benefits of audiobooks, noting entertainment (43%), relaxation (37%), and distraction from worries (31%) as significant advantages. Among their preferred genres, Aussie runners would choose to listen to health, wellness and personal development (41%), followed by comedy (28%), mysteries/thrillers/true crime (21%), and action/adventure (20%).

“The Runners’ Audiobook Collection I’ve curated with Audible offers a selection of genres and stories to empower runners to persevere and thrive,” explained Hugh. “By incorporating audiobooks into your running routine, you can actively practice sharpening your mental focus while building physical endurance, and over time, this will do wonders to improve mindfulness and resilience.”

Audible’s Runners’ Audiobook Collection is available on Audible. A full list of titles is below.

*All research and findings have been collected and presented by YouGov on behalf of Audible.

Audible’s Runner’s Audiobook Collection

Audiobooks selected by Hugh van Cuylenburg to empower runners to persevere and thrive:

• Showing Up by Nedd Brockman – “Nedd’s run across the country is legendary for a reason. There is too much to take away from this book. If you’re planning a long run, there is no better companion.”
• The Ninth Life of a Diamond Minor by Grace Tame – “The epitome of resilience. Grace’s story is heart breaking but also inspirational. She is a picture of strength hope.”
• POWER by Kemi Nekvapil – “A women’s guide to living with and leading without apology. This is an absolute beauty. She is one of Australia’s most sought after executive coaches, and you can have her in your ears as you exercise.”
• Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins – “Literally has it all. Overcoming extreme adversity. Wringing every last ounce out of every waking moment in order to achieve whatever it is you wish to achieve.”
• Running for my Life by Lopez Lomong – “One of the most extraordinary stories I have ever heard. Have listened to this one twice now. I don’t often to that. Always puts the challenges in your life into context.”
• Born to Run by Christopher McDougal – “I can’t really believe this story exists. If you are an endurance athlete this is for you. A tribe of ultra-runners and the greatest race that no one ever saw.”
• Atomic Habits by James Clear – “If you are into exercise, this one is a must for creating and maintaining a routine built on healthy and repeatable habits. Another one that I found really useful to listen to whilst training.”
• The Resilience Project by Hugh van Cuylenburg

Popular audiobooks on Audible, perfect for your next run:

• The Running Club by Ali Lowe – The Running Club’s gripping and fast-paced story will keep you hooked and make your workouts fly by as you try to unravel the mystery.

• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros – An exhilarating ride that’ll keep your pace steady and your mind sharp. Rebecca Yarros’ story of dragon-riding and fierce competition is the perfect companion for those who thrive on high-stakes adventure.

• Mad Love by Wendy Walker – A pulse-pounding thriller that will fuel your runs with suspense. This dark and electrifying tale is perfect for those high-energy sessions.

• The Habit Revolution by Dr. Gina Cleo – Ideal for a boost of motivation and insight. Dr. Gina Cleo’s groundbreaking guide on habit change is perfect for turning your fitness routine into a transformative journey of lasting change.

• Funny Story by Emily Henry – Perfect for a light-hearted run with a touch of humour and warmth. Let Daphne and Miles’ endearing and hilarious journey keep you entertained and uplifted for a delightful escape.

• Heat Check by Stephen and Dell Curry – Dive into the stories of NBA legends Dell and Stephen Curry as they discuss overcoming challenges to energize your workout, turning each stride into a testament to perseverance and greatness.

• 1984 [An Audible Original adaptation] by George Orwell – An intense companion for your runs when you’re craving a deep, immersive experience. As you run, let the chilling narrative and striking soundscapes pull you into a reality where every step echoes with the weight of a totalitarian regime.

Source: Ogilvy

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topics audible Ben Rolleston Hugh van Cuylenburg The Resilience Project

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