Lauren Fleshman Books In Order

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

About Lauren Fleshman

Lauren Fleshman is a former professional runner from the U.S. who also writes, coaches, and shares insights on sports and life. She won national titles in the 5000 meters twice and represented her country at multiple world championships. In 2011, she matched the best finish by an American woman in the 5000 meters at a global event. Her experience spans distances from the 1500 meters up, giving her a broad perspective on racing.

As a writer, she connects her athletic background to everyday lessons in a way that feels relatable. Her work often encourages people to apply the discipline of running to their personal growth. She avoids complicated advice, keeping things practical and motivating. Readers find her approach both engaging and useful for their own goals.

Beyond racing, she shares knowledge on training, mindset, and overcoming challenges. Her writing stands out because it’s grounded in real experience, not theory. She makes the lessons from elite sports feel accessible to everyone. Whether running or writing, she focuses on progress, not perfection.

As a writer she connects with readers by keeping her writing honest and unfiltered. She doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of sports and life, making her work feel real. Her tone is casual and welcoming, like a conversation with a friend. This makes her advice easy to absorb, no matter where someone is from.

She shares personal stories—both successes and struggles—to show that progress isn’t always smooth. Readers appreciate that she doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. Instead, she offers what she’s learned in a way that feels useful, not preachy. Her mix of humor and sincerity keeps people coming back.

By staying true to her own voice, she builds trust with her audience. Whether writing about racing, training, or everyday challenges, she keeps it straightforward and upbeat. People relate to her because she writes like she’s still figuring things out too. That authenticity is what makes her work resonate across different cultures and experiences.

Lauren Fleshman continues to share her insights through writing, speaking, and coaching, with plenty more ahead. Her focus on authenticity and growth means she’ll keep offering fresh perspectives. Whether in books, articles, or public talks, she stays grounded in real experience. Readers can expect more practical wisdom—delivered in her signature down-to-earth style.

Early and Personal Life

Born in 1981 on the 26th of September, Lauren Fleshman grew up in a close-knit family with her parents and younger sister, Lindsay. From an early age, she showed a natural interest in sports, eventually focusing on running. Her competitive spirit and dedication helped shape her into a standout athlete.

Earning her Bachelor’s degree in Human Biology from Stanford in 2003, Fleshman focused on women’s health and athletic performance. She continued her education, completing a Master’s in Education with a specialty in Social Sciences in 2004. These studies gave her a deeper understanding of the physical and social aspects of sports, which later influenced her work as a writer and coach.

As a student at Stanford University, she honed her skills and met her future husband, professional triathlete Jesse Thomas. The two married in 2007 and later welcomed two children while balancing their athletic careers. Though they announced an amicable separation in 2023, they continue to remain connected.

Beyond racing, Fleshman found inspiration in sharing her journey through writing. Her background as an elite runner gives her a unique perspective on perseverance and growth. Today, she continues to motivate others with her honest, relatable approach to sports and life.

Writing Career

Lauren Fleshman began her writing career in 2009 with her blog Ask Lauren Fleshman, where she shared insights into professional running and answered fan questions. By 2013, her writing expanded into a Runner’s World column called The Fast Life, offering a deeper look at the sport. Her work has always blended personal experience with broader perspectives on athletics.

In 2023, she released her memoir, Good for a Girl, which became a New York Times bestseller and won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award. The book explores her career and critiques the treatment of women in sports, marking a major milestone in her writing journey. With more projects likely ahead, she continues to shape conversations around running and athlete advocacy.

Good for a Girl

Lauren Fleshman’s nonfiction sports memoir Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World was published by Penguin Press on January 10, 2023. The book earned a 2024 Oregon Book Award nomination in the Creative Nonfiction category. It marked Fleshman’s debut as a full-length author.

Here Fleshman’s Good for a Girl blends her personal journey as an elite runner with a powerful critique of how sports systems fail young female athletes. From her decorated collegiate career to her advocacy with Oiselle, she highlights the structural barriers—like injuries, eating disorders, and dropout rates—that disproportionately harm girls in sports.

Combining memoir with research, she calls for rebuilding athletic systems to center women’s needs rather than forcing them to adapt to male-designed models. The book is both a celebration of running and a bold demand for change, written with passion and firsthand insight.

This engaging memoir offers an inspiring athlete’s story while advocating for change in women’s sports. Fleshman’s firsthand experience and thoughtful analysis make it compelling. Readers will appreciate its blend of personal narrative and call to action. A refreshing and motivating read for sports fans.

COMPETE Training Journal

The COMPETE Training Journal by Lauren Fleshman and Roisin McGettigan-Dumas was published by VeloPress on November 15, 2016. This guided journal helps athletes track and optimize their training progress. It remains a practical tool for runners seeking structured improvement.

As a training journal it helps runners optimize race performance through structured goal-setting and training logs. Designed by Lauren Fleshman and Roisin McGettigan-Dumas, it provides tools for mental preparation, workout tracking, and race strategy. The journal includes pace charts, seasonal planning pages, and reflection prompts to improve both mindset and performance. Suitable for all levels, it transforms competition into a rewarding, process-focused experience.

This practical journal really does help runners to track their progress and refine race strategy effectively. Its structured approach benefits both beginners and experienced athletes. The included tools make training more intentional and rewarding. A smart resource for focused runners.