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I am a runner. Well, kind of a runner. Sometimes a runner. My wife, on the other hand, is a real runner—11 marathons (Boston, 2019), a pile of trophies from high school and college, the whole deal. (Mostly) thanks to her, I have an in-depth knowledge and appreciation for running, even if I don’t always love it myself.
Peter Sagal, host of NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!, also knows a thing or two about running. I don’t seek out every book on the topic, but Sagal’s cover immediately grabbed me. It practically announced: This is a funny book about running. (More on that iconic cover and its inspiration below.)
My The Incomplete Book of Running review:
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The Incomplete Book of Running Summary
Peter Sagal’s The Incomplete Book of Running is part memoir, part humorous reflection on the joys and miseries of running. Best known as the host of NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!, Sagal shares how running became a crucial part of his life—helping him cope with personal struggles (like his divorce.)
One of the book’s most gripping moments is his account of guiding a blind runner, William Greer, in the 2013 Boston Marathon. Sagal ran alongside Greer, helping him navigate the course. They crossed the finish line just minutes before the infamous bombs exploded.
Beyond this, the book is filled with Sagal’s trademark self-deprecating humor, tales of embarrassing running mishaps, and reflections on aging, failure, and persistence.
Who is Peter Sagal?
Peter Sagal is a well-known American author, humorist, and the host of the popular NPR radio show Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me. He’s known for his witty commentary, sharp humor, and insightful observations on current events, pop culture, and life. Aside from his work on NPR, Sagal is a runner (but you already know that unless you skipped to this paragraph.)
In addition to his writing and radio work, Sagal is a public speaker and has written for various publications. He’s also made appearances in TV and film, often lending his comedic touch.
Peter Sagal Interview
As much as I appreciate you reading my blog post about Peter Sagal’s book, this 2018 PBS interview is probably all you need to know about The Incomplete Book of Running:
James Fixx – The Complete Book of Running
Peter Sagal’s The Incomplete Book of Running is a humorous reimagining of James F. Fixx’s The Complete Book of Running, first published in 1977. Fixx’s book is one of the most influential works in the running world, helping to popularize jogging in the U.S. during the late ’70s.
A passionate runner, Fixx aimed to provide a comprehensive guide for beginners and seasoned athletes alike. The book covers training, injury prevention, nutrition, and the benefits of running. Tragically, he passed away from a heart attack in 1984 at the young age of 52. His book remains a cornerstone of running literature.
Fixx’s iconic cover featured a bold red background and his own muscular legs mid-stride—a visual synonymous with the serious, disciplined approach to running.
Sagal, on the other hand, tokes a different approach. Where Fixx encouraged runners to lace up with determination, Sagal embraces the struggle—bodily discomforts (I have to poop!), the unfortunate logistics of long runs, and the idea that running doesn’t always have to be so serious.
Now onto the rating! The Incomplete Book of Running Review:
My innovative system for rating humor books is explained here
Wholesomeness Score: 4/5
The Incomplete Book of Running is pretty darn wholesome. Most of the stories are family-friendly, but the occasional swears knock it down a notch. Additionally, a way-too-in-depth description of the author’s (runner’s) frequent need to find a safe place to poop on daily runs. Hey, when you gotta go, you gotta go.
Hilarity Score: 4/5
Peter Sagal’s bio lists him as a writer, radio host, and “humorist” (presumably, one who humors). He weaves funny anecdotes effortlessly, which makes sense—he won the Kurt Vonnegut Humor Award in 2016. In other words, Sagal is funny, and he’s got the credentials to prove it.
That said, the book isn’t non-stop laughter. It is insightful, educational, with the right amount of humor injected into the storytelling.
Remember the pit stops (a.k.a. poop stops) mentioned in the “Wholesomeness” section? Sagal devotes plenty of time to detailing this awkward inconvenience, and it’s hilariously uncomfortable.
Segal guided a blind runner during the 2013 Boston Marathon. Describing the realities of having to use the bathroom during a big race:
“If anybody’s bowels were going to cost William his goal, let them not be mine.” Peter Sagal, The Incomplete Guide to Running
Describing the famous screaming girls of Wellesley college, offering kisses to Boston Marathon runners:
“They are engaged in some sort of competition – informal or regimented, I never found out – to gather most kisses from runners, so the girls all wave signs reading KISS ME! or KISS ME! I’M A HISTORY MAJOR or GAY/JEWISH/FROM CALIFORNIA, hoping to strike a chord in someone similarly situated.” Peter Sagal, The Incomplete Guide to Running
Overall Book Awesomeness Score: 5/5
This was highly awesome. I consumed via audiobook from my local library. Sagal doesn’t just write about running; he writes about why we run—whether for fitness, escape, or to process life’s challenges. That mix of comedy, personal reflection, and genuine love for the sport really connected with me.
Things I liked:
- I’ve been there. Running is a weird thing. It’s therapeutic to read similar thoughts of fellow strugglers.
- A fascinating account of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing from someone who was right there in the thick of it.
- A funny book about running. I’ll have to track down more like this – or maybe even write on myself!
Things I didn’t like:
- I appreciated the author’s candid account of his failing marriage and family strain. However, the story felt incomplete — possibly even too recent and difficult for the author. I didn’t need a happy ending, but it felt a bit raw and awkward to hear, even as an innocent bystander (by-reader?)
Conclusion: The Incomplete Book of Running Review
The Incomplete Book of Running is less a training manual and more a reflection on how running intersects with ups and downs of the author’s life. Peter Sagal brings humor, self-deprecation, and vulnerability to the sport, making this book just as much about personal resilience as it is about miles logged. Sagal’s take on the joys and ridiculousness of running is worth the read.
Know any good running books? Comment below so I can read them! (Or listen via audio on my next run.)
Scott Johnson is a Midwestern humorist, author of Essays Out of Left Field, and the mind behind scottjohnsonauthor.com. He’s also a husband, dad of three, and Data Systems Administrator (whatever that is). Scott is on a mission to find and read all the funny books. He shares his thoughts on those books, author life, and other delightful randomness with his readers on his website.
