My favorite store is Barnes & Noble (B&N as I like to call it) and I am constantly going there to clear my head and break off from life's stressors. When I have free time, I pick up a book. In fact, I LOVE riding the bus to and from work every day because it gives me 25 minutes in the morning and afternoon that I can get lost in a book.
I also like to run. Notice I said "like." Now, running is a new interest of mine. Yes, I played soccer for years and years, but I never really liked running. It's different when there is a game going on and like I used to say, "a ball to chase", but running just for the heck of it? I never got that. Until about a year ago... Then I realized that running can be kind of nice. I guess I like the feeling I get around mile three, - when my legs have finally warmed up and I start to just go with it. And I like the sense of accomplishment I feel after a good run. But, like I said, I just like it. I'd much rather be doing something I love (like reading). So when given the option, I'd gladly choose a book over a tiring run.
Then I thought of something! I can download audiobooks and listen to them while running. It's much more engaging than the same monotonous music and it combines my love of reading with my like of running!! It's not ideal. I mean there is something about reading the words on a page (I'm a very visual person - audio? not so much), but after a little while, I really do get into the story! And it distracts me from wondering how much further I have to go or how much my leg is cramping because I didn't stretch well enough.
In fact, I find myself WANTING to go for a run because then I can listen to my book. (I made a rule that I am not allowed to listen to my audiobooks unless I'm actually working out. That way I am HAVE to work out if I want to hear the rest of the story). I like to read to clear my head and feel like I have a little bit of time to escape from the goings-on around me. Running does the same thing. Now, I can come home twice as clear-headed. It's like I've exercised my mind and body at once!
Right now I'm listening to Heaven is for Real (which I HIGHLY recommend).. It's engaging and thought-provoking while very inspiring. It's great to listen to while running because it's the type of book that really makes you feel good inside (and that's definitely a good thing when you may not feeling so great on the outside when on mile 4 of your run). I'm almost finished with the book and I'm looking for something to download next.
Do you have any suggestions of good books or good audiobooks??? What do you like to listen to when you work out?