Yesterday I did something I’ve never done before – listened to a book while I was running. And… I liked it!
I hadn’t tried it until yesterday because: 1. I usually prefer to listen to a podcast when I run, 2. I don’t listen to many audiobooks as it is, and mostly 3. I didn’t think I’d be able to pay attention. My mind wanders when I’m running, and I was worried about having to get my phone out and rewind to find the spot where I stopped paying attention. I felt like I’d only been successful with listening to podcasts while I run because it’s like people talking to me.
I know, I know – an audiobook is someone talking to me too! But podcasts are more conversational and in the moment.
I was also worried I wouldn’t be able to follow the story or whatever I was listening to.
But, as mentioned, I liked it!
Then I was in the car so damn much yesterday, I listened four hours and twenty minutes of the book over the course of the day. I listened to more this morning and I’m almost done.
I feel encouraged I can get more reading in this way if I start bringing books on workouts!
(I do think I prefer podcasts for exercise and audiobooks for the car though. For whatever reason, I pay attention to each a little better in that element.)
I almost never listened to books or podcasts while running – my mind was all over the place and I didn’t have a prayer of keeping up.
Though it does beg the question of how much of the content I actually listen to vs what just passively goes in my ears. I like podcasts and audio books for the car, dog walks, cleaning, and cooking, but my mind wanders just as much while I’m doing these things.
Once again I don’t have a point but yay that you were able to run and listen at the same time which is more than I could ever do;-)
LOL! You totally have a point – that your mind wanders too! Do you notice when it is and you missed what’s being said in podcasts and audiobooks?
I also don’t listen to podcasts or audiobooks. Music or instructors for me all the way. But I am glad it worked for you!!
What’s interesting is it slows my pace down big time, so when I play music I feel like I am flying!
I do find it hard to concentrate on audiobooks while I’m working out. I think it’s because I always want to listen so carefully and when I’m running, I’m too busy focusing on not tripping over my feet to pay attention. Audiobooks are almost an exclusive driving or chores treat for me. It’s fine to dust if I’ve got a book on! I’m happy it works for you, though- that’s a real life hack for you!
And making sure you don’t trip is DEFINITELY important 😉
So far I’ve listened to one and started another so it’s way too early to say, but I don’t think I am getting as much out of them. I still count it as reading, but it’s like a different kind of reading. Do you feel that way when you listen while driving or doing chores?
I learned that I prefer to listen to memoir style books while running than novels. I guess that’s more similar to podcasts. If I miss something it doesn’t usually take away from the main points of the book.
Oh yeah, good point! Before this, that was the only kind of audiobook I had tried.
Oh, that’s fun! When I was a runner, I always listened to music but I love doing podcasts/audiobooks on my walks.
I listen to sports radio (Engie’s worst nightmare!) while I exercise and multitask by reading the paper. I kind of tune in and out so I catch the things that I’m interested in (specifically, NOT ALL THE BASEBALL for the love of Pete…bring back football and basketball and let’s talk about the women’s World Cup…). I also listen to podcasts while doing other things – cleaning, food prep- and often have to rewind because I zone. So yeah, audiobooks would be bad… I’ll be interested to hear your follow up!