Is it weird that I walk and read at the same time? I love reading, but I run my own business and have quite a hectic lifestyle. Finding time to keep physically active and feed my reading habit is a struggle. So I’ve learnt how to read and walk simultaneously. You would think this skill would take some time to develop, but I have to say that I mastered the art pretty quickly. Sure, there’s been the odd stumble complete with the frantic glance around to make sure nobody saw it happen, but all in all I’m a pro.
This odd reading style has made me something of a local celebrity. I often combine walking and reading with a trip to the corner shops to pick up some groceries. My sojourns always include friendly, and often humorous, comments from locals the most common of which is ‘Must be a good book’. To my delight these off-hand comments sometimes lead to an in-depth conversation about the book I’m reading or books in general.
What has become most clear from the comments I receive is that most people are astonished that I can actually achieve this feat. Is there anyone else out there like me or am I really a reading and walking freak?
Hi Amber
ReplyDeleteI usually walk late at night so reading is out but sometimes I take my iPod but this is daring if on my journey around the neighborhood late at night I decide to change mood by listening different music, one night I walked of the track straight into a tree. If I was like you and not read aloud but listened to ‘The Turn of the Screw’ by Henry James or say Edgar Allen Poe I wouldn't get out of my driveway. Seeing that my route takes me through a quarry down quite deserted roads along the shoreline up through where old abandoned houses were.
Happy Reading
Jim
Hey Jim, you're not the only one who has walked into an inanimate object. I have even walked into a few parked cars and they are much larger than a tree!! And I agree, no reading of scary poets or authors in creepy outdoor settings at night. How's business by the way?
ReplyDeleteYES! I found this blog post of yours after searching on Google with the following inquiry: "read and walk at the same time?" I assure you that you are not the only one, because I too have cultivated this unfortunately addictive habit of reading and walking at the same time. Isn't it so convenient? You can enjoy exercise AND a book at the same time, and what's more, the former passes by so quickly while the latter really gets driven into your head by the meter of your steps!
ReplyDelete-A fellow bookwalker
Hey Fellow Bookwalker, thanks for your post. Glad to hear that I'm not the only freak with this habit. Addictive is right and your also right about the cadence of your steps. I tend to walk faster when a book is reaching an exciting cliffhanger type crescendo, and slow it down during more poignant moments. Too much rain lately has stopped my frequent strolls, but hopefully the weather will fine up soon!!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog via Knitting and Sundries and I also walk and read. I've been known to cross the street while reading, which is admittedly not the best move! I generally only walk and read between the subway and my place, though, which is only about a 10-minute walk.
ReplyDeleteHi avisannschild! Glad to hear that there is yet another person out there like me, however I definitely put the book down when crossing the road!! Thanks to Knitting and Sundries for the referral...
ReplyDeleteI always look first of course, but I agree, it's probably not a good idea!
ReplyDelete