Run-Reading

Thanks to Andrea for getting the blog going! I have sort of a funky practice that I thought I’d share here in the spirit of Run Around for Write Around.

I read while I run. I run-read. It’s safer than it sounds and pretty much a requirement for my process, both writing and marathon training.

That is to say, running in the morning, as I do, helps me sweep away my cobwebs, sharpen my pencil and add focus to a day that will involve working a day job before getting a lick of writing in. Running sustains me for a multitask sort of day. Similarly, reading short stories, novels and nonfiction, which I do throughout my day, opens my imagination, forces my mind to make connections it wouldn’t necessarily make, and inspires me to hit the page.

So, efficiency expert that I am, I do both simultaneously. I read-run. I run-read. I check out audiobooks from the library (reserving dozens at a time because availability fluctuates and you want to have a good variety on hand), download them all to my computer and upload one to my iPod at any given time, then run-read. I delete files as I go (off my computer and iPod both) and consider that upholding my end of the covenant. I don’t consider this blasphemous to traditional reading, either. I listen to unabridged versions, no exceptions, and preferably ones read by the author. Reading this way, I feel tied to the tradition of oral storytelling and it's super stimulating, no matter what genre the material. I’m an aesthetic reader and an aesthetic writer and listening to stories this way lets me see clearly what may work or not work on the page with my own writing. Furthermore, I'm able to read 80% more than I would otherwise. Not too shabby.

If for no other reason, read-running keeps my brain active on something other than wondering what the hell I’m doing running up Balch Creek at 6:30AM with a sore shin.