Does anyone else walk and read at the same time, or am I the only freak?

[Amber Cross]

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?

[Shan]

I'll often walk off the subway while reading a book because my stop has come and I'm not at a point in my book that I can just stop. I'm sure I annoy people (though I try not to do it at rush hour.) I used to read books while walking home from university.

I can't do it so much anymore because I often have a stroller to push or child's hand to hold. It is hard to do and I find that I often don't take in as much so kudos to you for being able to do it often. It is a great conversation starter and I hope it's inspiring more people to pick up a book!

Shan
http://goodbooksandacupoftea.blogspot.com

[Enbrethiliel]

+JMJ+

I used to do it a lot in school, because I knew the corridors, stairways and pavements on campus really well, but I haven't done it in years!

People used to say of girls who graduated from my school, "They can walk and eat at the same time," because of all the extracurricular activities that kept many of us hopping from place to place during recess and lunch. And indeed, I can balance a plate on one hand, and eat a full meal with only a fork in my other hand, while walking! (I mentioned this to an older alumna, and she quipped, "I can put on makeup while driving." LOL!)

[Dawn Davis]

Honey, you are in good company. I read while I cook, take a bath, wait at a red light, wait in the carpool lane. I'd even read during sex if my hubby would allow it :D.

[Amanda Markham]

Love it, Dawn! I would do the same, but my hubby would be likewise unimpressed.

Unless it was a sexy book, of course!

[The Girl from the Ghetto]

I tried to walk once on the treadmill while reading, and it was a disaster. I don't know how you do girl!

[Ivan Oel Anyayahan]

Probably I'll try that inside the house, but outside, that would be dangerous. XD

[Miss Giggles]

I've definitely done it. But I try to put the book behind my back when I'm crossing streets so that I know I'm looking for cars.

[Amber Cross]

Hi Miss Giggles,

Yes, crossing roads can pose a problem. I've more often than not seen many a driver looking at me anxiously as I approach a corner with my head in a book. I make sure I take care at intersections....though I love reading...it's not worth dying for!!


Amber Cross
Ambire Secondhand Books
http://www.readinghabit.com.au
http://feedyourreadinghabit.blogspot.com

[Maria Hesh]

I wouldn't call you a freak, ever. I've seen this just a handful of times and my question is, how on earth do you do it? I know I would trip on something. I'm glad you take the questions. While I haven't seen the walker/reader in a while, when I did (last summer) I always wanted to ask her how she could do the two things together but never had the nerve.

I say, a woman's gotta read!

[Amber Cross]

Hey Maria,

Don't know how I manage it. Maybe I just have good proprioception??? You should give chatting to the walker/reader a go. After all, if they are doing this activity, then they are probably a real book nerd, so they will more than likely welcome the chat. You might even make a friend in the process!!

Amber Cross
Ambire Secondhand Books
http://www.readinghabit.com.au
http://feedyourreadinghabit.blogspot.com

[Mary Salvato]

I have to admit I laugh at people I see doing this activity! But hey, I'll give you credit for multitasking.

[Barbara Rockwell]

I've tried this and it only works if I walk reeeeally slowly. So I gave it up. But good for you!