I had five miles on the agenda according to my half marathon training plan, so after eating a pear and sending off some emails, I headed outside to run around our neighborhood.
Though I’ve blogged about listening to a podcast on a run before, today I listened to my first audiobook!
I checked out the audiobook version of Tina Fey’s Bossypants from my local library and uploaded the first CD to my iPhone before today’s run.
Listening to Tina share her funny stories really took my mind off running. Her stories were quite entertaining and I found myself concentrating on her words rather than how many miles I had left to run.
One downside of listening to the audiobook while running is that my pace seemed to suffer. When I finished my run, I noticed that it took me a few minutes longer than usual to finish all five miles. Since I’m not training with a certain goal time in mind for January’s half marathon, that’s not really a big deal to me, but I didn’t finish the run with that “Wow! That was a great run!” feeling that seems to come with running at a somewhat faster pace.
Perhaps recognizing this will help me up my pace a little bit on Thursday’s run? I’m already looking forward to running with Tina again!
Breakfast
When I arrived home from my run, it was time for breakfast. I sprinkled fresh raspberries and walnuts on top of a bowl of cinnamon vanilla walnut overnight oats and loved all of the different textures and flavors.
I ate my overnight oats while typing up my morning book review blog post and loved every last bite. Mmm!
BIC Bands Giveaway Winner
The winner of yesterday’s BIC Bands giveaway is…
- Sara Kolpek: “What a great charity!!! I love that they help who ever is in need! I would love a pink sparkly headband to match my pink gym shoes! This would finally fix my bangs-in-face during yoga issue!”
Please email me at pbfingers@gmail.com and we’ll get your gift certificate to you ASAP.
Stay tuned for Day Two of Healthy Holidays Giveaway Week later this afternoon!
December Book Club
We’re already four days into December, so I think we better pick a book for the December PBF Book Club, huh?
For those of you who may be new around here, the PBF Book Club is an online book club that is open to anyone! We simply vote for a book to read from the three books listed below (taken from your suggestions on the PBF Facebook page) and on January 7, I will post my review along with discussion questions for book club participants to answer in the comments section of the post.
If you are a blogger and post a review of the selected book on your blog, you can email me a link to your review post (pbfingers@gmail.com) before January 7 and I will include a link to your post in the roundup of blogger book review links.
Please vote for the book you would like to read below. I will announce the winning book tomorrow morning.
- What Alice Forgot by Liane Mortarty
Alice Love is twenty-nine, crazy about her husband, and pregnant with her first child.
So imagine Alice’s surprise when she comes to on the floor of a gym (a gym! She HATES the gym) and is whisked off to the hospital where she discovers the honeymoon is truly over — she’s getting divorced, , she has three kids, and she’s actually 39 years old. Alice must reconstruct the events of a lost decade, and find out whether it’s possible to reconstruct her life at the same time. She has to figure out why her sister hardly talks to her, and how is it that she’s become one of those super skinny moms with really expensive clothes. Ultimately, Alice must discover whether forgetting is a blessing or a curse, and whether it’s possible to start over…
- The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
In the world of the near future, who will control women’s bodies?
Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are only valued if their ovaries are viable.
Offred can remember the days before, when she lived and made love with her husband Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now….
- Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Oct. 11th, 1943—A British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before it’s barely begun.
When “Verity” is arrested by the Gestapo, she’s sure she doesn’t stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, she’s living a spy’s worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution.
As she intricately weaves her confession, Verity uncovers her past, how she became friends with the pilot Maddie, and why she left Maddie in the wrecked fuselage of their plane. On each new scrap of paper, Verity battles for her life, confronting her views on courage and failure and her desperate hope to make it home. But will trading her secrets be enough to save her from the enemy?
[polldaddy poll=6742671]
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I LOVED her audiobook! I think it must be so much better to actually hear her read it, it was like listening to a monologue!
I’ve never listened to someone talk through audio, but I can see why it would slow you down! Though I have to admit, I think it’s pretty cool you’re being chill about your time because most people would be freaking out 😛 and the oats look so delicious! I can’t believe I haven’t had overnights in so long due to pregnancy~I think I’ll try it tomorrow maybe. 😀
I LOVED T. Fey’s Bossypants. She cracks me up… as in I was actually snorting with laughter at several points in this book. And I loved her insight into SNL, so cool getting that behind-the-scenes look.
What Alice Forgot sounds like a tear jerk-er! I think I will be reading that one even it it isn’t picked. 🙂
I loved loved loved her audio book! I listen to books on my runs everyday. This particular book had me in stitches and I probably looked like a crazy running around town laughing like a loon.
I listened to it with my mom who also died laughing at parts. Its a winner!
I love listening to things while doing cardio workouts!
That sounds like a funny audiobook 🙂 ANd I want to read all 3 books! hah
I only listen to audiobooks on my long runs, when I’m supposed to be going slower since I’ve also found it slows me down!
I agree that listening to an audio book compared to upbeat music while running can definitely affect pace!
I’ve been wanting to try your overnight oats recipe, which I just checked out from your link. My whole family LOVES oatmeal, but because my son catches the bus at 6:45 AM, we do a lot of instant. We also eat oatmeal as a snack. So my question for you is this…how long do overnight oats actually need to set. If I wanted them ready for an after school snack, when should I make them during the day?
I read Bossypants, but now I am wishing I had listened to her audio book. I loved the book, she is so funny and I really admire her! Definitely need more suggestions like these for long walks with my dog!
I’ve never listened to an audiobook before. I always contemplate doing so for work. Sometimes I find music too distracting and I’d rather listen to talking. I’ll have to try it sometime 🙂
I’ve never listened to an audio book… usually podcasts. I’m going to keep this one in mind when I start having to drive longer distances to school in the summer. I think Tina Fey is hilarious! Thanks!
OMG – I’m rooting hard for What Alice Forgot. I heard about it on Theodora’s site (www.losingweightinthecity.com) – best book I’ve read in a long time, great discussion points. Must read!!!
Oh, HOW did I miss Theodora’s post on this!!?? I loved this book as well, we read it for my book club, and I can’t wait for Julie to read it 🙂
Ellen DeGeneres has some great books! I loved “Seriously…I’m kidding” if you haven’t already read it!
Ohh, I’m so glad What Alice Forgot is winning! You guys are going to love it, and I’ll love re-reading it to discuss here!
AH this is the best idea! I am training for a half-marathon, too, and I find that one of my biggest problems with distance running is that I don’t know what to think about, so I constantly default to thinking about how much running sucks. I am going to try this!
PS I am not going to vote in the poll because I don’t think I will have a chance to read much this month, but The Handmaid’s Tale is amazing – you should read it even if it doesn’t get chosen!!
What Alice Forgot sounds amazing! I really hope that one wins. The Haindmaid’s Tale just sounds really, really strange.
I love Margaret Atwood and have been meaning to read The Handmaid’s Tale for the longest time. With that said though, What Alice Forgot sounds really good, too. I’d be happy with either!
I want to read all 3!! My mom said What Alice Forgot was really funny, she loved it! I love reading about the Holocaust though so I was torn for voting!
I watch morning TV in the gym when I do a long run on the treadmill…guilt free TV watching and you finish and feel like you could keep going…if only to keep watching TV!
I was sitting next to a lady on the train this morning that was reading Bossy Pants by Tina Fey and she was giggling to herself. I love those types of books. I was that way with Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang!
I was torn on voting though! I love Holocaust books but What Alice Forgot sounds like a great read too!!
Oh I love Chelsea handlers books. I listened to all of hers while running. I almost fell of the treadmill one day because I was laughing so hard at her.
As much as I loved The Handmaid’s Tale, and would love to read it again, “What Alice Forgot” sounds really interesting!
Bossy pants was hilarious. Love her books. Chelsea Handler’s are another favorite of mine, same with I hope they serve beer in hell. Laughing out loud the entire time. You definitely have to try those ones out. I read what Alice forgot, and it’s really good!
I have been wanting to read Bossypants for while now, but never thought to listen to it on audiobook! I think I would be nervous that I would get bored of running and just want to walk and listen though, but maybe ill try it!
I actually started reading the Handmaid’s Tale and never finished reading it. I may have to egt back into that book. But I am excited to read What Alice Forgot. Great picks this month!
I also listened to the audiobook version of Tina Fey’s book at the gym! I love that she’s reading it, it feels like she’s talking to you and it’s hilarious. I would find myself cracking up randomly, and it most definitely made workouts more enjoyable!
I’ve never tried running to an audio book, but that makes sense to me about your pace.. That would frustrate me!
The Handmaid’s Tale remains one of my favorite books of all time. Margaret Atwood is fantastic and I’ve always been a sucker for dystopic novels. I couldn’t put it down!
What Alice Forgot was such a lovely book! I read it a few months ago and it had me laughing and crying the entire time. I loved telling my co-workers about it and actually convinced several friends to read it as well- one of my favourites for sure. An easy read too, perfect for holidays snuggled up with coffee and blankets. I HIGHLY recommend it!
I read The Handmaid’s Tale my freshman year of high school and LOVED it! I’m not usually a dystopia fan, but that book is marvelous (in a scary way)!
Great idea. I think I’ll stop by my library later on this week. Treadmill winter running can get so monotonous. Books on tape it is… or iPod for that matter.
You really have to read the Outlander series! One of the best I’ve ever read.
DO NOT pick the handmaid’s tale… I read that book in Grade 12 english class and hated it. I found it very hard to get into and very intense. Not an easy read!
Don’t be so negative… just because you couldn’t get into a dystopic, somewhat dark novel at age 17 doesn’t mean others shouldn’t shy away from it. “Easy reads” don’t always make for the best book-club discussions!
Don’t be so negative… just because you couldn’t get into a dystopic, somewhat dark novel at age 17 doesn’t mean others shouldn shy away from it. “Easy reads” don’t always make for the best book-club discussions!
Yes, a step away from teen novels would be nice.
Handmaid’s Tale is a classic. Must-read novel.
Fascinating read, especially as a woman. The women characters are named according to their “commander”. Offred is literally “Of Fred”. Ofglen is “Of Glen”.
I have to agree that The Handmaid’s Tale should definitely be on everybody’s must-read list. The topics in it are so important and really remind us of the importance and joy of our freedom and of protecting it. And best of all it is incredibly gripping when you get into it – I’m hoping it takes the lead!
I need these! I am a half marathon runner also & would love o try them!
Great options! Glad to see they’re more than “fluffy” reads. I’d like to read Code Name: Verity. Fun Fact: verity means “truth” in French; nice play on words!
“Bossypants” was such a good book! I read it, and I bet the audiobook is awesome because Tina reads it–love her!
This begs the question how did you upload it to your iphone? Is there an app? I would love to check out audios from the library and would love to listen to a book!
A lot of libraries offer online downloads of audiobooks, which allows you to do it all from your home without having to go in and check out the audiobook (and then download the discs to your computer/phone). Much in the same way you can borrow e-books from libraries. In my experience, the process is much quicker! And you don’t have to worry about late fees as the “book” is returned online on you due date. (Well, that’s how it works at the libraries up here! :))
I would love to read What Alice Forgot…that is the book I’d choose! 🙂
I had a pear before my workout today also! Although I find bosc pears so juicy that I can’t bite into them without getting juice all over myself, so I slice them. I even had overnight oats for breakfast also! I made them with a twist: vegan with a surprise ingredient…check the recipe out on my blog!
What Alice forgot! That’s on my list!!
I read What Alice Forgot a few months ago. It is a great book, I couldn’t put it down!
Bossypants is one of my new favorite books….so funny!!
yes! Love it.
Ok so on the subject of books. I recently discovered a book that is absolutely everything I was looking for in terms of my lifestyle. Finally a woman who is speaking our language. It would be a great feature on your book club!!! Please let me know what you think!
http://www.amazon.com/Nutritional-Alignment%C2%AE-Living-Synergy-ebook/dp/B00AFG0H6G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1354290553&sr=8-2&keywords=Nutritional+alignment
What Alice Forgot has LITERALLY been sitting on my shelf for YEARS. Perfect excuse to finally read it! 😀
The Handmaid’s Tale and Bossypants are two of my favorite books!
I didn’t realize you could get audiobooks from the library! I think I might go look for this book or Ellen’s for some long runs!
I have never thought to listen to an audiobook while working out, but that is such a great idea!
As a librarian, this post made me smile on so many levels…another book club pick AND an audio download from the library!
Haha Tina Fey is such a hoot- I never thought about listening to audio books while running- hmm maybe that will motivate me TO run haha.
I love overnight oats! I had them yesterday and today! Yum!