4.03.2013

Reading and Walking

I have to read a lot for grad school, and sometimes my reading assignments stack up to the point that I have to spend hours and hours reading in a given day. Sometimes this can be hard to do, because the reading is occasionally not the most interesting material in the world, and if I read while sitting back in my chair or laying down, it’s easy to fall asleep. 

So recently, I have come upon what seems to be a great solution: I walk laps in the church auditorium while doing my reading. So far, I have noticed at least three benefits:
  • Since I’m walking while reading, it’s pretty difficult to fall asleep. Along the same lines, it’s easy for me to read for longer periods of time this way.
  • Spending my reading time in the auditorium rather than the office tends to minimize distractions (the temptation of having my computer nearby, phone interruptions, questions, etc.).
  • I get exercise while being at work!
The last point is perhaps more significant than I originally thought. Yesterday I had quite a bit of reading to do, and ended up walking 190 laps around the church auditorium. I also paced off the distance of one lap, and determined that it comes out to about 74 yards. When I did the math, I was surprised (but pleased) to discover that I had walked almost 8 miles!

I am excited about this and hope to make it a habit, at least for those times when I have a lot of reading to do (not all activities can be done well while walking laps). I need to start wearing better shoes to work though!

12 comments:

Angela Frederick 4/3/13, 1:46 PM  

Did you get this idea from your many laps of walking a fussy Kinsley around the house?

Anonymous 4/3/13, 2:37 PM  

Like Scrooge in the thinkatorium.

Unknown 4/3/13, 2:43 PM  

We will be leaving you a bill to replace the carpet that you are wearing out. Great idea. Sad to say but I read on long journeys. I have many audio books that I started listeming to when making long trips, but some still hard copies.

MrsDockery 4/3/13, 3:12 PM  

Note to self: don't caravan with Mike Raine on long road trips.
Luke - I've tried this in the past, but I run into too much stuff. I'm better on a treadmill.
Also, if my husband didn't leave the comment about Scrooge, I'm worried as to who else might be that into Duck Tales besides you two.

Luke Dockery 4/3/13, 3:36 PM  

Angela,

I don't know where the idea came from originally. I'll say this though—a lap with a book is much less exhausting than a lap with a fussy baby!

Luke Dockery 4/3/13, 3:37 PM  

Anonymous,

Much like that, except without the deep grooves in the floor (give me time though!).

Luke Dockery 4/3/13, 3:38 PM  

Mike,

I'm just trying to even out the spots that are already worn! I enjoy listening to audio books in the car—it always puts Caroline to sleep though.

Luke Dockery 4/3/13, 3:41 PM  

Mrs. D,

Regarding road trips with Mike: yikes!

I could probably do it on a treadmill as long as I was walking and not running. I've tried to do it while running but it's too jarring. I thought I would run into stuff as well, but it's not too bad. The walkways are pretty wide and my peripheral vision (usually) allows me to see obstacles like the communion table.

I thought that must've been Will with the Duck Tales comment…Bland is the only other person who ever references that wonderful show on my blog.

Justin and Heather Bland 4/3/13, 11:08 PM  

This pleases me immensely! 8 miles! well done! I am seriously impressed.

Also, I have always been impressed with your counting ability (ex. Net cars passed on your way to and from HU), but counting while reading, thats a whole new level!

There are LOADS more benefits to come if you keep it up! I am excited for you!


Luke Dockery 4/4/13, 2:57 PM  

Justin,

Unfortunately, I won't be able to get that much walking in every day, as I usually don't have quite that much reading to do—yesterday I only walked 45 laps.

As far as the counting thing goes…it's both a blessing and a curse. :)

Unknown 4/4/13, 4:54 PM  

I have my computer on a tall table and stand in front of it for hours to avoid prolonged sitting on a screaming sciatic nerve. You've inspired me to try to walk while I read. I'll let you know how it goes!

Luke Dockery 4/5/13, 8:34 AM  

Marion,

I had heard about standing desks before and how they were, health-wise, much preferable to sitting all day, and that's part of what inspired me to try this.

I do think it's important to try it on a treadmill or someplace where it is flat and their aren't a lot of obstacles (like a church auditorium). Otherwise you might end up bumping into a lot of things!

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