Velocity (Dean Koontz style)

Glide · 08-15-2005, 10:49 AM

I am not a reader. I have read maybe a dozen books in my life. I have kids/hobbies/no time to read. I also have something in my dna that makes my eyelids get really heavy after a couple of pages.

An article in runner's world this month is all about putting audiobooks on your mp3 player while you run. Last night I was thumbing through that magazine again and decided to go to blockbuster and rent one to try it out. I got Velocity by Dean Koontz. I obviously haven't read anything by him, but I have seen his books and heard his name - the back summary sounded cool - so I tried it. I only put one of the 8 cd's on my mp3 player - just to try it out in the morning. I don't have an iPod - just a 512mb rio - so I wanted to leave some music on there in case i didn't like it.

5:30 this morning I started on my bike (I know about the dangers of riding while listening - but honestly - I ride down by the river - no traffic at 5:30 am) It was really really cool. After my ride I started my run and my music came on - NO, I wanted chapter 7 - forget this music stuff... but I was out. I had to run to the same old music I have been listening to for a while. Needless to say - I loved it.

6 Chapters took about an hour - my ride was so fun this morning - and I can't wait to go tomorrow. I can't wait to hear what happens next.

Any other book listeners out there? Give me some ideas. I am going to go to the library and check out what they have there. I really need some better earphones. I have tried a couple different pairs - but either the cord isn't long enough - or they short out due to sweat - any help there?

If you haven't tried it - I am a complete newbie - but I loved it this morning. My morning workout sessions ride/run - were starting to get boring to me - but now I have another reason to get out of bed. I was tired of the same music over and over again too.

Anyway - if you haven't tried it - give it a shot. If you are a audio-book pro - give me some ideas.

-peace be with you

ODB · 08-15-2005, 10:59 AM

I use some of the sony sports ones (yellow with no cushion). They go over the head but still fit under my bike helmet. I don't like the ones that just clip on your ears.

That's a good idea. Might try some Tom Clancy. I know Erika (JP's wife) used to download books all the time. That's what she did during the day when she worked for me. Damn employees!

UpNorth · 08-15-2005, 11:56 AM

I always listen to audio books when I work out, mow the lawn or other yard work, and of course I take them on long trips. I love it. I usually go to my local library, check one out, rip it to MP3 and I'm good to go. Some of my favorites have been:

- Confessions of a Dangerous Mind by Chuck Barris
- The Gunsligner by Stephen King
- Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen

Audio books can also be a good opportunity to sample some of those classics you were supposed to read in college as well as some business books (which can be murder to read).

Next on my list is Fabric of the Cosmos by Brian Greene (should smarten me up a bit). Right now I'm listening to the Simerillion by JRR Tolkien.