Running with audiobooks (Read 7325 times)

When it comes to audiobooks, it's almost less about the author and more about the reader. Do you remember that "Risk Management" episode of Seinfeld? Some of them are like this. (side note, I guess I'm the only person on earth who pretty much hated Naked. Me Talk Pretty was awesome, but I really didn't dig Naked)

I have been into the running podcasts lately. 4feetrunning is a great way to pass the time on the dreadmill (nik and dan are a hoot). But I can't wait for it to warm up so I can get outside - will probably ditch the ipod for the runs outside at that time (I want to hear birds - I want to hear kids laughing - I want to feel the sun on my face! Will spring just hurry up and get here please!!!). Haven't made the jump to an audiobook.

i did this exactly one time -- I was in the middle of the last Harry Potter book with the kids, and couldn't wait for the end. It made a 2 hour run go by pleasantly, but it was hard to keep my speed up because I was too focussed on the book.

To me that's a GOOD thing. I run to music or with friends for most runs and those tend to be a bit faster. I like my long runs to be easy, which spoken word stuff seems to encourage. SRL, I think you're right about the narrator. I'm thrilled that David and his sister, Amy, are the narrators of his books and Chelsea Handler narrates her book--she's an absolute scream. I couldn't imagine someone else reading her words.

I tried once (Tuesdays with Morrie) Had to go get the book because I kept zoning out on the runs.

I've listened to podcasts and audiobooks on runs in the past. I don't listen much anymore because I'm often running the streets and I want to listen for cars, plus the road noise drowns out the speaker. Only if it's a longer run on the beach path do I occasinally listen as it can make the run go by faster.

My library is an invaluable resource for getting audiobooks. I can order them online at no cost . Free is good!

Yep, that's where I'm getting mine. With the inter-library loan program I can get nearly any audiobook available. Very nice. They aren't cheap to buy.

Audible.com is not a bad way to go. $15 a month gets you 1 credit, which is good for nearly every book in their extensive library (occasionally, really big new titles will be 2 credits). Plenty of books are individually priced higher than $15, so being a member works out to a pretty good deal. So I'm a big fan of Audible. The great thing about getting audiobooks in a true audiobook format (as opposed to ripping them from CDs) is that they come as 1 file (or maybe 2~3 for really long books). The one file has chapters in it, and audiobooks have the option of being played back at slightly faster speed, which is great. (I know of a few Applescript hacks that allow you to convert regular MP3 files to AB format). MTA: Current deal if you sign up for the $14.95/mo plan is you get the first 3 months @ $7.95/mo