RUNNING FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS

The benefits of running together. There are so many benefits beyond the actual running that have blossomed from our running friendship. And some that become a rhythm underlying those many miles. Here is one I wanted to highlight and also, with my ever not-so-hidden agenda, use as an interactive blog warm up exercise for my southern sole sisters.

So the Sadie before career and kids, loved, loved, loved to read for pleasure. When I was younger, my parents could not tear me away from a book. I would stay up all night to devour the words on the page. Fast forward to the college and grad school years, reading was focused for academics and then into career, reading for my profession. Professional trade publications, leadership and healthcare focused books, magazines for which, I had to discipline myself to consume. Not the same joy as before. Then came my lovely twins and age appropriate reading books, took over the other possible reading opportunities. (The Monster at the End of the Book and Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus-on my top five list). I would think I might consume a novel or two when I was on vacation but anyone with small children knows that is challenging unless there is someone else to keep them from running into ocean or pool and not drowning. I just put this interest of “myself on a shelf” (sorry could not resist) and thought I will pick it up again when my kids hit college and/or I retire. Fast forward to running with my southern sole sisters, different topics bubble up with different combinations of us but I have run a long side or behind certain duos and trios and listened (okay, at first ignored) with interest as they tossed around what they were reading and gathering ideas from each other. This book club has worked its magic on me, sucked me in and reminded me of my reading passion…so much so that on occasion, I have found time to read again. Just hearing about how much they loved a book or could not put it down or cannot wait to see the movie of a certain book…I had to grab that surf board and catch that wave. I still cannot read as much as I like an as some of my sisters but I love their knowledge and passion about books. Whether they know it or not, they are inspiring our group to keep our brains as fresh as our endurance and physical health.

I asked a few of these reading inclined sole sisters, Scarlett, Bea & Zelda, to give me their top 5 reads of 2014 and here are their lists. 

SCARLETT  

“I listed my top reads that I have read over the past 2 years or so and not necessarily just from 2014.” 

·         The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt   Couldn't put it down and read it while we drove cross country.  It was a great distraction while my kids fought in the backseat.

·         Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum was an engaging WWII story.

·         In Cold Blood by Truman Capote I realize this is classic, and I have had it on the shelf for a long time. Excellent writing, I can see why Truman Capote was such a famous writer

·         Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann Takes place in NYC. There are several different stories that take place at the same time, and all cumulate at the end.  Brilliant.

·         Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson   Steve Jobs is the Einstein of our generation.  So interesting on the risks he took and the successes and failures that he had to overcome.

 

BEA

Best reads of 2014:

1.       Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

2.      Fault in Our Stars by John Green

3.      If I Stay by Gayle Forman 

4.      Where She Went by Gayle Forman

5.      Paper Towns by John Green

 

ZELDA

“Did see the book email. Been thinking on it. Though if People magazine doesn't count as a book, I am not certain I have read five books this year”

But Zelda did read five books (more) and here is her list:

1-3. The Divergent Series  by Veronica Roth (book 1 - Divergent; book 2 - Insurgent;
book 3 - Allegiant)

4. The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer

5. Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman

Come on the rest of you, I know you have your top 5 too. Frances? I expect to hear from you. Comment and list whether you agree with some of them on the list or post your own top 5.

So here is your warm up exercise. Think of it just like me working us up to three minute hill repeats. Wasn't that so much fun? J

 XO, Sadie