How to Get Ready for a Readathon
While you’d never catch me suiting up for an actual marathon, I’m always ready to participate in the book version: the readathon. And part of the fun of readathons, in my opinion, is the preparation process. To keep in shape, I exercise my reading skills in the weeks and months between readathons, and as the readathon approaches, I start thinking about and planning for the event itself. This makes me so happy! And let’s face it, we all need some things to look forward to these days. In fact, even in the best of times, psychology has found that we do indeed enjoy anticipation and that it actually contributes to our overall well-being.
Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon — the first one I discovered and started participating in quite a few years ago — is one of my favorites, and it begins at 8 AM this Saturday. The goal is to read as much as possible for 24 hours, and readers around the world use social media to document what they’re reading. If you take a look at #readathon on Twitter and Instagram, you’ll see that I’m not the only one who enjoys the preparation process, and readers often will post preparation tips as well as photos of their book stacks. From gleaning tips from other readers over the years, as well as participating in many readathons myself, here are some of the things I’ve found helpful for preparation.
Sign Up
First things first, sign up for the readathon and pick where you want to post your updates on social media. Of course, you don’t have to sign up in order to participate, but it’s fun, because then you can follow other readers and maybe even make some new virtual bookish friends!
Make Your Book Stack
I usually start with the stack of books I’m currently reading, then add to it by selecting some things from my TBR list. Browsing your local library can be a fun way to find books (or Overdrive or Libby, for eBooks) — I’ve found so many great books this way that weren’t even on my TBR list! But since my library is very small, I also order some interlibrary loan books a week or two out, to make sure they arrive on time (or I might even buy a new book, if I’m feeling wild). I may also pick a few things from my shelf of books I’ve purchased but haven’t yet read. I like to include a variety of genres so I can read what I’m in the mood for and switch off between types of books when I get fatigued with one.
If you’re not sure what to read, ask your bookish friends for recommendations or try a reading challenge, like Dewey’s readathon bingo. You can also check out the readathon hashtag to see what other people are reading for the marathon. Additionally, I like reading book recommendations and reviews from places like Book Riot, Read it Forward, and The New York Times Book Review. And read what you want. What you enjoy! If you feel like you should read War and Peace, but you don’t really want to, pick something else! I also include some short books that I can easily finish, which makes me feel good about my progress. But speaking of progress, this leads me to another tip . . .
Don’t Pressure Yourself!
Keep in mind, first and foremost, that this is supposed to be fun! Don’t set unrealistic goals or push yourself too hard. If you get tired, take a nap! It you feel restless, walk the dog or do some yoga. In fact, breaks are essential in order to keep up your stamina. You can even plan for breaks by making a list ahead of time. On my list of break ideas: mowing the lawn, taking a bath, and watching a couple of Netflix shows. And don’t forget to eat!
Select Your Snacks
Speaking of eating, the planning and preparation of snacks is one of the great joys of the readathon, and participants often post pictures of their snacks throughout the day. I usually try to make at least some snacks and meals ahead of time so that I don’t have to spend time doing so on readathon day. I love appetizers and snack food, so I’ll often eat these in instead of actual meals. My list this time includes deviled eggs, bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, white cheddar apple crackers with honeyed walnuts, Chex Mix, nuts and dried cranberries, and brownies. A basket of already-prepared snacks from the grocery store, and take-out/delivery food are great options, too. Or if you like cooking, use that for one of your breaks.
A Worthy Wardrobe
I find that wearing the comfiest, snuggliest clothing possible enhances my readathon experience. Since the weather is chilly here in the Midwest now, for me this means a sweater, wool socks, and slippers. Maybe you prefer to stay in your PJ’s, or maybe, like Machiavelli, you like to dress up — to put on the “robes of court and palace” to “enter the antique courts of the ancients.”
Minimize Distractions
Since readathons usually post their dates far ahead of time, I get the event on my calendar early and try my best not to schedule anything else on that day. I also try to move chores and other things on my to-do list to a different day, and make sure my kids have something to do (sometimes this means they’ll spend a few hours reading with me!). But again, in the interest of not pressuring yourself, if something comes up you have to attend to, don’t beat yourself up about it!
Social media can be a big distraction for me on readathon days, since I sometimes end up scrolling for long periods of time to see what other people are reading. I do try to cut back on that, but it’s also part of the fun because it makes me feel a part of a large and global reading community!
Set the Stage
I like to make sure my reading spot(s) is as cozy as possible. This doesn’t mean I have to have an Instagram-worthy reading nook, but I like to set up my space with as many cozy items as possible: blankets and pillows, scented candles, relaxing music, string lights, and a fake Netflix fireplace (because I don’t have a real one). I also can’t relax unless my house is clean, so guess what I’ll be doing Friday night?!
I’m sure I’ve missed plenty, so what tips and tricks do you have for readathon preparation? Post them in the comments here!
