Reader's Fave

I recently interviewed Audrey Petterson at her home in Skamokawa for our 26th installment of Reader's Fave, a casual interview with someone who shares their favorite book.

Audrey shared with me "Chi Marathon" by Danny Dreyer, a book where Dreyer shares how one can run naturally and pain-free during training and for long races.

If you don't know Audrey, one thing to know is she is a runner and has enjoyed this form of exercise for many years. "I've been running since I was 11 or 12 years old, but it wasn't until I was around 35 years old did I start having issues with my knees," Audrey said. "I just ran back then. I wasn't into form at the time."

It was around 2011 when she first read "Chi Running," also by Dreyer. In 2015, Audrey read "Chi Marathon." The author's core message is how to run properly. Audrey said, "You want to run with a straight, firm core and allow your legs and arms to be loose while falling forward as you move instead of pounding down on the ground as you run." Audrey claimed she found this information "instrumental," as it enabled her to re-frame her running form and enjoy running "pain free" once again.

Audrey also mentioned how the book, specifically the tai chi in it, recognizes we are finite beings. "It's about finity," she said. "We are finite as humans. We age with limitations, so I do this while I can. I recognize it's an incredible privilege to be able to run, to be healthy."

While Audrey greatly values this book, she also has other running books. "I have a bunch of running books," she said. "Not all the best written, but good info. I know next to nothing about tai chi. I just like how the author related different stories. It's just a well explained 'how-to' book. I'll tolerate a different tone for a how-to book. I'll give the author some leeway."

As a result, Audrey has now completed 62 marathons, a fact that was confirmed by her husband Andrew, who was doing some house cleaning close by. What is foundationally key for Audrey is that she can simply train and run races as she wants for her own needs. "I've been healthy through it all, and I do it for joy," she said. "For my mental wellness."

When Audrey goes for a run, she doesn't do any ear buds or headphones. "I like that to be a singular activity," she said, though admitting she'll do some audio listening in the right situation. "I love audio for long car rides," she said. "When I read, I prefer a hard-copy book, not a screen."

As a child, Audrey came to love reading right from the start. "I think I was born to read," she said. "I was potty-trained with reading." When she was a bit older, she continued as a reader. "I remember going to VBS (Vacation Bible School) and hearing the story being read, and I would 'read' to my brother the story when I got home," she said. "I learned to read in K-grade. It was super-empowering. Reading was my thing. I'd sit in a corner reading when other kids were playing."

As an English teacher, Audrey now often finds reading for herself to be challenging. "It's ironic," she said. "As a teacher, I just don't have the time sometimes." However, Audrey has found the library to be a great help for her. "The library has re-invigorated me," she said. "I walk in and think, 'Oh, there's that! And that,' and I don't have to own the book. I love reading memoirs, but I read everything. Fiction, literature, non-fiction. The library is such a community wealth, it's super-great."

Audrey keeps track of each of the books she has read. She even brought out a personal booklet where she keeps an account of each one. "I actually know this because I write them all down," she said as she flipped through the pages. "It's 19 now, and I'm halfway through the year. That's the difference the library has made for me."

May you wonderful Wahkiakum readers find a book that further helps you in whatever it is that gives you joy in your life.