Have you ever looked at your never-ending TBR (to-be-read) pile and thought, “There’s no way I’ll ever get through all these books?” Yeah, me too. Whether you’re a casual reader trying to finish that one novel you’ve had on your nightstand for months or a bookish overachiever trying to crush your yearly Goodreads challenge, there’s a simple, low-pressure tool that might help you read more, without turning reading into a chore.
Enter: reading sprints.
If you’ve never heard of reading sprints, or you’ve seen the term floating around Bookstagram, BookTok, or BookTube and weren’t quite sure what it meant, this post is for you! Let’s break down what reading sprints are, how they work, why they’re surprisingly effective, and how to try them yourself (even if you’re not in a group or community).
So, What Are Reading Sprints?
At their core, reading sprints are short, timed reading sessions where you read as much as you can during a specific window of time, usually 15 to 30 minutes. Once the timer starts, you put away distractions (yes, that includes scrolling TikTok), and just read. When the timer goes off, you can take a short break before deciding whether to go again.
Think of it as the bookish version of a workout sprint, except instead of running laps, you’re flipping pages.
Reading sprints can be:
- Solo: Just you and a timer.
- With friends: Either virtually or in person.
- Online with a community: Many YouTubers or Twitch streamers host live reading sprints you can join in real time or watch later.
Why Do Reading Sprints Work So Well?
Now that you know what they are, you might be wondering: Do they actually work? And the answer is: Yes! Like, really well. Here’s why:
1. They Give You Focused Time to Read
In today’s world of endless notifications, it’s easy to let a whole day go by without opening a book. Reading sprints carve out intentional space in your day to focus on reading. Setting a timer helps you stay committed to that window of time, like a mini reading appointment with yourself.
2. They Help You Read More in Less Time
You’d be surprised how much you can read in just 20 minutes when you’re not distracted. Without checking your phone or pausing to get a snack, you might breeze through a few chapters or a good chunk of that slow middle section.
3. They’re Low-Pressure & Customizable
Unlike readathons or reading challenges, sprints are flexible. You don’t need to read for hours, and there’s no competition. It’s just a gentle push to keep turning pages. Whether you read for 10 minutes or do back-to-back sprints for two hours, it all counts.
4. They Create Momentum
The more you sprint, the easier it gets to slip into that magical reading flow state. That feeling of “just one more chapter” can carry you past reading slumps or help you build a more consistent reading habit.
5. They’re Surprisingly Fun with a Group
There’s something really motivating about reading alongside others, even virtually. Whether you’re texting a friend after a sprint or chatting in a livestream, sharing your progress and cheering each other on brings a cozy, book club energy to the experience.
Where Did Reading Sprints Come From?
Reading sprints have been around for a while, but really grew in popularity thanks to the online bookish community. BookTubers and BookTok creators often host reading sprint sessions during live reading marathons or “read with me” events.
They’re especially popular during readathons like the Reading Rush, Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon, or month-long challenges like BookopolyAthon or Bookmas. But you don’t need an official event to start using them—they’ve become a regular part of many readers’ weekly routines.
How to Do Reading Sprints (Even If You’re a Beginner)
You don’t need any fancy setup or even other people to get started. Here’s how to try reading sprints for yourself:
1. Set a Timer
Decide how long you want to read. Common sprint lengths:
- 15 minutes (great for beginners or busy days)
- 20–25 minutes (just right for focus)
- 30 minutes (perfect for deeper immersion)
Use a phone timer, a Pomodoro timer, or websites/apps like Forest or Pomofocus.
2. Pick Your Book & Set the Mood
Choose your current read or grab a short story if you’re easing in. Make your space cozy—blanket, beverage, maybe a candle if you’re feeling aesthetic.
3. Eliminate Distractions
Put your phone on Do Not Disturb (or airplane mode), close out tabs, and let others know you’re off the grid for a bit. This is YOU time.
4. Start the Sprint!
Hit start on your timer and read until it goes off. Don’t worry about speed—just focus on being present with the book.
5. Take a Break
When the timer ends, stretch, refill your drink, maybe check in with a friend, or jot down a quick thought about what you read. Then decide if you want to do another sprint.
Bonus: Join Virtual Sprints for Extra Motivation
If you’re more social or love the vibe of reading with others, try joining live sprints online. Some great options:
- YouTube Live Reading Sprints: Many BookTubers host live reading hangouts with built-in sprint timers and cozy chat.
- Twitch: Yes, there are bookish Twitch streamers! Try searching “reading sprints” or “Study With Me.”
- Instagram or Discord: Bookish communities often organize spontaneous sprints in stories or chat threads.
- TikTok or Facebook Lives: Search for #readwithme or #readingsprints for creators going live.
It’s surprisingly motivating to know people all over the world are reading at the same time as you!
Tips to Make the Most of Your Reading Sprints
If you’re ready to give it a go, here are a few extra tips to make your sprints even more enjoyable:
✨ Set a Mini Goal
Tell yourself, “I’m going to try and finish this chapter” or “Let’s see how many pages I can get through.” Goals give your brain a target without pressure.
✨ Keep a Reading Journal Nearby
After each sprint, jot down a quick reaction, favorite quote, or thought about the characters. It’s a nice way to reflect and makes your reading experience more memorable.
✨ Don’t Compare Yourself
Everyone reads at different speeds, and that’s totally okay. Whether you read 5 pages or 50, you’re still making progress.
✨ Make it a Ritual
Add reading sprints to your weekly routine. Maybe a 20-minute sprint with coffee in the morning, or a cozy sprint before bed. Make it a treat, not a task.
Final Thoughts: Sprint Your Way Through That TBR
Reading sprints are a simple yet powerful way to fit more reading into your life, especially when time is short and distractions abound. Whether you’re sprinting solo, joining an online community, or even hosting a bookish date with a friend, they offer structure and flexibility in one tidy little package.
So the next time you’re stuck in a reading slump, overwhelmed by your TBR, or just want to reconnect with the joy of reading, set a timer and give a sprint a try. You might be surprised how effective, and addictive, it is.
📚💨 Ready, set, read!
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