Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Play it Again, Sam


OK, so we’re now just over 5 weeks to the starting line.  This week, Coach Mike gave me very specific instructions to do back-to-back runs of 8 km the first day and 21 km (a ½ marathon) the second day.  The goal is to continue to build my endurance without taking on runs that are much more than 2.5 hours, so we split the full distance of 29 kms out.  I felt really strong on both runs, although it absolutely poured rain through the full 21 kms and I was soaked, with my clothes sticking to me and rain dripping off my baseball cap.  Eric met me a few times with towels, a dry shirt, and to see if I was holding up in the rain.  Then, at about kilometre 12, my friend Rosa drove by on her way home from work and starting cheering like crazy for me from her car...how can you not feel motivated with that kind of support?  I’m even getting to the point where after a half marathon, I’ve stopped curling up in a moaning ball of wimpy and am smiling at the end of my runs.  Here’s the proof (me after 21 k in the rain yesterday):




So, for this week’s blog, I wanted to share the Run Strong soundtrack with you.  I was raised in a home where music was (and is) a fundamental part of our daily living, so it makes sense that I draw incredible comfort and motivation from having music with me while out taking on the kilometres.  My playlist is ever-evolving, but there are a few constants that every time I hear them, make me run a bit faster, feel a bit stronger and sometimes even move me to let it all out and sing out loud.  I wanted to share with you little snippits of each of them (and then need your help to find new material), so here they are:

1. Who I Am (Rosemary’s Granddaughter) (Jessica Andrews) – This song has come to have special meaning on this particular training journey because, beyond figuring out how to endure the long distances, I’ve figured out a lot about what I stand for, who I am, and who I aspire to be...and I’ve found complete peace with my imperfections.  If you change the name of the grandma in this song, it describes how I feel every time I’m out training.



2. The Rising (Bruce Springsteen) – Who doesn’t get jazzed about listening to The Boss?!  I see so much of anti-violence work as a rising and emergence, and Bruce reminds me of it on every run. :0)




3. Fire it Up (Johnny Reid) – OK, truth is I could listen to anything Johnny Reid sings and run faster.  I mentioned in an earlier post that I start every run with his song, “Today I’m Going to Try and Change the World”.  This one has a bit more fire in it and every time he says “Fire it Up”, I have a compulsion to throw my hands in the air and yell, “Sing it Johnny!”.




4. Invincible (Hedley) – If I could pick a word to describe how I feel every time I conquer a distance that I didn’t think I could do, “invincible” would be it.  If I could describe how I would love for the courageous women working towards violence free lives to feel, “invincible” would be it.



5. Good Life (One Republic) - Because it is a good, good life.



Burning Heart (Survivor) – This one is a no-brainer.  Really, how can anyone hear this song and not picture Rocky pulling a horse cart through the mountains of Russia or doing chin-ups in his electricity-less cabin.  And how can anyone who pictures that not want to go for a run?



So, these are a few of my top picks, but my runs are getting longer and I need help filling the time with some inspiring new music.  Would love for you to comment below with some recommendations that will keep my heart pumping and feet moving.  Thanks for your suggestions and, as always, thanks for running with me!!!

(I’m going to end with a tune that I still listen to on my runs (even though it’s not Christmas) and include once again the video I made when I started this journey last year in the hopes that it will be a reminder of why I am running.  My favourite lyrics: ."Go now, go now and shine on.  We'll remember you, remember when you're gone.  I know you'll find peace in that silent night.  You ran the good race.  You fought the good fight."  Please consider a donation in support of Interim Place.  Thank you!!)




Please consider supporting Interim Place with a donation through Run Strong.  100% of proceeds will go to Interim Place's programs and services for women fleeing violence and their children.  You can make a donation by clicking on the button below or email me at corrie@run-strong.ca if you'd like to donate offline. Thanks for your support!! 

11 comments:

  1. I hope this isn't too sappy, but amid all the fist pumping I also love running to this: I Run for Life
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgiwrvEX8wY

    Love you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, and only for you . . . I'll admit my dirty little running song secret:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zebJzF-oW34

    I am never going to live this down.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Best. Sister. Ever. Thanks for putting it all out there...I had no idea. :0)

      Delete
  3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTIZT79gfO4&feature=fvsr

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS7tFKNlyXc

    Hi Corrie, For a very short few months I tried to be a runner. Loved running to these oldies..KonKan and New Order.
    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Michelle...love these suggestions!

      Delete
  4. Okay, well, you and I have VERY different musical tastes and I imagine that we are inspired by different beats and messages (Marlo will attest to the "I WON'T BE IGNOOOORRRRED!!" aspect of my musical motivation.) But here are some songs from my taste that I think might overlap with yours...
    Natasha Beddingfield's Neon Lights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcxmkNEtS7I

    Coldplay's Viva La Vida (because I think the pace is probably good for running and the "ooh-oh-oooh!" parts are fun to sing when exercising) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bJMxhvVf0o

    Not really a "running song" (or maybe it is... what do I know about running?) but I love the message and I love singing along to it and I love Tom Petty - I Won't Back Down: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLTYMN8iD00

    (and this one doesn't really suit your tastes but I feel it's a "power through" song and the message of being strong is loud and clear) Bif Naked's I Love Myself Today: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdpJh_zc6k8

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jo. I'm all about new adventures now, so I'll give this "Naked" fella you speak of a listen. ;0) Thanks again!!

      Delete
  5. Hey Corrie,

    You have a great list, I am going to steel a few of these and add them to my play list. Here are two of my favourites:

    It's Your Life by Francesca Battistelli

    Run The World (Girls) by Beyonce

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, I had never heard the Francesca Battistelli song before...I love it!!! Thanks for the great suggestions!

      Delete
  6. Replies
    1. Hahahahaha....HAHAHAHAHA...I know. :0)

      Delete