First Person Friday (giveaway post).

by

carla1505

To follow me on Twitter

could be a bad call.

My tweets as of late?

Not motivating at all!

My marathon training

is plodding along.

Im following my schedule

Im still going strong.

Enjoying the run?

This me not so much.

I struggle with boredom

motivation and such.

Ive yet to discover

the love of the run.

The endorphinRUSH

which makes the sport *fun.*

The kind of empowerment

that lifting does bring.

Feeling capable, strong

Like I could do ANYTHING.

Word on the street

is some TUNES I do need.

An ipod (or iphone?)

would help me INDEED.

Is that what Im missing?

Is that what I lack?

Will that cure my malaise?

Get my mojo back?

Or is all that I feel

of the process a part

as I journey to here

& the line that’s marked START!!

Here’s where you jump in

Oh readers I trust

Have even ONE tip

then SHARE IT you must.



Alas, Im being 100% authentic in my First Person Friday rhyme.

Im still training (and may have a little somethin’somethin’ up my lack of sleeves with regards to a national shout out so Im DEFINITELY not quitting)— but it’s more work than pleasure.

Was I crazy to think an iron-addict could find love in the run?

Is it music the piece Im missing in order to discover my running passion?

Whether you run or walk is it yer playlist which sets the pace & gets you through the rough patches?

PLEASE to hit this MizFit up in the comments.

OH.

Yes that’s right.

I promised you a treat.

Something I mightcould use once I get my gift of an mp3 player (*cough* hint hint Ren Man *cough*).

I give you these:

deos_crystalaccentpink1

In keeping with the color of October DEOS pink crystal accented aluminum earbud covers (please to click for a bigger pic).

You may be entered to win this splash of pink for the low low price of a tip-comment below.

THANK YOU.

USA only winner announced Monday.

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Comments

  2. I really enjoy running in a nice setting. Loud rock or punk or metal music that has a strong rhythm helps. Stick in ear pieces don’t work for my silly little earholes, I need the sort that clip around the ear!

    For long runs, jelly babies are a nice treat too, heh-heh!

  3. If I listen to music (which I do sometimes), I agree with FFM that punk or rock or metal is best due to the beat.

    My advice though is to just get out and run and concentrate on the beautiful motion of your body as you run, what is each muscle doing, where is each part of your body suring each stride. Marvel at your movement. Then as you progress revel in your improvement!

    Vary your routes, vary your sessions, vary your running company (alone time is nice too).

    I am sure you’ll grow to love, as do I!

    Now, how can you make me love the iron?

  4. Fun stuff! I can’t listen to music when I run outside. Issues with changing songs, ear buds falling out, etc drive me nuts! I would agree with Andrew- you just probably need some variety. Run in different locations, run with a buddy, some runs for speed vs. others for distance. Keep on pushing lady. And have a great halloween 🙂

  5. It is mosst definatley the playlist that keeps things going on rough days. But, I do have to admit my tv adict ways. This is why the gym is awesome. If I can get caught up in something (story, music, etc.), then and only then do I not count down the clock. I definately recommend some tunes that get you motivated and moving!
    GO MIZFIT GO!!!

  6. I’ve missed your rhymes, Miz (was this post a result of yesterdays show with Dr. Fitness & The Fat guy? :)).

    I am NOT a runner so I cant help you there but I never go walking without my tunes.

    GET AN iPHONE!!!!

  7. It’s funny to read this because I really like running and am not a fan of the weights.

    No need to enter me I just wanted to say I am stealing this:

    Feeling capable, strong

    Like I could do ANYTHING.

    For when I lift today.

    Helen

  9. Carla: You really must use music. I am not sure they are good in the long run (no pun intended), I meant in terms of hearing. Personally, couldn’t do it without music, but I think it is bad for my ears. But I tell myself that it is better to have clean arteries and no hearing than clogged arteries and good hearing ;). And I need the stress relief.

    I have been too busy at work to keep up here. But you must try Cardiocoach. I will see if I can find a link to a free workout.
    Anf of course, SonicTap tunes will help you too.

    Loved the rhyme, have to get to work, no need to enter.
    Have a HAPPY Halloween weekend.

  10. As a person who also likes to lift, I think music is nice but not completely necessary. It really depends on your mood. If you are not too motivated or want to pick up the pace, music is the way to go. But if you are really trying to enjoy the run and not drown it out, it’s better to do it without it. If you have to force yourself or distract yourself too much, then maybe you should ask why you are running in the first place?

    Sometimes going for an easy run and looking around to enjoy the scenery and all the sounds of the neighborhood or wherever you are, is even more inspiring than the music. Sometimes. Good luck 🙂

  11. I need my music for my workouts or I don’t do them.

    (I usually do the elliptical)

    The problem for me is that if I forget my tunes I skip the workout.

    Sad and true.

    Fun post!

  12. You definitely need music that give you the happy feet thing – Footloose comes to mind immediately.

    I can’t fathom how on earth you were running with NO music whatsoever.

    Loaded Ipod is an immediate need.

    I need the earbuds that wrap around the ear – not just stick in – and sometimes a sweat band helps them stay in place better.

  13. Honestly you might not ever love running, but tunes might help you get through your runs. Maybe a training group or running buddy would help too. If you get an iPhone don’t run with it, they aren’t really that durable, I say after dropping mine and paying $200 to get a new one because the screen cracked. Just get a nano, and check out podrunner podcasts, they’re an hour or so of continuous mix music.

  14. The only thing I love about exercising is how it makes me feel after I am done and how it keeps my mind clear otherwise I hate it!

    XoXoXo

    I <3 your honesty and you are always an inspiration!

  15. Wanna know a secret, Miz? The reason I love running is that after I’m done, I feel strongcapablelikeIcoulddoanything. When I lift? I don’t feel that. I don’t know if it’s that I help other people lift all the time, or if it’s that it’s the one thing that I’ve always done, or if it just bores me. But I have a hard time lifting, anymore.

    Running, on the other hand, I feel is something exceptional. Something I can do, and most people CAN do, but most people DON’T do. It’s exhilirating to know that *I* am out there doing it. But that feeling is strongest when I’m doing longer runs, like 10+ miles.

    As for music, I run to some punk (ska, actually), but very rarely to anything heavy or metal sounding. My primary concern when running is with the beat (88-98 BPM). Less Than Jake and Cake are favorites of mine, for running, but I’ve also been known to run to Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews Band, and Postal Service. On a long run, sometimes I listen to a whole musical (Nightmare Before Christmas is my favorite); having a story to follow makes the time go faster. If you’d like some more music suggestions, e-mail me. I’d be happy to pass along some of my playlists.

  17. I love this part:

    Or is all that I feel

    of the process a part

    as I journey to here

    & the line that’s marked START!!

    yes yes yes 🙂

  18. I hated running too. I still kind of do, but I’m also not training for a marathon!

    My music is SO important for running.

    There is a site called JogTunes.com where you can input your pace and it will give you a giant list of songs with that BPM to help pace yourself! AMAZING.

    However, since you’re training for a marathon and since iPods are generally not allowed at marathons, I would maybe train every other run with music? Use it to help you get where you need to be and then wean yourself off of it?

    JogTunes.com (GO!)

    Good luck!

  19. I’m not sure if I’m the right one to give any tip because I only do short runs(5K). One thing that helped me was to google running music. There are a lot of sites that have music with a certain cadence to it that will help you keep your pace.

    I alternate running/walking with music and with not. Sometimes I just enjoy the quiet of no kids. 🙂

  20. and I totally have playlist access through sonictap.com (*shout out to the Ren Man) I just don’t have an MP3 player (sad) and more than that wasn’t sure if the tunes would make the difference.

    It seems that they would 😉

    Thanks so much for your thoughts!

  21. Hi Miz, Oh.My.Gosh. Pink and sparkly?!?! I can’t think. What was the question?

    Oh yeah. Long time walker, recent runner. Also really love the weights. The first thing that came to mind was the line in your great poem ‘Feeling capable, strong
    Like I could do ANYTHING.’ When I can run, I am ‘feeling capable, strong Like I could GO ANYWHERE.’ I love Andrew’s description of concentrating on your body and what it is doing.

    Music–I have never used it! I do enjoy the countryside (sometimes I forget to look up and around though,) and sometimes it is fun to have the dogs along. But the main thing that I do, and that I love to do, is to work on memorizing large portions of Scripture. There is something about the repetitive motion of walking/running that helps with the repetition needed to memorize. I have found it to be very meaningful, and it has actually motivated me to go farther sometimes. I used to think about things that were bothering me, and I would go OVER and OVER them–in a repetitive cycle–it drove me nuts.

  22. Right there with ya, I still have yet to develop a love for running – not sure where they sell it but I wanna get me some of that! I do have to say though, I’m pretty sure I would hate running if I didn’t have something to listen to.

    Just the other day, I got an email from a reader who did her first ever 10K, never thought she would ever do something like that. Her husband recorded her children singing “We Are The Champion” and cheering and screaming “Go Mommy go! Maybe renman can hook you up for the big day?

  23. I may someday join you in that realm…but me for now will continue to strengthen myself. I seem to think definately some tunes in the ears would do you some good.
    When I walk I would never get rhough without being entertained by music or podcast…one I really love is This American Life…always informed and I learn something in the process.

  24. I used to use my mp3 for music that I could not listen to in front of the kids. My guilty pleasure was a long walk and Nine Inch Nails (there, now you know)!

    : )

  25. Podcasts are the way to go!

    Id like to recommend one:

    2 Fit Chicks and a Microphone

    😉

    Happy Halloween (early).

  26. LOL!! Love the Rippidy Rhythm! As for the running…..I MUST have my ipod!!! I make a playlist starting with slow music for my warm up…then HYPE HEART PUMPING MUSIC FOR THE RUN, Then I “Break It Down” again for the cool down!!! Oh….Did I mention that I sing the whole time?!? I pretend that I’m in a music video!!! GREAT FOR THE ABS!!! 😉 Go get em , Chica!!!

  27. um. boy. i wish i could give you some wonderment but i don’t really like running either. I’ve always had kind of a love hate with it. it does my body good, but i do get a little bored too. the ONLY thing that gets me through is music (or in a race — remember I’m a mid-packer– so picking people off keeps me occupied!) after i did the half this year, i decided i didn’t really like those long runs, that’s the only reason i tried triathloning. but now i want to do longer triathlons so alas, gotta do longer running. guess i gotta be one with it! doesn’t seem to be going away! hahahahaha! anyhoo, pretty much whatever is in the top 25 of ITunes is what I’m listening to right now, with a little Linkin Park because a little thrashing does me good.

  28. I listen to podcasts….like Two fit Chiks and a Microphone. You guys are finding your groove and are getting better and better. Loved the last one. I also like Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me. I listen to that one every Sunday morning.

    Thanks for all your sweet comments. I always feel honored when I know you have read what I have to say.

    Already have pink ear buds. Love ’em

  29. What about listening to books? You get all caught up in the story and forget you’re even running. Before you know it your run is over and you’re still engrossed in your book. Another idea – driving to a different location to do your run rather than the same route every time. Last idea, interval running. Go really fast, then slow down, repeat (aren’t intervals supposed to be really good for you?). OK, last, last idea. Stop running for a week. Do other intense cardio, but give it a rest. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, less is more, ‘an all that.

  30. When I was thin
    (and running was IN)
    I took to the shore
    outside my front door.
    I listened with glee
    to these songs, three:
    Rock me, Amadeus
    by Falco, the greatest.
    1984, an Orwellian
    tune
    by the Eurythmics, gone too soon.
    And last, but not least,
    The Edge of Seventeen,
    by Stevie Nicks,
    Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Fairy Queen!

  31. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEMEBBwO6J8

    why should I run?
    Why should I “fly”?
    Because it’s part of the solution
    that everyday I try

    Motivation I need
    A mantra I hear
    Metallica? ok
    It’s better than beer….

    In all seriousness…music makes anything easier for me,,,I have a mantra when I run and it’s from a Metallica song…”I’m judge and I’m jury and I’m executioner” When I run I need loud, strong music to distract me from anything else in the world, because EVERYTHING is a reason to stop. I also try to watch/listen to the youtube link everytime before I go running. It puts me in the right frame of mind. I know I can read enough to eventually solve any problem…but the running is my challenge…that little voice in my head…has surround sound speakers and a very powerful sound system…

  32. I get bored easily while running and use poor form when my mind wanders. For me I need music and/or podcasts to run to. I like a mixture of dance music of my favorite songs and top 40. What ever it is I like to put is on shuffle so I never know what’s coming next.

    I also like podcasts because it allows me to catch up on news or fun that I don’t normally have time for.

  33. I’m not a runner, and my knees and ankles say I never will be, but I’m walker, and have been for decades before finding the iron. I never thought strength training was interesting before I tried it–Instant Iron Addiction!

    As for music, I cannot stand the changes of beat–it puts me off anything rhythmic, like walking, or reps. This is why I have abandoned the gym, despite all its delightful machines, and my adored elliptical, which I can’t afford at home. Well, that and my increasing allergic reactions to cleaning products and other people’s scented detergents. I don’t need anything to get me to walk: it is my first love of all exercise.

    How.Ev.er.
    Podcasts are the only way to get through the boredom of the stationary bike, which I use in bad allergy weather. The rhythm of speech is irregular and doesn’t bother me. Of course, the bike being stationary, I can play them on my computer without needing an mp3 player and the annoyance of earbuds.

    Mary Anne in Kentucky

  34. Miz,
    I love the rhymes (always).
    And the tweets.
    The music does help…especially on certain days that are hard to get going…

  35. Although I really likes weights, running is my first love. When I first started running it was really a social thing. With 2 little girls, time to chat with friends was motivation enough. When we moved to Austin, I had no idea how I was going to run on my own! It was pretty boring by myself at first and then I got my first ipod. The music made so much difference. I now feel lost without my ipod! I know a lot of people say they like the peace and quiet and use that time to think – if I have stuff on my mind I can think even with my music. Also where you run makes a big difference. I find the treadmill really boring unless I am doing some kind of program where I am constantly changing speed or incline. I also don’t like just running along the streets. I am very lucky to live close enough to a trail I can run to. That makes a huge difference to me!

  36. My playlist is vital to my running! For me, one of the best running songs is Eminem’s Lose Yourself. It’s a slow, heavy beat (I’m a slow runner, so the slow fits me – fast runners run to it double time). I make sure it’s scattered through my playlist a couple of times because it always picks me up and gets me going.

    Even if I’m just running on the treadmill at the gym, I’ll put the tv on the treadmill on to closed-captioning so I can read the show, but have to have the music coming through my earbuds. Must have the beat to keep my feet going!

  37. I will be deaf when I’m old, but healthy. Music is imperative for me to go that extra little bit of burn!

  38. I have seriously reconsidered making a sprint tri my next goal because i don’t think you can wear headphones during the race. This is the honest truth–I don’t know that I COULD run without my music. It’s like air to me. It motivates me, pushes me further. Otherwise, my mind focuses on the pain and thinks about how I’d rather not be running. Get some motivating music, sistah. You’ll find that you start craving that run time then!

    Hope I win the buds. Mine are shot and those are cute!

  39. No need to enter me (no tips ;)) I wanted to say how fantastic you were yesterday on Dr Fitness/Fat Guy.

    You sounded so comfortable.

    Did you really not know what they were going to ask you or was that for show?

  40. MIZ, It’s ALL about the tunes!!!
    I love my ipod shuffle and the music is part of my running….my time kinda off thing.
    As to music selection I don’t think I’m like most who exercise/run to music………..I can run to Jack Johnson, Van morrison, black eyed peas, dave matthews, barbara streisand, gypsy kings……music selection depends on my mood.

    Marc

  41. have you tried going somewhere new for your run, in a park or on a trail? one of the reasons i love running is b/c i love being out in nature, so maybe a change of scenery would keep it interesting…

    i don’t listen to music anymore, I just enjoy where i am and that i’m able to be out there doing it!

  42. I’m not a full fledged runner yet but for me working out is about the music, something with a good up beat. Those pink ear buds would match my pink ipod perfectly and my current ear bud wire is held together with electrical tape lol.

  43. I can’t workout without my ipod! I get bored so easily I would quite after 5 minutes. But with the tunes, I can go forever. I have an assortment of music playlists to match whatever mood I am in that day. Hard rock, hip-hop and for my mellow days I even have some meditations that I listen to while working out.

  44. I actually listen to podcasts — I find I can lose myself in a “This American Life” or some such.

  45. I’ve only run with another person, not with any tunes…but then, I’ve only run for a mile at a time, lol! However, I worry about running while listening to tunes or a podcast – what if you can’t hear someone coming up on you who wants to cause you harm? Does that bother you, or am I just a scairdy-cat?

  46. Sadly, I have absolutely no tips for you. I avoid running unless chased by something large and angry, and I don’t own any sort of implement that will pipe music directly into my ears.

    So I’ll just wave “hello” to the Bumbling Band and bow out! 🙂

  47. PRETTY!

    What gets me through is to not think about the race itself. Take a break if needs be. Just go out and enjoy yourself and focus on completing your run, one run at a time.

    If I start worrying about time and if I FORCE myself to run, I stop enjoying it immediately.

    I also like running with people, running outdoors rather than indoors, and running when the weather is really crappy. Somehow I feel so much more accomplished if I go for a solid run when it’s raining, hehe.

  49. I know this sounds crazy, but I prefer running without music for the most part. Plus, I figure that most races prohibit the use of ipods (and it really bugs me that people just plain old ignore a rule that is there for a good reason!) I shouldn’t get too attached to the tunes 🙂

    Running outdoors is definitely necessary for me… and I love watching the sun rise on my run. This may not work for you if you’re not a “morning person” though – hubby doesn’t understand the beauty of a sunrise when it comes at 6:30am 😛

  50. Two things that is a must for me. First my tunes have to be upbeat, but not to fast or I’ll lose my pace. The other is my scenery, I have to have some kind of nature going on around me. Since I live on a lake, and in an area with lots of wildlife, it is really a treat to go for a run.

  51. MAN YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME.

    here’s the deal (or as I know it right now anyway. you know how things go….):

    Im being “featured” (if by FEATURED you mean it’s prolly a little snippet—-which I do) in FITNESS MAGAZINES Success Stories in January.

    About running my first marathon.

    so, you know, I needed these tips as I caint quit now.

  52. Friends. Pals. People. I find that short runs are fine on my own, but for any distance, having a pal or many pals with you is such a fantastic way to spend good quality run time! This life is about people – and running is such a good way to spend time with like minded healthy comrades.

  53. Confession here- my cute little mp3 player was in the pocket of my skirtsports when I threw them in the wash.

    Note to the world: mp3 players do not like water.

    I have an iTouch I can use for music but damn that thing is awkward to lug around the gym. Must go shopping for replacement player soon.

    For me the really important thing is to find songs with the right beat/minute. I have to want to keep my foot strikes in time with the music. So you might want to check out:

    So some tunes for your run: Born to Run- Bruce Springsteen. Don’t know the tempo – but in this case, the title is important, too.

    But for you some of the best hiphop -with that beat – might be the trick.

  54. And here I admit that lately I’ve been doing my cardio in the gym while catching up on episodes of Entourage on my iTouch. One show is about 25 minutes -giving me a perfect timing device and a way to keep me on the machine.

  56. You need motivation to be able to really “get into” running. Have a friend drop you off in the worst part of town you can find, then run back. That should get you in the spirit of the thing…

  57. Everyone covered my best tips:

    Run outside in a beautiful setting (I hate the dreadmill).

    Bring something to listen to — I prefer podcasts like 2 Fit Chicks and old Jillian Michaels reruns, or Speaking of Faith if I’m feeling spiritual.

    I also used to love it when I had a training partner who ran about my same pace, maybe a pinch faster. Talking when running is the best. Do you have a potential partner in crime in MizFitland?

  58. I recently visited Austin and thoroughly enjoyed my time running around the lake…are you close to the lake? Can you run there? The whole trail is 25 miles!

  59. I’m not a runner any more. but i do go walking and once this kid is born, i will start to train again for running. 🙂 For me I need 2 things for walking/running. I need a serene landscape. Traffic (cars and people) make me feel tense, so i prefer parks with less traffic. Luckily, i live right by the perfect spot for me. The more serene the happier and lighter I feel. The other thing I need, no matter the activity is music that makes me want to shake my groove thing. If the music doesn’t make me feel like dancing, I can’t get a good pace and just want to stop. I’ve tried looking up music to run/walk to that are built for those activites with beats to keep you moving and to be honest… They just don’t work for me… Because I need to want to dance and in doing so, that means the music must be making me happy. 🙂 Either way, Good luck on getting that MP3 player and good luck on finding you’re motivation. 🙂

  60. Hmmm…inspiring surroundings, good music music and time to get there. Once you’re at the “dear god I won’t die when I do this – I’m doing it- way cool!” stage, and you’re out somewhere pretty and the music kicks in to a favourite song….suddenly the groove comes on and it’s *good*.
    Honest 🙂

  61. I’m always such a non-follower. I don’t run. Not my passion, but I’m happy to root you on and anybody else.

    I also don’t play music when working out. Well, when I strength train I put on a cable music station. I have all my music loaded on my ‘puter. I play for inspiration while working. After that, I like some quiet.

    Yeah, I’m weird. I’m still nursing my arm. It started acting up again and I have no idea why. So, I’m not sure what to do about the strength training.

  62. My advice is slow down the pace to the point where you feel like you can run forever (for me, depending on the day, that’s about 10-11 minute miles), find a really nice route and make friends with the plants and houses and barky dogs and walking neighbors, and MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC. Get thee an ipod, a zune (what I have), whatever, just something to listen to. I had to learn how to run without anything for my half, and I made peace with it, but I totally prefer music or podcasts on my long slow runs.

    Don’t think of it as cardio, think of it as an experience! And yeah… some days it’s just get out, slog through the miles, and check them off. But some days it can be an enlightening experience!

    And I think I’m doing the same race as you, but the half version. 🙂

  63. Hmm…you know I LOVE the run. I wish I knew a way to make everyone love it right along with me 🙂

    I’m a no music, solo runner. Opposite of what a lot of people recommend if you struggle w/boredom. For me, though, running is my way to have time just with myself. I let my thoughts wander and I imagine and I figure things out and I just go. Before I know it, my run is over.

    It takes a while, but if you find the pace that is neither too slow nor too fast, you’ll be able to just run and run. Once I found my body’s preferred pace, I felt like I could run forever. You just get in a groove! I hope you find it 🙂

    Have a good weekend!

  64. Great giveaway! my sister asked for some of these for her christmas present 🙂 My tip to you – My dad just ran a marathon on St. George…he got by with GU energy…give them a shot! http://www.guenergy.com/ his favorite were the GU blocks…He got his at Dick’s Sporting Goods…hope this helps!

  65. I hateth the running, loveth the Iron. But I am also starting to loveth the cycling, so maybe a sprint tri is in my future… Keep pushing, I know you can do it.

  66. I’ve found a running buddy is extremely important. Here’s the thing, though, I don’t like to talk or be watched when I run. My running buddy? My dog. I know it’s odd, but he lets me know I’m not alone, he’ll protect me from any unsavory characters, and he’ll occasionally give me something new to focus on (like a squirrel) if I get bored. Besides, as a dog trainer, it looks good to have my dog with me!

  67. This will probably sound a little strange, but what has always helped me with running is…. chasing. I guess I’m just one of those creatures. *laughs* It’s helpful to run a route that I know is frequented by runners, and then let them pass me by for a little while before I take off. I’m not a “natural” runner, but I can pretend for a little while if I’ve got some awesome heavy metal and someone to ‘chase’. lol

  68. Sometimes I do music – sometimes not. On days I decide to carry my ipod (I have a tiny shuffle), it turns out that those are the days that I need it to get through. I don’t like to do it everytime, though. Sometimes I just need to be with myself. I like to change the setting a lot, though – otherwise it gets old. When I am really not looking forward to a run, I drive to the trails near my place & run there – so pretty, and so much more fun.

  69. I do run with music.

    The best, easiest way to get through those 18 and 20 mile runs is with a training partner, though. Seriously.

    If you don’t have one, you should look to your local running club.

  71. A big dog to chase you maybe??

    Not a runner here, but I applaud all those that do run.

    Love the rhyme and enjoyed the Dr. Fitness and Fat Guy show this morning…luv iTunes. Just another reason for a MP3 player. Love my new iPod/touch.

  72. I heard ya!
    I hear ya!
    so how could this be?
    that MizFit finds running not her cup of tea?!
    she pushes and pushes and finally yells
    “make this all stop! just give me kettlebells!”
    Just look all around here,
    you/ve assembled the masses!
    You can’t quit now!
    We need help with our asses!
    so she trots, and she plods
    and keeps up the struggle,
    while wishing the whole time
    “if only I could juggle!”
    So help, it does come
    she continues her runs
    after all, I mean seriously,
    does she need bigger guns?

    While I am running, I focus on the moment I am walking back in the door and the run is done. I also like to keep a log and look back on it. I get a little satisfaction with that.

    xoxo

  73. Long runs can be super boring! My one tip is great music or a really good chatty friend. Although I do also like catching up on NPR podcasts. Wait, wait don’t tell me is CLASSIC for making you laugh out loud to yourself and look like a dork;)

  74. I actually find listening to music on runs just makes me dislike the music. I prefer using it as a sort of “moving meditation” (yes, like yoga). I set myself one person to think about–positive thoughts and hopes and wishes–for each half or full mile. Or I do the body awareness thing and think about how much I love each little part of my body.

    (but there are days . . . well, sometimes I just do it)

  76. Ah, I love the weights too & nothing matches up for me. I just have a little shuffle & my music helps me thru the jogs BUT I always look forward to the weights…. I wish I could help but I am no help in this realm. Yes, I jog BUT it is always the weights I am running too! 🙂

  77. Thanks for the opportunity! I find it that if I have my favorite songs playing then I definitely am in a better mood to work out! My dad told me that when he used to run in the army they had to sing out loud because it helped them with their breathing. I’ve tried it and it’s a little more challenging In my opinion.

  78. I’m one of those weirdos that just loves to run without music.
    i cannot wait to get back out and hit the roads again! wish i could run that ‘thon with you! 🙂

  80. most days I run to Harry Potter on my iPod. I hope you find that high one day – there is no feeling like it!

    For days that I’m feeling particularly adventurous though, I do have a running play list.

  83. Ha. I HATED running for the first full year. Only my stubborn personality and the fat melting off kept me going. Until one day….I realized I couldn’t wait to get out there and run. Grumpy if I miss it.

    Music is helpful, for sure. Rockin’ the run can really help.

    Also try running faster. Sounds weird, but I find if I run too slow I feel more tired and want to quit than if I put more effort into it. The music pumps, the endorphins start dancing and the rush reaches my legs, urging them faster.

    LOVE IT!!!!!!

    Hope you find your groove.
    Melanie

  84. I’m just barely starting to run, however I do find that certain songs give me more mojo than others. One of my current favs is “Wild at Heart” by Gloriana. My current goal is just to run for the entire song…I’m a long way from a marathon!

  85. I walk, clean, do everything with music on. I just started running and music gives me that extra push I need when I feel like I can’t keep going!

  86. I have to tell you – I absolutely LOVE the rhyme today. :o)

    That being said…motivation for me comes in all forms – but no matter what, I always, ALWAYS, run with music. Usually I get myself to go a little further by running to the end of a song, or until I get to a certain song. My other big game is that when I get to a certain total mileage or I run a final full amount (like my “long” run in training, etc), I choose a treat for myself (new workout shirt, pants, shoes, etc).

    The biggest thing for me is competition – I have to compete with myself. HTH!!

  87. Does the marathon you are going to run allow headphones? Some races don’t, and if yours doesn’t, I would say don’t get used to using music in your training b/c it will be hard to do the race without it, but if you can use headphones, then DEFINITELY use music! It helps me so much when I am dragging or needing a little extra push (which seems to be a often these days as I am struggling to find the running love as well). Plus, the music puts me in a happier mood than I sometimes am when I am running first thing in the morning.

    Some songs I love:

    “Pocketful of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield
    “Control” by MuteMath
    “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay
    “Mother, We Just Can’t Get Enough” by The New Radicals
    “Burn Out Bright” by Switchfoot
    “No Line on the Horizon” by U2
    “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” by The Police
    “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve

  88. Things required for a great run:
    -good weather (sunshine and high 60’s are perfect conditions)
    -good music (anything with a good beat)
    -good scenery (the treadmill is barely tolerable when decent TV or interesting gym goers are present, but a run outdoors in a new or scenic area is always enjoyable)
    -little traffic (if running outdoors, having to stop for traffic or stop lights is the ultimate annoyance…choose routes with few stops!)
    -cute outfit and shoes 🙂
    If all of these components are available, you are sure to have a fun run 🙂

  89. I have nothing about running. I wish I could, but it doesn’t look natural on me. Besides, my knees hate me.

    But those cute sparkly ear thingies would look good with my bike helmet 😉

  92. I have been running for 7 years and only got an iPod a few months ago. WOW!!! It is AWESOME! I cannot imagine having trained for this last marathon without it!! It definitely helps get me through long run. One little psychological ti[ that helps me: load longer songs. One of my favorite CDs is the band of a good friend of ours, so there is already an emotional connection. But the fact that the songs tend to be on the longer side (4-7 minutes) helps the miles seem to fly by, since I am listening to fewer songs per mile. Sounds silly, I know, but it helps me!

  93. I wish I had awesome unkown magical advice but I don’t. Music! Music is the trick for me. I have to have it or another type of distraction if I am on the treadmill. No music=no mojo 🙂

  94. sometimes i run with music and sometimes without. I vote for having a choice, so an ipod is a great investment. You can also download books or podcasts to keep your mind involved. I play games…maybe silly, but I see you as slightly silly too ;)… I look for things that begin with alphabet letters, look for shapes in the sky, a heart shaped rock, my kids put out painted smiley face rocks for me to find once on an especially hard run I had planned, I pretend someone I’d like to talk with is running with me and converse in my head with this person (Oprah?), i went on a wildflower hunt once to find out how many different colors there are and which color was most prominent, once I downloaded lots of 80’s music and reminisced, so we’re back to the ipod! 🙂

  95. The amount of time I spend walking would be a fraction of what it is now if I didn’t have my ipod. It has made a huge difference in my exercise.

  96. i like to mix things ups. with my ipod, sometimes i go without and enjoy the sounds of nature, sometimes for a change, i’ll take hubbys ipod for different tunes. i’ve run on the bike path, on the streets thru town, on my treadmill at home or at the treadmill at the gym. i’ve run outside w/ hubby, friends, on treadmills next to friends or by myself. i just like to keep things different. good luck on your marathon!

  97. I am working my way up to running, but usually do elliptical. I love the “podrunner” podcast. There are some other fitness music podcasts too, they usually keep a steady BPM so I like that a lot. Single Ladies is also rockin’ for getting moving, if seeing that video in my mind always gets me going faster.

  98. Real up beat music keeps me running. I find that my playlist is really important. I tried listening to a podcast during a run and could not manage to run at a decent pace.

  99. While I love the music (when I run indoors only), I run in the early am (when it’s still dark) and don’t consider it safe to run outdoors with headphones on. I don’t want to get raped/mugged/kidnapped or splattered by a careless drive. The latter is probably the most likely given the roads I run on.

    That being said, my motivation for running – the dogs. Little Dog is used to running everyday. And if I attempt to skip our run, we had better have a plan B or Little Dog (all 55+lbs of her) is bad ALLLLLL day. And I don’t really like being nipped/herded/barked at all day long. She’s obnoxious, but since I’ve started running outdoors with her, I’ve gone from a 75% run time (that is, I was skipping 1 out of 4 of my indoor runs) to a 100%. Unless she is ill, we run on our scheduled days (Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri and Saturday). My husband runs her on Thursday and Sunday. So short answer – get a dog that loves to run! 🙂

  100. I find mapmyrun to be an inspiring website–you can map out a run, then save it and put in your stats. I found this essay there:

    INTO THE FIRE

    Reflections on first time marathoners.

    By: Malcolm D. Gibson

    Near the starting line first timers mill around chatting and laughing. They try to reduce the marathon to something more normal, something routine, something familiar. They kid each other, pretend to be confident, and recount recent training runs. But, eventually a hush falls over them as the enormity of the challenge looms.

    For months they have trained and prepared themselves, and need only one thing to make them marathoners, crossing the finish line at 26.2 miles, and they will never be marathoners until they’ve done it. No one knows what will happen when they push beyond Mile 20. It is uncharted territory. Will they respond with strength and courage, or retreat quietly into the crowd? It’s impossible to tell, and that’s the hell of it.

    By tonight they will be different. They will understand then what they cannot know now, how they will react under fire. Like green troops going into combat, when their story is told, it will be about those who survived and those who perished. Which will they be?

    They look into the faces of those around them, friends they have trained with, trying to determine who will make it and who won’t. They feel strangely isolated as the final minutes to the starting gun slip away.

    The mystery is that they have volunteered for this mission. Why? What common trait do they share that separates them from the others? Not heredity. Not experience. Not success or failure in life. Perhaps somewhere deep inside they sense that they cannot discover the truth about themselves without risking it all, putting it all on the line for everyone to witness. The force that drives them to the starting line will deliver the answer by day’s end, a glimpse of who they really are.

    Life detaches. The marathon unites. Comrades in arms, the first timers band together to conquer the world, if only for a day. Most will never see each other again. But, neither will they ever be far from each other’s heart.

    Battling through the final miles bonds will form between perfect strangers. The strong will help the weak, the weak will find strength, all with a glance and a word of encouragement. Nothing they feel for the rest of their lives will be as spontaneous. Nothing they do will be as courageous, as compassionate, or as loving. In the face of defeat, they will give each other the gift of victory.

    And so when the battle is over the soldiers will retire. But, no matter where they go, no matter what they do, they will remember this day. The day they went to war alone, risked it all, and came home together as victors. These are marathoners.

    Copyright 2009
    All rights reserved
    mgibson@mdgibson.com

  102. I am not much of a runner, yet, but I love my long elliptical sessions. I watch tv mostly, but sometimes listen to good music. Love the black eyed peas boom boom pow and lots of Michael Franti for music that makes me want to move! Hope you are having a wondefrul weekend!

  103. It’s music, but it’s so much more.

    When’s your race? Claim it, enter, etc.
    1. You need a plan.
    2. You need a partner who will show up at your door at appointed time and get you out there.
    3. You need a running store consult. They make you feel fabulous.
    4. You need fun things for Saturday night after long run.

    SO happy for you! Just finished my first marathon!

  104. i don’t run with music anymore, partially because ipods and the like are banned in so many races. that, and i think i subconsciously take it easier with music sometimes.

    without the music, i pay attention to the sounds around me and turn within; my runs can become introspective or, conversely, i concentrate on nothing but my own breathing (this is functional; sports asthma and all).

    one thing that might help … even though i’m probably going to say it’s NOT in your training plan … is to try to put in a “fun run.” don’t time it. make it as long or as short as you want to. find a friend and/or grab a camera, find an interesting place, and run. take pictures along the way. stop if you need to. run for the journey and the adventure, not for the sake of running/training.

    brandon and i did something similar on halloween; it definitely renewed my running motivation as the run we did was FUN.

  106. I know you gave away the earbuds already, but I think you need to hear my tip. I never thought I could run, but always wanted to. I still don’t call myself a real runner, but I can now go 7 miles in less than 1 1/2 hours thanks to my Nike+ipod set-up. I am totally addicted. It’s so fabulous to run with the ipod, then plug it into my computer to see the graph of my run. The Nike+ website keeps an ongoing record, which allows me to follow my progress online. I started logging runs in June of 2008. I think now I’m going to run the 3M half marathon in Austin in January.

    Now, if you could just give me the same desire and commitment for weight lifting, I’d be happy.

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