Run Like the Wind

Ok, the title is a bit misleading. This morning I most certainly did NOT run like the wind. It more closely resembled a gentle breeze. The point is, I ran. Finally. Not only that, but I also managed to run three miles.  So now I know that I am physically capable of running three whole miles. The question remains however, can I run three miles through mud, sludge and other unknown obstacles next Saturday? I have no idea. I guess that's the fun of doing something like RunAMuck - seeing if you can actually do this ridiculously crazy thing.

My iTunes running playlist is what gets me through these jaunts - that and a nice, sunny, breezy day helps too. Add the fact that's it's Friday and suddenly I feel bursts of energy I never knew I had.

For my running friends, I've decided to share my running playlist. It's a bit quirky and strange, but I like it and here's why.

Song #1: Wild Dances by Ruslana
Let me preface this by saying it has to be the Ukrainian version. This song in English just sounds silly. Ruslana is a popular singer in Ukraine for those of you not in the know and this song is great for starting out a run. It's got a great beat and manages to inject me with a nice little burst of energy to get through those first few minutes when you're thinking to yourself "how can I possibly keep this up for the next 30-40 minutes?".

Song #2: All the Way by Everything
Everything was a band that formed at James Madison University (JMU) when I started there in 1988. It was your typical college band at the time, great horn section, dynamic lead singer who was kind of grungy and crazy. My college years were defined by going to see this band play. This song has a fast tempo and it's basically about joining the mile high club while on the Concord. Yep, kinda strange, but no matter. Interesting lyrics, good second song as the adrenaline starts to kick in.

Song #3: I've Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash
Ah, love me some Johnny Cash. My dad loved Johnny Cash although I don't remember him listening to this particular song. I love the beat, love the way he rattles off all the places he's been, love the feeling of "Wow, he's been everywhere - maybe I can go everywhere too!" While I listen to this song I'm filled with thoughts of traveling, seeing the world, moving, moving, moving. Great song to get through that first mile.

Song #4: Would You Go With Me by Josh Turner
Now before you say "What's with the country music? I can't stand country music" let me just say this. Don't be a hater. Josh Turner has a smooth deep voice, my mom loves him, enough said. Nice steady beat, sweet song about how much he loves this girl. I like it, maybe you will too! By now I'm usually close to finishing the first mile (I'm kind of slow).

Song #5: My Life Would Suck Without You by Kelly Clarkson
Ok,  now you're thinking "What the heck? First country music and now this cheesy crap?" Yes, it's cheesy. But the dance version has an incredible beat and as she belts out the refrain I find myself wanting to belt it out too. Try it, you'll see.

Song #6: Autumn Love by Kvitka
Now I'm heading into obscure territory, at least for my non-Ukrainian friends. Kvitka is a Ukrainian singer with a beautiful voice. She is actually related to some good friends of our family. Sadly she passed away from cancer at a young age years ago, but her voice lives on in her music. This song has a great tempo for running and it takes me back to my younger days, growing up surrounded by all things Ukrainian. Love the song, love her voice, love the feeling I get when I listen to it.

Song #7: Sheik of Araby by Kruno
Another obscure one - this is a song by my sister's Croatian friend who plays a mean jazz guitar. It's all instrumental and very fast. By now I'm usually well into the second mile and hitting that "Wow, I can run all day" feeling. This feeds into that feeling and keep me going, even up the big hills. Google it and see, I bet you'll be hooked.

Song #8: Davaj by Klooch
Another Ukrainian one - this one is by a band from Ukraine that is very popular over there right now. This song usually pops up right around the two mile mark and if I have any inkling of stopping to walk or quitting, this song erases those thoughts. Fast beat, energetic, perfect for re-energizing for that third mile.

Song #9: Give Me All Your Luvin' by Madonna
And we're back to the cheese. Yes, it's Madonna. Yes, it's her new song that was slammed by critics, but I don't care. I love Madonna, she's still got it and this song reminds me of her glory days. It makes me feel like "Hey, if Madonna can still rock at fifty then I should be able to run three measly miles at almost-42." It's like she's saying "You go girl!" Thanks, Madonna.

Song #10: Love Me Tonight by Tom Jones

Ok, you're saying, now she's REALLY gone off the deep end. This is not exactly a running song - but that's ok. My parents both always loved Tom Jones and his songs remind me of my childhood. Yes, it seems strange that a song entitled "Love Me Tonight" would remind me of my childhood, but so be it.  John and I sent my parents to see Tom Jones at Wolftrap one summer as an early anniversary gift. We got a call from my dad during the show and all we could hear were screaming women in the background. I think my dad was in heaven.

This photo was taken on Christmas Eve 2006. I can't remember who gifted this lovely set of undergarments to whom, but it really doesn't matter. I just wanted to show you how much they enjoyed Mr. Jones' entertainment.  Special note to Mom: The next time anyone makes fun of Tom Jones I will stand up for him (and you!) because I like him too. There, I admit it.

Song #11: People are Crazy by Billy Currington
Ok, so if you've read any of my previous posts you'll know this was one of my dad's favorite songs in recent years. He quoted it a lot. This song comes on when I have about 1/4 mile left to go, when the euphoria of knowing I've almost completed three full miles overtakes me and I finally feel like I'm one with the wind, the breeze, whatever it is that's carrying me forward. At those moments I fully agree with what he's singing - God IS great, beer sure is good, and everyone's got a little bit of crazy inside them. It's a nice way to end a run.

The ironic thing about this is that next Saturday when my sister and I run three miles through mud, I won't be wearing my iPod and these songs will not be propelling me forward. Wearing an iPod during a mud run is not adviseable. But I don't think I'll need the songs. I'll have my sister by my side and the knowledge that by choosing to run through mud we are living life to the fullest. I wish I could see the look on my dad's face when we do this crazy thing.