I've been asked many times what I think about while I'm running. It depends on the type of run I'm doing. During a speed drill I'm not thinking - just trying to breathe. During a short/mid-sized run I usually come up with best ideas I've ever had. During a long run I start coming up with great ideas, then they phase in and out as I just try to control breathing and plead with my legs to push a little further. At those times my mind turns to mush and the only thing I can hear is the tempo or beat of the music that's playing. It's like elevator muzak.
Usually it doesn't even matter what is playing, all I hear are the sounds behind the words. It sounds weird but it makes sense at mile 14. I actually once completed an entire 20 mile run singing the same TV theme song. 3 hours. One 30-second song. Running doesn't always make sense. For short/mid-sized runs though my "playlist" is essential to completion. For those who grew up before 1990 you'll understand why crafting this playlist is a lot like creating the Holy Grail of mix tapes.
But instead of creating a collection of love songs that describes exactly how you feel about your teenage love affair, or all the angry rock songs you can find to drown out the yelling of your parents - I'm creating a collection of songs to keep me sane and motivated. My playlists change all the time because I don't want to get bored. When I was in college it was a lot of Survivor "Eye of the Tiger" kind of stuff. And that music still works when I need a pick me up. But for the most part it's an eclectic mix of songs that have a good beat or make me feel like it's me against the world. I guess it is still like making that angry rock song mix tape. Only now I've left my parents in the dust behind me.
Get it? Angry Rock.
My goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Day 6: 5 miles, 39 minutes, 7:48 pace. -- It's worth noting that 2 weeks ago my usual 5 miler averaged 8:12. Progress.
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