I’ve been thinking (please no smart aleck responses) that there are songs for every occasion. Every where you go, please are singing. Theme songs on TV shows, songs for commercial products, songs common for weddings (the first dance, the chicken dance, line dancing, and even the Macarena). We have Happy Birthday, songs for church and even songs people try to karaoke to (I wouldn't know). So I have come to realize that I need a theme song to support my weekend of running in January. If politicians can have a theme song to carry them through their campaigning for the presidency, why can’t I have one.
This came to me while running and listening to my MP3 player, as I usually do. Mostly the songs I listen to are just there to distract me while I put in my miles. I don’t really have running playlists on my Ipod. But every so often, as song pops up that really gets the blood flowing. Meatloaf's "Paradise by the Dashboard Lights" (good for over one mile of running), can distract me quickly. Wild Cherry's "Play That Funky Music" (good for singing/shouting along to) is another good one, and most recently, it was the theme song to Rocky – “Gonna Fly Now” giving me a musical boost while running. You know the one, where he is running through the streets of Philadelphia and up the steps to the museum. I have sprinted up those steps once in my life. Well, it was a semi-sprint, as I was in dress shoes and slacks coming from a work event - but it had to be done. If that song doesn’t put a little extra giddy-up into your step, I don’t know what will. Of course, I can only sustain that giddy-up for about 200 yards before needing to slow down again. Doing it for 39.3 miles would be one heck of an adrenaline rush!
Perhaps a song more appropriate for my training is “Against the Wind” by Bob Seger. The lyrics seems to capture what all of my runs are like “Against the wind. We were running against the wind. We were young and strong and we were running against the wind”. Why is it that all runs seem to have a head-wind??? Maybe that is my generations version walking uphill, backwards, in the snow for 5 miles to school.
Some people know I already have a few theme songs I tend to karaoke to, but I don’t think “Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown” or “Copacabana” are right for this occasion. Sinatra’s “My Way” is getting close, but is too slow for pacing. Then there is Springsteen's "Born To Run", (baby we were born to ruuuuuuunnnnnnnn). However, I am sure there have to be other options.
Any suggestions? Use the Comments link below this post to provide your input. Be creative. I can only hope that I won’t have “It’s a Small World After All” ringing through my ears after 39.3 miles through Walt Disney World. Wouldn't surprise me if the people behind the curtain who control the big mouse will find a way to blast that song through loudspeakers along the course. Kill me now…
It may not be a theme song, but it is a motto - "May all of your runs be uphill, and the wind be in your face. It builds character!"
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Run OJ, Run
I just returned from a four-day business trip in Phoenix. As is going to be pretty common for me in the next few months, I brought my running stuff with me so I could get in some miles before/after work. Even though it was only 100 degrees out, I decide to run on the treadmill at the spa, and as always, I had my MP3 player with me. Only this time, I spent time during my 11 miles over 2 days listening to the TV in the spa. CNN, ESPN and Fox News were the stations of choice on the 3 TVs. Having already seen the 30-minute repeats of Sports Center earlier in the day, news it was. While these stations are built around presenting quick news facts, this time was different. I was having flashbacks to 1995, as they became “The All OJ” stations. OJ arriving at court. OJ leaving court. OJ in the white bronco (yet again), OJ on the airplane. OJ taking a leak. OJ searching for the killer…on the 16th hole. (hint OJ – he’s not hidden next to your ball).
What is the fascination that the media has with this guy? If he was still running through airports stumping for Hertz and hurdling luggage, I might watch. But only given today’s airport environment. Imagine OJ hurdling past the TSA agents in an attempt to bypass security as if they were defenders, yelling “throw me the bomb” in an attempt to relive his football glory days. Is he stupid enough to utter “bomb” in an airport? We could only hope. He was stupid enough to barge into a Vegas hotel room.
So while I was running, I couldn’t help but think “Run OJ, Run”…to where you can’t be found. That way, Fox News can update me on more pressing issues, such as whether Howard K. Stern and Larry Birkhead are an item? I miss the real news.
What is the fascination that the media has with this guy? If he was still running through airports stumping for Hertz and hurdling luggage, I might watch. But only given today’s airport environment. Imagine OJ hurdling past the TSA agents in an attempt to bypass security as if they were defenders, yelling “throw me the bomb” in an attempt to relive his football glory days. Is he stupid enough to utter “bomb” in an airport? We could only hope. He was stupid enough to barge into a Vegas hotel room.
So while I was running, I couldn’t help but think “Run OJ, Run”…to where you can’t be found. That way, Fox News can update me on more pressing issues, such as whether Howard K. Stern and Larry Birkhead are an item? I miss the real news.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Going The Extra Mile
Haven’t you done it at least once in your lifetime??? Going the extra mile can mean many different things to people. Perhaps it is going out of your way to help someone in need. Or putting in a little extra effort on a school or work project. Or seeing if you can make it to the next exit on the interstate before needing to fill up the gas tank (a trait I must’ve inherited from my dad). Or, maybe it is the extra trip to the all-you-can-eat buffet line to stretch your dollar further.
This weekend I went the extra mile – or 25 miles to be exact – during the MS150 Breakaway to the Beach bike ride in Myrtle Beach, SC. Billed as a 150-mile ride over two days, you would expect to go 75 miles each day, right? Well, some biking genius decided that on the first day of the ride, participants can choose to go 100 miles if they want. In riding terms, it’s called a “Century”. And being with high-energy, type-A Mojo teammates for the weekend, I knew I’d get sucked into going the extra miles. Ok, you’re not buying that, are you? Yes, I am highly competitive. Yes, I am goal driven. And yes, I didn’t need much convincing to go for 100. It’s just not my style to stop short.
But there was problem. The same genius, who billed it a Century ride, only mapped out a 94-mile ride. Huh? What's the deal with that? How can I be rewarded for going the extra mile and receive a Century patch, if it is only 19 extra miles. Seemed contradictory to me and a few other Mojos. So during the latter part of the day one ride, we bantered about doing a few extra loops around Broadway At The Beach – a shopping an entertainment complex where the ride was to finish – to reach a true 100 miles.
As we neared the finish line on the first loop – thunderous applause rang in our ears from the MS volunteers and spectators who gathered to greet us. Myself, and two other Mojos (Denny and Rhonda) kept motoring past. Yes, I was finishing with two women – you have a problem with that? They are strong riders, and I prefer to think of them as riding with ‘the man’!
Anyhoo – we did three additional laps around the complex before pulling into the finish line for day 1. A Century was complete, and we had gone the extra mile – for ourselves, for our team, for MS, and for all the others who contemplate whether going the extra mile is worth it. Trust me – it is. If not, it would be analogous to marching the football all the way down the field to the one yard line, only to take a knee to run out the clock. That’s not right. Give that extra effort, go the extra mile, and punch it into the end zone! You’ll be glad you did. I sure was.
So, after approximately 7 months of riding on weekends, and finishing the MS ride, I am “officially” transitioning to training full-time for the Goofy Challenge. My legs feel stronger than ever and I am excited about the months ahead. I have had many individuals reach out and comment about how inspirational my effort is, and donate to the Leukemia Society at the same time. In honor of these contributors, I pledge to you that I won’t stop at 39.3 miles. That would be taking a knee at the finish line. Instead, I commit to you that I will get in an extra .7 miles in somewhere during the two days in Disney and run a full 40 miles! I will go that extra mile – or .7 miles to be exact…for you, for me, for Team-In-Training and for the Leukemia Society. I will punch it home!
This weekend I went the extra mile – or 25 miles to be exact – during the MS150 Breakaway to the Beach bike ride in Myrtle Beach, SC. Billed as a 150-mile ride over two days, you would expect to go 75 miles each day, right? Well, some biking genius decided that on the first day of the ride, participants can choose to go 100 miles if they want. In riding terms, it’s called a “Century”. And being with high-energy, type-A Mojo teammates for the weekend, I knew I’d get sucked into going the extra miles. Ok, you’re not buying that, are you? Yes, I am highly competitive. Yes, I am goal driven. And yes, I didn’t need much convincing to go for 100. It’s just not my style to stop short.
But there was problem. The same genius, who billed it a Century ride, only mapped out a 94-mile ride. Huh? What's the deal with that? How can I be rewarded for going the extra mile and receive a Century patch, if it is only 19 extra miles. Seemed contradictory to me and a few other Mojos. So during the latter part of the day one ride, we bantered about doing a few extra loops around Broadway At The Beach – a shopping an entertainment complex where the ride was to finish – to reach a true 100 miles.
As we neared the finish line on the first loop – thunderous applause rang in our ears from the MS volunteers and spectators who gathered to greet us. Myself, and two other Mojos (Denny and Rhonda) kept motoring past. Yes, I was finishing with two women – you have a problem with that? They are strong riders, and I prefer to think of them as riding with ‘the man’!
Anyhoo – we did three additional laps around the complex before pulling into the finish line for day 1. A Century was complete, and we had gone the extra mile – for ourselves, for our team, for MS, and for all the others who contemplate whether going the extra mile is worth it. Trust me – it is. If not, it would be analogous to marching the football all the way down the field to the one yard line, only to take a knee to run out the clock. That’s not right. Give that extra effort, go the extra mile, and punch it into the end zone! You’ll be glad you did. I sure was.
So, after approximately 7 months of riding on weekends, and finishing the MS ride, I am “officially” transitioning to training full-time for the Goofy Challenge. My legs feel stronger than ever and I am excited about the months ahead. I have had many individuals reach out and comment about how inspirational my effort is, and donate to the Leukemia Society at the same time. In honor of these contributors, I pledge to you that I won’t stop at 39.3 miles. That would be taking a knee at the finish line. Instead, I commit to you that I will get in an extra .7 miles in somewhere during the two days in Disney and run a full 40 miles! I will go that extra mile – or .7 miles to be exact…for you, for me, for Team-In-Training and for the Leukemia Society. I will punch it home!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
I Did Graffiti...and met a New Hero
A few weekends ago, I had the opportunity to participate in my first formal Team-In-Training group fundraising event. TNT holds a few of these throughout the training season to help TNT participants achieve their fundraising goals (and mine is an aggressive $5,000). This was a simple event – spray painting “markers” on roads on a Saturday evening for a charity 60-mile bike ride that was taking place on Sunday morning. Paying me to do graffiti??? I'll take 2 cans!. Doesn't really get better than that. Anyway, the markers would direct the bike riders of the proper direction of the ride. Easy enough. The roads I had to mark were out in the country where I do my weekend group bike rides with the Mojo’s, so I was familiar with the area.
I was paired with another TNT member – Wendy, who is also training for a marathon, albeit in Kiawah, South Carolina in December. Wendy brought along for our graffiti fest (do I sound like a thug?) her recently adopted son, Jeremiah. We had a chance to get to know one another during our two hours together in the car, and share stories about why we are training with TNT. Wendy’s story was inspiring – she has served as a foster mother to 6 children over the course of the past few years. The children were primarily newborns and toddlers that come from often unfortunate circumstances, and are placed in Wendy’s care until an adoption family can be found. Wendy’s compassion for these children was evident, as she knew she was always meant to be in this role of service to others. Not expecting to adopt herself, Jeremiah is so fortunate to have found his way to Wendy.
Even more amazing, is that Wendy is training to WALK the 26.2 mile marathon in Kiawah, with Jeremiah (now 15 months) on her back!!! Talk about commitment, not just to the children, but to a training program. A special bond will continue to form between the two during the many hours of training that will be necessary to accomplish this feat. When I think about it, her journey is going to be even more time consuming and possibly more fulfilling than mine. I will be running, certainly with weight on my shoulders (for other reasons), but not with an additional 25 – 30 pounds strapped to my back.
Wendy and Jeremiah are just another example of the heroes I am meeting during this experience. I wish them well and hope our paths will cross again during training.
Walk on Wendy and Jeremiah!
I was paired with another TNT member – Wendy, who is also training for a marathon, albeit in Kiawah, South Carolina in December. Wendy brought along for our graffiti fest (do I sound like a thug?) her recently adopted son, Jeremiah. We had a chance to get to know one another during our two hours together in the car, and share stories about why we are training with TNT. Wendy’s story was inspiring – she has served as a foster mother to 6 children over the course of the past few years. The children were primarily newborns and toddlers that come from often unfortunate circumstances, and are placed in Wendy’s care until an adoption family can be found. Wendy’s compassion for these children was evident, as she knew she was always meant to be in this role of service to others. Not expecting to adopt herself, Jeremiah is so fortunate to have found his way to Wendy.
Even more amazing, is that Wendy is training to WALK the 26.2 mile marathon in Kiawah, with Jeremiah (now 15 months) on her back!!! Talk about commitment, not just to the children, but to a training program. A special bond will continue to form between the two during the many hours of training that will be necessary to accomplish this feat. When I think about it, her journey is going to be even more time consuming and possibly more fulfilling than mine. I will be running, certainly with weight on my shoulders (for other reasons), but not with an additional 25 – 30 pounds strapped to my back.
Wendy and Jeremiah are just another example of the heroes I am meeting during this experience. I wish them well and hope our paths will cross again during training.
Walk on Wendy and Jeremiah!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Have I got Mojo?
Yeah, baby!!!! Austin Powers has nothing on me. I ooze Mojo! Some people have it and some don't. Perhaps I am one of the privileged few who can claim this. But the better question may be, how did I get my Mojo? I haven't always had it, and it wasn't lost, but I hadn't found it yet. It all came together in early 2006. That's when my Mojo went through the roof when I joined the Mojo Riding team. Ok, so it doesn't sound that exciting in print as it does in person. However, if having Mojo has to do with wearing neon pink and green spandex, then I am busting at the biking short seams! And looking good in these colors (as long as I am surrounded by my team. I'm not stupid. I wouldn't go out at night by myself wearing these colors. But I am secure in my masculinity). Anyhooo....
The Mojo Riding team is a group of road bikers who gather each weekend for group bike rides around south Charlotte and into neighboring communities. Rides are anywhere from 30 to 100 miles on a given day. I mostly do 30 - 50 mile rides, early on weekend mornings, but have done a few 60 milers, and in 2 weekends (on Sept 15 - 16), will be riding with my Mojo mates in the MS150 bike ride in Myrtle Beach. Yeah, baby...
We will most likely ride 175 miles over the course of the weekend - 100 miles on Saturday and 75 miles on Sunday. Flashes of pink and green averaging anywhere from 18 - 20 miles an hour. Sure, my butt will be sore, but isn't it for a good cause -raising $$ for MS? And, I have heard a rumor that there will be butt massages at the finish line each day. Yeah, baby...stimulating the Mojo???
So this begs the question, have I even been running to get ready for the Goofy Challenge? Absolutely, but not as much as I have been riding over the past few months. Have to make sure the glutes are in good condition for when the beach babes with twitchy fingers greet me each day. And if you are all good to me and keep reading my blog, I may tell you about my fundraising bike ride in 2006 - "The 24 Hours of Booty". Booty...oohh - yeah baby!!!
The Mojo Riding team is a group of road bikers who gather each weekend for group bike rides around south Charlotte and into neighboring communities. Rides are anywhere from 30 to 100 miles on a given day. I mostly do 30 - 50 mile rides, early on weekend mornings, but have done a few 60 milers, and in 2 weekends (on Sept 15 - 16), will be riding with my Mojo mates in the MS150 bike ride in Myrtle Beach. Yeah, baby...
We will most likely ride 175 miles over the course of the weekend - 100 miles on Saturday and 75 miles on Sunday. Flashes of pink and green averaging anywhere from 18 - 20 miles an hour. Sure, my butt will be sore, but isn't it for a good cause -raising $$ for MS? And, I have heard a rumor that there will be butt massages at the finish line each day. Yeah, baby...stimulating the Mojo???
So this begs the question, have I even been running to get ready for the Goofy Challenge? Absolutely, but not as much as I have been riding over the past few months. Have to make sure the glutes are in good condition for when the beach babes with twitchy fingers greet me each day. And if you are all good to me and keep reading my blog, I may tell you about my fundraising bike ride in 2006 - "The 24 Hours of Booty". Booty...oohh - yeah baby!!!
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