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| See my face there? That’s the face of a happy marathon finisher! It’s coming again soon! |
First of all, in case you’ve missed any of my latest running posts:
The LONG Run
Not SO long this week (one more 20, then we taper!) It’s cold enough now that I don’t have to get up at the butt crack of dawn for long runs. Can I tell you how amazing it was to sleep in on Saturday, get up and leisurely have my coffee? My body’s natural time for running is always around 10am but of course that’s hardly ever do-able!
Because I was able to do things according to my body’s natural clock, I had one of the most amazing runs of my life. I did listen to music this time but I kept it shuffling through my 4,000+ songs instead relying on a running playlist. Now, THAT is a great idea.
Do the iPod Shuffle
On long runs, especially, you don’t need super high tempo songs the entire time. Sometimes, a song will come on that you would NEVER think to put on a playlist that is totally awesome for running. I came across some Johnny Cash, Simon & Garfunkel, Brad Paisley, Caedmons Call and more that I’d never have put on a playlist. I highly recommend this tactic.
Just delightful!
Especially when you can see from the photo of my path here that it’s FALL! Perfect running weather! Words to describe this run:
- delightful
- magical
- creative
- happy
- flying
- breath-taking
- chill
- fast
I ran 12 miles but it could have been three and I was just dashing. I’m pretty sure I was running close to 9-minute miles (fast for me!) and every song that came on really pumped me up. When I was in college, I remember always running, listening to music and feeling like I was in a movie — that’s what I always said at least. It was the most magical feeling ever — and it came back yesterday. I hadn’t felt it for years but the effect was just as strong and I loved it! You can just let your imagination wild in these moments.
Four Hour Dream
I began to imagine myself crossing the finish line in Baltimore with a sub-four hour time. Literally, the thought of accomplishing that goal got me teary-eyed in the middle of the run! I feel like I would just collapse into sob if it happened because I never thought that could be possible. I don’t want to even hope for it now but I believe that on my very best day with the very best weather and the very best luck, I am capable of running of a 4-hour marathon. It’s okay if I don’t but wow, that would be something.
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| Happy, sweaty, glowy post-run face. Best feeling ever! |
Awake My Soul
One of the songs that inspired me during my chill music run was “Awake My Soul” by Caedmons Call. You see, when you are all wrapped up in the endorphins of running, all the good juices you’ve got start spinning. Then, when the perfect song comes in, it just bursts to life. The lyrics to this song just tugged at my heart and I felt like I was praising God just running to it over and over again. The title alone is so expressive of how I feel about running — it really does “awake my soul” in a way that nothing else can.
All I could hear was the line that ways “no one is good enough to save himself.” Because sometimes we try and we try to be better, to be good — and we get mad at ourselves for never living up to it — for never being “good enough.” But that is the amazing thing about God — we don’t have to be, we can’t be — and He loves us and forgives us and saves us anyway.
The image of God invisible, the first born of all life
Before and within, he holds it all in
One name, one faith, one Christ
No one is good enough, to save himself
Awake my soul tonight, to boast nothing else
I trust no other source or name, nowhere else can I hide
This grace gives me fear, and this grace draws me near
And all that it asks it provides
No seam in this garment, all my rags to hide
No less than your love, for Jesus is mine
When I stand on the edges of Jordan
With the saints and the angels beside
When my body is healed, and the glory revealed
Still I can boast only Christ
So, this run was good. It made me happy, it made me feel alive and it made me feel like I’m going to rock this marathon like I’ve never done before. And I am incredibly thankful for a strong, healthy body that has the ability to experience it.
QUESTION: Do you ALWAYS use a specified playlist for your long runs? What are your music preferences when it comes to running (ipod most of the time or not?)
So exciting!! We do look Happy! I agree too- I adore the random songs that play on shuffle during long runs- especially in the fall.
I need to start running
So exciting!! We do look Happy! I agree too- I adore the random songs that play on shuffle during long runs- especially in the fall.
You are SO awesome! I love the pic of you…you look so happy! I love Johnny Cash's Live at Folsom Prison CD and was able to get it on my iPod. Definitely a good one! Congratulations!
I need to start running
You are SO awesome! I love the pic of you…you look so happy! I love Johnny Cash's Live at Folsom Prison CD and was able to get it on my iPod. Definitely a good one! Congratulations!
Thanks girls! Ann — yes, Johnny Cash has some surprisingly upbeat (and hilarious tunes!) Folsom Prison Live is AWESOME! I'm a huge old school country fan!
Thanks girls! Ann — yes, Johnny Cash has some surprisingly upbeat (and hilarious tunes!) Folsom Prison Live is AWESOME! I'm a huge old school country fan!
I like to listen to music on shorter runs but not for really long runs. It can almost become annoying after too long. For short runs, I can play loud, fast music that makes me run faster, which is great but long runs have a different goal. Melissa
Can I just say that I love your blog because of the fact that you share the same love for fitness and faith that I do? And I've never heard this song before, but Will & I are listening to it as I type :D9 min miles are awesome! You go girl 😉 When I did my marathon, I finished in about 5 hours and 15 minutes haha, but I was truly just running to finish
I like to listen to music on shorter runs but not for really long runs. It can almost become annoying after too long. For short runs, I can play loud, fast music that makes me run faster, which is great but long runs have a different goal. Melissa
Thanks for the comment on my blog! You look so happy post run! I love that feeling. I don't listen to music often on my runs, but when I do, I like to hear a random mix of songs that pick me up – 80s, rock, rap, current pop, country, etc.
Can I just say that I love your blog because of the fact that you share the same love for fitness and faith that I do? And I've never heard this song before, but Will & I are listening to it as I type :D9 min miles are awesome! You go girl 😉 When I did my marathon, I finished in about 5 hours and 15 minutes haha, but I was truly just running to finish
Thanks for the comment on my blog! You look so happy post run! I love that feeling. I don't listen to music often on my runs, but when I do, I like to hear a random mix of songs that pick me up – 80s, rock, rap, current pop, country, etc.