I enjoy listening to music. I know I get this from my father, but that is another story for another day. Today, I simply want to share with you how important music is in my daily workouts. A favorite song is often all it takes to turn a blah daily routine into a high energy super workout.
Monday mornings are the hardest test for my marathon training, as I crawl out of bed at 5AM to start yet another high mileage week. This morning was harder than most, as excuses to go back to sleep were readily available, but I stuck with my decision and headed out into the cold for the UND Wellness Center.
I had planned on running 8 miles, but made the decision to switch around days this week based on the track direction at the Center. Today I would run 4 miles and do strength training instead. My stretching was tougher than usual. My first few laps were slow, and as I warmed up they didn’t get much faster. I had songs I liked playing on my i-pod, like AC/DC’s “Rock and Roll aint Noise Pollution” and Boston’s “Rock and Roll Band,” but they weren’t giving me the energy I needed.
I finished up dragging my sorry butt around the track, and headed downstairs to do my strength training. This involves sets of 45° situps, pushups, and weighted 45° side bends for both sides. I usually do 4 sets of 12 each. The first set went OK, but I was simply going through the paces. Then Brian Adams’ “Run to You” started playing and as I whispered the lyrics to myself, changing the words to “Run to Sue,” my energy increased. Bon Jovi’s “Runaway” came on next, and suddenly I felt like I was the strongest, most fit person working out. I was on fire, pumping out situps, pushups and bends, one after the other, like a regular marathon stud! I felt fantastic! I decided to add a fifth set, something I’ve not done before, and they felt easier than the first!
As I was finishing up this unprecedented workout session, my training theme song, Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream” came on and I felt like I could do a sixth and seventh set as well! That’s when the wisdom of being 47 instead of 17 kicked in, and I shut off the music and ended my session. I no doubt could have gone on longer pumping out exercises, but it would have affected my training for the rest of the week, and that’s something I can’t let happen. I’m training for a long term goal, and I can’t let myself lose focus by getting swept away with the moment. I am, after all, running down my dream!
