Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Half Marathon Training

As of today, my half Marathon is a little over a month away. 39 days.


I'm really getting into the mindset of it. Thinking about running for 2+ hours. Thinking about water and energy. And sleep. Clothing. Bandaids for my foot where the shoes rub. I'm well into my training plan. I've done an official 5k and have extrapolated what my time will be based on my 5k time.


And most importantly music. I struggle running without music. I love music. It gives me a good tempo. Gives me the oomph to keep going. And slower songs force me to slow down so I don't burn out.


Normally when I run I just hit play on the playlist comprised of upbeat artists and albums. But not a whole lot of houht has gone into it. I want a really good playlist for my half. So when I hear a song during my runs that really gets me moving, I remember it and add it to my playlist later. When I hear one on the radio, I buy it.


I have a playlist of about 10 songs now. I figure I need 35 songs. I plan on ending with Boomin', by Toby Mac. And I want NY2LA by Push Play on my playlist. I'm normally not a fan of rap or hip hop, but these songs have killer energy and beat that will really help push me.


I also plan to include segments of Crowder's latest (and sadly last) album Requiem. This album has been my primary running music for about 2 months now.  I'm including some other Crowder, at least one or two Lincoln Brewster, probably Gateway Music's The Lord Reigns.  I'm not necessarily limiting myself to Christian music, this is just what I have right now that really gets me moving.  I was thinking maybe a few songs from Linkin' Park's Minutes to Midnight album would be good too.  Those are super high energy.


What do you like on your running playlists?

Friday, March 23, 2012

Corner of Cleanliness

I like to make the bed first thing in the morning. If I don't, it's not likely to get done until just before Josh gets home.


And then, when I walk around the house changing diapers, going to the bathroom, tripping over toys, slipping on a pile of fallen crayons, if I go into the bedroom I see a made bed. And I know that there's a tiny corner of cleanliness in the house.


And I can mentally escape the chaos of the house when I see the pretty, neat, tidy bed. Waiting for me to crawl in tonight, when the madness dies down.