I call it the "Shake Your Big Booty" playlist

I'm still trying to get in regular workouts.  I stopped going to the gym for a bit while Gage was having some major separation anxiety, but he seems to have gotten over himself, thank heavens.  We headed back yesterday morning, and he charmed the childcare lady while I kicked some booty on the treadmill. 

THIRTY MINUTES, y'all.  THIRTY. Of running. Continuously.

It's a good thing, too, since I'm signed up to do the Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure this Saturday.  I'm still having a few doubts about whether I can run the whole thing, as I run slowly and seem to have an easier time on the treadmill than on actual pavement.  However, Debunot is coming to visit and to run with me (in addition to some girlfriends here), and she's likely to yell at me to keep running like the slavedriver she is inspire me to go the distance.

A couple of people were interested in my iPod playlist, and since it is a fantastic soundtrack for getting yourself moving, I will share it now.  If you get the sense that I need a lot of positive self-talk, you're right.  Just READING at the titles of these tracks will stroke your ego.  Listen to the lyrics repeatedly and you might actually start to like your body.  (You're welcome.)

These Are The Days - 10,000 Maniacs (warm-up)
Headlock - Imogen Heap (warm-up)
Friday Night - G. Love and Special Sauce (R)
Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani (W)
SexyBack - Justin Timberlake (R)
Gold Digger - Kanye West (W)
Afrika Shox - Leftfield/Afrika Bambaataa (R)
Don't Cha - Pussycat Dolls (W)
Hot in Herre - Nelly (R)
Release - Timbaland (R)
Your Body is a Wonderland - John Mayer (cool-down)
Baby's Got Sauce - G. Love and Special Sauce (cool-down)

A dozen songs, about 45 minutes.  When I was doing the run/walk combo, I would warm up walking to the first two then alternate running and walking, though I usually run Hot in Herre and Release consecutively.  Then John Mayer and G. Love then tell me positive things about being gorgeous and saucy while I cool down and the sweat drips off of me.  Gross, sure, but effective.

Afrika Shox is the best song for running.  I kick the treadmill speed up a bit for that one. 

By the time I get to Release, it feels good.  Sometimes I even repeat that song if I still feel like running a bit.

I don't expect that you'll want all of these songs or do things the way I do, because that would be weird.  I think the key to sustaining exercise is finding what works for you and what you like to do enough to do it almost every day.  That said, it is fun for me to hear how other people operate, and I borrow and steal bits to suit me all the time. 

So, there you have it.  Steal ideas or ignore at will.

Comments

[Amy]

You go babe! I am so thrilled for you about running your upcoming race - it will be fantastic!

One other song that might fit in - Black Eyed Peas "Let's get it started" (or whatever its called)?? They always played that at the beginning of the cycle/run class I took and it actually helped (considering I had to work out with skinny college aged young'uns :)).

[Sue]

Good Luck, today :)

I had no idea of your choice in music...I'm soooo old skool, hehee

[Suzi]

Congratulations on finishing the race (read the news at Debunot's)! That is awesome. I'm going to add some of your selections to my iPod. I'm always looking for music that will inspire my legs to keep going!

[Steph.]

How interesting! I haven't heard of that one you say is great for running. Thanks for sharing! Oh, and you'll surprise yourself on that race--the adrenaline and having people around you always got me through to the end. Ahh...wish I could get back in that kind of shape again actually. Way to go!