Saturday, October 9, 2010

Inspiration, Great Tunes & Marathon Memories

Last week my family and I took a much needed break at the beach and it happened to fall right into place with tapering in my running schedule.  Time to SLOW down a bit was the theme of the week.... (more about that whole week of reflection when my mind is not consumed with 10-10-10)!!!

So - randomness - that is what you get for this post, because that is what my mind is filled with right now with 2 days to go until the start line is saying, "Ok - show me what you got Shaddy!


Inspiration - oh we could be here forever - but I will give you a few that have kept me moving when I hit a little burn out mode the last few weeks.
These beautiful faces of my sweet, handsome, supportive (with a huge dose of smart aleck) husband & my beautiful kiddos


Picture of us after a beautiful hike during our REST week at the beach.


I am certainly one of those runners that LOVES music to keep me motivated - so here a re a few that have kept me moving the last few weeks:  disclaimer - please do not hold me accountable for any potential offensive lyrics - just beats and certain lyrics that keep me going (no f-bombs ......that I can remember)!

The High Road - by Broken Bells
http://iLike.com/s/AaqhW
Perfect Warm up Song!  Love his voice.

She's Long Gone - BlackKeys  - "She's Gone, Long Gone!!!" Oh yes I am!!!
If you do not have this on your playlist – PLEASE ADD IT – it gets me so pumped!! Fun jazzy/rock sound - a little something different for your playlist, but OH SO GOOD.


Move Along - All American Rejects
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d07ZUqvjz4
This is one of my favorite running songs - Love when it says - ” Ah – You gotta Keep it Strong – Move along, move along like I know you do. Even when you r HOPE is gone, move along, move along just to make it through” 
Seriously How perfect is that??? 

California by 2Pac
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs9hp4ubU1k
Tribute to Julie - would think of her being back in Cali for a visit

I've got soul, but I'm not a Soldier by The Killers
Great song for running & this link will take you to one of my FAVORITE nike commercials that says

"Everything You Need Is Already Inside"!! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii9CY6GKYu4

The Ghost Inside by Broken Bells
http://iLike.com/s/AaupN
Love the Beat to this song!!

What is It??
Ok - I have to do it - a Hip hop tribute to my brother in law who downloaded this on my running tracks and I actually loves that it says - "Let me see you go mama - go mama!"  I like to think they are talking to me - haha!  I am pretty good at turning any song into something to do with running...

As much as I rely on music while I run, during my hill workouts this time around - I have been turning off my i-pod for my last hill, my kick my rear end workout...... and dedicating it to my sweet friend Meredith's brother, Chris.  I spend that hill praying for his battle with cancer & thinking about how his challenge is far greater than the one I have in front of me.  I swear every time I have done this - Chris's hill- is always my best pace!!!  Thank you Meredith & Chris for being with me on those hills!!

I have brought along with me so many pieces of people and experiences that have inspired my training......my family, my friends (running and non-running!!!), blogs of other runners that make me feel like I can do this!!, articles, RLAM, memories of my sweet mom, verses, nike commercials - haha, .................
Pieces of this journey that remind me that I am not in this alone - thank you to all of you that have shared your piece with me these last 4 challenging months!!! I will certainly be taking you with me on the Portland Marathon course.

As we enter the next chapter of our marathon experiences - I had to share a few of my favorite pictures from our last - a few more images that inspire me:



My Sweet Mom - Always in my heart & out there with me on the course!!

Look at his cute face - how couldn't it inspire you!  Oh & yes he DID hold up a sign asking me if I pee'd myself!


This is one of my favorites!!  My husband said that everyone had pain on their face, but not Julie - she had a smile- of course!!!


Portland Marathon - 10-10-10 - Here I come!!!