A couple months ago, I told you all about my complicated status with running. And while I’m still not breaking down the door to go for a run, I have managed to dig up some inspiration. Or rather, I’ve dug up an old resolution. 2014 is the new 2013!
So, here it is for all the world to see: in August of this year, I will be running the Disneyland Half Marathon. Yep. It’s happening. It’s going to happen. 13.1 miles + me = one true pairing.
I am gritting my teeth as I write this, because I am a nervous wreck. I’m starting to sweat. My armpits are damp. The thought of running 13.1 miles seems so impossible at this moment that it’s almost laughable. It’s certainly sweat-able and teeth-grind-able. How am I going to do this? I have no idea. I know there’s training involved and I’m working on getting my training program in place, but mentally all I can think is, “holy shit, man. I’m going to run a half marathon.” And the jerk part of me is thinking, “don’t worry, you’ll think of an excuse not to do it.”
Guess what, Jerk Jess? No excuses, because not only will Meridith not allow that (we’re running it together), I’ve solidified this resolution by making a playlist.
That’s right, a playlist. In my world, when I create a playlist for an event, it becomes completely legit. Music is how I get ready: for meetings, nights out, exercise, life. I love the pulse of it, how certain songs strung together can create a feeling or emotion that lasts for as long as the playlist does. Finding songs that describe in beat and melody and lyrics what I’m feeling – or when it comes to this playlist, what I want to feel – is what gets me going. Music is my jam.
Despite my trepidation, I’m excited to share this with all of you. And I’m also super excited to share my half marathon playlist! I’ll be listening to it as I start the training process and maybe even on the big day. Yes, definitely then. It will be a reminder of the starting line as I’m hopefully crossing the finish. The music will take me back to this feeling of anxiety, hugeness, of “can I really do it?”, and I can tell myself, “you just did.”
[8tracks width=”300″ height=”250″ playops=”” url=”http://8tracks.com/mixes/3162090″]
What are your running/fitness goals for 2014? Are there any songs I should add to my playlist?