The Great American Playlist

During the summer months in the great Sunshine State, it's too hot to safely jog or run outside.  This is Florida, the land of oppressive heat and host to many a serial killer.  I can either go running during the heat of the day and seriously risk heat stroke, or I can go out under the cover of night and risk a more wicked fate.  Sure, I could take the gamble, but why put myself in a perilous situation unnecessarily?   Other than casually walking my dog, I think it's best to keep my feet on the treadmill for the summer.

My gym has the latest and greatest treadmills available, but running on a treadmill can become monotonous regardless of how fancy it may be.  It's vital to keep things at the gym entertaining in order to make it worth coming back.  I usually occupy my time on the treadmill by visualizing the better, healthier version of me that I am working toward.  I visualize the cute outfits I will wear, crossing the finish line at the zombie 5k, seeing old friends again (sans the shame), and even simpler things like getting out of bed in the morning with a spring in my step instead of an achy shuffle.  I totally zone out and daydream about achieving my goals.  I really enjoy this time spent visualizing. Well, that is, until it all comes to a screeching halt when the wrong song rolls into my iTunes queue. Disaster.

I don't know why I allow myself to be at the mercy of my iPhone. It's not the greatest DJ in the world. Also?  It has this weird, sick and twisted side.  Seriously.  There are moments I'd swear that my iPhone is just a more current, handheld version of HAL 9000.  For example, I'll just be jogging my heart out, visualizing my goals, and jamming out to some great tunes, when it suddenly decides to throw some "Oh, Holy Night" by Straight No Chaser into the mix.  I love Christmas carols and I adore Straight No Chaser, but the abrupt change can be really jarring at times!  If that isn't bad enough, my iPhone also has a weird obsession with the band Train.  I don't feel comfortable discussing the details right now, but trust me....it is very "single white female" and freaky.

Obviously, I need to establish some boundaries.  No more 2001: Space Odyssey for this girl!  I  am going to be my own DJ from here on out.  Enter: Playlists.  I need to create a few different playlists for my workouts.  Each playlist will have a different mood or theme so that I can set the tunes to match the mood I am in for that day.  Possible playlists:

1.  That's my Jam (Description: jam band music.  Root: Dave Matthews Band)
2.  Deep Thoughts (Description: hipster tunes.  Root: Mumford & Sons)
3.  Judge Not (Description: guilty pleasures. Root: Maroon 5)
4.  Love Boat Mix (Description: easy, summer tunes.  Root: Michael McDonald)
5.  Fly By Nights (Description: current hits with a decent hook.  Root: Various Artists)
6.  Don't Stop Me Now (Description: old school rock.  Root: Queen/Pink Floyd)
7.  Girl Power (Description: powerful songs for women.  Root: Pink)

I may also make a classical playlist, and a Sinatra-style playlist at some point.  I'm not sure yet, but I am off to a good start for now!  Since today is a "rest" day on my C25K program, I have time this evening to make my playlists.  I am really excited to do this!  I love anything with music, and every step I take to help myself along the way, regardless of how minor, is still a step in the right direction. I look forward to sitting down tonight with my pup and my laptop and selecting the songs that will keep my feet moving, my thoughts flowing, and the good times rolling!

Until next time, keep on rocking in a free world!  :)