Hey everyone! How was your Monday? Mine was, well, better than it usually is, mostly because I kept trying to have a positive attitude!
Whenever I start hearing myself complain about something (like the fact that I was a popsicle for half the day or that I didn’t want to sit through “busy work” presentations) I kept reminding myself of ways to help stay positive!
One of the best ways I’ve learned recently, is to remember what I’m thankful for! I saw this great quote on pinterest, first pinned by this amazing lady.
I’ve also started a habit on the bus in the morning. Rather than being annoyed that I can’t get internet, I’ll pull up the notes program and make a list of some things I’m thankful for that day:
It really does help! Haha and there was a little self-love at the end there to pump me up for my presentations.
Another thing that always helps a bad mood? MUSIC!
Sometimes I legitimately forget about music! I recently went through a phase where I only listened when working out and never at any other time of the day, isn’t that crazy! I’m working my way back in by listening a little on the bus in the morning, turning on some tunes when I’m cleaning, or playing pandora while studying. Can we say “film score radio” anyone?
Music is also great to get me pumped up for runs or workouts. Although I prefer running with someone else and chatting, most of my runs are done solo. Sometimes I’ll listen to podcasts, if I’m in the mood, but when I’m racing or really trying to get my energy up, I’ll make a great workout playlist.
I also love to make playlists for specific races. My goal for the lakefront 10 miler this weekend is to avoid this:
And have a little more this:
Can you just feel my energy in that second shot?? Granted… that race was 10 miles shorter…
Anyway, we’ll pretend it’s all about music, not distance. I thought you all would be interested in seeing my playlist for the 10 miler on Saturday! I put it together yesterday, and it includes a lot of new songs (don’t judge on one of them…), a few oldies, and a LOT of repeats.
I’ve learned that when I find songs I’m loving right now, they really pump me up, even if I just listened to it, so I added a few in there multiple times!
Also, my playlists ALWAYS include Eminem. Totally necessary for when I am feeling the pain and need to keep pushing!
CARA Lakefront 10 Miler Playlist
I’m also sure to make my playlist at least 10 minutes longer than I intend to run the race in… just in case. I’d feel so bad if my music ran out in the last mile!
Some of these songs might seem odd, but a lot of them have certain bits that I love to run to.
Here are some great examples:
“What doesn’t kill you makes a fighter, Footsteps even lighter” – Kelly Clarkson, Stronger
Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted in one moment
Would you capture it or just let it slip?
– Eminem, Lose Yourself
“We’re running just as fast as we can” - Tiffany, I Think We’re Alone Now
“Starships were meant to fly, Hands up, and touch the sky” – Nicki Minaj, Starships
Cause sometimes you just feel tired,
Feel weak, and when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up.
But you gotta search within you, you gotta find that inner strength
And just pull that shit out of you and get that motivation to not give up
And not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face and collapse.
– Eminem, Till I Collapse
This playlist is a liiiiittle experimental for me, since I’ve never repeated songs so much, but we’ll see how it goes!
Does anyone else make playlists for races?
What’s your current favorite workout/running song?