You miss the sounds of the neighborhood school playground – shouting, laughing.
You miss the sound of traffic as it zooms past.
You miss the sounds of other people talking – on the T, on the bus, in line at the store.
You miss the opportunity to be a part of the world; not just a body moving through it.
You miss the opportunity to hear or learn something new.
In January, I signed up for a 5K race and shortly after my world view shifted.
First, with some Christmas money, I purchased the basic model iPad.
I simply love it. I have Pandora on in my little house all the time. I clean to Justin Timberlake. I cook to Simon Webbe. I sing along – albeit badly - with Katharine McPhee and Kristen Chenoweth.
As my training progressed, I began to miss that music. So much so, at lunch one day, I wandered into the Radio Shack on Liberty Avenue and purchased the best darn $9.99 headphones I have ever used. They stay in place! They don’t fall out with a head shake!
My first day running with an iPod was a revelation. It’s fun! The shuffle feature is the best thing ever invented as I never know who will be spurring me along: The Pointer Sisters “Jump”, Bruce Springsteen “Glory Days” or Lady Gaga “Poker Face”. (FYI, Van Morrison is definitely NOT inspiring to run to, and is being removed from the playlist tonight.)
However, the absolute most amazing thing about running with headphones/ear–buds? I don’t notice how much my knees ache. I forget about the sound of my feet slapping the sidewalk and my shin pain. I overlook the fact that I don’t go very fast or that I don’t have a very good running form (like two of my kids do). I don’t care that I look like I’m about to drop over right there on the side of the road from exhaustion.
I just run.
I just sing.
I just work out things in my head.
This Saturday I will run my first 5 K race. I won’t finish first, and I won’t finish last. But I will run with songs that move me, encourage me and make me happy.
Priceless.
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Pittsburgh Marathon 5K - Saturaday May 5, 2012 |
