Run, Run, Run!

The bombings at the finish line of the Boston Marathon yesterday weigh heavily in everyone's hearts, particularly in those of runners all around the world. I consider myself a new runner. Sure, I got myself up to a 5K level after Ashton was born and then stopped altogether, but now I can tell I will never stop, as long as my legs will carry me. Ever since I ran the 5K for SMA last month, it's been a recurring realization that running is a privilege. I run because I can, and as I have seen many people around me who cannot run, whether it be due to a paralyzing disease, injury from a car accident or in war or any number of incidents that can occur in a blink of an eye, I realize that I will run as long as I can because this privilege can be revoked at any day, any time. As a non-runner none of this meant anything to me at all. This is why I tell people sometimes "Why don't you try to run? Just try. It will change your life." All that being said, I'm all about living life to the fullest and challenging myself every time I possibly can. Sure, I want to lose weight and look good naked and feel good and all that, but it's a journey worth taking as long as you can. It's the main reason I'm a professional musician: there is no "I did it! I'm done!" Your journey is your life. If I were to recommend anything to anyone who wanted to get started on exercising, I would say these things:

1) When given the choice to walk or run, always run. You can always stop if it's too much. Always try the push-ups from your toes. Always do the harder version first. You may surprise yourself.

2) Make little goals along the way. I recently accomplished my goal to complete Insanity, which I originally bought 2 years ago. I finally did it! Goals are what make the world go round.

3) Music, baby. It's my life. And I can't run without it. I spent some time googling runners' playlists to see what got them motivated and I learned one thing: it doesn't matter what gets other people motivated. You need your own playlist. I may be the only person who runs to a shuffle of Stravinsky's Apollo ballet, Metallica, "This little light of mine" by Raffi (makes me think of my kids), Chopin Nocturnes, Justin Timberlake, Pitbull, Brahms, Michael Jackson, etc. It works for me. Music is the best part.

Happy running!