Awesome idea

Every now and then I get a flash of genius while running.  Tuesday was one of those days.  Out of the blue I got the idea to create: Runner Bingo!

I've created the game card below for my game.  In the card I've put in things that I'm somewhat likely to see on a run at some point, but nothing so common that I'd fill up the card during a Tuesday morning track session.  The game starts on Saturday and I'll be playing until I fill up the card at which point I'll reward myself with some running related goody (new shorts? new shoes? new hat? who knows?!?).

My goal is to post an update every time I see one of these things while running--and therefore stamp it with my Bingo marker.

B	I	N	G	O
Double running stroller	Barefoot runner	Getting “chicked”	Headband	Slow running group, 3+ abreast
Running in the bike lane	Article of 80’s running gear	Shirt from a race I’ve run	Batman belt	Power walker
Wristband	Overdressed for the weather	FREE	Getting “geriatricked”	Running against traffic on track
Running after a race	Cyclist on running path	Long socks with shorts	Inappropriate foot wear	D-Tag on shoe (not during a race)
Non-iPod music device	Overly coordinated running outfit	Camel Pack	Bandana on head	Runner with multiple dogs

And we're off

Yesterday marked the start of Training for my next Marathon: the Mount Desert Island Marathon.  The race is in Acadia National Park in Maine and is known as the Big Sur of the east for the amazing scenic run along the coast.  It will be my seventh Marathon, 17th state, and 23rd running event.  It also looks like it will be the hilliest race I've ever run.  It has the potential to be the coldest race I've ever run.  And will be the easternmost race I will ever run.

Along with all of these firsts I am also hoping to PR at this race.  Although it will be a though one, it is entirely possible given my performances at my recent races: a PR in Austin (so I have speed) followed by a fail in Fredericksburg (got me pissed off so that now I feel I have something to prove).

The first running workout (today, 3x1600m) fell short of goal: I was supposed to run at a 6:30 pace and I could only get 7:00.  But I've run 6:30s in the past and know that if I keep at it I will make it down to 6:30.  I'm really trying to focus this time around--and above all not get bored.

Here's to the next 26.2.

To say I've been uninspired to post is on understatement.  I have flat out forgotten that I even have a blog.  And the fact that it's taken me almost a month to do a playlist post--the easiest of the pre-formatted posts that I do --is just, well, embarrassing.

Although coming back to Blogger after a month or so hiatus, I have to say: the interface is crappy.  I see why people start in Blogger and then migrate away.

Anywho, on with the music.

This playlist sucked.  When I finished putting it together the result felt uninspired.  I thought it would grow on me, they I just needed to warm up to this collection of music. Nope, never happened.  Even listening to it afterward I don't really click with the selection of songs, and the majority of the playlist is made up of songs from other playlists.  Oh well--I guess they can't all be winners.

• Jacqueline; Franz Ferdinand
• Howlin' for You; The Black Keys
• Rumour Has It; ADELE
• La Mexicana; Bacilos
• Young Blood; The Naked and Famous
• Let's Go Dancing; The Fashion
• Bamboleo; Gipsy Kings
• Ready to Start; Arcade Fire
• Hanging On; Valley Lodge
• Feel Like Taking You Home; Brendan Benson
• I Really Want You; Plain White T's
• Sins of My Youth; Neon Trees
• All of My Loving; Valley Lodge
• Great DJ; The Ting Tings
• I'm Not Over; Carolina Liar
• Home; Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
• Empty Room; Arcade Fire
• Any Way You Want It; Journey
• Poised and Ready; Brendan Benson
• Not New In N.Y.; The Fashion
• Animal; Neon Trees
• Come On Eileen; Dexy's Midnight Runners
• A Little Less Conversation (JXL Radio Edit Remix); Elvis Presley
• Month of May; Arcade Fire
• Shout; The Isley Brothers
• Assassin; Muse
• I Gotta Feeling; Black Eyed Peas
• Percussion Gun; White Rabbits
• The Pretender; Foo Fighters
• Let's Dance to Joy Division; The Wombats
• Move Along; The All-American Rejects