Music To My Ears

Other people run, I plod. Technically, what I do is running but my pace is so slow I think a dog scooting on his butt could pass me.

Yet I trudge on, convincing myself that I am somehow benefiting from my painfully slow workout.

I've always been an athlete but jogging (as it was called way back in the '70's and '80's) was merely a means to an end. My father used to say I became a great soccer player so I wouldn't have to run to the ball. If I could guess where the ball would go then I could just stroll over to the spot and be there when it arrived. It worked for me.

However, since running is the easiest way to exercise, I've decided to give it another try. Thanks to three pills a day of Glucosamine and Chondroitin my knees have been up to the challenge.

Back in July, I was pathetic. There's a 9/10 of a mile loop around a lake near my house and I couldn't make it past the half-way mark. Then I started running with music and my distance doubled immediately. I quickly realized it wasn't my lungs that were giving me trouble, it was my brain.

The music on my MP3 player had been randomly taken from our computer's hard drive, so every now and then I would be treated to Mel Torme singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." Nothing makes you want to stop moving and curl up into a fetal position faster than the Velvet Fog crooning about a favorite childhood holiday.

When the theme from "Peter Gunn" would come on, my heart rate would quicken as every runner or walker who passed me suddenly seemed menacing.

So, my husband decided to create a special running mix tape for me and, so far, the results have been pretty darn good. Now I can make it around the lake 3 3/4 times, ending with a sprint. Four laps must be within reach.

Rehab Amy Winehouse

Baby Seat Barenaked Ladies

Let Forever Be Chemical Brothers

Big Time Sensuality Bjork

The Oaf Big Wreck

Down At The Bottom Walter Becker

Waiting For Mary Pere Ubu

I Know What You're Doing Dionne Farris

If You Let Me Stay Terence Trent D'Arby

Pull Up The Roots Talking Heads

In My Dreams Big Audio Dynamite

Don't Stay Home 311

Trans Island Skyway Steeley Dan

Florida Room Steeley Dan

Crackerman Stone Temple Pilots

I can't wait until I can outrun the playlist.