Rules of the Game

“It’s just that… well… you can’t beat me if you do it. Ok?”

I blinked sheepishly a few times, embarrassed that I had actually just admitted it out loud. Jake looked at me, a slight grin slowly started to spread across his face, and then he busted out in laughter.

“I’m serious!! It’s just that, running is sort of my thing! I mean, how would YOU feel if you had been training for a big mountain bike race and then one day I just decided to do it with you and totally beat you?!”

You see, Jake bikes. I run. It’s how we’ve always been. Sure we like to take walks and hike together, but when it comes down to nitty gritty cardio, I run. He bikes. That’s just how it is.

So when I told him I’m thinking about running the Park City Marathon again, and he told me he might like to join me this year, my guard went up. Because not only does he bike and I run, I’m also a bit competitive. Actually, that might be the understatement of the year. I’m carnivorously, no mercy, draw blood kind of competitive. Let’s just say Jake happened to beat me in a game of one-on-one basketball a few years ago. We haven’t played again since. It’s just best for our marriage….

ANYWAY. Here I was, pathetically requesting him not to beat me if he decides to run it. The great thing about Jake, though? He agreed. Yes, he thinks it’s hilarious, and we both know how ridiculous my rule is. Believe me, I KNOW how absurd it is. But he also knows how utterly disappointed I would be if I lost, ridiculous or not. So he agreed. And THAT, my friends, is why I love him.

All that being said, I need your help!!! I figure if I train hard enough, he won’t be able to beat me, even he tries ;) So, how can you help? I need some new tunes for my running playlist!! What are your new (or old) favorite jams to get you pumped??  What’s your go-to song during a workout? Leave me a comment and let me know!

And as an extra incentive, I’ll give $20 in iTunes to one lucky commenter! I figure, help a sister out and I’ll help you out ;) Just leave a comment with your song(s), and a winner will randomly be picked on Monday. Ready, set, go!

Kevin Markowitz - April 26, 2012 - 10:45 am

Tought call on one song. Here are a couple I use at the gym
Hells Bells – ac/dc
Blind – Korn
It takes two – rob base
Champion – Kayne West

Those are the clean ones

Lauren - April 26, 2012 - 11:00 am

I SO want in on this! Alexandra Stan – “Mr. Saxobeat” – it’s my new fave jam for ZUMBA! :) But it has a good running tempo! Good luck with your training and race – you are inspiring!

Samantha - April 26, 2012 - 8:22 pm

loove running to the Superchick “rock what you got” album…if you like that style :)

John - April 26, 2012 - 9:57 pm

Let’s go with some classic Arena Jams:)
Final Countdown
Don’t Stop Believin’
More than a Feelin’

Or maybe something like these:
Don’t Give Up or Rise Up(Green River Ordinance)
Stockholm Syndrome (Muse)
We Go Tonight or Sparks (Sleeperstar)

Or you can never go wrong with:
Where the Streets Have No Name (U2)!

Emily Wilson - April 29, 2012 - 6:05 pm

I really enjoy reading your blog! I’ve been trying to be more consistent with running lately, and my playlists are pretty random. Here are a few I like :)

-Stronger – Kelly Clarkson (I have to tell myself that running one more mile won’t kill me..but make me stronger. haha)
-Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) – Shakira
-So Good – B.o.B
-Pumped up Kicks – Foster the People
-We are Young – Fun
-All Alright – Fun

Good luck with running!

Kevin Markowitz - April 30, 2012 - 8:06 am

Two more that I added to my gym playist this past weekend that I have grown fond of are

She’s Country – Jason Aldean
Sexy and I know It! – LMFAO