Lately Honey and I have been lamenting the fact that we are unfit parents. I don’t mean unfit in the sense that we give our kids beer and cheezies for breakfast. We know enough to teach our children that it’s not acceptable to drink until after noon. (You all know I’m kidding, right?) I’m referring to the fact that we are not feeling physically fit. I don’t feel emotionally or spiritually fit most days either, but that’s another post.
We’ve been trying to figure out how to get exercise into our daily lives again. I’d like to say that having three kids is all of the exercise I need. The truth of the matter is, they do all of the running. I just stand in the midst of the chaos yelling at them asking them politely to slow down. And maybe turn the volume down a notch.
I had started doing some workout videos, but sicknesses, Stomach Flu, acid reflux, etc. have thrown me for a loop. Now that it’s getting warmer I also have the burning desire to be outside.
Yesterday when Honey came up for lunch, I told him I was going to head out for a speed walk sans kids. I went up to my walk-in closet to change into my workout clothes. Which I still don’t have. Remember that Honey bought me some for my birthday? He’s just the sweetest thing. I returned them with the intent of getting what I really needed. It’s been almost two months and I still haven’t found what I’m looking for. It might help if I had some time to actually go and look.
So, I wore a pair of yoga pants and a random shirt. How was it any different than the yoga pants and a random shirt that I wear on a daily basis? These yoga pants and a random shirt were ones that I was actually willing to sweat in.
I grabbed my MP3 player and bolted out the door. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and the air was fresh and clear. Not only did I walk, I threw a bit of running in there for good measure. I would walk for a couple of minutes and run for a couple of minutes. I believe the term is fartlek. It always gives me the giggles. I’m so classy, you know.
I felt fantastic when I returned home. My head was clear and the endorphins were coursing through my veins. I realized a couple of things while doing the fartlek (hee hee).
1. I’m more out of shape than I thought I was. Pre-babies, I would run 5K about 5 times a week. Almost effortlessly. I have a long way to go, baby.
2. My music is seriously outdated. I need some new tunes.
So, my friends, I’m asking for some music suggestions. When I asked you all at Christmas, I got some great recommendations. Not only that, sweet Julie G sent me a mixed compilation that she and her sister had burned.
Hit me with what you get your groove on to. I’ve managed to leap into the year 2000 and have learned how to download music. I just have no idea what’s good, so I need your help, my peeps. Bring it on.
**Any idea what band I listened to yesterday? I don’t think they’ll EVER be outdated. I even sprinkled a few of their other song titles throughout this post as a hint. Virtual Diet Cokes to all who guess. How creative am I today? The boys woke up after 6, so my brain is functioning beyond the basic “Breathe in, breathe out…”
I am not one to ask for music advice. Hubs filled up my pink ipod with coldplay, etc. so when I go to workout, I try to find the “fastest” coldplay song to keep from falling asleep. Must spend time uploading new music. Way to get out there! We currently have one 2 yr old, so we can go to the gym and drop him off at their daycare. If he gets sick, we don’t go. I hear ya…..
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INXS? Am I right?
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Wait! No! U2?
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Yay Leah! I lurve U2. I need me some new tunes though
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U2! They will never become outdated – great music.
I am not the right person for music recommendations, unless you want a mix of 90% Country…I’m a country gal
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U2?! Really? I never would have guessed from the hints in the post… guess I am not as big a fan as I think I am…
I recently decided I really like the Dixie Chicks but given your dislike of country… that probably won’t be a good suggestion. Although a good portion of their newer stuff is not all that twangy…
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You MUST get Cascada. The best workout/running music ever. Its kinda techno-pop, and the vocals are great.
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If you’re looking for something mellow try martin sexton. Very cool and bluesy. I also enjoy Casting crowns. Great lyrics. Ummmm….. John Mayer, Shawn macDonald, Matt Kearny, Amos lee, Lincoln Brewster, Sarah Groves…I’ve got more…
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When I head out for a run the other day I was listening to my MP3 player that Sean FINALLY set up for me. I had asked him to put some upbeat on it for me and I was quite surprised to hear blaring from my speakers…”Everybody dance now!!” LOL
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I was all ready to say U2 and then realised it would look like I’d copied the answers from people above. But I didn’t, I promise
What about the new U2 album?
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Ang- I have the greatest mixes for you!! I am a huge Alias fan- Jennifer Garner kicking butt as a CIA double-agent! Anyways, I compiled a list of great songs from the show- many are fast, upbeat tunes from actions sequences. Its perfect for running and working out. I can burn it for you! Just let me know!
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I totally caught the U2 hints!
I love to listen to Dave Matthews while I stroll as well as Dashboard Confessional. Also, the Grey’s anatomy soundtrack rocks!
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A good tip for feeling energetic- wearing workout clothes for the whole day. usually when you wear jeans etc, your movement is restricted, etc… sounds weird I know. IWhen i throw on some yoga pants, I find that I run around alot more with the kids and I enjoy it. Imagine that! Okay- so this is most likely old news to some, but to me it is a great revelation! Now that spring is coming, Im sure there will be more power walking for you. Have fun!
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anything by frou frou/ imogen heap.
both great for getting going. in the summer, when i bike to work, its those guys who dominate the mornings.
pheonix ‘its never been like that.’
the kids love love this album. we always dance after breakfast, and this is a good one to put on. julie loves it too.
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Sweet post…you’re a very witty person!
Sorry I can’t help ya out much with the cool tunes. I’m at a place where I’ve too feel like I’ve lost my groove, but my hubby loves Christian hip-hop if that helps=) HA!
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I am so happy I got the U2 part. I had to go back and read it after I got to the end cuz I didn’t know I was looking for hints, but “the sweetest thing” gave it away for me! I could offer some music suggestions, but I would think the key to continuing on to running would be to fill it up with music you like. Maybe you need a date at HMV to listen to the CD’s they have on the wall that you can sample listen, just to get an idea of what’s new and makes you groove? (Maybe you could make it a double date and get those workout clothes you’re trying to get). When I walk outside I like to listen to Christian tunes, and then I come back feeling better physically and a bit more spiritually focused too! I hope you find lots more time to be physical!
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getting outside by yourself is probably the best thing in the world!
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oh and if you want some good workout music..black eyed peas. they have great rythym. or kelly clarkson and justin timberlake does have great beats as well.
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I’m going to deviate from the norm and instead of just giving you artists, I’m going to list you songs. I actually just updated my own work out tunes, so, that beings said…
Mika – “Grace Kelly”
Nelly Furtado – “Maneater”
Bob Sinclair – “Rock This Body (Everybody Dance Now)”
Daughtry – “It’s Not Over”
Modest Mouse – “Dashboard”
Finger Eleven – “Paralyzer”
Avril Lavigne – “Girlfriend”
Gwen Stefani – “The Sweet Escape”
KT Tunstall – “Suddenly I See”
Rhianna ft. Sean Paul – “Break It Off”
Nickelback – “Animals”
Timbaland ft. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake – “Give It To Me”
Hope that helps! I can always give you more if you like.
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Best workout cd you ask? Madonna! Her newest CD will really get your moving! The lyrics are sooooo lame (“I don’t like cities, but I like New York. Other cities, make me feel like a dork” seriously…) The lyrics are so lame that there really isn’t a hint of indecency in the songs. check it out!
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I don’t know about the music…I change the songs on the MP3 like I the channels on the tv. There is something grounding (both physically and spiritually) for me when I go for a run, or a walk. Good for you! Ya gotta start somewhere….a fartlek is a good place to start (that word always makes me laugh too).
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LOL!! I’m so there with you. There are so many days I think more of the emotionally unfit part
but then days like today of running errands and in and out of the car and being 7 1/2 months preggo…I was EXHAUSTED. I’m so doing some major walking this summer.
Good for you Angella! Keep up the good work!
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