"....what initially drew me to running and keeps me coming
back is how good it makes me feel, plain and simple."
So, there's this gal. Her name is Liz. And she's a crazy fast runner. Like me, she runs for Oiselle. Unlike me, she is a rock star. No, seriously. Can you imagine my surprise when I found out that one of my running teammates plays and sings in the band RAC; a band that I happen to listen to every single day when I run?? MIND. BLOWN. Liz performs both solo, as Pink Feathers, and with her husband, André Allen Anjos, in RAC. Her Pink Feathers EP, Invisible Lines, is currently available on Spotify & iTunes. To everyone's good fortune, both she and RAC have recently added a bunch of new dates for their upcoming fall tours. (pinkfeathers.co/tour, rac.fm/tour).
In her own words:
I keep up with training when I'm on tour so it makes for a great way to sightsee and meet other Oiselle runners all over the country.
I am completely in awe of this girl. How the hell does one play in not one, but two bands; while also training hard enough to run a sub-3 hour marathon? That's right, folks. 2:59. Just....wow. Liz's music favorites are all over the map; ranging from Bjork, to MNDR to Nirvana. She also has a go-to "cheesy pump up" playlist that she listens to before she races. Lucky for us, she's shared of few of her favorites from this list below. They might not make you as smokin' fast as she is, but they will undoubtedly get you fired up and ready to race. I'm beyond thrilled that I'll get to see her play with RAC when they come to Boston this November. Who's in? In the meantime, let's learn more about Liz, a RUNNERWHOROCKS.
RWR: LIZ ANJOS
Where you're from: Schwenksville, Pennsylvania (just outside Philadelphia)
Where you reside now: Portland, OR
Age: 29
Occupation: Artist & Musician. I write music under the moniker Pink Feathers and tour live with the band RAC on keyboards and vocals.
Blog/website: www.pinkfeathers.co for my music and www.runningliz.com for all things running
What do you love most about running?
There are so many things I love about running. The competition, the community, the ritual, the escape. In relation to music, I think I've come up with some of my best song ideas while out on a run. But what initially drew me to running and keeps me coming back is how good it makes me feel, plain and simple.
What do you love most about music?
Loaded question! I love that music can essentially match the entire spectrum of human emotion. I have a huge emotional attachment to music. I think everyone does, whether or not they realize it. When I think back to any part of my life, music defines it somehow. My childhood was dancing in the living room to Swan Lake and acting out scenes from the Little Mermaid and the Lion King with my friends in the backyard. After my first break up I listened to Smashing Pumpkins' "Adore" on repeat. On long summer night drives in college my friends and I would sing/scream Oasis' "Don't Look Back in Anger" at the top of our lungs. I walked down the aisle to The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun." It's an incredible feeling to find music that matches exactly what I'm feeling and it's even better when I can create it.
LIZ'S FAVORITES:
Band (current, all time or both): Gwen Stefani is probably my all time favorite artist. She has an incredible voice and she's a fearless performer. Currently I can't get enough of emerging band HOLYCHILD. I met them at a show last fall and became an instant fan. Their take on pop music is really creative and different. No one else is doing anything like it.
Album (current, all time or both): Body Talk by Robyn. Every song is a gem.
Race venue: Hayward Field in Eugene, OR. I experienced a bit of the famed 'Hayward Magic' when I ran a personal best in the 5K there a few years ago. I also believe Eugene has the best, most knowledgeable track fans in the world.
Music venue: I looove the 9:30 Club in Washington DC. It's a great space, the staff is amazing, and they always have a plate of their famous 9:30 Club cupcakes (from Buzz Bakery for the curious) waiting for the band/crew backstage.
Race distance: The marathon. I wouldn't have said that even one or two years ago. I have five marathons under my belt now, and it took exactly that many to feel like I really know what I'm doing. I'm currently training for the Berlin Marathon coming up on September 27th.
Show you've seen live: Röyksopp & Robyn at Marymoor Park (just outside of Seattle), it was so fun and visually creative. Robyn is a great performer.
Ice cream flavor: Honey Lavender in a waffle cone at Portland's Salt & Straw.
THIS OR THAT:
Sweet or salty? I have a crazy sweet tooth. Baked goods will be the end of me. (photo: cupcakes from her show @ The 9:30 Club)
Live or recorded? Live! I'll take imperfect and in-the-moment over polished and pristine.
Coffee or tea? Coffee!
Summer or winter? Summer, especially in Portland.
MORE MUSIC INFO:
Which band or artist would you go see tonight if you could? Björk. I've always wanted to see her live. Just imagine the costume changes.
THE ONE & ONLY BJORK
Which band or artist would you like to have dinner with tonight if you could? Ellie Goulding, we could gab on all things touring and running.
Which band or artist would you like to be playing alongside you during your next race (or long run)? Like on the back of a pickup or something? Because that would be amazing. I would choose MNDR. Her music and stage presence is so wild and energetic, that would definitely keep me pumped.
LAST ONE: (complete the sentence)
Today, I feel like….hopping in the car and going on an adventure.
Top 5 Songs for running, dancing or both:
I have this cheesy pump up playlist that I always listen to before racing. Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Madonna - Living for Love
2. Röyksopp & Robyn - Do It Again
3. Garbage - When I Grow Up
4. Tegan & Sara - Closer
5. Blondie - Rip Her To Shreds
Last 5 Songs you listened to today:
1. Alex Winston - Careless
2. HOLYCHILD - Happy With Me
3. Penguin Prison - Calling Out
4. St. Lucia - Wait For Love
5. Karl Kling - Life On The Run
9:30 cupcakes are my JAM! And I see that she'll be at 9:30 in November. Yeah, we are going to have to meet up and go for a Bird run and....eat cupcakes :)
ReplyDeleteLiz is also an excellent writer. I recommend her blog here: www.runningliz.com
ReplyDelete