Thursday, December 28, 2023

2023:A YEAR IN REVIEW

"What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven't even happened yet."
~ Anne Frank

Dear RWM Readers,

I'm always floored when I get to this post every year. When we're in the throws of it all some of the days, weeks, months even; they feel so damn long.  And, yet here we are again at the end of another 365 day cycle.  As always, some big things have unfolded for me, my family, my team, my friends; for most of us, probably.  Which is what it's all about, right?  Celebrating the big events but also appreciating the slow and simple phases in between when things just are as they are and that feels good, too.  As far as running goes, for me it was a bit of a shit show.  I had a couple good races in the winter, trained my ass off for Boston, took a spill the week before the marathon and ran it with a broken rib.  So, clearly it didn't really go as planned.  After that, I got mono.  Which I didn't realize I had so I kept working and training right through it and suffering from exhaustion like nobody's business.  Super fun.  I injured my foot in the summer and that took forever to heal, not that I took time off to deal with it.  Because who has time?  And, yes, because I'm stubborn.  Then in early October I lined up for my fall marathon having just gotten over Covid and slogged through it with just enough energy to finish for my team and ultimately seal our tie for the win in the New England Grand Prix Series.  I'm really proud of this one.  Although I don't recommend trying it yourself.  It was probably not the smartest decision.  So, yea.  No personal bests.  No great marathon stories.  Just your standard ups and downs; mostly downs.  Not that I don't appreciate the fact that I am out there running.  I do.  Every.  Single.  Day.  As far as my family goes, my older daughter graduated high school, had the summer of her life and then flew off to college in Colorado in August.  Which has been both thrilling and slightly devastating for me.  I just miss having her around.  My younger daughter is a junior and beginning the college process herself.  I can't even think about her leaving and our house being empty.   Jeff and I cruised through the year as we always do.  Both of us working a lot and navigating parenthood - interesting and very tricky when they're teenagers - while also trying to have fun together and just appreciate all the good.  Which sounds easy but often takes more effort than it should.  In the end, I have zero complaints.  I'm healthy. My family is healthy and happy.  I'm running and coaching which is ultimately what I love to do.  So, I'm very lucky and incredibly grateful.  As far as RWM goes, in addition to my standard posts, I partnered up with the guys over at Six Minute Mile as a guest deejay, if you will.  I'll also be writing reviews for them throughout the year on various running related products.  I'm super excited about working with them.  And that pretty much wraps it all up.  Thank you, again, for following along this year through all my craziness.  My stories aren't always that exciting but perhaps they resonate or make you laugh and I suppose that's reason enough for me to stick with it.  And with that, I'll sign off.  Have a wonderful holiday.  Soak up every second.  Relax when you can.  And get ready to do it all over again in 2024.  

All the best,



RUNNING WITH MUSIC 2023

JANUARY
Rosie's final year as a high school and club gymnast.  
16 years of gymnastics.  Just...wow.

SONG:DRESS - SOFTCULT
ALBUM:ALREADY FORGOTTEN - HIBOU

FEBRUARY
LHS Boys & Girls clenched the Middlesex League Title for the 2022/23 indoor track season. #LEXGO

SONG:ALL THE FEELS - SCAVENGER HUNT
ALBUM:MATA - M.I.A.

MARCH
Rosie got into college! #skobuffs

SONG:DESERT OF THE HEAT - SMALL BLACK
ALBUM:QUIET THE ROOM - SKULLCRUSHER

APRIL
Ran my 31st marathon (9th Boston) with a broken rib. Do not recommend.

SONG:MOTORCYCLE - COLEMEN HELL, LA+CH
ALBUM:THE RECORD - BOYGENIUS

MAY
LHS Boys & Girls clenched the Middlesex League Title for the 2023 outdoor track season. #LEXGO

SONG:DREAMS - SJOWGREN
ALBUM:GIVING THE WORLD AWAY - HATCHIE

JUNE
Rosie graduated from Winchester high School. I cried a lot.

SONG:COVERED IN CHROME - GORDI
ALBUM:HEATHERHEAD - GENERATIONALS

JULY
Grace and I ran a 5K together. Second time it's ever happened. Hopefully not the last.

SONG:SIDEWAYS - MISTERWIVES
ALBUM:DE SELBY (PT 2) - HOZIER

AUGUST
Worked as a summer volunteer for CapeAbilities Farm, an incredible organization.

SONG:THIS - OK GO
ALBUM:I HONESTLY HAVE NO IDEA BC I DIDN'T WRITE IT DOWN. SORRY.

SEPTEMBER
Lex girls slayed their season opener, Clipper Relays.

SONG:FIRE OF MERCY - HOT CHIP
ALBUM:SOFT LANDING - ART SCHOOL GIRLFRIEND

OCTOBER
Cape Cod marathon with Covid.  Also, do not recommend.

SONG:YOU'RE HIRED - NEIKED feat. Ayra Starr
ALBUM:SIT DOWN FOR DINNER - BLONDE REDHEAD

NOVEMBER
Grace ran a person best at Coach's Invitational.

SONG:DO THE RIGHT THING - HAARM
ALBUM:THE SECRET TO LIFE - FIZZ

DECEMBER
Reunited with family for the holiday.  Nothing better.

SONG:NEWRULES - SJOWGREN
ALBUM:COUSINS - WILCO


LISTEN TO THESE:RWM SONGS OF 2023

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

2023 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE & WINTER GIVEAWAY

 "The joy of brightening other lives becomes for us the magic of the holidays."
~ W.C. Jones


'Tis the damn season.  Again.  Sorry.  Had to.  Because, whether you're a fan or not, it really was Taylor's year and we were all just along for the ride.  Seriously, though, here we are.  If you've been reading this blog for a while you know I am a huge fan of the holiday season.  The lights, the decorations, the gingerbread houses, the candy to decorate those gingerbread houses that you eat while you're making them; all of it.  I just can't get enough.  And this year, my older daughter, who is a freshman in college out in Colorado, will be home for an extended period of time.  Which I am giddy about.  Because she's legitimately that much fun.  And we're all more fun when she's around.  Okay, so let's get down to business here.  The list.  Below are the gifts that I feel are worth sharing.  Yes, there's a running theme, but they might also appeal to anyone with an active lifestyle plus readers, coffee lovers, people who like to be warm when it's cold out (tell me who doesn't want this?) and so on.  So, take a look with your friends and family in mind or, heck, even yourself.  Because you've worked hard this year and should absolutely have a list.  Click on the links for more details.  Share them. Learn more about them.  Purchase them.  Enjoy them.  I really dig every one of them and think you will, too.  Now, get going.  You have a lot to do and the clock is a tickin'.  Oh, and don't forget to scroll down and check out our annual WINTER GIVEAWAY, another epic mix of awesome products for you and your bff.  Details and how to enter are below.  Don't miss this one.  Merry, merry! 


********** RWM HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE **********


Retail price:$99*
*Use code rtrax20 to save %20

I won't tell you how many items I own by this company.  It's a lot.  But, hey, at least you know they are tried and true.  Between running, coaching, and skiing, I am never without my Ororo heated vest or jacket.  This puffer scarf is one of their newer items and is also on my list.  Yes, I have a problem.  But imagine standing outside with this warm, puffy deliciousness wrapped around your neck.  Winter is hard.  This makes it so much better.  

Retail Price: £75.00

I have been a Like the Wind subscriber for many years.  It is such a unique publication; chock full of running related stories, poems and stunning photography.  I love to take my time with it, really soaking in the pictures that go along with the writing that, more often than not, is incredibly moving and poignant.  This year, they have created a special package that includes Issue #38 which will launch this month, a full year subscription to the magazine, a limited edition tote bag and a fun card for the recipient.  This one is a no-brainer for the runner in your life.


Retail Price: $99.95 (currently on sale)

As you may know, I am currently on a quest for the perfect headphones.  As someone who runs with music, the fit, sound, quality and battery life of my headphones must all be good in order for me to give them a thumbs up.  I have tried many.  And truthfully none have blown me away.  The Shokz OpenRun were just recommended to me by multiple people so I got myself a pair and gave them a try.  And I am not disappointed.  They are different for me as I usually have earbuds inside my ears and these sit on the outside.  But, this doesn't impact sound at all.  In fact, it helps me hear other stuff going on while I'm running which is super important for a plethora of reasons.  They are easy to use and so far the battery life has been stellar.  So, at the moment, these are at the top of my list.  And I'm a tough critic.  So, trust me, they're good.

Retail Price: $36.99

Okay, truth.  My husband and I are kind of obssessed with Slate milk.  He goes for chocolate but I'm a vanilla fan.  We both reach for them immediately after we run or workout for a quick boost of protein (20 grams) without all the sugar that tastes delicious.  Throw it in a blender with a banana and some peanut butter and your world will be rocked.  Can't recommend these highly enough for the active, health conscious person who's on the go.

Retail Price:$119 (currently on sale)

If you're like me, you don't want to spend money on underwear.  But, if you are also like me, there is nothing worse than a crappy pair of undies when you're running, hiking, skiing... let's be honest...ever.  Paradis Sport has created a sustainable, performance-oriented product that I feel good about wearing and feel good in.  Once you try them you will forever change your mind about how important the under layer is.  Buy the 5 pack for your running partner or break up the pack and put a pair in each stocking for the active women in your family.

Retail price: $44

Yep, the Runnerbox holiday box is on my list again.  It's so perfect I can't not include it.  Who doesn't want a box of joy filled with running related goodies?  All the products have been pre-tested by the crew at Runnerbox so they are guaranteed awesome.  And the amount of things they are able to stuff into this little box will blow your mind.  It's like a stocking in and of itself.

 ************* STOCKING STUFFERS ************



The items above are some of my favorite little treats that can be thrown in the stockings or all together in one big basket of amazingness.

NUUN Spiced Cider - It's apple cider.  It can served be hot or cold.  It's delicious.  And it NUUN. So it's awesome.  It's also a limited flavor so buy a bunch.
Trapstix Lip Balm - They're unique flavors of lip balm cleverly named after musicians like Gucci Mango, Post Melone & Wu Tangerine.  How can you not love these?
David's Tea - Buy the sampler, which has a variety of flavors like Candy Cane Crush and Jack Frosted Mocha, and put a different flavor in each stocking.  Or, buy a box of the Sweet Potato Pie, which is my favorite and give it to....yourself?
Landgrove Coffee Gift Card - Because it's Landgrove.  And, in my humble opinion, it's the best coffee.  And there are lots of choices.  Including a ton of flavors and fun merch.  So why not let them pick it out for themselves this year?

❄️❄️❄️❄️ RWM WINTER GIVEAWAY ❄️❄️❄️❄️



And last, but definitely not least, the annual RWM HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!  During this special season, there are so many amazing things for you to enjoy and/or to share with someone you love.  And sharing is caring, right?  As I did last year, I'm going to hold this giveaway over at RWM on Instagram as it's easier to have all the entries in one place.  All you have to do to enter is "like" the post and tag the person you'd like to share all these goodies with in the comments.  Yep, that's it.  I'd love it if you'd follow all of these companies, too, as I think they're amazing and worth your time to get to know, but I'm trying to keep my rules to a minimum as we all have enough going on right now.  If you're not on Instagram, that's ok.  Just shoot me an email and I'll add you to the drawing manually.  Huge thanks to all of the companies that contributed to this giveaway.  The vest will be shipped directly from Ororo.  The milk will be shipped directly from Slate.  The Six Minute Mile gear will be shipped directly from SMM.  Everything else comes from me.  Retail value of this prize package is over $500.00. US residents only for this one.  Good luck!

1 ORORO HEATED VEST (winner gets to pick color & style)
1 Holiday RUNNERBOX
2 Issues of LIKE THE WIND Magazine
1 Five Pack of PARADIS undies
2 tubes of Spiced Cider NUUN
2 NUUN Water Bottles
2 SIX MINUTE MILE Mugs
2 SIX MINUTE MILE t-shirts (winner gets to pick color & size)
1 12 Pack of SLATE MILK (winner picks the flavor of their choice)
1 lb Landgrove Coffee
2 Landgrove Coffee visors
1 Landgrove Coffee t-shirt
4 tubes of Trapstick lip balm

Listen to this:
newrules by Sjowgren

Thursday, November 2, 2023

RWM & SMM - FRIDAY TRACKS


Get faster. Get stronger. Get inspired. In under 6 minutes.

Listen to good music while you’re doing it.


If you're like me, you don't like keeping a ton of emails in your inbox. But, if you're also like me, you need a system to keep track of the things that you want to remember from those deleted messages. For those of you who are enjoying the new RWM Music section of the Friday Six Minute Mile newsletter, I have created this post that highlights each song and the story behind it. That way, if you're trying to remember a song from 17 weeks ago, you don't have dig through old emails to find it. Because let's be honest, none of us have time for that. Listen. Like. Share. Repeat. #turnitup


9/8 - ‘The Streets’ by Double Vision

Double Vision is a band that is composed of the duo Aleesha Dibbs & Billy Wright from Sydney, Australia. It’s got an old school, mellow vibe with electric undertones. The intro is slow and spacey before upping the pace when the vocals kick in.  I can’t stop replaying this gem.


9/15 - ‘Run’ by Night Panda, feat Anjulie

Night Panda never fails to disappoint with their super upbeat, highly motivating jams that often make you want to drop what you're doing and cut a rug or go for a run. Or both. Their entire catalog is worth a deep-dive if you’re looking for more uptempo tunes for your playlist. I went with their song ‘Run’ this week for obvious reasons.


9/22 - 'Tide' by JDM Global  

Released in 2021, the song is not new but both the song and the artist are new to me and I am digging all of it. I can't stop listening to this gem, in particular, that has a colorful, psychedelic edge to it.  Makes me want to get my surfboard out and hit the water.  And I don't surf.  So running will have to do.  Close enough. 


9/29 - 'Attack of the Ghost Riders' by MØ w/ The Reveonettes 

I love The Raveonettes and have been listening to their old school, alt-rock music for many years.  But this recent twist on what was already a killer tune is borderline jaw-dropping.  I also happen to love MØ and have a plethora of her songs on my various running playlists.  This particular collaboration is off their most recent album ‘The Raveonettes presents: Rip It Off’ which is a celebration of their original album "Whip It On" released 20 years ago, on which they invite friends to join them for covers of their songs.  The entire album is worth your time but "Attack" got my blood pumping and had me picking up my pace without even realizing it.


10/6 -  'Big 7' by Burna Boy

Burna Boy is an Afro-beat artist from Nigeria.  'Big 7' is off his latest LP, "I Told them..." which was released this past August.  I'd never heard of Burna Boy prior to discovering this new song but the guy is prolific & if you're into this sound he's actually got a total of 7 albums to explore.  I love his quote in Stereogum about this song in particular, "‘Big 7’ is a melodic tribute to embracing new heights in my musical journey."  Amen to that!  This song definitely takes me to new heights in my run journey every time it comes on.  Play it loud!


10/13 - ‘My Whispers Are Wildfire’ by Ida Mae  

The band is composed of husband and wife duo, Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean from the UK.  'Whispers' is off their second album, "Thunder Above You" which was released this past August.  Jean's voice is smooth and sultry but it's Turpin's guitar that mesmerizes.  Listen to the whole song start to finish and then listen again as you hear something new and different each time.  They are labeled folk/blues, a category you may not usually throw into your running mix. This time I think you will.


10/20 - ‘Bloom' by ill peach

The NYC based duo is composed of Pat Morrissey and Jess Corazza. Both were already working together as professional songwriters for other artists such as Icona Pop, SZA & Weezer. Then finally, and to our good fortune, someone suggested they take their self-described "weird" music and start their own project. And thus "ill peach" was born. 'Bloom' is on their recently released EP, 'COLLIDING'. Pop, punk, alternative, sweet, salty - all of it. Please and thank you. In my humble opinion, every song is worth your time. Run, dance, do what you do. They all work. For all of it. #turnitup


10/27 - ‘Dramamine’ by Middle Kids

Middle Kids is a Sydney-based, alt-rock band led by Hannah Joy who also happens to be married to bassist Tim Fitz. I discovered them back in 2021 upon the release of their second album, “Today We're the Greatest." I was running ultras at the time and found myself listening to both their second and their first albums on repeat regularly. “Dramamine” was co-written by Joy and Fitz and is off their soon-to-be-released third album “Faith Crisis Pt. 1” set to launch early next year. It's a happy, hazy, upbeat gem that inevitably lifts my mood every time I put it on. Which in turn tends to get me excited to lace up and run. So, yeah, for obvious reasons, this one is typically a daily pick. 


11/3 - 'The Secret To Life by Fizz

The band is composed of Orla Gartland, dodie, Martin Luke Brown and Greta Isaac, all better known for their budding solo careers in various genres including indie, rock, punk & folk. You often hear the term Supergroup associated with bands that are made up of well-known individual artists but they have rejected this label outright and instead claim to be a cohesive unit grounded by their friendship and their desire to do something totally different on the side. With Fizz they are taking a break from their day to day work and jumping into something creative and fun that also feeds their other interests as musicians. 'The Secret To Life', released just over a week ago, is an upbeat, toe-tapping, high energy jam that hooks you in right from the start. I can't help but smile every time it comes on. Perhaps they have the Secret?


11/10 - 'Do The Right Thing' by HAARM

This Liverpool based trio met in a bar and has been together since 2016 which is surprising because despite how good they are, I'd never heard of them until last year when I discovered their song 'Foxglove'. They're unique in that they have two lead singers, both songwriters, which leads to a different sound that's a bit more trippy and sonorous, almost oddly beautiful. 'Do The Right Thing' was released last month and is one of a string of singles they'll be putting out every six weeks as they build up to the release of their debut album which is set to come out in the spring of 2024. Personally, I will be waiting eagerly for more.


11/17 - 'Blame the Moon' by Cain Culto

This one is totally different from the last few and that is on purpose as I don't want to get stuck in one genre for these weekly picks. Cain, born Andrew Estevan Padilla, began as a pastor making electronic Christian music. In 2020, they chose to take things in a new direction and used their music as a way to express themselves during this transition and to share their new perspective. 'Blame the Moon' is a funky, pop groove that sinks right under the skin; starting with the upbeat percussion and then enhanced by Culto's eerie, falsetto vocals. They have a ton of new music in development and will undoubtedly be a well known name across many genres in 2024. In the meantime, get your funk on with all the gems that are out now.


11/24 - 'Easy' by Misterwives

Formed back in 2012 and based in NYC, Misterwives is led by singer Mandy Lee. Apparently, the band came together because Lee wanted an 80s cover band to play for her birthday. And that's all she wrote. Pun intended. The well-known indie-pop band was dropped by their first label mid-pandemic and "Easy" is about being resilient, managing heartache and eventually getting back up and starting again. The message, even when things are difficult, they will get better, resonated with me and, I'm guessing, likely does with most. I can't help but nod my head to the beat as Lee sings, "I'm still standing and my heart's still beating. It gets easier, but it's not easy." Tell me that doesn't apply to almost everything we deal with in life. Especially running.


12/8 -  “What Now” by Brittany Howard

This talented artist, of Alabama Shakes fame, has one studio album to her name and will be releasing her second, also titled "What Now," next year. She took her solo path back in 2019 and snagged a Grammy for her song "Stay High" in 2021. She's back with this powerful, almost dark lyrical masterpiece that legitimately makes you want to dance – a combination that's wild and oddly magical. It kind of feels like there is nothing this woman can't do. I will be waiting anxiously for the full album. Until then, I will have this single gem playing daily. 


12/15 - 'Lies for a Liar" by GERD

Before hearing this song, I was not at all familiar with this artist. And after listening to it many, many, times, as well as the rest of the songs that she has released, my question to you today is: How is that even possible? Holy hell, this woman's voice. Well, young woman. Born in Sweden in 1995, Elin Gerd Mona Lundgren's love for music began the moment she could walk. She pursued a career in music after high school and following some tough hurdles while getting started, a couple moves and multiple enrollments in schools, she landed in London and started what I can only imagine will be a very lucrative career. "Lies for a Liar", her debut single, was released in 2021. And the rest is history. I will be shocked if we don't hear more from this freckle-faced phenom in the near future. 


12/22 - 'newrules' by Sjowgren

Pronounced "Show-grin," this indie pop trio is based in San Francisco and prefers to keep themselves somewhat under the radar which, for a band, is both rare and – in my opinion – very cool. They formed back in 2015 and gained substantial attention when their song “Seventeen” was in a commercial. They've since released multiple singles and an EP through their own label, all while maintaining their behind-the-scenes vibe; focusing primarily on songwriting and artistic direction. There is a lot going on in “newrules.” It has a dreamy, almost psychedelic beginning that eventually flows into an upbeat rhythm as it draws out all the different vocals. I dig it. I think you will, too. 


**** 2024 **** 


1/5 - Gently, Dreamer by Cayo Coco

I'll go ahead and date myself here but this song takes me back to my teenage years with its ‘80s vibe. Cayo Coco is the solo project of LA-based Lumen Loraine. “Gently, Dreamer” is the first song off his upcoming album set to be released this year. Loraine sings and plays every instrument on the track, a talent that always blows my mind for obvious reasons. He told Broken 8 Records in this interview that he doesn't know much about keys or music theory, but just that he knows how to "have fun and get lost in the sonic landscape." I mean, when I'm running, I basically want to have fun and get lost in the sonic landscape myself, so I get it. I think. Maybe not. But I love the song. And I'm clearly psyched for more. 


1/12 - Bonfire by LANNDS

LANNDS is comprised of Rania Woodard and Brian Squillace and “Bonfire” is off their latest album, “Music for the Future.” In the spring of 2021, the duo holed up in a remote cabin in Northern Georgia with the goal being to just wake up each day and create what felt right at that moment. The two of them produced, engineered, mixed and provided vocals for the entire album. Their music has a funky, electro-pop sound which is enhanced by Woodard's really cool vocals. “Bonfire” has so much going on but is also oddly simple. You have to listen to it a few times to catch all of the intricacies. Which I did. And highly recommend you do as well.  Then dive into the entire album. 


1/19 - Terrible News by Middle Kids

I discovered this band back in 2021 when I was a wee bit obsessed with their song “Cellophane (Brain)“ off their first album “Today We're the Greatest.”  Originally from Sydney, the trio made up of Hannah Joy, Fitz and Harry Day, snagged an ARIA award for that first album and the rest, as they say, is history. Over the past few weeks they've been dropping singles off of their new album, “Faith Crisis Pt. 1,” which is set to be released next month.  Personally, I'm digging all of these teasers but “Terrible News” is a straight up banger and I cannot get enough. Joy's voice is sharp and snappy and together with Day's drums, they manage to keep the whole vibe upbeat despite the fact that the song happens to be about a dark and challenging time during the pandemic. I freaking love this band. Go check them out. I think you will, too. 


1/26 -  'adore you' by Fred again and Obongjayar

This one is pretty out there and I love it for that reason. British producer and DJ, Fred Gibson (aka Fred again) teamed up with Nigerian-born/London based Obongjayar who provided the absolutely stunning vocals on top of GIbson's trippy keyboards. Released back in August of last year, the song has a vibrant, whimsical feel that inevitably makes me smile the minute it begins to play regardless of my state of mind. And these lyrics, "And I pray, pray you never lose your star, I'm so proud, proud of all that you are. Ooh, I adore you." I get chills every time I hear it. Apparently, the song is dedicated to Gibson's sister which is just so touching. Share this one with someone you love. Then dance around the kitchen while you listen to it, preferably with that person. 


2/2 - 'Last Time' by Lovpune

Based in LA, Lovpune is an independent artist who started making music at the age of 15. She experimented with a few different bands before stepping out on her own into the ethereal world of alternative synth-pop. This song doesn't come out swinging; you have to be patient and let it build. Her voice is smooth and dreamy and she hooks you in with that alone, but when the synth is added and the song's rhythm picks up it's like....whoa, now we're rollin'. That's when you turn the volume up and let it sink in for the rest of the song. The legs are almost moving on their own by the end. It's the perfect song for a warm-up, perhaps, when you want to ease in slowly for a beat or two and then switch gears and take it to the next level. Lovpune's first album, “By Design” is set to be released this March. I'm definitely fired up for more from this artist. 


 2/9 - 'Still Getting It Done' by Ghost of Vroom 

Ghost of Vroom is an alt-rap band featuring Mike Doughty and Doughty's long time collaborator, Andrew Livingston. I've been doing a lot of training on the treadmill lately to avoid the icy roads outside. For me, the indoor grind can be, well, a grind. But good music always makes it better.  It doesn't matter what kind of headspace I'm in or how I'm feeling when I get going, when this song comes on everything is good and right in the world. Doughty, formerly of the band Soul Coughing, created this solo project, Ghost of Vroom, in 2020 and “Still Getting It Done” is off his third album, “Ghost of Vroom 3.” Produced by Beastie Boys collaborator, Mario Caldado, Jr., (IYKYK), this gem is an absolute funk fest. I don't believe you if you tell me you don't want to cut a rug when it comes on. Play it loud, my friends. 


2/16 - Falling Apart by Nyassa

This is a new artist for me and I am smitten. I know, I say this a lot. I can't help myself sometimes. That is the power of music, I suppose. Originally from Australia, this mesmerizing pop-artist, whose father was also a musician, taught herself to sing when she was a little girl by listening to other musicians on her CD player and teaching herself their vocal melodies. She spent several years developing as a singer-songwriter, doing much of her work with her dad who played the instruments for her songs. Released in October of 2023, “Falling Apart” was written on her bedroom floor with her partner who provided the beat as she sang the chorus which she made up on the spot. What started out as a project that was just for fun became this brilliant single. Expect new music from her in 2024 and check out her videos as her fashion game also happens to be out of this world. 

 

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

RACE REVIEW:CAPE COD 26.2

 "Things don't always
go as planned. 
When things change, make 
them a part of the plan."
~ Unknown

My last race review here on RWM was for Boston back in April.  Oh man, as far a running goes, so much has happened between now and then.  None of it planned.  And most of it hot garbage.  Let me see if I can sum it up and get us to this past weekend in a somewhat brief manner.  Starting with the original plan, which was for my teammates Lauren, Amy and me to run the Cape Cod marathon as a Masters (40+) team with the goal being to go for the win.  Ok, cool.  That sounded fun and somewhat stress free.  No time goal, just run hard and place as high as I can.  Then in June I got mono.  For the entire month I could not do any training and took more naps than a two year old.  I slowly started to come back to life in July and jumped into a local five mile race the last weekend of the month.  I wanted to get a sense of where my fitness was as I got ready to ramp back up for the marathon.  After that race, literally, like the second it was over, my left foot started hurting under my second metatarsal.  Naturally, I kept running because I could and because...I could.  I later learned it was tendonitis and started going to PT weekly for Shockwave therapy, the goal being to just make it through the last two months of training and get to the line so I could run for the team and then shut things down.  I know, kind of dumb.  Whatever.  Two weeks before the marathon all three of us raced a 10K.  That actually was part of the plan.  And it went pretty well for me all things considered.  The next week, however, all three of us got sick.  Ranging from a bad cold to Covid, we all had something.  Sore throat, body aches, exhaustion and so on.  Not part of the plan.  But we had over a week to get healthy so we were all still assuming we'd be running the marathon.  Then suddenly Lauren's foot started hurting to the point where she could no longer run.  Obviously a stress fracture.  Lauren was now officially out.  Down to two of us.  But, no.  Amy started to have random dizzy spells, almost passing out in the middle of a crosswalk as she was crossing the street.  Yea, no.  Not happening.  It was now down to me.  Maybe?


The three of us met up for coffee to discuss.  I was feeling better and had been able to get a few runs in since I'd gotten sick but I was nowhere near full strength.  We no longer had a Masters team at this point.  But, we wouldn't even have an open team if I dropped out.  And that sucked.  So we weighed out the pros and cons and then decided I would go to the Cape a make a game day decision.
  

Friday night I laid all my race gear out as usual.  Just kidding, I threw that shit in a pile and stuffed it in my duffle.  I didn't give a crap about organization at this point.  I just needed to get to the freaking start.  Note, this mindset would bite me in the ass the next day but I'll get to that in a bit.


Saturday I woke up and headed down to Falmouth to meet up with Amy who was coming to be my wingman and to cheer on the rest of the team.  We went to the expo and grabbed our bibs.  Yes, Amy grabbed hers, too.  Because, if we're being honest, there was a very small part of her that was still wondering if she might be able to pull it off.  And since we're being honest now, let's just go ahead and admit to ourselves that we all would have likely felt the exact same way.  There wasn't much to the expo so we left shortly afterwords and drove over to Rite-Aid to get some supplies.  Really important things like water, Advil, Gatorade and these giant Squishmallows.  


What??  We needed them.  Okay, we didn't.  But the whole process made us both laugh so hard and given how the week had gone and the state I was in it was exactly what I needed at moment.  We went back to the hotel and took naps (using the pillows, obvs) and then got ready to meet up with our team manager, Dave, for dinner.  We sat down around 6:30 and this is just about when I started to develop a new, dry cough that I couldn't shake through the whole meal.  Dave was concerned.  I was trying not to be.  After about an hour we left to go back to the hotel and chill out for the rest of the evening.  The cough was not going away so I called Dave who was out getting water and asked him to pick me up some cough drops.  At this point he was telling me that this race was not worth putting my health at risk and that maybe I should consider calling it.  I told him I'd see how the night went and decide in the morning.  And then I went to bed with my fingers and toes crossed.  Not that I believe in that stuff but I needed all the help I could get.  I woke up at 5:45 and drove to Starbucks for coffee.  The cough had subsided so I let Dave know that I was going to give it a shot.  We made a final plan to check in at mile 10, which is where our hotel was, and if I was okay, I'd continue on.  But if not, I would shut it down.  I was good with that.  It was now 7:15am.  The race started at 8:00.  I was gathering all my gear and realized I did not have headphones.  I looked everywhere.  Bags, pockets, car.  No dice.  This was not Boston where I could get lost in the roar of the crowds.  This was a small race where we'd all be very spread out.  And on top of that I wasn't feeling great so my energy level was sub par.  I honestly didn't think I could do it without music.  I tried not to panic.  Amy and I drove to Walgreens to see if they had anything.  They were closed.  Amy texted her husband.  Yes, he had them but he wouldn't get to the start on time to give them to me.  Shiiiiiiiiit.  On a whim, I sent a message to Leslie Poitras.  Her son, Tim, runs on the team and she is our team photographer.  Yes, she told me, she had earbuds and yes, I could borrow them.  SWEET LORD ABOVE.  Amy and I beelined it to the library parking lot and grabbed the headphones from her husband on the fly and then continued on to the race which was starting in about fifteen minutes.  Remember how I told you I should have been a little bit more on my mental game the night before as I packed.  This is why.  This has never happened to me.  It will NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN.  


THE RACE:
I have run 31 marathons.  I have had a lot go right.  And a lot more go wrong.  The situation I was in for this one was something totally different.  I was truly just trying to finish.  And if that was going to happen.  I could not go all out.  And that is a pretty weird feeling.  I can't lie and tell you I wasn't seriously doubting my decision right up until the gun went off.  I was.  But I also know myself and I knew I would have always wondered if I could have eeked it out if I didn't give it a go.  And that side of me tends to win these types of debates.  It was a beautiful morning.  I felt no pressure.  I embraced the moment for what it was.  And with that I was off.  I eased in at 7:15 per mile which is about 30 seconds slower than my typical marathon pace.  But it felt comfortable and if I was going to get this done, it's how it had to be.  From that point on I decided to run by feel and not use my watch at all.  The miles ticked by...7:25, 7:16, 7:13, 7:02.  I was okay.  


I saw Amy and Dave at mile 10.  I was calm and in total control.  I grabbed a gel from Amy and water from Dave.  "Are you okay?" Dave yelled at me.  I nodded, yes.  And kept going.  I started to feel good and picked it up a little.  I saw Leslie at mile 12 and smiled at her.  I pointed at her headphones and gave her a thumbs up.  I have never been more grateful for a person than I was at the moment.  I was in a pretty solid groove now.  I knew at this point that I was going to be able to finish.  The miles continued to tick by smoothly....7:08, 6:58, 6:58, 7:07, 7:05.  The course was a clover so I was starting to see my teammates coming toward me on the other side of the street.  I cheered for every single one of them.  I high-fived with Charlie.  I needed all the positive energy I could drum up and this was helping a lot.  I was even having a little fun.  Yay running.


And then I wasn't.  At mile 22 the wind picked up.  My pace went from 7:05 to 7:44 despite my effort staying the same.  The wind was relentless.  And it was coming from all directions.  The next five miles were absolutely brutal.  I felt like I was running against a wall.  Thankfully, I hadn't blown all my steam by going out too hard and I was sure that I could slog to the finish.  But this final stretch totally sucked.  And I could not WAIT to be done.  


Finally, I could see the banners and the crowd lined up and I kicked it in to finish just under three hours and twelve minutes.  Not that I cared.  Holy hell, I was so relieved.  Amy found me right away and gave me my clothes.  We walked back to the hotel and I grabbed a quick shower.  I threw all my crap together, got in my car and drove straight to Starbucks for a hot coffee.  And that, my friends, is all she wrote.  It was the weirdest training cycle I've ever had.  As I said at the beginning, nothing went well or as planned for me or my teammates.  Literally.  Nothing.  And had I not been running for the team, there is no chance in hell I would have gotten on that line.  But we do crazy shit, especially when people are counting on us.  And in the end, our team came in second.  So, EFF YES.  We did it.  Huge thanks to Amy for being my emotional support animal.  Thanks to Dave for being so understanding and keeping me in check.  And thanks to Leslie for making up for my stupidity.  It takes a village.  And I am beyond grateful.  Up next?  For the first time in a while, I truly have no idea.  And I am totally okay with that.

Listen to this: