Holy Moly by DAME

Today I am excited to feature the new single Holy Moly from the Los Angeles based band, DAME.  The band is led by singer/songwriter Michelle Armstrong and has a rock-based sound with a touch of femininity (think Metric and Yeah Yeah Yeahs).  This song in particular hooks you right in with a its slow and steady build to the bridge.  Then Michelle's honey-like voice hits straight on as she cries "Call me when you're at the right time of your life".  I was so moved, I found myself wondering how the hell this person she was singing to couldn't possibly get it together.  Dame's six song LP is scheduled to be released in August and this first single is a sweet taste of what's to come.  I'm excited.  And after you listen to Holy Moly, I'm betting you will be, too.

More about Michelle:
Michelle tells me that music and exercise ALWAYS go together for her.  A woman of my own heart.  I laughed and completely understood when she admitted that she will literally turn around and leave the gym if she has forgotten her headphones and can't listen to music while she's working out.  In her own words, Michelle claims:

---> My main motivation for staying in shape is to feel MORE than able to rock out on stage - to dance AND sing without exhaustion and to confidently wear the clothes I feel my best in! Strong cardio is great for me, as it preps my control of breath and activity combined....Maintaining a positive attitude about life-- firstly in my heart and mind, is my health secret! This keeps me happy and focused on doing good. 

I am both inspired and impressed by Michelle's drive to keep herself healthy so she can do what she loves to do.  In fact, I feel like I share a similar mentality, as my main motivation for running is to feel MORE than able to be a mom, a wife and a good coach.  I secretly wish I could be a rock star, too.  Since that will never happen, I will simply rock out with DAME.  It's a solid alternative.  Many thanks to Michelle and Dame for sharing their music with RWM.  

Listen. Enjoy. Share.  Repeat.  Rock on.
Holy Moly - Dame

*Watch the Official YouTube Video

Wings Out: Oiselle & Melissa Gacek Giveaway

RUNNING...

Ready, Set, FLY!

I tend to run about 15 races a year, give or take a few.  I will do anything from a 5K, to a marathon, to a 200 mile relay with 16 team members.  I consider myself incredibly lucky that at age 38 I can still pull this off.  There are many reasons that I put these races on my calendar every year.  They give me something work for.  They take me to new places; both literally and mentally.  They give me something to look forward to.  They give me something to be nervous and excited about at the same time.  They bring me together with my fellow runners.  I love all of that.  But really, if I'm being honest here, each time I race I am secretly hoping for that PR.  The 'personal record'.  That coveted time that is better than my last.  That time that makes a runner jump for joy and feel insanely good for a day or week or year.  The time that pushes that same runner to shoot for an even faster time in the next race because, well, you just never know.  When I race I feel everything from stress to fear to joy to pain.  I reach in, dig deep, cross my fingers, and go for it.  I lay it all out there and try to set myself free.  There is no other feeling like it.  And it is that very feeling that keeps me going back to the starting line over and over and over again.  Do I want the PR?  You bet.  But it is way more than that.  I want to fly.  And racing gets me pretty damn close.

SHOW YOUR WINGS Giveaway:
In honor of the race, your race, the race you've done, or the race you plan to do, the lovely birds of Oiselle have generously donated a "Wings out" PR Necklace for one lucky RWM reader.  The necklace is designed by Oiselle team elite runner, Melissa Gacek.  To win this beauty, comment below.  Tell us why you race.  What gets you to the starting line?  Or, what brings you back to the line again?  Never raced or plan to race?  Totally fine.  Tell us what you do that inspires you to show your wings and fly.  Because we all have that one thing that sets us free.
* Note: contest is for US and Canada residents only.  The winner will be selected on Monday, July 22nd using random.org.  Good luck!

...AND MUSIC

Listen to this:
California Soul - Marlena Shaw (Diplo Remix)  

Running, Candy, Whatever

RUNNING...

Chatham Candy Manor, Chatham, MA
Grace's idea of heaven & Mom's worst nightmare.

I hate to admit this but candy is to my 6 year old what running is to me.  If you ask her her favorite food....candy.  Dessert of choice...candy.  Her answer when I asked her to choose a password for the new ChoreMonster app we just downloaded...you guessed it...candy.  If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that I am often negotiating with this candy-loving 6 year old on a regular basis.  She doesn't like transition and often struggles with separation from mom, especially if the activity she's heading to is new.  I know I might miss this when she's older, but it's not awesome at the moment.  This week, my in-laws have been dropping her off at the bus for camp as we all agree that she's less likely to break down with them than with me.  She's a savvy kid...the "meltdown" is not really worth it when mom isn't there to get upset.  The added bonus with this drop off system is that I can head out for a run at 8:15 instead of post drop-off at 9:45.  In this summer heat, getting an earlier start is huge.  This morning we had a typical Grace/mom negotiation session before she headed off in Papa's car.  Here's how it played out:

Mom: Okay, Grace.  Are you all set to go?
Grace: I want you to drop me off.
Mom: Come on, Grace.  Papa wants to take you.
Grace: But, I want you to take me.
Mom: I'd really like to head out for my run now.
Grace: You can go after.
Mom: It's really hot out, Grace.  It's much better for me to going earlier.
Grace: But...
Mom: Remember those candies we got last year, the ones that look like rocks?  After my run I'll go grab some for you guys to have for dessert tonight.  Sound good?

The famous candy rocks.

Grace: Why can't Nana and Papa get the rocks so you can drive me?
Mom: Sorry, Grace.  I can't ask Nana and Papa to drive to Brewster to get candy for you.  If you want the rocks, you need to go jump in the car and let me go.
Grace: Fine.  Just MAKE SURE you are there to pick me up this afternoon.  Promise?
Mom: Yes Grace. I promise.

I've been told never to bribe my kids with food.  So much for that.  Yes, I'm shameless.  But if all it takes is a few chocolate rocks to make Grace's transition smoother, so be it.  I like running.  Grace likes candy.  You do what you gotta do.

....AND MUSIC

Listen to this:
Better Days - Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros  

* Note: Expected release date for this album 7/23.  Oh boy.

Happy Birthday Jack White

RUNNING & MUSIC

In honor of Jack White, undoubtedly one of the greatest musicians of our time, I am pleased to turn RWM over to guest blogger Spencer Blohm, a freelance writer, who also happens to be a runner. Enjoy!

Jack White, guitarist and vocalist who has fronted The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and The Dead Weather,  turns 38 today, July 9th. White has been a fixture on the music scene since The White Stripes’ self-titled debut album came out in 1999. Since then, he has released another five albums with The White Stripes, as well as numerous other projects including two albums with The Raconteurs, and two with The Dead Weather. He has also found success as a solo artist in recent years with two critically praised solo albums. 

Through the years Jack has been able to fuel many workouts and runs with his signature energetic alt/rock music. I’m sure you’re familiar with the concept of beats per minute in songs and how they help motivate you on your run, so let’s take a look at some of Jack’s songs you can add to your running playlist to help motivate you and to also celebrate his birthday!

“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes With 123 beats per minute this iconic White Stripes song is the perfect starter song for people who are unfamiliar with Jack’s work. The infamous guitar riff that underlies most of the song sets the perfect tempo for a nice run.

“Blue Orchid” by The White Stripes  This bass-heavy song has the highest bpm (152) of any song White has released. This is the perfect song for that mid-run rush we’ve all experienced, or a good motivator towards the end of your run.

“Blunderbuss” by Jack White  A song from his first solo album, “Blunderbuss” clocks in at 78 bpm, which requires you to run at double the pace of the song, but is the perfect rate for those running around a 9:30 mile.

“I’m Shakin” by Jack White  This upbeat, Grammy nominated song is the perfect fit for those running around a 9 minute mile since it has 81 bpm. Just be warned, the 60’s/gospel undertones may make you break into a spontaneous dance mid-run.

“Blue Blood Blues” by The Dead Weather  This jam, created by the supergroup The Dead Weather is perfect for those who are big fans of Jack’s music. It’s also great for those faster runners (around a 6:30 mile) this song sets the perfect pace when it’s bpm of 92 is doubled for your run.

Author Bio: Spencer Blohm is a freelance entertainment blogger for Direct2TV. When not busy catching up on the latest entertainment news he spends countless hours searching for the perfecting running songs. He lives in Chicago with his cat Rupert who, unlike his owner, doesn’t seem to be that interested in being active, ever.

*A special thank you to Spencer for his contribution to RUNNINGWITHMUSIC.  And a very happy birthday to Mr. White.