Patting myself on the back.

I can't really pinpoint how this happened exactly, but I've started running again.  I feel like most people, 'er, most "runners" can tell you about their ins and outs with running.  That is, I think I've  often heard phrases like, "I've missed it" or "the weather's nice and I'm itching to run", etc., etc.  Cheers to you, happy runners, but I've never really enjoyed running.  Don't get me wrong, there are spurts during some runs where I feel like a downright champion.  And I love the way I feel approximately 5 minutes post-run.  But that threshold to actually start going -- it's a big one for me. The self-props is mostly for running 7 miles this past weekend (with help no doubt from Harry, who's been my running partner for the past 3 "long" runs <-- this past 7 and previous 6 count, but I'm not sure about that first 4-miler).  I haven't run anywhere near 7 miles since last winter, and with four more weeks until this year's race, I think I'm on my way to my 2nd Charlottesville Ten Miler.  I'm really surprised and happy at how quickly my body has seemed to remember how to run.  (Wait, does this mean I'm a runner?!) Pat, pat. But really, I just feel like writing about the songs I enjoy running to; you know, the tunes that get my revved-up, if nothing more so I can laugh at myself or gauge how much I haven't changed 10 years from now.  So, in no particular order, here are some favorites.  I've tried to provide links to any videos or sound files, 'cause otherwise this list would be snooze-fest 2008.

Mylo - Pretty much anything from Destroy Rock & Roll, but I particularly enjoy "In My Arms" [YouTube] or "Otto's Journey" [YouTube; just text with audio] at the beginning of any run.

Bloc Party - "Banquet" Helps me kick hills' asses, like going up Elliot Ave. from Avon to 5th Street. Yoinks! [YouTube]

Outkast - "In Your Dreams" (featuring Sleepy Brown, Killer Mike & Janelle Monáe)  [YouTube; just graphic with radio-friendly version]  Is it weird that I find gunshots as percussion extremely compelling, à la M.I.A. [God bless this Clash sample. YouTube]?

The Field - "Over the Ice" Absolutely mesmerizing.  Excellent drone for concentrating on, you know, running. [Whoa. YouTube]

The Cure - "A Forest (Tree Mix)" Another good one for kicking ass -- the tempo matches my stride perfectly when I need to pick it up. [No dice. : ( ]

Phoenix - "Run Run Run" For obvious reasons.  I find its mantra encouraging. [YouTube]

The Police - "Canary in a Coalmine"  Sigh.  I love you, Police. [YouTube]

Quantic and Nickodemus - "Mi Swing es Tropical" If I close my eyes, it's as if it's not 37 degrees outside... [YouTube or iPod/iTunes ad]

Andrew Bird - "Skin is, My" Another one that matches my natural stride perfectly.  Thanks, Mr. Bird. [Not the version I run to, but arguably more enjoyable. YouTube]

James Figurine (aka: Jimmy Tamborello; featuring Erlend Oye) - "All the Way to China" Erlend's voice, pace, etc. [30 seconds of audio on MySpace]

Pet Shop Boys - "Yesterday, When I was Mad (Jam & Spoon Mix)" This one almost makes me want to kick ass, then I remember I'm not mad anymore. [This video is actually a mash-up of the original track and the Jam & Spoon Disco 2 version.  And this video is cRaZy.  YouTube]

Orbital - "Waving Not Drowning" Guaranteed, if I listen to this at any point I feel like I'm too tired, picks me right back up. Not saying I get any faster, just convinced I can keep going. [YouTube]

Cake - "Shadow Stabbing" A slower one to regroup. [I am sad Cake didn't make a video for this. YouTube]

Devo - "Jerkin' Back 'N' Forth" When East High Street from Meade to 9th/Avon is jerkin' my chain. [Yesssss. YouTube]