Thoughts on Change

I remembered the other day that when I turned 24 I set all of these goals for myself that I wanted to accomplish before I turned 25. I then said I was going to revisit this list each month and see how I was doing. I think that lasted maybe 2 months and let me just tell you: I'm not making a lot of progress.

I think I really underestimated how much change was going to happen in my 24th year of life. I didn't know that Seth was going to get a different job or that we were going to move to a different town back in January.

However, I did know that I was going to be starting my internship and taking on a completely foreign to me schedule. I really did not think through how much that change would effect me though. I don't think I've ever had to work 4 days straight. There has always been a day in there to break things up so my body is really making a big adjustment to that.

I really noticed this after my car accident when every muscle in my body ached. By noon I was about to fall asleep at my desk -- this has happened every day I've gone into work since then. There just must be something about the particular muscles that move the most when you sit at a desk in front of a computer, or drive, or pretty much anything that has you moving your shoulders a lot.

All of this to say, I made some really lofty goals and I am now realizing that realistically they are not all going to happen. For my own mental health I just need to admit that. I really wanted to be able to run in a 5K this year, but with all of the other stuff going on in my life, the last change I want to make to my schedule is to decide to get up an hour earlier in the morning to run. (Sidenote: I think it will be easier to get up and run when I have control over my schedule everyday. My schedule isn't as flexible as it was when I first started, meaning I kind of have a routine, but I still have to work with other people a lot and I don't feel like I completely own my schedule.)

I've realized that when my life gets hectic I start getting back to basics. I cut out running and sleep a little longer. I don't cook dinner and we eat out. I'm not sure when I'll find the balance and be able to work out, have a full-time job, budget, meal plan, and not feel overwhelmed by trying to do it all.

I've decided that getting my master's degree is going to be a big enough accomplishment on it's own. And if I have a job...even better. Running a 5K would be nice, but there will always be a 5K I can run next year.

My Running Playlist

The other day one of my friend's facebook status referenced her wondering what people listen to when they run. My running playlist is actually pretty narrow in genre because, well, I need lots of motivation when I run. Technically, I don't run the whole time. I'm going back through the Couch to 5K program (which I highly recommend) and there is intermittent running and walking. Without further ado, here it is:

Africa--Straight No Chaser

For whatever reason, this song really makes me think of winter-probably because I love Straight No Chaser's Christmas album. Thinking of winter is just what I need to help me stay cool when it is so warm out, even at 6 in the morning.


Airplanes--B.o.B

I start running about a minute into this song and the beat is pretty good at giving me a good running pace. The first section of my run it can be hard to get going, especially if I haven't run in a couple days.


Alejandro--Lady Gaga

Every time I hear this song it takes me back to last summer and makes me think of my grad school friends, Becca and Kisha. Kisha started running last summer so it really makes me think of her and Becca was pretty much obsessed with this song and made us watch the music video more times than I care to admit.


Disturbia--Rihanna

When I first heard this song and several times after I thought she was singing "scurvy love" instead of "disturbia." that makes me laugh. A lot. The song has a good beat all the way through. I really need that because it I run during this whole song.


Firework--Katy Perry

This is probably my favorite song at the moment. It lands right in the middle of my playlist, which is a good pick-me-up to keep me motivated for the second half of my run. I really love this song, although I am not crazy about the album artwork.


Hot N Cold--Katy Perry

If I heard this song on the radio, I would probably keep flipping through stations. But when I'm running, I don't mind at all.


I Do Not Hook Up--Kelly Clarkson

I've got to say I have always liked Kelly Clarkson. That's just all there is to it. this song is actually the last one I run to and it's fast beat really keeps me going. At that point it's about all that keeps me going.


Only Girl in the World--Rihanna

This song is right up there with Katy Perry's Firework. I just love this song. I get to start my cooldown walk about ten second into this song and with any other song I would barely be able to pick up my feet, but with this song I can still walk a pretty fast pace.


Just Dance--Lady Gaga

I end with my good friend, Lady Gaga. I really do love the music she makes. This isn't my favorite Gaga song, but it gets the job done.


This is what I run (and walk) to. After six weeks of running, I have yet to get bored with the songs. I like knowing what to expect. I know when I get to I Do Not Hook Up, I am getting close to the end of running and all I have to do after that is walk home.

So, there it is! When I am running or walking this is what's on my iPod.