ROAD TO BOSTON
Less than two weeks out from the Boston Marathon, I’ve become more intense with my training goals. I’m not adding to my mileage — on Saturday, I ran two 800-metres, two 600-metres and then five 400metre sprints. Tuesday was 20K with the last 10K at race pace, which, for me, is 4:23. With the starting line so close, it’s easier to concentrate on each run. The fun bit’s been picking out what I’m wearing and programming my ipod. I’m going with a shirt and shorts both with pockets — one for my music, one for my energy gels — a new pair of socks and the Adidas Boston shoes. With the playlist, diversity’s key — you want to switch genres and choose short songs with kick. Also, don’t listen to your music too much before race day, because you want it to sound like you’ll feel: fresh.
Atlantic City, The Hold Steady: The story of a man with his back against a wall; a Bruce Springsteen cover from the War
Child compilation.
Combat Baby, Metric: “No one here wants to fight me,” sings Emily Haines, pictured. This one reminds me of my wife.
We Comin’ Rougher, Immi
graniada, Gogol Bordello: Be careful not too run too fast and screw up your pace with this.
Graceland, Paul Simon: It’s not only about fast songs, but songs that make me feel good.
Alive, Pearl Jam: How else do you want to feel at The Wall?
Ni**az in Paris, Kanye West & Jay-z: Even if I didn’t love every lyric, the greatest beat since Jesus Walks. I Against I, Bad Brains: My favourite stuff from high school is still what makes me feel best today.
Blue Jeans, Lana Del Rey: A little romance to mix things up between all that drums, rapping, yells and guitar.
Swagger Like Us, T.I., Jay-z, Lil Wayne, Kanye West: This just forces you to straighten your back, lift your
head and fight on.