Sunday’s are always great run days. Kind of a bold statement when you throw in the word always. But it’s true! I love to get a feel good kind of playlist going and have that happy go lucky mood that people in the movie’s have when songs like Rescue Me by Fontella Bass or This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole comes on. You can make fun of me or secretly agree that when one of these gems comes on- you feel great inside too. This became my inspiration for today’s running jams. And to keep the mix contemporary, I had an M.I.A. feel with their new single XXXO.
As I stepped outside for my run I could feel the heat of the very high UV rays and I LOVED it. I could just imagine myself laying on the beach and reading a good book. So, of course I was lathered up with sunscreen and sporting a blue and white striped running hat with a key compartment. (Stylish yet practical!) After the first 1K I was surprised that I didn’t see any runners out yet and I thought to myself “this feels a little creepy…” but then Shah-BLAMMO! Cyclists, dog walkers, kids in the park, and runners were EVERYWHERE! And my Sunday run came alive, just like I was hoping for. The running community is so great because everyone acknowledges their fellow runners with a smile and a wave. You rarely get that type of appreciation walking down the busy city streets these days. It’s just so sad.
My run pace today was feeling better than ever. I decided to add in two extra hills in my run today. Ambitious? Yes. Did I succeed? Of course I did! I was making a new space mission plan- I was just running. I think it helps to have other runners around you during your because you keep your eye on the prize and keep pushing yourself to run harder than you would on your own.
On my way up the additional hill, I saw a little toddler with her late 20’s mum and a kite. I started to feel bad because there was zero wind and the kite was laying on the ground. I couldn’t help but think, “that poor kid is going to be so disappointed if that kite doesn’t fly.” (Even though she seemed pretty happy playing in the sun on the hill.) 2K later, I was running passed them again and the kite was flying! I had the biggest genuine smile on my face. It was so great. You really appreciate the simple things in life when you see a tiny miracle happen in your morning. I truly believe that if you move your body your heart will follow.

The XXXO Playlist:
Rescue Me- Fontella Bass
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)- Natalie Cole
Pretty Please (Love Me)- Estelle & Cee-lo
Open Your Heart- Madonna
Burning Love- Elvis Presley
Crazy Little Thing Called Love- Queen
Unwritten- Natasha Beddingfield
XXXO- M.I.A.
Yes (Remastered 2003)- Merry Clayton
Jump (For My Love)- The Pointer Sisters
Suddenly I See- KT Tunstall
When Love Takes Over- David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland
We Got Love- Ryan Shaw
Somethin’ Special- Colbie Caillat
Summer Love- Justin Timberlake

Cooldown/Stretching:
Serious- Duffy
Steer- Missy Higgins

Stats of the Run:
Distance: 10.58 km
Pace: 4:51 min/km
Calories: 457