What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger

Confession--I've got a thing for Kelly Clarkson, and I really don't have any idea where it came from.

I'm not a fan of American Idol, not even a little bit.  I didn't watch a single episode the year she won it.  Half of her hit songs I didn't even know were her's for weeks or months.  And yet, for whatever reason, I like her.

She's got a new song out called Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) and I love it.  At least the chorus.  The song is all about her breaking up with a guy, but the chorus is a great song to encourage perseverance during a tough workout or run.

Check out some other great songs for working out. What are some of your favorite workout songs? Leave a comment below.

When you are pushing your body to your perceived limit, it responds.  It gets stronger.  And the change may blow your mind.  There was a time not too long ago, when running faster than about 10 min/mile pace for more than a mile or so was a pipe dream.  But since I've started running much more seriously at the start of the year, I've already quickened my average pace to closer to 9 min/mile for runs of about 3 miles or less, and closer to 9:30 for 5-8 mile runs. 

Your body will adapt and change as well.  If you work hard, it will respond.  And it doesn't even have to be anything as strenuous as running.  Start a simple resistance program--heck, do as many good push-ups as you can.  Do them again tomorrow.  You'd be surprised how quickly you can get up to 25+ good push-ups.  Your body is an amazing machine, and the only thing holding it back from excelling is you.

Whatever is challenging you right now, vow to overcome it.  The first step may be tough, and it may hurt, but like my girl Kelly says, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stand a little taller.... What doesn't kill you makes a fighter, foot steps even lighter....What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, STRONGER!"

Now, go get stronger.

What's On Your iPod?

Everyone, it seems, has an iPod these days.  Whether it's the newest and fanciest model or something a little older and possibly outdated, for some people an iPod is every bit as important to their workout as good shoes or a sports bra.  This is especially true for many people when they take their workouts out of the gym and do their cardio on the open road.

As someone who has run a marathon both with and without an iPod, I am somewhat on the fence when it comes to "needing" music with you during an extended workout.  Something that absolutely cannot be overlooked when deciding whether or not an iPod is appropriate is the safety aspect of not having music blasting in your ears while you run or bike down the street.  Being able to hear an approaching car, dog, or fellow exerciser can give you an extra second or two of notice to ensure your safety, should a situation ever arise.  The ear buds can also have a subtle impact on the balancing mechanism of your inner ear, which can be a problem if you are riding or running on a trail that may be somewhat uneven.  If you choose to exercise while listening to your iPod, I would recommend you keeping the volume low so you are better able to stay aware of your surroundings. 

If you do decide to use an iPod or other mp3 player, what are you listening to?  The spectrum of options is wide, from listening to books on tape to only having music with a specific number of beats per minute in an attempt to help you run or pedal at an even pace.  As long as you are making the choices of music that you enjoy, you really can't go wrong.  Personally, I like the music on my iPod to be a little more upbeat, especially when I'm an hour or more into a run.  I love a lot of slower music, but when I'm working out and I'm tired, those slow songs don't help. 

So, here are a few songs that I have on my iPod running playlist.  They definitely help me get over the hump when I'm out training for whatever distance race is next up on the horizon.  If you've got other suggestions, feel free to leave a comment for others to check out as well.

1.  "Otis"--Jay-z and Kanye West
2.  "Rolling in the Deep"--Adele
3.  "It's All Been Done"--Barenaked Ladies
4.  "Dog Days are Over"--Florence + the Machine
5.  "Celebrity Skin"--Hole
6.  "Bombs Over Baghdad"--Outkast