Feel weak, and when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up.
But you gotta search within you, you gotta find that inner strength
And just pull that S*#^ out of you and get that motivation to not give up
And not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face and collapse.'
-Eminem (Til I Collapse)
This song came on Sunday as I was beginning mile 15, my last mile before the end of my run. It was hot, hotter than it had been all week. Someone was messing with me, making it hotter on the one day that I had planned on running in the middle of the day. For the last five miles I had been fighting against throwing up. The heat, the Gu I took around mile 10, too much or not enough water...it was all collaborating against me, trying to make me "fall flat on my face and collapse". And believe me, I wanted to. I wanted to just give in and let it all win.
And then the song above came on. I take a lot of motivation from my playlist. Whether it's the beat, the words or a memory that I associate with the particular song (Pearl Jam, anyone?), they all inspire me to keep running, to keep going after my energy leaves me. Today this song came on right at the perfect moment. I did not plan it that way. I put my playlist on random most days. But Mr. iPod knew exactly what I needed. And a white rapper who's opinions I usually don't agree with helped me finish my run.
It's funny how that works. Who would have ever thought that Eminem would be inspiring? He talks down about everyone. He does drugs and is proud of it. He swears way too much. He's angry at the entire world. Yet, somehow he IS inspiring. And the beat of his music is almost exactly the same timing to my footfalls. Or what they should be!
In "Lose Yourself" he says:
"Success is my only $%^& option, failure's not
So here I go it's my shot.
Feet fail me not, this may be the only opportunity that I got
You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go"
I do lose myself in the music. And I am learning to own the moment. Thanks, M.
Don't forget to join up with Jill for Fitness Friday for more inspiration!
Who inspires you when you exercise? Which artist inspires you when you are not exercising? Do you find yourself listening to different music when you exercise vs other times?
Very inspiring!! I love my music when I run. I used to listen to podcasts too, but I find the music is way better. Nice run.
ReplyDeleteMusic when I run can totally give me the kick that I need!!! Great job on getting your long run done!!
ReplyDeleteOh my music when I run is WAY different from my real life music!!
Over this past summer I've pretty much stopped listening to music when I run unless I'm on the treadmill. I've actually been more in the zone in my runs and seem to run stronger. For the treadmill, though, tunes are absolutely necessary.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're feeling better this week! Nothing like a long run on a troubled stomach. Blerg.
So true a great song can help push you along! I have actually been listening to a lot of podcasts like Jillian MIchaels and for whatever reason that totally has helped me push through fatigue lately!
ReplyDeleteI love when my music comes on right at the moment where I need a song to inspires me. it really helps push through the run and the lyrics on that are great! I might have to steal that for inspiration :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes a good song can completely turn my run around. I don't listen to music on my outside runs, although I may start soon. I've been blasting music while running on the treadmill and it's been so wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThis year I have almost stopped listening to music when I run but I always have it with me. Sometimes the perfect song will make a tough mile not so bad or even great.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I'm a little surprised by the motivating lyrics of Eminem.
I have running songs on my playlist that I never listen to otherwise. Perfect example is here
http://jillconyers.typepad.com/life_as_i_see_it/2011/08/fitness-friday.html
Have a great weekend!
During my very brief running adventure, Eminem always got me going!!! Actually, any sort of rap did...
ReplyDeletePS, when I taught 3rd grade several years ago I had that posted in my classroom: Success is the only option, failure is not...
I love to hear the words in songs that make me feel great about running,I have I need a doctor Eminem for when I'm feeling like I'm pushing my hardest make me laugh to :)
ReplyDeleteI can't handle listening to Eminem, but I know what you mean about finding that inspiration in unexpected places.
ReplyDeleteI don't usually listen to anything when I run, but I am working on a playlist to get myself more motivated.
There are certain songs that really get me "up" when I run... so much so that I can't play them when it is time to run at a mellow pace. I definitely lose myself in the music. Eminem... hmmm... sometimes he works for me.
ReplyDeleteMotivation comes from some of the most amazing places when we need it. I've found instances where like you I may not find the person that inspirational but what they say is! Great post!
ReplyDeleteI love eminem for running too. His anger is just good for running for whatever reason!!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was running my marathon in the rain last October, towards the end the Sara barielles song, 'let the rain' came on. And that just really pushed me. It has a good beat and every time I hear it when I run, it puts a spring in my step!!