Late Summer/Early Fall Playlist

Technically, it's still summer for a few days...with fall right on its heels. This is the time to think about dressing for cooler workouts, along with indoor exercise on the days the weather does not cooperate.

It's also time to update workout music - as we hang onto the last bit of summer and prepare ourselves for autumn, our playlists will include songs that reflect both seasons.

Here's some of what's on my "Change of Season" playlist:

Brave - Sara Bareilles

Overcomer - Mandisa

Mirrors - Justin Timberlake

So What - Pink

Does Your Mother Know - Christine Baranski (Mamma Mia Soundtrack)

Even The Stars Fall 4 U - Keith Urban

Roar - Katy Perry

Gone, Gone, Gone - Phillip Phillips

Blowin' Smoke - Kacey Musgraves

Southern Girl - Tim McGraw

Point At You - Justin Moore

Steve McQueen - Sheryl Crow


I recommend separating "Roar" and Brave", since they have a similar beat/feel to them...but they are such inspiring songs that I wanted to include both on the playlist.  In keeping with my theme of mixing styles to keep it interesting, you'll find Christian, country, pop, Broadway, and more on this list.  (And "Overcomer" is a MUST!!!)

What songs motivate you as we move into fall?  Please share with me here, or on Twitter and Facebook.  Let's head towards the holidays together in our best shape ever!

Early Fall Workout Playlist

It's officially fall - still early enough to have days that feel like summer, but mixed in with chillier days and nights.  I've had some physical therapy on my ankle which has helped a lot (more on that in a later post) and can do everything except run...although soon I should be able to do that as well.

So, in the spirit of a new season, it's time for an updated playlist.  Here's a portion of what motivates me this autumn:

50 Ways to Say Goodbye - Train
Fastest Girl in Town - Miranda Lambert
Matchbox Twenty - She's So Mean
Blown Away - Carrie Underwood
Home - Philip Phillips
What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction
Runaway Baby - Bruno Mars
Dive - Steven Curtis Chapman
Hot Chelle Rae - Tonight Tonight
Eye of the Tiger - Survivor

What are you listening to this fall?  Leave a comment with your favorites!

Autumn Workout Pleasures

*photo courtesy of Runner's World Magazine.

You cannot imagine how happy I am to see the sun shining today! We've had several days in a row of rain, rain, and more rain. I was ready to cast the new sequel "Marie Almighty" with my fellow Clevelanders and go to Home Depot to get enough wood and supplies to build my own ark. On top of a couple of already stressful days, the constant downpour and gray skies were depressing, to say the least.

After being relegated to my treadmill and DVD player for the past week, I'm ready to get outside to do my walking and sprints. Soon enough it will be winter and I will be stuck indoors more often than not, so I want to take advantage of every nice day I can. Now that it's October, some of the leaves are beginning to change to their bright autumn colors; while some trees are still green, others have completely turned orange, yellow, and red. There's nothing like a brisk walk or run through the fall foliage, and the cooler temperatures are welcome. God is the true Artist, painting the most beautiful pictures throughout this world. He inspires me to create, and I thank Him for the gift of words that He has entrusted to me. I can only hope and pray to use this gift to the full potential that He has in mind for me!

The weather and fall scenery are already putting me in a better mood. I can't wait to go outside in a couple of hours and enjoy every minute of my workout. Thank you God, for this wonderful world, and please help me do my part in making it what You want it to be!