Resolution Runners

A few months ago, Karen gave me an iPod Shuffle and loaded up a running mix for me. I have no idea exactly what's on the Shuffle but, so far, it's been fun having something to listen to (other than myself humming or singing) as I run. I sometimes forget that I'm running and just keep going to the beat of the music. I pump my fists and have a little more bounce in my step when The Sounds or Le Tigre come on.

This morning, however, the music didn't start with an upbeat tempo. Instead, as I approached the Panhandle at 7am and turned the Shuffle on (I'll only listen to the music when I've reached the park), I was greeted with Outkast's "Spread." Okay, so I own the Speakerboxxx and The Love Below. I really like them, though it's been a little while since I last listened to either disc. But, somehow, running so early in the morning listening to the dirty lyrics of "Spread" is just wrong. I finished the whole song though, as I slowly made my way through the Panhandle.

I also noticed some new folks on this morning's run. Most days, I see the same people running past me or the walking their dogs. But, today, there were more joggers than usual and many of them didn't look familiar. I think they're resolution runners, people who vowed to be more fit this year, run more, and maybe lose a few pounds in the process. Good for them, I thought, though I started running ages ago.