Running, Singing, Running AND Singing

Do you sing? Do you like to sing? More importantly, can you sing and carry a tune? I must admit, I love to sing. But, even I can't stand the sound of my own voice, which is why I usually confine my singing to alone in the car with the radio volume on high. That way, I can experience the joy of singing without having to hear my own voice. In fairness, I also sing during Mass if there's some old person nearby who sings even worse than I do and so can cover my tone deafness. And unfortunately for Stuart, now that we've been married for five years, I'm feeling more comfortable with just belting out lyrics in front of him (the grimaces let me know that my tune-carrying ability still leaves much to be desired).

So there's something about running with my iPod that brings about a challenge. For the record, I'm one of those people who is pretty much categorically opposed to racing with an iPod. First of all, in most races mp-3 players are forbidden, and that law and order part of me feels compelled to obey. I go even further and consider those who do use them to be cheaters since we all know that listening to music makes it easier to run further and faster.

That being said, I'm most definitely not opposed to training with an iPod as long as you don't become addicted to it. Most of the time, I run without it. Either because I'm running with Jill (when she's in-country) or with Nick the dog [NB. see the happy twosome at right], or with other friends, family, etc...

But, when I do bust out the music, I must admit I love it. Here's the problem though, and I welcome input from the whole dozen or so of you who happen to read this blog. How on earth do you run without wanting to sing along!?!?!? I mean songs like Paradise by the Dashboard Lights are 8.5minutes long. Even for me, that's more than 3/4 of a mile's worth of running. But it's an entertaining song and singing along doesn't help my breath pattern. Not to mention the strange looks from the other people on the trail! Break into Madonna, or Eminem or something even more eclectic and bizarre and people really start to stare. I've got my fair share of Midevil Punditz and other world or electronica music that provides a beat without lyrics. However what really seems to get me going are those studly songs you hear on the loudspeaker before a triathlon. Or the soundtrack of "What It Takes". Or even an 80s mix of Madonna, George Michael and Ah-ha. So, what do I do? Run without an iPod even on those days when I need that extra oomph? Or get over myself and not care about the ears of those around me on the trail and ask ya'll for some other song recommendations to add to my list for the listening pleasure of those around me? All opinions are welcome. :-)