Pump up your playlist.

The hardest part of exercise for me is getting the energy going at the start of the workout and keeping it going. The solution is a good high energy playlist. In the past I would pump the ipod during both my runs and bike workouts. Since the accident, I got smart and thought that riding with ear buds is not the safest practice. So, the ipod will be left for the runs. (OK, I just thought that sentence through. Then again, I am sure the ipod would be nice to have in the bathroom as well.)

So, how do you pick a good playlist? I started with time. How long will my workout be? That way I never have to look at the clock. When the playlist is over, so is my workout. Next is tempo. I focus on songs that will match the tempo of the workout. For example, the first song on my list is Viva la Vida by Coldplay. For me, this is a great warm up song to get the blood flowing without getting the heart rate going too quick too soon. I then progress into a group of songs with a quick tempo and energetic beat like Ke$ha, Pink, Beastie Boys, Crazy Frog, Black Eye Peas, and Lady Gaga. I wrap up the list with a song that I know is last on the list and how long the song is. This allows me to know that I have 3 minutes to go and it is time to push with everything I have left.

The key is the song selection. You want something that you like listening too. However, it also needs to get you moving! I like listening to Jack Johnson,but he does not get me going in a workout.

Pimp my Powerwheel

X to the Z, Xibit, I need your help! I found a 12v barbie powerwheel jeep on the side of the road with a sign in it that said "free". Considering these things are $300 new, this got my attention. After a quick examination, the only issue with the car was one bad wheel.

So the next step was to google powerwheel parts. This opened me up to a world that I did not know existed. There is a group out there that modifies powerwheels. When I think about modifying a powerwheel, I think of repainting it or adding some chrome.These guys take it to the next level. Working headlights, sound systems, 36v power upgrades, and suspension kits are just a few I saw.

What would make a unique powerweel? under chassis lights, spinner dubs, alarm system, Cadillac grill, or maybe a ipod connection. OK, time to stop. I am getting way to many ideas!

iTri

With the new iPhone being unveiled tomorrow, I thought it interesting to think back. Remember your first cell phone? Mine was after Linds and I got married. I had a friend who rocked a bag phone in college! Now, only 12 years after that bag phone, the iPhone 5 is coming. This phone will have estimated 64gb of hard drive space, an 8mb camera, Internet access at near 4g speeds, and all in a case that is the size of a box of playing cards.

So, what is my point? Evolution. The features, power, and speed of this new phone more than doubles that of the full size desktop computer I used in college. This is a lot like our bodies. Last October, I decided to complete my first triathlon in March of this year. I took my first stroke in the pool in November and was winded after 25 yards. My last swim I went just over 2,000 yards. This also works in reverse as well. How often have you been good at something that you have not tried in a while and you sucked at it? The first thing that comes to mind is my golf game.

You always hear that everyone starts somewhere, and the first step is the hardest. I agree somewhat. I believe that the second, third, and four step are the hardest. Just ask Atari, Myspace, and Clearly Canadian. Starting can be easy and exciting, but staying in the game keeps you improving. Apple knows this well. I need to follow their lead and take the next step in my training tomorrow.

P.S. If you see me on the road riding, please don't hit me!