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Every season brings it’s own challenges when running in New York. In the winter it means doing a lot of runs in the bitter dark cold or on a treadmill. “Choose to Run” takes place in both venues.

First there is a cold solo run, the “warm-up.” Warming up is especially important when it’s cold out. The song also talks about using the run to psych up to end a relationship that has gone cold. It is a very bitter realization because it means leaving a home and support network and having to get a new job to pay for it. It’s the triad of uncomfortable changes all occurring at the same time: relationship, home and job.

Running is a way to get some clarity and stay sane amongst all the changes. This is not to say there wasn’t a stiff drink now and then, but in the end running was much more useful for getting a sense of control on things.

“The Strides” take place in the aftermath of the break up on a treadmill. The idea is building up strength little by little while dealing with all the emotional after shocks. Speed work was a good outlet to work out some of the aggression.

Finally, in the cool down there is a sense of peace and resolution. It is the “Runner’s High.”

Running is more than a way to lose weight. For some people it can be a lifeline. When the disintegration of a relationship shakes up an entire way of life running can be a tool to work out some of the aggression and regain a sense of control.

Speed intervals are a way of breaking down the muscles so they can build back stronger. “Strides” are very short intervals and a great way to get started with or maintain your current speed training. Forcing yourself out of your normal comfort zone will train your body what it feels like to get faster and stronger little by little.

“Running Music” has the potential to be a unique new form of entertainment. It can tell a story that a listener can interact to in a whole new way. You participate in the music with your feet without requiring the coordination of dance. Along the way you get your quality running workouts in. The purpose is duel. Perhaps you don’t have a group to run with at the moment or a neatly measured track to run on. You can get the same benefits when you mark your workouts with time.

Don’t worry about syncing your feet exactly to beat when you first start out. It does not require going faster to match the tempo. Run in a way that is comfortable for you. The tempo is carefully selected to encourage an efficient short stride. Therefore you may need to shorten your stride rather than pick up your pace. If you let the music guide you over time it is likely to happen naturally.

When Jonathan and I were putting this piece together some of the influences we talked about were Metric, the Doves and Elbow. In general I like a lot of British bands. Lately I’ve been really impressed by some of the women coming out there like Florence & the Machine and Bat for Lashes.