Music in my ears

Yesterday I asked J to make an Iron Maiden play list for my mp3 player. I don't usually listen to music when I run, because I prefer to concentrate on my breathing and to the sounds all around me. But this weekend is special. It started with the Maiden concert last Friday, continued along the same lines throughout the day yesterday and will be finishing tonight with a couple of drinks down town while watching the Big 4 (Anthrax, Slayer, Megadeath and Metallica) broadcast on a big screen TV, while they're playing live in Ullevi. This whole weekend has been a big metal party in Gothenburg. A once-in-a-lifetime party.

J showed no mercy in his choice of songs. Fast song after fast song played in my ears, all classics, all loved. My feet were dancing, flying, celebrating. The first 10 kilometres were run in just under 55 minutes, which (for me, and for a long run) is fast. I couldn't help myself.

When the first, mellow notes of the Talisman started playing, I had reached the seaside. In such an environment, it wasn't difficult to relate to the song lyrics, that talk about a crew that is about to sail out to sea. I got goosebumps and I wasn't sure if they were because of the cool breeze and moody weather, or because of the song.

Opening so fast was of course not without consequence. My energy started leaving me after about 13 kilometres, and that, coupled with the fact that it coincided with a part of the route that I am not particularly fond of, made me slow down. But then, after a few kilometres, it was time for Blood Brothers – a favourite of mine. I picked up speed again, climbed up the hill that takes me home and completed a half marathon in 1:56:39.

Sometimes it's good to have music in your ears.