Artist: Florence + the Machine

It’s hard to get away from this track.  Whether it’s in Julia Roberts’ latest, Eat Pray Love, or totally redone in true Glee form, Florence and the Machine have finally arrived in the U.S. with this upbeat single.  In many ways, they represent the best of British pop—vocally/lyrically rich and soul-filled.

At first listen, it sounds like she’s lamenting: “Happiness, it hurts.”  Given that refrain, it’s hard to understand the song.  However, as you re-listen, you can untangle some lyrics.  “Happiness hit her – like a train on a track.”  For some reason, many of us avoid happiness.  We run from it, but eventually it catches us.  And whether we like it—or, strangely enough, not—the “dog days” are over.  It’s time for the new possibilities, new people, new happiness.  Like a bullet in the back, you may not see it coming either. What a good track to be listening to at the start of a new year.

The second single from the group’s debut album Lungs, Dog Days was initially released more than two years ago.  Recorded in a tiny studio with no instruments, it was re-released in April 2010 and has been even more popular in recent months.  After the show-stealing live performance at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, nearly 100,000 digital downloads resulted (a 257% increase over the previous week).

While the original version is a moderately uptempo tune itself, check out the Steve Pitron & Max Sanno Remix if you want just a little more adrenaline.  It seems to work even better for a run.

Runner’s Pick: Overpowered [Seamus Haji Remix]

Artist: Róisín Murphy

When I think that I’m over you …

I’m overpowered.

This song about an unbreakable kinetic connection is definitely one to check out. It’s got a slightly dark haunting feel to it and a thumping bass beat that keeps you moving.  How many songs can reference oxytoxins and yet have it work?  Probably not too many, but Overpowered does and the result can provide an almost-hypnotic “fuel” source.  Even 2-3 years after it’s release, adding this adrenaline track to a running playlist still feels fresh.

Irish singer-songwriter Murphy was half of the electronic duo that brought us the 1999 number one dance hit Sing It Back.  Her and then-boyfriend Mark Brydon released the song while still together as Moloko.  She later achieved even greater success on her own—and her new collaboration with Dutch DJ Mason is a fresh and edgy track called called Boadicea.  Though not yet officially released, it’s also worth checking out.

Album: The Constant (2010)

Ever wondered what rock you’ve been under?  Sting has a daughter whose making music?  And it’s good music?  How do you miss something like this?

Italian-born “Coco” is the child of Gordon Sumner and Trudie Styler—and she’s more than just the daughter of a legend.  She’s got a smooth yet husky voice that’s fresh and retro at the same time.  Hard to put into words, she’s optimistic angst if there is such a thing.

Her debut album, The Constant, is a great one to stumble upon.  The 20-year-old singer/songwriter has assembled an impressive collection that’s moody and current without feeling trendy.  Attributing her style to influences like David Bowie and The Roots—she’s got a synthpop sound that’s vocally driven.

The first single, Caesar, features Robyn and has a breathy punk electro-vibe.  It’s a good intro to Coco, but it may be deceptively mainstream compared to the rest of the set.

Party Bag is a cheery odd song with some amazing lyrics.  The beat and vocals match and create an even-tempered gradual mood lift. It reminds me of some of my favorite 80s music and driving with the windows rolled down and the radio volume blaring.

It’s about to get worse warns you that it often reaches a new low before it gets better.  It’s sad how true those words often are.

No Smile is a strange take on dedication and has a real Fiona Apple/Shadowboxer vibe to it. The cool edge makes it highly repeatable and may make it one of your favorites on the album.

Only love can break your heart is definitely a track to check out. It’s the one song where you might most feel the Sting influence—although exactly how is hard to put into words.

In Spirit Golden is catchy and uplifting. It’s the kind of song that becomes a fast favorite, as if you’ve replayed it many times already.  It’s slated to be the third single.

Selfmachine is another real standout.  Ever feel like a lonely robot rusting in a wasteland?  Well, I never thought about putting it into those words—but sometimes I definitely feel like my heart is capable of breaking down like any other machine.  It’s a strangely fun song and is lyrically vivid.

From the melancholy lament of Summer Rain to the raspy mellow swoon of the title track, The Constant is a solid debut album. She manages to consistently connect lyrically, vocally, and emotionally. Check out Selfmachine, Party Bag, and No Smile. If you like those, The Constant may quickly become one of your favorite new CDs as well.

While The Constant does not have any high energy tracks, it definitely has music that could work for a run. Adrenaline tracks include:

• Caesar
• Only love can break your heart
• Please Rewind
• Quicker (Ran and Ruin Mix)
• In Spirit Golden
• Selfmachine
• Turn your back on love

There’s also a lot to help pace the race:

• The Constant
• No Smile
• Party Bag
• Playwrite Fate
• Summer Rain
• Quicker

If you want to cool down, check out It’s about to get worse.

Artist: Rihanna

She’s back and sounding good on her fifth studio album, Loud.  From the sweet, romantic California King Bed to the almost P!nk feel of Cheers (Drink to That), Rihanna is shining on her new collection and working with talent such as Taio Cruz, David Guetta, Ne-Yo, Timbaland, and more.

The lead single Only Girl (In the World) may have already become one of your favorite new songs.  The confident, playful tune has energy, strength, and a synthesized bass beat that works.  It’s no wonder it’s already hit number one in 13 countries.

Other tracks are also solid:

• Love the Way You Lie, part 2 is a less angry continuation of the Eminem collaboration.  Those whose favorite part of the song was Rihanna’s chorus will be pleased by the track.  Fans of the angst-ridden rapper will not be disappointed. Though considerably less prominent, Eminem brings on a major blast when he joins in.
• Complicated is a sound pop song about the complexities of a relationship. Her vocals are powerful and the beat is just enough to get you shuffling your feet despite the frustration the song is about.
• Fading samples Enya’s One by One and injects Rihanna’s characteristic eh-eh-echoed vocals in a way that makes it fresh.  It’s light and fluffy, but it works.
• The reggae, drummer boy feel of Man Down might remind you of the Barbadian’s earlier release Music of the Sun.
• A real standout is S&M, which is rumored to be the third single. The risque electronic thumper is about what the title implies. Somehow you won’t mind all this talk of whips and chains. She’s definitely good at being bad—and she delivers on this sure-to-be controversial hit.

Not everything is as stellar. The moody Skin never revs up and the Nicki Minaj pairing on Raining Men is a mismatch given the rest of the set.

If you’re curious, check out Only Girl (In the World), S&M, and California King Bed.  If you like those, go ahead and buy the whole CD. It may prove to be a good addition to your music library.

Much of Loud works for running or exercise. Complicated offers sufficient adrenaline and high energy tracks include Only Girl (In the World) and S&M.

There’s also a lot to help you pace the race:

• Cheers (Drink to That)
• Fading
• Love the Way You Lie (Part II)
• Man Down

Alternatively, you can cool down with California King Bed.

Runner’s Pick: Take Over Control [Radio Edit] (2010)

Artist: Afrokack Feat. Eva Simons

Sometimes you just need a song that has a singable chorus and thumping beats to keep you moving through your run.  Take Over Control delivers just that. It’s catchy and easy to get lost in. About a minute into the song, you may find yourself running a little harder than normal—keeping pace with the synthesized charge of this high energy track.

Outrageous Dutch diva Eva Simons adds the vocals to DJ Afrojack’s official debut single Take Over Control. It has already reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Dance Airplay charts.

The New York City marathon takes runners from Staten Island into Brooklyn along the course’s tallest bridge, the Verazano-Narrows.  Running from the southwestern tip of Brooklyn up into Queens, the course then takes you into Manhattan over the long, long Queensboro Bridge—dumping you out on First Avenue, where you head north to the Bronx.  Then it’s a quick loop through the southern Bronx and back to Manhattan along the Third Avenue Bridge. This is followed by a couple of twists and turns to get you over to Fifth Avenue where you parallel Central Park until veering into it from the southeastern corner. Two miles later, along the rough rolling hills of Central Park, you reach the finish line near the old Tavern on the Green.

Registration

With more than 100,000 applicants annually, getting into the New York Marathon is the first hurdle for many.  Of the more than 45,000 runners, most of the field consists of lucky lottery winners.  The remaining runners have either:

• attained the necessary qualifying times,
• completed 9 or more NYRR-scored races during the 2010 calendar year,
• have completed 15 or more New York City Marathons,
• been denied access the last three years, or
• committed to run on behalf of a charity program.

Qualifying times vary by age and gender based upon certifiable results in a full or half marathon.  A full chart is available on the official website under ‘Entrant Info.’

Anyone 18 or older may apply.  Lottery applications for the 2011 race are accepted until 11:59 p.m. on April 19.  The lottery is held in late April and applicants are informed shortly thereafter.  Those running for charity may continue to apply through the end of September.

Pre-race

The New York Road Runners (NYRR) have solid communication with their registrants.  On a regular basis, registrants receive e-mails including training tips, race information, and stories of inspiration. As race day approaches, critical details such as shuttle selection, corral and wave assignments, expo hours, and more are distributed via e-mail and also reiterated on your personal profile page via the official website.

Once in NYC, runners make their way to the expo for a vendor fair and packet pickup.  Held at the Javitz Center from Thursday through Saturday, packet pickup is efficient and easy.  However, those picking up their race items on Saturday may be in for a rude awakening.  In addition to the branded Asics gear being all but obliterated by earlier shoppers, some runners may be put off by being unable to get the size shirt they ordered months in advance. By early Saturday morning, all that remained were L and XL.  Those requesting S or M were unable to be mailed the size they ordered and left to pillage the L and XL gear remaining at the expo for something wearable to mark the accomplishment.

Those able to arrive early are highly encouraged to do so.  Also, NY has the only freestanding Asics store in the U.S. (across from Bryant Park, on Sixth Avenue).  There, runners may find an item or two no longer available at the expo.  However, these too dwindle quickly.

Race day

On race day, runners can take their assigned shuttles or the Staten Island Ferry to the starting pavilion.  This decision is made for you by the race organizers and communicated prior to arrival race weekend.

The starting area is at the base of the Verazano-Narrows Bridge near Fort Wadsworth.  There, runners are divided into the three corrals: green, blue, and orange.  Each corral has its own baggage check area, porta-pots, and shelters from the cold.  Additionally, there are 3 waves within each corral.  Runners used to early a.m. starts may be surprised to find that many waves do not start until after 10 a.m.  This makes for a long race day since you still have to get up early to take your assigned mode of transport.  Layer up! It’s often cold, cold, cold in November in NYC and you will want to have on every possible layer you can until you have to check your gear.

Once inside the fences waiting in your corral, you experience your first relief from the cold.  At this point, many runners begin shedding their throw away gear.  Save at least your gloves or a long sleeve shirt until after your first two miles.  On the tall Verazano-Narrows Bridge, you’re exposed to the wind and elements more than many other parts of the race. You may find yourself chilly otherwise.

Midcourse, you truly experience what the New York City Marathon is all about: spectator support and elation.  In NYC, the first Sunday of November is known as “Marathon Sunday” and more than 2 million New Yorkers leave their homes and line the streets of all five boroughs to cheer you on.  Water and aid stops are frequent—at least at every mile.  Most include gatorade and water and one includes a variety of flavors of PowerGel and bananas.  Spectators offer gum, candy, apples, paper towels, and more high fives than you can count.

Post-race

All finishers receive a finishers medal and a keepsake drawstring bag with food, water, and Gatorade already inside.  Baggage trucks are arranged in descending order. Those with higher race numbers have less to walk to get to their gear check UPS truck.

However, once you have retrieved your gear, you’re directed to an exit.  There is no communal area for runners, no post-race “village,” and no family reunion area.  You’re shuffled onto the streets of NY and left to linger on the streets and park benches like homeless people until you can move enough to make your way home.

The following Monday morning, you can return to Central Park for exclusive finisher’s gear and inexpensive engraving of your medal.  Be warned: there will be lines early and finisher gear also moves.  Set your alarm and head over early so you can have your choice of commemorative clothing and the like.

Additional Information

The largest in the world, the 2010 ING New York City Marathon was held on Sunday, November 7.  The legendary race has been held since 1970 when 127 entrants looped Central Park several times and 55 crossed the finish line.  As the race has grown, so has its popularity, crowd support, and views along the course.

Organized by NYRR, it is ranked with the Boston Marathon and Chicago Marathon as one of the pre-eminent long distance events in the U.S. and is one of the World Marathon Majors.  A championship competition, the World Marathon Majors includes marathons in Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, and New York City.

The New York Marathon is no stranger to celebrities. Past celeb runners have included:

• Katie Holmes (finish time 5:30),
• Ryan Reynolds (finish time 3:38),
• P. Diddy (finish time 4:15),
• David Lee Roth (finish time 6:04),
• Edward Norton (finish time 3:48),
• Lance Armstrong (finish time 2:59), and more.

The 2010 race was run by Al Roker (finish time 7:09) and Meredith Vieira (finish time 5:59) of NBC’s Today show, rescued Chilean miner Edison Peña (finish time 5:40), radio personality Robin Quivers (finish time 6:09), Food Channel superchef Bobby Flay (finish time 4:01), and Jared Fogle (finish time 5:14) of Subway sandwich weight-loss fame.

The 1979 NYC Marathon was the year of Rosie Ruiz’s infamous bogus finish.  It was quickly determined that she had not run the entire course.  It is believed she took the subway to a point near the finish.  She used her qualifying time in NYC to run the Boston Marathon—where she again burst into the crowd after the 20-mile mark.  She was subsequently disqualified from both races.

• the Lincoln Memorial,
• World War II Memorial,
• the Washington Monument,
• Jefferson Memorial,
• the National Mall,
• U.S. Capitol, and more.

Started in 1985 by fitness officials at the Army, the popularity of the race has skyrocketed. Open to all, the race sells out quickly. The 2010 race sold out all 30,000 slots in 35 hours.  Those wishing to run should plan to register in April and should pounce once it opens.  While other local races such as the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run have moved to a lottery system (much to the dismay of many runners), the ATM remains a first-come, first-serve event.  If you miss registration in April, watch the event-organized message boards.  Bib transfers happen throughout the year as training injuries or other schedule conflicts occur.  Stand warned, however; they’re harder to get than a Teddy Ruxpin.

For a second year, deployed service members and civilians participated in their own version of the Army 10-Miler.  “Shadow” runs were held at bases in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Africa.

There is no race day packet pickup, Instead, it’s army-efficient and takes place on Friday and Saturday at the DC Armory.  ATM swag is very popular and is adorned by Capital runners nearly year-round.  In addition to the long-sleeve technical t-shirt (available as an upgrade at registration), all finishers receive a finisher coin to mark the accomplishment.

Day-of transportation is hands-down best via the metro. While crowded, there is no parking available at the Pentagon and street closures make driving a tricky navigation task.

Once at the Pentagon, porta-pots and runners abound.  Gear check is equally streamlined and the two-tiered start effectively staggers runners. However, headphones are few and far between.  Frowned on by the race, the contraband items are barely speckled throughout the corrals.

New in 2010, the ATM held back second wave runners for 10 minutes.  The change in course crowding was noticeable.  Typically bottlenecking that occurs for nearly the first half of the race was all but non-existent.

Additional Information

The 2010 Army Ten-Miler was held on October 24 with weekend events including a youth run and activity fair.  Runners are required to maintain a 15-minute pace for the race.  Those who fail to be at the 5-mile mark by 9:35 are re-routed directly to the 8 mile mark and then the finish line.  Runners for the 2010 race included participants from all 50 states, D.C., Canada, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Brazil, and the UK.

As one might expect, security is a huge concern for the race.  The 2001 event was scheduled to occur shortly after the September 11 attack on the Pentagon.  The race was cancelled and subsequent runs have had extensive security measures, which were put to the test in 2005 when a suspicious package under the 14th Street Bridge was found.  Runners were re-routed at mile 7 and the resulting course was 11.2 miles long.

Artist: Jamiroquai

Jamiroquai is back and sounding strong on the promo single from his November 1 release Rock Dust Light Star. Described by the band as a “hi-octane retrospective,” White Knuckle Ride is a funky song about life’s pressures and dealing with it all.  It’s fresh and retro at the same time. Upbeat and charged with a popping back-beat, it can add a nice little boost of adrenaline to your run.

It’s been 5 years since we had a new album from Jamiroquai and Dynamite was a bit of a dud for many.  He’s back to the sound and swagger characteristic of A Funk Odyssey (which brought us the Little L—another great track for a run).  The official first single Blue Skies is set to drop on November 1 as well.  Let’s hope the album has more like White Knuckle Ride. Check out the Seamus Haji edit for that extra oomph some runs require.

Coming in a little more than 33 minutes, this 5K playlist works for a pace a little slower than a 10-minute mile. I hope you like it.

9 songs/33.3 minutes

Playlist available on iTunes:

Runner’s Pick: Loca [Freemasons Remix] (2010)

Artist: Shakira Feat. Dizzee Rascal

Columbian superstar Shakira is back and she’s having fun. Her latest, Loca, is a carefree, kinetic tune that makes you want to shake your hips too. The lead single from her October release Sale el Sol/The Sun Comes Out, it’s opening directive is “dance or die.” The English version features British rapper Dizzee Rascal. Infusing pop, rap, and salsa—it’s catchy and sticks with you. Great for a run, Loca compels you to release and helps you to just run a little stronger. Add it to a playlist that needs a touch of adrenaline.

Also, check out the guerilla-style video. The low-budget number was shot in Barcelona and is all about her walking through the city and having fun. She roller-skates, dances, changes clothes, and even dives into a public fountain (which almost got her arrested by local officials). The loose, rampant feel of the video matches that of the song itself.