I've been training for this Saturday's Fargo Marathon. But don't expect to see me pounding the pavement in Lycra, sweat-wicking running outfits, hurriedly tossing back cups of Gatorade and water.
To me, preparing for the big run means getting my voice ready to make some serious noise. Such training is minimal - usually a poor outing by the Twins gets me vocal - and there have been enough of those this year.
Organizers and participants have stated how great it is to have people along the sidelines yelling and cheering on the runners.
This year organizers have posted cheering sections, musical acts and the odd belly dancing troupe throughout the 26.2-mile course. (Amber Waves Tribal Bellydance will be at mile marker 22.5 at Maple Street and 29th Avenue North, for you runners who need a little end-of-race inspiration.)
Of course, it's easy for yahoos like me to yell, even if it sounds more like a drill sergeant with Tourette's. But that's not necessarily what runners want to hear.
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Mark Knutson, the race's executive director, says music from the "Rocky" movies pumps him up.
"I always run a little faster than I should," he says.
Bill Conti's original soundtrack, in particular "Gonna Fly Now," is indeed inspiring, as is Survivor's stadium anthem, "Eye of the Tiger" from "Rocky III." The third installment launched not only the group's career, but also Mr. T's as the boisterous bruiser Clubber Lang. And who wouldn't want to run just a little faster if you were on their heels shouting Clubberisms?
"You ain't so bad, you ain't so bad, you ain't nothin'. C'mon, champ, hit me in the face! My mom hits harder than you! ... I'm the baddest man in the world ... I'll beat you like a dog, you hear? ... My prediction? Pain."
Knutson also said a quick pass through Margaritaville toward the end of the race is reinvigorating. Area Parrot Heads have signed on to party at Mile 25 at University and 30th Avenue North, but you have to wonder if they'll need an alcoholic eye-opener for the morning run.
Even the half-marathon runners have favorites.
Loralee Amb of Fargo likes to hear Van Halen's "Right Now" at the end of the race, though "Runnin' With the Devil" might be fitting for halfway through. Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" also makes her personal soundtrack, though she may want to consider REO Speedwagon, who cornered the market in the 1980s with interchangeable inspirational songs like "Keep the Fire Burnin' " "Keep Pushin' " "Take it on the Run" "Time for Me to Fly" and "Ridin' the Storm Out."
Tom Alesia, who's flying in from Madison, Wis., for his sixth marathon also suggests Eminem's "Lose Yourself," "Paradise City," "or at least the part where Axl blows the whistle," (but not "Welcome to the Jungle"?) and, oddly enough, Irene Cara's "What a Feeling" from "Flashdance."
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The 40-year-old is just as particular about what not to play. No "Copacabana," or any Barry Manilow for that matter. "No one has time" for the guitar solos in "Free Bird" or "Sweet Home Alabama," he says, so leave your Bic lighters at home. He also rules out Pink Floyd, though "Run Like Hell" could be a good fit.
Ultimately, those in the race will appreciate any kind of noise you can make, as long as you're showing support. Well, almost any kind.
"Anything but organ music," Knutson says.
Or, as Clubber would say, "I pity the fool who plays the pipes!"
Readers can reach Forum Features Editor John Lamb at (701) 241-5533
