Run On Sentences - The Resolution Suite

In December, 2009 the Run On Sentences collection of instrumental rock added a piece called "New Year's Resolution 2010." A short work that follows the sounds of a runner at dawn. Headphones in / go outside / zip jacket / birds chirp / feet start / focus on the landmark ahead / run.

After a good friend heard "New Year's Resolution 2010" and suggested that it be longer, I knew that I had to continue it. Resolutions are something of an extended process in real life and don't wrap up in three tidy minutes. Giving it some thought, the first piece was intended to inspire a runner to head out the door - to make that simple and weighty decision. What should come next? A crash course in "resolution" helped me further.


On January 1 (Mitch Park, Edmond, OK) I ran in my first cross-country 5K race and used the first "Resolution" piece as part of my playlist. The course was tremendously challenging with the ice & snow drifts. Resolution 5K Run / what gets you out the door (Part 2). Clearly I was not at my best in terms of conditioning. Midway through as I was high-stepping in snow drifts, the scene changed to survival mode. I would truly be glad to finish. This was a humbling moment for me since I still had long distant memories of when I had once run half-marathon distances. So far away from that now. To get back to that distance will take much work and risk of injury if I do not heed what my body is saying.

As I better see a resolution, it is the process of consistently doing the right things with the knowledge that success will come. Resolutions are impossible to maintain without persistent belief. The Resolution Suite (160 Beats Per Minute) explores four moments along the path:

THE RESOLUTION SUITE

decision / action / adversity / triumph

Available, Feb-6 at 6:00 AM CENTRAL
Join my mailing list and
download all 3 tracks
for free until Sunday Feb-7, 11:59 PM

I am returning to Mitch Park this Saturday, February 6 to run in the BALTO 5K race (paved track, rolling hills). To read more about the BALTO race and Victory Junction Camp, please see the official site.

Truly, not every run is great but being on the path certainly is.

Cheers,

Jonathan

The first shipment arrives at Shepherds Junior School

On Monday, January 18, 2010, the 1st shipment of instruments arrived in Arusha! Hearing the messages of gratitude from the children and Mama Lucy and seeing photos of the school assembly gave me a feeling of pure joy.

More photos are arriving and being assembled for a larger article. The article will cover the future plans for instruments, music, and opportunities for musicians and all to join and help Shepherds Junior succeed.

Many thanks to all for support and continued dedication to spread the word. The work of Tweetsgiving.Org is truly amazing and I strongly encourage you to read more about it. Epic Change is possible. Find ways to make charity an "open source" event where you can participate directly in helping others.

Shepherds Junior, it is now time to ROCK!

Cheers,
Jonathan

Shipment #1: Departing from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma via DHL.

Arrived at Shepherds Junior School! Arusha, Tanzania.

more to come!

Photos courtesy of Lucy Kamptoni, Shepherds Junior School. Arusha, Tanzania.

Guitar, Amplifier, Tambourine, Percussion instruments from the friends of Linwood Studios, Oklahoma City and the North Highlands Elementary School, Whiz Kids program.

Previous Posts about the project.

Resolution 5K Run / what gets you out the door (Part 2)

Resolution 5K Run - January 1, 2010
9:00 a.m. in Mitch Park, Edmond, OK
A cross-country 5,000 meter race sponsored by the Edmond Track Club (see Kent Douglas @ 405-570-1216 or KentAndBrenda@gmail.com)

It was a Happy and Butt-Kicking New Year's Day for all who braved the cold and icy conditions to run. The course at Mitch Park was well prepared and marked by Kent and Brenda Douglas. Given the 22F temperature at the start, the course was hard frozen in most spots. Snow drifts in the open fields and tree covered sections made for a challenging run. No injuries were reported for any of the racers.

A huge note of thanks to Kent and Brenda Douglas for their dedication and hard work that made the event possible. It was very important to have a run on January 1. Is there a better way for runners to start a year? Also, I am thankful to have talked one-on-one with two die-hard runners that day. Marianne and Richard were there bright and early to take on the course. Marianne won the race (her first cross country event - brave lady!) and Richard finished second. I trailed behind them in true Clydesdale fashion.

Looking back on it, the most demanding parts were the drifts. Like a tough football practice workout - the tire drill. Knees up, way up! Crunching through a crust of snow and ice and negotiating frozen foot tracks was a challenge to say the least. Imagine 150+ meters of tires with snow on top.

Also, I was privileged to play the Run On Sentences collection on the p.a. system at the race. If you live north of Mitch Park and wondered just what the ruckus was, you now know. Please see the highlight reel below for a summary of the race & music. If you want more information about my music, see the links section of my blog. The Run On Sentences collection is ever-expanding and incorporating a wide range of tempos and styles.


Speaking of resolutions...Part 2

What gets you out the door to run?

I hear many things: to feel strong, for self-confidence, as a form of meditation, a healthy habit, an endorphin rush, to feel better about oneself, to take the next step in training for a big event... Simply stated, runners NEED to run.

On a personal note, the happier times of my adult life are linked with running. I am not an athlete by nature but running has made me active and healthier mentally. Running music now helps to propel me too. Please see my Twitter list called "Listen With Your Feet" list for some inspiration, including Lady Southpaw, Hellasound, and Bold Pace Music to name a few.

I am always glad to discuss running and music or the pursuit of both. Leave a comment here on the blog or contact me whichever way you like (email: LinwoodStudios@gmail.com, twitter: @LinwoodStudios).

Cheers to a Happy, Healthy New Year of Running & Music

Jonathan