Back to Basics #3

Since arriving North, I’ve had some great runs. My sublet is literally steps away from the Stevens Creek Trail, which has some beautifully maintained paths. I’ve also ventured farther to San Antonio Park in Los Altos.

San Antonio is one of the larger nature preserves on the Peninsula, and in my opinion, one of the most beautiful. The first time I arrived, I literally believed I was in a promotional commercial for California. The park’s sylvan setting, with its dried golden grass and oak-studded hills, is perfect. And after every bend in the trail, I wanted to take a picture.

Not only did the scenery move me, but the diversity of animals impressed me, too. On my first run, I saw hawks, quail, rabbits, deer, and squirrels. The animals appeared quite used to visitors, and the fauna never flinched when I jogged by. At one point a bluebird even flew three feet in front of me.

After the bluebird incident, I literally asked myself “Where am I?” Everything appeared so idyllic that I wondered if I were in heaven. If I wasn’t in heaven, then I was in some sort of Disney feature, like Snow White. Maybe Disney can make a movie about me. We’ll call it Half White, and I’ll sing to woodland creatures as I jog.

I’m not sure I’m Disney appropriate, though. I love to blast my iPod on the trails, and my musical library isn’t exactly scrubbed and wholesome. I’ve decided to chronicle today’s run based upon my iPod’s shuffle feature. Please note that I’m just presenting highlights, and if a song doesn’t immediately move me, I skip it. (Today, for example, the only two Sarah MacLachlan songs I own popped up. FYI, Sarah MacLachlan is NOT music to run by. I only listen to her when I’m deeply depressed, longing for a time when I was young, innocent, and beautiful. Or at least young and innocent.)

Here are some highlights:

“TiK ToK” by Ke$ha – What a great beat, and what a catchy song! Of course, I fully admit that Ke$ha is ridiculous, and her lyrics are sloppy. I find it hard to believe, for example, that she will “kick [a guy] to the curb unless he looks like Mick Jagger.” Really? If Mick Jagger is her ideal, then perhaps she needs to aim a bit…higher.

“Let ‘Em In” by Billy Paul – After Ke$ha’s hedonism, Billy Paul’s ‘70s social commentary filled my headphones. Ironically, a high school track team left me in their wake, and I found myself wishing that I could keep up with them! Let ME in, guys!

“You Rock My World” by Michael Jackson – At this point, I passed Dear Hollow, a small farm operated by the City of Mountain View. The farm supports a surprising number of goats. Contrary to MJ’s tune, the goats did NOT rock my world, but the babies were pretty darn cute.

“Step Into Christmas” by Elton John – I love that even Christmas music pops up in my random shuffle! How completely fun and unexpected!

“Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys – One of my favorite songs – ever. Last summer, my brother and I were obsessed with this song, and we’d randomly sing key verses to each other. This time, when the song played, I said a little prayer for Andrew.

“Show Me What I’m Looking For” by Carolina Liar – The lyrics are so heartbreaking and poignant: “Save me/ I’m lost/ Oh Lord, I’ve been looking for you.” I have no idea what these guys are looking for, but I hope they find it. (And pass that memo to U2!)

“Whatcha See is Whatcha Get” by the Dramatics – I especially love this line: “Baby, I’m for real/ I’m as real as real can get.” At this point, my shirt was sopping, my breathing was heavy and rhythmic, and I was feeling pretty real!

“Misery” by Maroon 5 – When Maroon 5 came on, I was definitely enjoying the runner’s high. “Misery” has such a great, upbeat tempo, that even though the lyrics chronicle an obsessive heartbreak, I was FEELIN’ this song on Rogue Valley Trail.

“Girls on the Dance Floor” by Far East Movement – I’m embarrassed to admit I even own this song. The lyrics are hilarious. At this point, however, I realized that I had passed the high school track team, and I felt a sweet sense of victory. Here’s to old guys everywhere!

“Stronger” by Kanye West – Say what you will about Kanye, but he’s brilliant. Anyone who can sing about Nietzsche, Klondike Bars, and unrequited love gets my vote. A great cool-down song.