I know that it’s not even the middle of November yet. However, after reading race reports from those who ran in the runDisney Jingle Jungle 5K this past weekend (as well as seeing details of the Christmas decorations at Disney Parks), I thought it might be a good idea to begin developing a Christmas running playlist for myself. So, with my music Wednesdays, I’ll be highlighting a Christmas song along with one other non-Christmas song for the rest of the year. I hope that’s okay. As a matter of fact, with the Disneyland Candlelight Processional coming up soon, I have a special idea for what I’m going to share next Wednesday. Stay tuned…

Yesterday, when I Googled “Christmas Running Playlists” I found a fair amount of songs from the three Glee Christmas Albums come up. In my wife’s classes the past couple years, she’s had a parent who worked for the record label that distributes those albums. So, for Christmas, she’s received all three. Now, I’m sure there are other versions of this song out there. Some might be even better than this one. However, when I heard it, I thought this has to be the first song I highlight. It will certainly be on my Christmas running playlist. One thing I love about Christmas songs is the happiness of them. This song embodies that. I’m also a fan of the fast enough tempo to keep my energy going while running. By the way, if you’re looking for good songs to run with, check out the Glee Christmas Albums.

For the past month, this song has been a great one for me to have in my ears as I run. Each time it comes up, the tiredness, aches, or whatever other things might have come up to make me think of quitting seem to melt away. The words of the chorus are just so powerful…

“Even if the stars fell like rain
Even if tomorrow never came
Even if the world I know should crumble
Nothing’s gonna stand in my way
Even if the sun left the sky
And even if these tears never dry
Even if the mountains fall and tumble
If what’s left of me is taken I will not be shaken”

Last night, I ran 4 miles. It was the first run since my 20 mile trek that featured a twinge in my lower calf around 9.5 miles into it. So, when I went out last night, I was cautious for most of the first mile. After all, I didn’t want to cause an injury from going harder than my legs would allow. However, by the end of the first mile, I realized that all was well. It was really good to get out and run again and, with each successive run interval, I was thankful for the ability to run without any problems. When this song came up, it was so powerful…”even if the world I know should crumble/nothing’s gonna stand in my way“… no previous physical problems….no mental miscues…nothing’s gonna stand in my way. These are words I want to remember come January 12 as I run in my first full marathon.

Nothing’s gonna stand in my way!