Sunday, June 19, 2011

You Rock!





Spectators: ‘Go Natascha – you rock!
Natascha Badmann: [punches fist in the air and continues running marathon] ‘Thanks guys!’

The above was a scene from one of the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii in the mid-2000’s. That is the power of suggestion and encouragement. Even professionals and world champions need it to bolster their flagging confidence and performance.
Ironman ‘Voices’ Mike Riley and Whit Raymond begin their announcements when the transition areas opens before dawn, till the last participants crosses the line the music is playing. Music fills the air, muting some doubts, pre-race anxiety, and the residual sleepiness of race supporters and family. When I am not in a trance-like state during the race, I recall a few songs that stir and spur my spirit. Here is a sample of songs that rock when you are in the finisher’s chute completing your run, or making a u-turn:

Avril Lavigne: What the Hell
Katy Perry: Firework
Cheryl Cole: Fight For This Love
Black-Eyed Peas: Bom Bom Pow
Black-Eyed Peas: I Got A Feeling
Madonna: 4 Minutes
ACDC: You Shook Me All Night Long
ACDC: Highway to Hell
Linkin Park: Numb

Songs are like mantra; at least, that’s what the chorus do to us – incite in us a sense of positivism through the lyrics and melody. What are you favourite iPod songs? Which songs or pieces of music rock you on?

1 comment:

Rathnashikamani said...

True, "That is the power of suggestion and encouragement."
Great enlivening booster!

"Even professionals and world champions need it to bolster their flagging confidence and performance"
A point to ponder and learn!