To ask WLWI‘s Greg Thomas, there’s nothing quite like running. Greg started running in 2011 as a part of the “From Couch to 5k” program and since then has run many 5k races, but this year he’ll be stepping it up a notch and taking on the Montgomery Half.
“It’s crazy to think that back then I struggled to finish [a 5k], and found myself walking some. Now, I’m running half marathons!”
Greg says that he’s proof that if you take it one day at a time and stay committed, anyone can become a runner.
Greg has a fairly rigorous training routine including 3-5 mile runs every day and then longer runs on weekends with the goal to run 10-12 miles the final Saturdays before the race. With this much running, it’s only natural that you miss a day or two, but Greg really hates to miss his daily runs.
“That’s the beauty of having running in your life. When you miss it, you really miss it.”
With all that running, you have to have something to keep you going and for Greg, that something is several rocking playlists. Greg doesn’t have just one running playlist but several; one for any kind of mood he might be in. His playlists include everything from Guns N’ Roses to Eric Church and today’s top 40 pop hits.
“Music can really serve as a motivating spark. The keys is keeping it fresh.”
Here’s a sampling of one of Greg’s many “Rando Run” playlists:
- Jason Aldean “Gonna Know We Were Here”
- Lenny Kravitz “Fly Away”
- Panic At The Disco “High Hopes”
- Eric Church “Desperate Man”
- Flo Rida “Good Feeling”
- Beastie Boys “Intergalactic”
- Tom Petty “Runnin’ Down A Dream”
- Brothers Osborne “Stay A Little Longer”
- Kayne West “Stronger”
- Motley Crue “Kickstart My Heart”
- Chris Stapleton “Parachute”
- Justin Timberlake “Can’t Stop The Feeling”
- Kenny Chesney “Get Along”
- Foo Fighters “Everlong”
While music is a great motivator when running alone, at races, Greg prefers to be encouraged by others.
“To see people clapping and cheering for the runners is a motivating sight…it really adds to the energy to pump up a runner.”
If you’re thinking about signing up for the Montgomery Half or the Montgomery Half 5k Greg would say to go ahead and do it for the runner’s rush.
“It’s real for any runner, regardless of how fast you complete the course. It’s a personal euphoric feeling that anyone can experience.”
Whether you’ve never run before or you’re an avid runner, the Montgomery Half has something for everyone. Sign up and run with Greg and hundreds of others. He might even help you set up your own “Rando Run” playlist!
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