Q&A Expert in Runner's World April Issue

We'll it was nice to see my answer to a question from a reader of Runner's World Magazine in this Aprils issue. However, I did have to stop and think, hmmm do I really listen to country music for my cool down? I actually think country music is great and I had the opportunity to listen to quite a bit of it after graduating from college in 1985. I moved down south and lived with my grandmother for a year in the Florida panhandle while I decided what the next step in my life would be. It allowed me to experience a vastly different culture than the one I came from and a part of that was being introduced to country music. That being said I haven't listened to country music since that time, but do believe country music would make good cool down music because of its lower beats per minute. Check out the rest of the Q&A below or in a copy of this months issue (pg. 38). Ciao, Eric

Q: When I run with my iPod, I speed up on fast songs. Is that okay?
A: Sure. In fact, changing your pace by song is an excellent way to do interval training because typical tracks last three to five minutes-an ideal time for pickups. Put together a mix in which a fast song is followed by a slower one for recovery. For fast tracks, I like house, Latin, hip-hop, and rock. Stay away from beats that are too fast for your capabilities or workout goals. For slow songs, I go for country or pop ballads, easy listening, and world-beat music. Also, use slow songs for your warm-up and cooldown.
-Eric Wilson (compfit.com) is a personal trainer and percussionist.

Afro-Urban Groove

Please come join us at the 14th Annual World Rhythm Festival held at the Seattle Center April 13-15th. This is a free festival with dance & drum workshops along with amazing performances from around the world. I had the honor of leading last year's Seattle Rhythm Festival and assure you this years festival will be great. Saturday the 14th I will be teaching a workshop from 1:45-3PM in the Center House. Here's a picture from 2005's festival and hope to see you on the 14th. For more information visit http://swps.org/swps?zs=4488116743;dpage=indrhythmfestival

Dance for Peace and Social Harmony

Thanks for all who were involved in putting this event together and to everyone who attended, it was surely a great success. Afro-Urban Stew, my new band, played and brought the crowd to it's feet dancing with original percussion rhythms and fun dance movements. Please stay tuned as the band continues to grow and as we add a bass and saxophone to the mix. Keep moving and hope to dance with you soon, Eric