I love to run because I believe the secret to happiness is progress. Setting a standard and then having the rituals to achieve them. As a result good health is a standard in my life that I try to uphold.
Exercise is the ultimate way to free your soul and spirit. It clears the pathways and channels we use as human beings to be back in the flow of life. To feel it’s pulse and rhythms. When an artist does that, there is an endless supply of creativity. It clears the mind, frees the soul and creates a fit form. What else do you need? I never miss a chance to run on tour. Not to mention there is no better way to truly see the world then with a pair of running shoes on. I also find running on tour is a chance for me to be alone. I love people, but I need my aloneness to be truly happy and ultimately balanced in life. Being alone resets my soul and running is a huge part of that.
My interest in running began when I was on the long distance team in school – so it started really early. However, it was in my 30s that I really fell in love with not only running, but life and steering the course of my destiny. Running got me through some of the most intense and painful moments of my life. Therefore it’s a deep part of my spiritual health as well as my physical one.
I almost always listen to something when I run. Most of the time I listen to either music, audio books or lectures. I find running is the perfect time to not only work on my body, but to work on my mind as well.
Given my schedule this year with the release of my new album GHOST LIGHT and tour plans all over the world, I have decided to do an easy 5km run in Toronto at the ScotiaBank Waterfront Marathon on Oct 16th to raise money for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. ”
10-song Playlist (and to listen to his playlist, which we highly, highly recommend, click here)
Lake Street Dive – Bad Self Portraits
Bahamas – Waves
Anderson .Paak – The Bird
Here We Go Magic – Hard To Be Close
Sufjan Stevens – Death with Dignity
Leon Bridges – Better Man
Ray Lamontagne – Repo Man
Radiohead – Lotus Flower
The Head and The Heart – Homecoming Heroes
The War on Drugs – Red Eyes
Royal Wood is a multiple Juno-nominated singer, songwriter, arranger, producer and budding sommelier in training. His new album, GHOST LIGHT, is out now with Cadence Music, and features the new single, Good To Be Young. Check out Royal’s tour dates at: www.royalwood.ca.
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