So I didn't get an iPod for my birthday, I got a much-needed water softener instead. Unfortunately, that water softener won't motivate me on the neighborhood jogging route.

But as MarathonRookie.com points out, we don't need those earbuds if we simply listen to the music in our heads. Pop in an inspiring CD in the car or at home before your workout to get the brain primed for a playback jam. If you're an early-morning workout star, listen to your favorite CD the night before.

This idea makes a whole lot of sense to me. Oftentimes I'm subconsciously listening to a song in my head anyway. We do have the power to purposely wire our brain with pumping music to rock our fitness. Maybe that iPod is just a want ... not a need. At the moment I'm brain-jamming to the Eagles' Hotel California -- and you?