10 Favorite Running Songs

12.20.2011

I can't run without music. Okay, well I guess technically I could, and I have, but it's really no fun. I've talked to other people who hate running with music, and usually it's because they like the silence to think. 

But I think a lot, so while I'm running I'd rather not have time to think about how far I've run and how slow I'm going and when I can stop. 

Over the past few years, I've put together an excellent running playlist on my ipod. I like it because the songs that play are in no way indicative of the style of music I normally listen to.

Case in point: most of the songs on the following list.

But there are certain songs that have beats that are so in sync (no pun intended) with my pace. I get in time with the music, and suddenly I'm running faster for longer without even realizing it. 

So if you're the music-while-you're-running type, here's a list of my current top 10 favorite running songs (in alphabetical order):

1) Beyonce: "Irreplaceable"

I don't own any Beyonce records, but I do have this song on repeat on my playlist. The beat is fantastically perfect for a 10-min/mile pace. It also makes me feel powerful.

2) Britney Spears: "Piece of Me"

I'll reiterate my line from the previous song and tell you that I do not own any Britney albums. However, this song is great. It makes me want to run hard...and then fight someone.
3) Colbie Caillat: "Fallin' for You"

I know, you don't hear Colbie Caillat and think perfect running song, right? And the majority of her songs really aren't good for a workout. But this is the first song I played when I started my first half marathon, and it's carried me through some tough runs. 

4) Fort Minor: "Remember the Name"

This song is rated R and is in no way symbolic of the language I use on a daily basis. However, if ever there's a song I need to pump me up for the last mile, this is it. I blare this part of the chorus and suddenly feel like I'm running in the Olympics for all the glory: 

"It's 10% luck, 20% skill, 5% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name." 

People will remember my name! That's what I shout in my head while I'm sprinting that last half mile home. Of course, they won't really, but that's beside the point.

5) Maroon 5: "Moves Like Jagger"

This is just a good running song. The end.

6) One Republic: "Everybody Loves Me"

If you've never listened to One Republic, you're missing out. I have a few of their songs on my running playlist, but this is the one with the best beat.

7) Taio Cruz: "Dynamite"

I don't even know who Taio Cruz is except to know that he's the person who sings this song. It's got a great beat, and the song itself is about blowing a club up like it's dynamite, which is obviously the sort of thing I love to do on the weekends.  

8) Taylor Swift: "Our Song 

Don't judge. Everyone has one guilty pleasure. This is mine. Her songs are so easy to sing, and the pace of this song in particular is more like an 8-minute mile. Let's just not discuss the absurd lyrics of Taylor Swift songs that really don't make sense, okay?

9) Tim McGraw: "Something Like That"

Obviously a Tim McGraw song is on this list. He's my favorite. And this is my dad and I's song. There's a home video of the two of us singing this together from something like 10 years ago. I've played this one on repeat a time or two to run a few miles at a quick pace.

10) Train: "Hey, Soul Sister"

Another excellent running song. I heard it on a commercial and then found out what it was and immediately bought it off itunes. I'm a song stalker like that.

* * * 

So that's it! Ten of my favorite running songs. I am always looking for new options, though, so shout out some of your favorites if you feel so inclined.
Lauren said...

Oh my gosh, you run to such slow music... I need to be psyched up & unable to distinguish between running & a dance party in my brain. haha I really like GirlTalk, he's a DJ that does a lot of mashups with real high energy.

The other day I FORGOT my earbuds at work & had to sing my usual playlist to myself. haha

Katie Dupre said...

I think I already told you this, but "Holiday" by Green Day is pretty much made for running. It has this really great, steady drum beat that corresponds perfectly to footfalls, and the lyrics have this rebellious tone that makes me feel like fighting the establishment. By running. There are these shouts of "Hey!" interspersed throughout that kind of keep you going. Seriously, you need to check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdh-3w3pcOY

Also, I find that songs from New Found Glory's album "Sticks and Stones" are really good. And "Stronger" by Britney Spears. And "I'm Every Woman" by Whitney Houston, from the Bodyguard soundtrack.

Jess said...

Usher's "Yeah" gets me going every time. Fo shiz.

Jess said...

Usher's "Yeah" gets me going every time. Fo shiz.

Cotton and Boots said...

Oh man - I'm going to have to update my list a bit now :)

Ashley said...

Awesome list! I looooove Ellie Goulding's Anything Can Happen and Icona Pop's I Love It!!

PS I just got done with a run and am loving all these past posts!!! Thanks for all the advice :):)

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