Via social media, someone recently suggested I write a post dedicated to the music I run to. I love Love LOVED the suggestion! Music is still a huge passion of mine, and I’m very much motivated and powered by what I listen to. I have to admit I’m very picky with the songs that go on my mix. My playlists are constantly changing from a mix of new hit songs to oldie but goodies that I resurrect from time to time. Everyone is different, and has their own particular taste and style when it comes to the music they workout to, but I’m game for offering up what moves me. So in no particular fashion or order, here are my current top ten running songs.
1. Something In The Way You Move, Ellie Goulding
2. Lay It All On Me, Rudimental featuring Ed Sheeren
3. Shatter Me, Lindsey Stirling featuring Lzzy Hale
4. Firestone, Kygo featuring Conrad Sewell
5. Unsteady, Justin Caruso and X Ambassadors (Justin Caruso Remix)
6. Wings, Delta Goodrem
7. How Deep is Your Love, Calvin Harris
8. Don’t Let Me Down, The Chainsmokers featuring Daya
9. Beating Heart, Ellie Goulding
10. Cheap Thrills, Sia featuring Sean Paul
BONUS! 11. Survivor, Destiny’s Child – This song is absolutely on every single race playlist. During my first half marathon back in October of 2010, I literally played it on repeat for the last 3.1 miles. I kept reminding myself that I a survivor, and I was in fact “gonna make it!” I always put my playlist on shuffle, and somehow this song always seems to strategically come on at the right moment in every race, and the lyrics continue to help push me through.
If you’re someone that doesn’t like to sit down and “hand pick” each song, there are a variety of apps available, geared towards runners with playlists already setup that range in genres and BPM (beats per minute can help you set your cadence and pace). I’ve tried a few, and my personal favorite is RockMyRun. Although, I have to admit, I love it more for their group fitness playlists, as I truly am someone who prefers to choose each and every song on my mix.
Side note, there are definite safety concerns while running with music, so I would encourage anyone to use caution when listening to music while running outside. Often times I keep my right earbud out (the one closest to the road), which allows me to hear the traffic around me while still being able to listen to music. If I’m on a really busy street, or a narrow winding road, then I take both my earbuds out.
Music definitely motivates me to run, and I always choose songs that inspire me to move from the moment I hear the first beat. In a sense, it’s a way for me to blend my two biggest passions into one. I find it incredibly liberating and empowering to hit the pavement with my favorite songs while letting my legs take me wherever they want to go.
So, there you have it folks, the top ten jams currently on my playlist, with one bonus song. Have a great weekend and happy running! Remember to stay safe on the road! 😉