My Running Playlist

Woman Running Barefoot (IMG_1153), originally uploaded by 666isMONEY ☮ ♥ & ☠.

If the morning weather tomorrow will be like today, I'm going jogging with friends, the same colleagues I ran with during the Milo Marathon last July.  We'll probably have our run in the bay area.  It's already nice just to take in the scenery while running, but running with music charges me even more.  Notice how a movie without some background music is kind of bland?  That's how it is with me when I'm already running for around 30 minutes non-stop.  Well okay run-walk-run to be politically correct.  I get bored already, but that's just me.  That's probably how it is with the long-distance runners as well.

I've noticed during my first run that a lot of marathoners have their mp3 players with them.  And as I was reading up on running articles, running or workout playlists kept coming up.  Music, in a lot ways could be used as some form of motivation for one's workout routine.  Notice how you seem to be more energetic when you listen to upbeat songs?  On the other hand, you feel relaxed when you listen to classical or slow instrumental music.  Think spa music. Music sets the mood and pace for whatever activity you're into.

The last time I ran outdoors, some two weeks ago, I had my mp3 player with me.  I've prepared a playlist of songs I like that are a little fast-paced.  While I am more partial to slow, relaxing sounds, I needed more upbeat sounds to help me run longer and faster.  Listening to the songs in my running playlist helped to spice up the run as well.  

Putting a little science into music, I researched the rated beats per minute of the songs, so later, I was able to group them, from andante (walking pace) to vivace (fast and lively).  But let's not be too scientific about it.  I was just trying to be a little organized there.  To simplify things, just select fast songs that you enjoy listening to, tie up those shoe laces and run!   Running or working out shouldn't be such a complicated mumbo jumbo.

Do you have a running or workout playlist?  I'd like to share some of the songs in my running playlist.

• Beautiful Day   by U2
• Dynamite   by Taio Cruz
• Break Your Heart   by Taio Cruz
• Hey Ya!   by Outkast
• You Are the One   by A-ha
• Take On Me   by A-ha
• Eyes Wide Open   by Gotye
• Follow You Down   by Gin Blossoms
• Hey Jealousy   by Gin Blossoms
• Till I Hear It From You   by Gin Blossoms
• How Far We've Come   by Match Box Twenty
• Love Drunk   by Boys Like Girls
• New Shoes   by Paolo Nutini
• Shine   by Mr. Big

You know, I've been listening to these songs while I was writing this article.  Guess what?  It took twice the time that I would have normally finished this short article because I can't concentrate hahaha!  I felt like getting up on my feet to do some dancing...and running! 

How about you?  Do you have particular songs that you listen to during your runs or workouts?  I'd love to hear about them so I can further expand my playlist.