Type “running and music” into a Google search bar and you might be overwhelmed by the results. There are so many conflicting arguments regarding the benefits of music on athletic performance. Some say that the effects are insignificant, others say that it is far better to run without the distraction of music. I get that; I try to go at least half of my runs without music so I can be present and in tune with what’s going on around me. But I have to admit, music makes it feel better for me. We all have certain songs that rev our adrenaline and of course running gets our endorphins flowing. There’s something about that combination; it’s like a shot of confidence. It makes a person feel tougher, stronger, sexier; it may even get our hearts racing a little. It’s all so difficult to explain if we’re only using cold data and statistics.
One day I might have the discipline to delve deeper into the technical research. But for now I just want to entertain you by sharing some of the songs that I listen to. So here it is: my Fall 2017 playlist, in no particular order. It was extremely difficult to narrow it down, so don’t judge!
1.Eminem – Lose Yourself
Okay, this may be an obvious choice. It’s probably been on everyone’s running playlist at some point. What can I say, it’s just the perfect beat for a run- and highly motivating. Plus it’s relatable to those of us with nervous stomachs/performance anxiety. (Yes, I was that girl who puked in the bathroom before the States and Capitals Bee.) I feel you, Rabbit.
2. Audioslave – Be Yourself
I could have picked at least a dozen Audioslave songs to be on this list. There was often a downhearted inflection in Chris Cornell’s voice. That’s one of the reasons we loved it so much; a notion that takes on a tragic significance after his death. This makes me think of two things. First, life can be painful sometimes and it’s important to find your strength wherever you can. Running helps you do that in a way. So does being true to yourself. That’s the second thing: It’s not always easy to stand your ground. In fact, sometimes it can be heartbreaking and you end up losing something you thought was valuable. Trust me, I know. But that loss doesn’t even begin to compare to what you gain in confidence and wisdom.
3. Drake ft Rihanna – Take Care
I just really like this song. This is for everyone with the optimism to believe that the last one will be the best one. And I’m still rooting for Drake and Rihanna to be together.
4. Mark Morrison – Return of the Mack
Who doesn’t love this song? It’s just a cool jam and in a way, it has an empowering message. Remember what it’s like when you stop feeling sad over a break up and start feeling like yourself again? That’s an awesome feeling. Suddenly you’re reminded of how amazing you are! This song was practically my anthem this summer. Although… I’m not a “mack” per se. I don’t think I’m cut out for macking. Okay, truthfully, I only have a vague idea of what a mack even is, and I do not condone that behavior. Still a good jam though.
5. The Pretenders – Don’t Get Me Wrong
Long gone are my 6-year old fantasies of growing up to be a bad ass like Chrissie Hynde. It makes me laugh a little to even think of it. This song still brings back happy memories of my childhood though. It’s just so catchy. And I know that this isn’t the meaning, but when Chrissie sings “Don’t get me wrong…”, I can’t help but think, haven’t we all felt misunderstood at some point? We all just want to be with someone that gets us.
6. Pearl Jam – Release
There aren’t too many Pearl Jam songs I wouldn’t include on a playlist. If you were a teenager in the 90’s and had a soul, then you loved- no, you lived for– Pearl Jam. And you probably still do. You also probably owned this t-shirt:
7. Eddie Vedder – No Ceiling
And then Eddie Vedder wrote an album for the movie Into the Wild and many of us felt grateful that someone finally understood our deep and longing need for freedom and to be one with nature. This song- the entire album, really- gives me all the feels when I’m running in the park, frolicking past trees and squirrels. I watch the leaves gliding in the wind, take a few nice deep breaths…and accidentally inhale a damn bug through my nostril. Nature can have a sick sense of humor sometimes.
8. David Guetta ft Ne-Yo and Akon – Play Hard
This song gets me pumped. And I could listen to Ne-Yo allll day. “A hustler’ s work is never through!”- that’s my mantra at work. Although, for some reason my coworkers laugh at me when I say it. Work hard? Yes! Play hard? Well… that makes me think of waking up with a headache and a terrible taste in my mouth. I’ll play in moderation, thank you very much.
9. Need to Breathe – Brother
Some think that faith is about blind optimism and ignorance. But it really takes a great deal of diligence and wisdom. Faith is a journey that often feels like a marathon. We all need a little help getting through. And that’s okay, because most of us also have the desire to be needed. That’s what motivates me. I’m not talking about being an inspiration or being a “light” to others. That seems so contrived. I simply want to be someone that people can count on.
10. Michael Jackson – P.Y.T.
This is oh-so 80’s MJ and that makes me oh-so happy. This this is my jam; you don’t even know! I usually have to play this one at the end of my runs because it makes me want to dance. I can’t help it.
Even as I’m finishing this post; I keep thinking of songs I want to add. But I’ll save them for the next playlist. Anyway I hope you enjoyed this list and maybe I even mentioned one of your favorites songs. If not; sit tight, there might be something for you in the future. Any requests? Let me know!
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