Have I mentioned that running has been very good to me lately? Probably not. I am like a relationship between two sixteen-year-olds when it comes to running: when things are going well, you hear nothing of it, but when they’re not and we haven’t talked on the phone for two nights in a row, all I do is whine and complain and freak out that THIS IS THE END.
But that’s not the case now, because it’s been good. Increasing speed and distance has been gradual but, dare I say, easy. I have a lot of theories for this, but I can’t get into that now. It’s 5:30 in the morning, and I’m about to go get on a scale and let someone else tell me what I weigh. This is no time for deep, reflective thought.
What it is time for, though, is some outside inspiration. Because this morning, while running and sweating and actually liking it at 4:00 a.m., there was not one song of the 4,000 or so I own that I actually wanted to hear. Every song was just irritating and I think I scrolled through about 40 of them before I chucked my ear phones down next to the treadmill and just ran in silence.
So the conclusion, of course having nothing to do with me nor with my impatience, is that I need some new running music. While I don’t run with music all the time, there are some Friday mornings at 4:00 a.m. when I am like, dude, why don’t I have more Beyonce on my iPod?
Here comes the part where I ask you what music you like to work out with? What would be your top, let’s say, three songs that make you want to run/walk/spin/whatever? Or at least a song that distracts you long enough to forget your elevated heart rate.
Help me. I need a new 4:00 a.m. playlist.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I am actually afraid to wear headphones when I am running at such an hour with so few people around, but if I did, I would get all amped up these days to hear “See You Again” by Miley Cyrus, “Don’t Hold Back” by Chemical Brothers and “Cruel to be Kind” by Spacehog. Yeah, taste all over the place!
Oddly enough, I listen to a book while I move. Definitely don’t notice the miles as they go by!
I do the silence thing or we have a TV next to the treadmill and I have been timing my 30 minutes to co-incide with Jeopardy, the time goes very fast that way.
I am no help. I run outside with a buddy and we talk, or I run outside, alone, and this time of year listen to the birdsong.
I wish I could run at that time of the morning but the only place to run around here is the park (altough Mr. Dingo and I may get an elliptical). I just won’t run in the park when it’s dark in the pre-dawn and late evening hours.
As for music, I’m in the same boat. Gwen Stefani has been helping me pick up the pace but recently, instead of running, I find myself wanting to do a herkie or a toe touch back handspring when I hear Wind it Up and Hollaback– the cheerleading beat has gotten annoying.
Sorry, realized that I didn’t give you what I am listening to these days. Scissor Sisters I Don’t Feel Like Dancing and Modest Mouse Float On get me moving.
Love the blog – I’ve been running almost five years, too, and started for the same reasons.
I listen to NPR podcasts for long, easy runs. When I’m doing speed training, that’s when I break out the inspirational music.
I’ve been shaking up my playlist recently. I added “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes and “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. I kept Moby’s “Bodyrock” and INXS’ “Devil Inside.” I’m also a sucka for Justin Timberlake – the title track from FutureSexLoveSound and “Sexyback.”
I like The Exception’s idea of a book! That def. seems like it’d make the miles go by faster.
My favorite running songs are Copa Cabana (Barry Manilow), Eye of the Tiger (Survivor) and You Should Be Dancing (Bee Gees). The cheesier the better.
I’m running my first 1/2 marathon tomorrow – hopefully I’ll do ok sans tunes.
I have to change mine up all the time. I have at least 40 different workout mix cds and I still always need to make new ones to keep me interested. Which is why I spend far too much money on music.
And my push myself to the limits favourites change all the time too, but currently the top three are probably Brainy – The National, The Boy with the Arab Strap – Belle and Sebastian, and A-Punk – Vampire Weekend.
here’s some of the recent playlist i’ve been pounding the pavement with it’s kind of random but that’s how i am:
damaged– danity kane
pas de cheval– panic at the disco
ring ring–mika (sometimes i listen to his cd when i’m just running slow because it makes me laugh)
the small print– muse
still searching– senses fail
=)
For me I need fast-paced type music. Think Justin Timberlake. Don’t laugh at me.
4 am – are you nuts?
Just kidding.
i’m really not that into music so I’m sorry to say I have no suggestions.
But, I’m glad to hear running is going well for you.
Yeah, I get that sometimes with music…and not liking what is on there. My fav band though, a local Minneapolis one (featured in my last two or three blog posts!!) is one I love. Their version of Come and Get Your Love has been awesome, and they have a song I think you would love as well called “Summertime” if you want, I can send you those two in MP3 format to try. Knowing your love of summer, I just think you could appreciate that one!! After those two…hmm…I have a lot of different things that will pick me up…
Just about anything from Disturbed. As the name implies, it’ll motivate you to do… something.
I like to listen to rock or funk when exercising; Red Hot Chili Peppers or System of a Down are good examples.
Ahh…I haven’t run without Isabella (my pink iPod) and I don’t think I would want to. I would rather listen to music than my feet slapping the pavement or myself gasping for air
I like all kinds – - fast, slow, painful (songs reminding me of things) and just fun. Here are the recent ones:
Hedley – Never Too Late
Jason Mraz – I’m Yours / You and I Both
Anything U2, DMB or Sister Hazel
This could go on…but thats a start!
I run a lot, but never listen to music while I do it. I look around and think about things. If I had an ipod, who knows?
Have you heard this?