One of my many monikers. I earned it. I’ve spent many nights with a microphone in hand, choosing songs and belting ‘em out. I’ve woken up with laryngitis more times than I can count.
I’d imagine I sound a little something like this. Raw talent, really. I have the singer’s nodules to show for it. I am not a singer. I just have the nodules, little bits of scar tissue lining my vocal chords. They’re harmless, unless listening to a hoarse voice is harmful to your health. In which case, be glad that you’re simply reading my words 
But I digress…
The point is that I love music. I love everything from Disney songs to the Boston Pops. Unless the “music” screams at me, I listen and I sing along. Until recently, running and music were very separate interests. I never take my iPod along for the run, but lately, as I embrace the treadmill and speed workouts, music and running have a budding friendship.
Yesterday, I ran five miles on the treadmill – one warm-up mile, one cool down mile, and three speedy miles in between. I got excited for the workout because I had a new playlist.
When creating a playlist, I could care less about coolness. I’m the only one listening, so I choose songs that I love to hear, ridiculous or not! I don’t always listen to uptempo jams, sometimes I slow things down. There’s nothing better than an eclectic mix! Yesterday’s lineup included some interesting choices:
- Firework – Katy Perry
- Speak Now – Taylor Swift
- Little Lion Man – Mumford & Sons
- Magic (feat. Rivers Cuomo) – B.o.B
- Gift – O.A.R.
- Falling Slowly – Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova
- Boston – Kenny Chesney
- Diamonds – The Kin
- Maybe – Secondhand Serenade
- Beautiful Disaster - Jon McLaughlin
- Only You – Josh Kelley
- Just Like Heaven – The Cure
- The Rising – Bruce Springsteen
- Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy – Big & Rich
- The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows – Brand New
- Lovers In Japan – Coldplay
- Out Loud – Dispatch
- Funny the Way It Is – Dave Matthews Band
- Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
Some of my choices are fast, some are slow, and some are downright ridiculous. All are enjoyable during a good run! Slow songs are great for recovery intervals and I know to kick it up a notch when to music moves me. I have fun selecting random playlists and shuffling the songs. I play with my speed as the music changes. It keeps things fresh! And if you’re on the treadmill next to me, you might be lucky enough to get a live performance…just sayin’…
Do you listen to music during workouts? Share your favorites! Maybe you will inspire my next list
I’ve never listened to music while running because I hate having things in my ears. But music makes or breaks a spin class in my opinion.
Little Lion Man, rocks!!
I love music, but now that I do tris, I find that I don’t have to listen to music to workout. It’s great to switch it up.
I love it! I have all sorts of different kind of music on my iPod too…and I sometimes can’t help singing along or moving my hand to the beat…I know people think I’m crazy. I love music and I love to sing! Mostly just alone in my car (with my poor child along).
He likes to “sing” w/ me too. Not sure if you watch Glee – but those are some fun songs to run to (the more peppy ones).
When I work out, I’m all about the beat. I don’t use a Garmin, so I count on Gaga and the pop stars of today to let me know if I’m on my stride or not.
I normally run without music, but if I am “working out”, it is a requirement. It helps push me enough to improve
it is SO crazy… I LOVE music SO much… one of my favorite things ever… but I don’t really workout to music much! I never run outside with music (I’m chicken!) and if I run indoors I like watching television.
I do have a karaoke machine at home though…
Hi Beck
When I ran my first Half last month instead of asking people to donate for a charity. I asked friends and family to give me a song that inspires or motivates them. I ended up with a very interesting list!
What I liked though was thinking of each person as I listened to the track they had submited. That really helped me!
Oh my god. My ex-boyfriend is in Dispatch. They’re a good band though
I have been known to sing along to my ipod on really awesome long runs! Yesterday on my treadmill run Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson came on, and you would think it is too slow but after the beginning intro it is a great workout song! Of course my iPod died halfway through the song and I cried
I do like bringing my iPod with me on my weekend runs, but for safety reasons not on the early morning dark runs. Hmmm….who do I have on my playlists. A little mixture of Bon Jovi, The Coronas, Wakey!Wakey!, Toby Mac and dare I admit Miley Cyrus. Her new album is full of pep to run to so try not to judge me to much
I usually run with music. I’m not great at running to slow tunes unless they are inspirational, for the most part I like pop or rock music to run to, and sometimes some heavy metal as long as I can still understand the words lol
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love Mumford & Sons!!