My Favorite Music to Run/Ride To

I just downloaded Good Feeling by Flo Rida (video is a little wild). I have a good feeling this will become a fave. ;)

I don't always run with music. In fact, I probably ride with music more than run with it. By the way, if I do, it's only with one earphone in unless I'm on the PET (Pacific Electric Trail - a bike/hiking trail that connects our local communities).

But sometimes, I use music as a bribe when I run - when I'm tired or it's really cold out or when it's windy. I also like to listen to music before a race to get pumped up.

My criteria for my favorite songs is easy. My favorite songs either make me want to dance or they make me want to strut or they have lyrics that mean something to me. A lot of them are oldies, but goodies.

Without further ado and in no particular order...my fave running/riding songs:

1. Around The World / Harder Better Faster Stronger by Daft Punk from Alive 2007

This is my favorite part:
"Work It Harder
Make It Better
Do It Faster,
Makes Us stronger".

I love the cheering crowd and the energy in this song!

2. Running Up That Hill by Placebo

Kate Bush did this originally but I like this version better. My favorite part is:

"And if I only could,
Make a deal with God,
And get him to swap our places,
Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill,
With no problems"

Even if I'm not listening to this song while running a hill, I think of "with no problems". It makes hills seem a little easier.

3. Dissolved Girl by Massive Attack

Sadly, I think if I had a theme song, this would be it. Still, when I listen to this song, it makes me feel like this:

It's a reminder that I need to put on my leather boots and kick some a$$ because now I know I'm ready to take on anything. Because I still want more...but more for ME...more running, more travel, more adventure...more life!

4. & 5. Stars & Not So Manic Now by Dubstar (both Way Out West mixes)

I couldn't find the exact version of Stars on youtube but this one is pretty close. Anyway, you get the gist of it. Both of these I like because they are so fast. Great when I want to pick up the pace!

6. Motivation by Kelly Rowland (Rebel Rock Remix)

This is my favorite part:

"And you’re almost there
You can do it, I believe in you baby
So close from here"

Just another fast, fun song to run to, plus it has a great title.

7. No One Lives Forever by Oingo Boingo

Come on, it's a classic. Love them! I also like to run to Just Another Day but this one is my favorite. Don't forget:

"So celebrate while you still can
'Cause any second it may end.
And when it's all been said and done . . .
Better that you had some fun"

8. When They Come For Me - Linkin Park (explicit)

This is another song that makes me feel bad a$$. Great beat and makes me "tough" it out when I feel like slacking.

9. Heartlines by Florence & The Machine

There are quite a few songs from Ceremonials that I like to run to but this one is my favorite. I also like Strangeness & Charm, Spectrum, and Bedroom Hymns. All of them have quick beats. And I like to sing to them while I run. Yes, I'm THAT girl! :)

10. Walk The Walk by Poe

I love, love, love Poe. I wish she had done more than 2 albums. This is my favorite Poe song to run to. It reminds me that I can't just talk the talk, I have to walk the walk! My favorite part:

"You got no sense of nothing not even a time or a place
Then suddenly you hear it it’s the beat of your heart
And for the first time in your life you know your life is about to start
Oh yeah, bring it on"

Bonus - Ok, everyone has at least one song on their playlist that they are embarrassed about or don't want to admit to. My guilty secret...I listen to Can't Be Tamed by Miley Cyrus on the run. Sad, but true. Coyotes can't be caged though. We have to be free!

"I wanna fly,
I wanna drive,
I wanna go
I wanna be a part of something I don't know
And if you try to hold me back I might explode
Baby, by now you should know
I can't be tamed"

Shh, don't tell anyone. Okay?

So there you have it. My 10 favorite songs (and one guilty secret) to run to. I have a lot more in my playlist, of course, but these have become my staples. If you see a runner girl stopped at a light, dancing and singing, it's probably me listening to one of these songs. :) It's okay, you can pretend like you don't know me! I would. ;)

What are your favorite running songs? Any guilty secret songs? You can tell me. I won't tell a soul.