What's your workout jam? + iTunes gift card giveaway!!!

(Yes, this post title does require three exclamation marks.)

I use all types of entertainment to get me through my workouts--movies, TV shows, music, and even books.  If and when I do listen to music I trust my professionally tweaked Pandora station to choose songs that  will put a little pep in my step.  I don't own music.  My itunes account is empty.

That, my friends, is about to change.  During my half marathon (which is less than 3 weeks away!) I can't afford to leave the music selection up to Pandora.  What if it gets on a ballad kick? I love Celine Dion as much as the next girl, but "My Heart Will Go On" isn't going to get me through 13.1 miles.

After some careful calculations, I decided I need approximately 40 of the best running songs out there..  But, as I have been out of the music downloading game for quite some time, I have no idea where to start.  I need help!

What is your favorite workout song?  Any suggestions?  Help me out and leave a song or two in the comment section below.  If you do, you will be entered for a chance to win an $25 iTunes gift card.  To double your chances of winning, like Running with Racheal on Facebook.

(Please forgive the just-got-off-the-treadmill-look in the picture).

I will announce the winner after the giveaway ends Saturday morning (2/11/12).

Eats
I post what I eat everday, but the past few weeks I have also been participating in a link up party at Peas and Crayons.  It is so fun to see what everyone else eats, because I am super nosy like that. If you are too, go check it out.

Breakfast was a repeat of yesterday's cream cheese yogurt parfait.  J'adore Noosa.  

Parfait (7)

My lunch packed a lot of protein and veggies (click *here* for the egg salad  recipe).

Lunch: egg salad (4), cucumbers, butternut squash soup (1), and 34 crisps (1)

Drive home snack (5)

I was cold all day long, so chili sounded perfect when I got home. I used *this recipe* to make White Chicken Chili.  I used black eyed peas, butter beans, and navy beans, and then added a can of corn.  I also increased the chicken a bit, doubled the spices, and used fresh, instead of canned, jalapenos.

White chili (12)

Mmmm...it was caliente and filling too.

Dessert was a cup of bran flakes (4) and 2% milk (3)--not picture worthy.

Run
I packed my clothes to run at work during lunch, but forgot to pack my shoes (typical).  I just wasn't feeling it when I got home, but  still managed to run 3 miles while reading The Scorch Trials.

Thought Picture for the day:  

[source]

I could not stop laughing when I saw this picture.  I think it is because I know exactly how this kid feels.  What a cutie.

Daily points (31) + Running points (6) - eating points (37) = 0