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.
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.
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[source] |
Daily points (31) + Running points (6) - eating points (37) = 0
I like you on Facebook. :)
ReplyDeleteI love all music, but I've noticed that my running playlists have a lot of girl power involved - Beyonce, Florence + the Machine, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga (I don't know why - I'm not the biggest fan), some stuff from Glee with some random Kanye West, Maroon 5, Cee Lo Green, Mumford & Sons, Muse. I'm random with my running list.
ReplyDeleteOh, you better believe that I will have one or two Glee songs on there. I feel ashamed about how much I usually like their version better! :)
DeleteThanks for all the great suggestions!
I end every one of my runs with Stronger by Hip Hop Rappers and DJ's. I think Kanye West sang the original, but I have been too cheap to get a different version. It makes me feel invincible for the last 4 minutes of my runs.
ReplyDeleteInvincible? That is exactly what I need. Maybe I should just replay that 40 times! Ha! I don't think I have heard it, but I will check it out for sure! Thanks for the suggestion!
DeleteSome other songs I have on my 5K playlist are Nicki Minaj- SuperBass, Miley Cyrus-Party in the USA- Cee Lo Green- his popular song, Shakira- Hips Don't Lie, Pink- F'In Perfect, Flo Rida- Good Feeling.
ReplyDeleteMy suggestion is you make a playlist for each run length....ie: 5K, 10K, half. I get very bored listening to the same stuff.
Thanks for the great advice! I was thinking about maybe planning on the songs based on how I will be feeling, ie-a few slower songs at first and then really upbeat / inspirational towards miles 9 or 10.
DeleteLOL..that picture is hilarious! I had the same music on my iPod for almost a year! Around Christmas time I finally downloaded some new music. I listen to country a lot, so I really wasn't familiar with a lot of the new Top 40 stuff. (Hello old) LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem always gets me pumped up! I also have a few Katy Perry and Lady Gaga songs.
ReplyDeleteHaha..that isn't old! I also listen to country...hence why I need help with top 40 stuff. I think I will for sure do LMFAO's Sexy and I know it and Lady Gaga's Born this Way-fo sho. :)
DeleteI have to have something loud in my ears so I can't hear my feet on the pavement (mental thing). I like Nickelback, Def Leopard, Kiss, then some single hits from Bryan Adams, Queen, Cars...I'm probably dating myself here. Good Luck with your run.
ReplyDeleteI'm training for Trek up the Tower right now...running up 870 stairs.
WHHHAAATTT...870 stairs!?! That is impressive girl! Be sure to let me know how it turns out!
DeleteI always listen to Girl Talk when I run! It's super upbeat, and they incorporate so many different genres. And since it's constantly changing songs and pace, it really keeps me entertained while I run. Looooove me some Girl Talk! (Favorite album is their classic Feed The Animals!)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I will check them out for sure!
DeleteI love your divided lunch box!
ReplyDeleteI love it too! It inspires me to have a balanced meal. You can buy them online at www.laptoplunches.com.
Deletehealthy eats, i really need to make some white chili that sounds amazing right now.
ReplyDeleteHmm right now i'm loving some Adele!!
Oh my, me too! I find myself scanning the radio stations just to hear her voice. Her newest isn't my fav, but Someone Like You and Rolling in the Deep will make the list for sure!
DeleteI like to listen to Cake- "The Distance" when I'm feeling tired and really need a boost. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestion...and applicable...ha!
DeleteI listen to all music but I can't go without hip hop when I run, it keeps me going and i get pumped up ... some of my favorites right now are
ReplyDeleteShawty get loose- Lil mama
All I do is Win- Tpain
Take it to the floor- B2K
I have to admit I have not heard of any of those songs, but they sound promising...so youtube, here I come...
DeleteYum, I love those skinny fries! I have even gotten my chip loving fiance hooked on them :)
ReplyDeleteAren't they the best?!? They fix my chip craving anytime.
DeleteI listen a variety of music on my ipod when i run. I have a variety from katy perry tozac brown band
ReplyDeleteI <3 ZBB!!! Which song should I pick. I really like Colder Weather, but that doesn't seem like it would jazz me up all that much...
DeleteI have been liking jamming to Tonight is the Night by Outasight lately!
ReplyDeleteNever heard of it...Googling now... :)
DeleteI like the soundtrack from Mama Mia - I get pumped every time that I hear it!
ReplyDeleteWell, of course, I would expect nothing less! :) Which one? Mama Mia or Dancing Queen? Hmmm...
DeleteVisiting from wiaw! Oddly enough, I never listen to music when I run... but looks like you got some great suggestions. I love your lunch box too and egg salad sounds really good. Can't remember the last time I made it!
ReplyDeleteThanks! You can buy the lunch boxes at www.laptoplunches.com.
DeleteI think that is actually the first time I have ever had egg salad...but will be making many more appearances in the future! :)
No suggestions...I just Love the baby pic.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the funniest thing you have ever seen? :)
DeleteI recently added supertramp but then i walk not run, not yet anyway :) I do have an i-pod to walk to....more up-tempo hmmmm i like 80's was my time.... How 'bout Billy Joel - I didn't start the fire or Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run....hahahaha the last one fits at least :)
ReplyDeleteYou can check out my blog to if you want....i have a long way to go :) http://www.thediettrail.wordpress.com
Thanks !
Your food looks delish! I love white chicken chili! I wish we had TJs here. I always get jealous of all the yummy stuff people post about from there. :(
ReplyDeletehttp://anotherrunningmom.wordpress.com
While at work, I like to listen to 90s music. There are so many great songs and hearing them brings me back to so many special moments in my life. Some good ones are:
ReplyDeleteBlack And White by Michael Jackson
Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden
Wannabe by the Spice Girls
Baby Got Back by Sir Mix Alot
Tubthumping by Chumbawumba
Vogue by Madonna
Everybody by THe Backstreet Boys
I stuck to the upbeat ones because Lord knows I would need an upbeat pace to run to.
Cindy
Here are a few songs I like to run to:
ReplyDeleteI Ran by A Flock of Seagulls
Fighter by Christina Aguilara
Sexy and I know It by LMFAO
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk
Lose Yourself by Eminem
Shake It by Metro Station
Going The Distance by Cake
Bleed It Out by Linkin Park
I Gotta Get Through This by Daniel Bedingfield
Bombs Over Bahgdad by Outkast
Dragula by Rob Zombie
The Beautiful People by Marilyn Manson
Now, that is some serious running music. I feel like I would sprint the whole time running to those! Thanks! :)
DeleteI just started running and I rely heavily on my music selection to keep me going as well. Here are some of my most faves:
ReplyDeleteWhat Doesn't Kill you - Kelly Clarkson
Give Me Everything - Pitbull
The Edge of Glory - Lady Gaga
How Far We've Come - Matchbox Twenty
Dog Days are Over - Florence + the Machine
Club Can't Handle Me - Flo Rida
Animal - Neon Trees
Happily Ever After - He is We
Raise Your Glass - Pink
and just lately added We are Young by the Glee cast! Seriously - it's my favorite song to end to right now.
Enjoy!
I LOVE the We are Young by Glee! I will add that to my list! Wow, you have some pretty good songs!
DeleteSo excited that you just started running. Watch out--it is addicting! :)