Anyone who reads my blog knows that I love to run to music. Actually, music makes everything better. I have a heinous commute to my job and music makes the drive tolerable. Recently, my oldest son updated my car stereo to a Bluetooth (no more tickets for talking on the phone while driving!). I've always listened to music in the car, but now with my new system listening to my favorite tunes is a special kind of pleasure. Road tripping takes on a whole new meaning when you have the right songs to pass the time.
The same thing goes for the run. With the right song playing through my earbuds, I feel as if I can fly. I have playlists for normal runs and for speedwork. For a big race, I make special playlists full of my current favorites. There are certain songs that just make me want to set the pace on cruise control. Those are my LSD* songs. Running slow is a challenge for me. The right music helps me pace myself on those long runs.
My only prerequisite for my long run songs is that they have to be familiar to me. I like to sing along sometimes. I also like to mix it up with new music--so if it has a good beat and I can run to it? Sure, why not? Eclectic much?
Yep, I'm that runner.
Caveat: It's important to stay alert, especially if you are running alone. But there is nothing better than the right song to move you down the road or trail. If you're hurting, there's nothing better than singing to help the pain go away.
Plus you can ponder the lyrics.
Scaramouche, scaramouche, can you do the fandango?
I didn't name this blog Taking the Long Way Home for the fun of it. I like to get lost on the run.
What are your favorite songs to get lost to? Do you like to sing along to songs on the run? What do you think scaramouche means? What was Queen thinking?
By the way, I had the 45 RPM of this song when I was in 4th grade. Let that soak in...
If you want to check out this playlist, follow me on Spotify!
*LSD=long slow distance. What did you think I was talking about?
I'm linking this post up with Deb Runs, who hosts Wednesday Word! Today's word is lost. See what everyone else says..
I'm also linking up with the ladies at Wild Workout Wednesday! Annmarie, Nicole, Jen, and Michelle host this fun gathering of bloggers!
And Coaches' Corner! Do you think the coaches let their trainees run with tunes? Ask Debbie, Susie, Lora, and Rachel!
Awesome playlist, lady! I'm seriously considering getting a Spotify subscription; I love the idea of making any playlist I want.
ReplyDeleteP.S. "Gimme Shelter" = my hill repeats song.
I also like changing my playlists at will. For 9.99/month, it's a bargain!
DeleteQueen and I go way back too, and for the youngsters that was the first time this song came out, not after Wayne's World (though I loved that scene). Great playlist! Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteYes! I may be dating myself here but I was 9...
DeleteMusic is definitely a beautiful thing to have when on the run. I ran 2 Marathons without music and I really missed having it on such a long course. Love your shirt!
ReplyDeleteI ran Chicago with music. Believe it or not, I needed to shut out the crowds and turn my focus inward.
DeleteLove this. I seldom (run) walk without music. Because speed was not a big factor for me and I didn't race, I listen to my music A-A by song title (Yeah, I'm that A/R) and (run) walk at different paces. I love it when a really fast one comes up, and feel a bit of relieve when I can slow down. My taste is eclectic, too, but I don't have a particular favorite.
ReplyDeleteScaramouche is a Sabatini character. I think it has come to mean something like a little scamp.
Keep on running! (Insert love emoticon here).
P.S. When "Bohemiam Rhapsody" was released I was a year out of college, a year before our wedding. :)
DeleteOops! A-Z
DeleteI googled scaramouche, and yes, it means little scamp. Craziest lyrics ever!
Deletenice eclectic playlist! I did not really find what I was looking for with spotify and kind of gave up. Really bored with my music at the moment.
ReplyDeleteSpotify is a little hard to navigate if you don't know what you are looking for. I search by playlists.
DeleteGreat twist on the LOST theme....I could not find a way to work that into a intellectual post LOL Like you, I do love my music on the run. I also have Queen and Eminem on my playlist...and I keep forgetting to add U2 (my bad!!!). Our Apple account is not very user-friendly (have I mentioned how much of a tech-moron I am?), and I always need one of the offspring to assist me when I'm adding tunes....
ReplyDeleteThis was the second post I wrote using the prompt. I'll probably publish the other one down the road. It just wasn't the right time...
DeleteGreat playlist! I totally have songs that transport me back to another time. Love putting those on my playlist, even if they aren't traditional running songs.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how personal everyone's running playlists are?
DeleteYou know I'm all about music for running and other workouts :) My all time favorite song is 'Lose Yourself' by Eminem. IT's just something about the beat and the lyrics that make me want to push harder.
ReplyDeleteEven though he's talking about making it in the rap music world, the lyrics really fit well for running! I wonder if he listens to it while he's running?
DeleteI am such a music person- I listen to it doing dishes, driving, running, cleaning, whatever. Your playlist looks a lot like mine, I love it!
ReplyDeleteNice to know I'm not the only one who runs to rock!
DeleteI drive my kids nuts by making up my own words and singing those. They think I'm dumb/crazy but it's totally intentional...usually. Never would've guessed Queen was saying scaramouche.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, that could be a podcast right there! LOL!
DeleteI'm with you, music makes everything better. I can't stand to be surrounded by silence.
ReplyDeleteSometimes silence is good but music helps me focus.
Deletemusic makes the world go round! obviously I need a spotify tutor because all I do is hit the radio and run!
ReplyDeleteI get too annoyed by random songs to listen to the radio!
DeleteI need to get on Spotify! I totally agree that the right kind of music can help me get lost and make the run pass by quickly! I love all country music and the Eagles!
ReplyDeleteThat genre is really long run friendly!
DeleteGood music can totally make a hard run into a fun one. I try not to sing on a run because it makes me lose my breath and I get cramps. I've done that one too many times in a race and have since learned my lesson.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I don't like to talk on a run. But sometimes I just burst out into song! LOL!
DeleteI recently downloaded a lot of "theme" music from movies: Last of the Mohicans, Band of Brothers, Forrest Gump (of course), etc. It's really good for an easy run or a long run where I want to control my speed. I find a lot of peaceful vibes with listening to just the music rather than my usual up-tempo pop crap that I hesitate to admit I love. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea! But I like songs with words. It just gives me one more thing to ponder on the miles..
DeleteMy lists are quite eclectic, but it makes running fun. I've got all kinds of music on my iPod and I can't run without it.
ReplyDeleteYes! Music does make running fun!
DeleteYou know me, I am a podcast girl, but the once in awhile I listen to music, Madonna, Mika, Abba, Michael Jackson, and Weezer are some I have on my m3 player right now.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could get into podcasts on the run. That involves too much thought...
DeleteI also like to run to music. I recently lost my playlist while trying to download an audiobook so that gave me an excuse to "update" my songs!
ReplyDeleteThe nice thing about spotify is that you can constantly update your songs!
DeleteI need me some new music. Thanks for this!
ReplyDeleteHey, glad to help!
Delete"let it soak it" < - - LOL!!! I had an entire basset of 45s in my room and a record player when I was a kid! My brother and I used to cart it to the basement and roller skate down there. I swear, those were the best days. Now, I have all kinds of wireless headphones and I use iTunes for my music. I have several "long run" playlists with 15+ songs on them but I also have been known to listen to a good podcast...or 10 :-)
ReplyDeleteMy younger sister raided my room when I went to college and my 45s disappeared. I don't think I can ever forgive her for that! Grrrr...
DeleteI DO FANDANGO you better belief I Fandango.
ReplyDeleteSO MUCH FANDANGO
Thunderbolts and lightning, very very frightening!
DeleteLOL at the LSD reference - I thought it meant Lake Shore Drive. Only in Chicago, right? I completely agree with you, music really sets the tone (literally and figuratively) and adds so much atmosphere. I have great memories associated with the songs I've heard in different places. The right music can really get the adrenaline pumping!
ReplyDeleteLSD--what were you thinking? LOL!
DeleteI did lots of driving this weekend and had a blast signing along to my stereo - I really love it. I've also been known to sing and dance during a race.
ReplyDeleteYou are my kind of girl!
DeleteI only run with music on special occasions. But yes, it totally helps me get lost!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it the best?
DeleteGreat playlist! :] I haven't heard of some of these songs (I've been living under a rock, haha), so off to check em' out!
ReplyDeleteSome are new, most are old!
DeleteWow, dub step! That would be fun!
ReplyDeleteGreat topic, and great picks! I used to run with music all the time on the treadmill, but then I met my husband so now we run together without music. I still sometimes use it during marathons. I love the band Anberlin (a little lesser known, so check out their album "Cities") and also Panic! At The Disco is just made for running. I'm a fan of hard rock, I don't veer much away from it.
ReplyDeleteIf I had someone to run with, then I wouldn't use music as much. It's a toss up though, because I like my alone time on the road!
DeleteI'm introducing my 7 year old son to Queen, and he asked me what scaramouche meant... I told him it was a funny sound they were making for the song! Now I have to correct myself to him.... he will never let me live that down! In my defense, the first time I heard that song, I didn't speak English!
ReplyDeleteSo now you know!!
DeleteI ran for years without music, then started marathon training. Now I can't live without it on LSDs. I still don't run to it every time - I was choir director at my church for about 15 years, so sometimes I need a break from music!
ReplyDeleteBack in the day, I didn't always run with music. The iPod changed all that!
DeleteNice list!
ReplyDeleteI have usually run with music just to hear noise not to really run to or sing along to. I have to start getting used to no music though because I can't listen to it while doing a triathlon ;(
Yeah, I guess it would be hard to listen during a tri!
DeleteOne of the long songs that I can get lost in is Paradise by the Dashboard Light. It's just so fun and silly and it goes on forever, haha.
ReplyDeleteThat would be a fun one! I'd be singing along!
DeleteI have to listen to music when I'm running by myself... half the time I tune the music out, yet I still need it there.... lots of Megan Trainor...love her.
ReplyDeleteSometimes the music is just background noise! But it's there..
DeleteI love running to some good tunes I can sing along with. Sometimes it gets outta hand at races, though, because then I crank my music super loud since I can't on solo runs, and I end up belting lyrics. SO FUN! Haha.
ReplyDeleteHaha! You know I'm having a good run when I do that!
DeleteFor my long runs, I like to vary up between music and podcasts. They help me take my mind off of things. Currently, I've been listening to the soundtrack of Hamilton - it's rap, and I love singing along to it, plus it's a great story, so it fits my needs. Hopefully, it doesn't get old any time soon.
ReplyDeleteTickets went on sale for Hamilton (it's coming to Chicago) and it was a melee! I'd love to see it.
DeleteI also like to listen to some tunes when running. It makes my mind more comfortable. I think that a favorite song can be useful for running.
ReplyDeleteOh, 45s! Those were the days! I love music on my runs and lean towards the pop songs I can sing along too. I've tried to make playlists from my old favorites but they are too slow or too fast!
ReplyDeleteI've slowly been finding old songs that work really well for running! I have a playlist of those on spotify as well.
DeleteLose Yourself never gets old...so motivating!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it the truth?
DeleteOMG. It was a such treat to go to the RECORD STORE (!) and buy those 45s. There is a song in my head 24/7. It's a family trait. So, I do everything with music (and I mean everything) to drown out what's playing in my head. Karaoke in December? Think we'd have any other takers?
ReplyDeleteI hope not! I'll have a few glasses of wine and you won't be able to wrestle the microphone out my hand...
DeleteI have to run with music too - and I love the title of this post... it's so true. Headphones in, world off!
ReplyDeleteOooh! My new motto!
DeleteI stopped listening to music on the run a couple of years ago. One last gadget to operate. Which means I don't listen to music as much anymore!
ReplyDeleteMusic makes you run faster...just sayin'...
DeleteBc sometimes you just need a little Eminem on your runs! Love your playlist!!
ReplyDeleteThat is the truth!!
DeleteBelieve it or not, I've only recently started listening to music when I run even though I always listened to it while cutting the grass. I guess I almost always had friends to chat with so I didn't need music, and when I didn't run with friends, I sometimes ran along a road and there's no way I'd run with music under those circumstances.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up!
When I was a kid, there was a radio on the tractor and I used to listen to that when I mowed the lawn! How far we've come...
DeleteI remember my sister getting her first 45 to take to a party. They came in paper sleeves back then and I remember the title. It was Lesley Gore's It's Judy's turn to Cry". You probably have never heard of it. I need some new songs for my playlist so I will check out your list. I also wear only one ear bud when I am running so I know what is going on around me.
ReplyDeleteI remember Lesley Gore but not that song! My dad was a big 50s music buff, and he had a jukebox full of 45s from that era. So we listened to a ton of music.
DeleteI only listen to music when I run on the treadmill. I've run 20 miles along the lakefront with NO music. :-) I like music that is "danceable" and in both English and Spanish. So far I like Danza Kuduro, Beauty and a Beat, Bad Romance, Feel this Moment, Better Off Alone, and Geronimo.
ReplyDelete