5 Songs You Would Never Think to Put on Your Running Playlist

As I write this, I'm getting ready to leave for my half marathon this weekend. It's been a while since I've run a long distance race--last was Big Sur in April. I've spent the summer recovering from some pretty bad plantar fasciitis. My fall training has gone well and I'm feeling strong. Stalking the weather shows some pretty promising conditions. Fingers crossed that all the pieces fall into place on Saturday.

As part of my preparation for a race, I always like to put together a playlist of some of the "greatest hits" from my training cycle and from past races. You know, those songs that have gotten me through those tough miles or songs that put a smile on my face and a pep in my step. I need something that is going to drive me forward to the finish. Most often, those songs are hard rock songs. There's not a whole lot of pop on my playlist.

There are also some songs I listen to that aren't necessarily loud and driving, songs that just inspire me to go. These are songs that you may never have heard of or that you wouldn't consider to be "good running songs". For today's Friday Five post, I'm sharing five of those songs--the songs you would never think to put on your running playlist! Give them a listen, tell me what you think.

Rumble and Sway by Jamie N Commons
You might know Jamie Commons from his song Jungle, which was featured on Orange is the New Black. I don't know how I came across this song, but when I first heard it I thought it was perfect for a long run. Do you ever get into those deep miles of a long run where you feel like you are just rumbling down the road? This one keeps me going. "Baby, rumble and sway".


Move by Saint Motel
This is a little more popular than some of my other choices--I've actually heard it on mainstream radio. But when they shout out Move! that's exactly what I do.


Roma Fade by Andrew Bird
If you would have told me that someday I'd have a song by Andrew Bird on my running playlist, I would have laughed. While I like his music, in general, it is a little too mellow for a run. Then I heard this little gem. It starts out slow, but be patient, because you will be rewarded with the sweetest cadence and most pleasant melody you've heard in a while. This was a great find.


Trip Switch by Nothing But Thieves
I just really like the melodies in this one. It's really great for breaking out on a long slow stretch of road.


Believe by The Bravery
Great guitar work, a strong driving beat, and inspirational lyrics make this one a no-brainer. "So give me something to believe. Cause I am living just to breathe. And I need something more, to keep on breathing for...."



If you want to see what I'll be running to in total, here's the playlist. No apologies. This is my party.


Any offbeat tracks on your playlist lately? What do you like to listen to? Pop? Rock? Rap? 

I'll be jetting off to Florida as you read this, but I promise to respond to each and every one of you when I get back! In the meantime, check out all the other posts on the Friday Five 2.0, hosted by Fairytales and Fitness and Running on Happy!