Friday, December 2, 2016

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!


38 comments :

  1. I really like the first song, the others were a fun listen but I don't know that I would run to them. I like to run to pop and country. Although I do listen to a lot of podcasts too and usually save music for races and speed work

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  2. Love this post - I always need new playlist ideas! I am loving The Hamilton soundtrack for long runs - I just get lost in the story as the miles tick my. Have an AWESOME weekend!

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  3. You are correct, I've never heard of any of these songs! Hope they get you through the race in a breeze!
    Safe travels!

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  4. YES to Believe by the Bravery! Such a fantastic song, and I can't tell you how many runs I have listened to it on!

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  5. OMG- this post is making me feel so out of it...I haven't heard of a single one of these! I think I have my head in the music sand!

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    1. No, you're not out of it! I am always off the beaten path when it comes to music!

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  6. Interesting mix...and I don't think I've heard any of these LOL My playlist does not change much, I tend to have my top 50 and stay with those (though there are some that I repeatedly skip when they pop up...I guess that's a sign I need to do some purging)

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    1. I get tired of most of my songs, although I do have a few perpetual favorites that never go away.

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  7. Best of luck this weekend, Wendy! Most importantly, have fun!

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  8. I really like Rumble and Sway - thanks for giving me a song to add to my playlist!

    Have a great race this weekend :)

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  9. I generally don't run with any noise in my ears. Old school I know, but it's the way I learned to train. For walking, I prefer audio books or podcasts.

    Have fun at your race.

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    1. I used to run sans music but it really is my escape. Sometimes it's nice to get out of my head.

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  10. Agh!!! I just wrote a longish comment, which promptly vanished when I hit publish! Let's see what I can remember.

    Good luck in your race! I'm so glad you had a healthy training cycle..you're going to rock this race! I rarely listen to music when I run (audiobooks are my jam) and usually don't listen to either when I race. And I'm feeling, well I won't say old but maybe "unhip," because I don't know a single song on this list. ��

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  11. Have an awesome Trip in Florida!!

    Never heard of any of this songs! but they sound great.

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  12. Have an amazing trip and a great race!!! Sending you all the best running vibes! :)

    (Also, great list. I'll have to add some of these!)

    Kick ass this weekend!

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  13. STP FTW! Good luck this weekend, Wendy! You're gonna kill it.

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  14. The oddest song on my playlist is Rubber Biscuit by the Blues Brothers. "A ricochet biscuit is the kind of a biscuit that's supposed to bounce back off the wall into your mouth. If it don't bounce back... you go hungry!" How can you not smile with that playing?

    Have a great race!

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  15. I have never heard most of those before! Hope you have a fabulous weekend and a wonderful race.

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  16. I've never heard of these five songs before!!! Thanks for the suggestions and for sharing your playlist! My own playlist runs the entire spectrum from rap to classical to opera to country to dance. It's fun to mix things up. Have a wonderful weekend in Florida and big hugs to all of you!!!

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  17. How about this for crossing the finishline? It was suggested to me by my son. I love it. Yes, my taste in music is as eclectic as yours.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uMRfMM8PnM

    I've so many wishes as I read this post. That I were up to running multiple halves. That I could travel for an event. That I could run with you! My wish for you on this evening is that his half is perfect in every way: weather, success, and fun with friends.

    Love you from afar, my friend.
    ~Connie

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  18. My music choices have to be upbeat! And to be expected living in Nashville, I have a lot of Country music :) I have to say I do a bad job of making real playlists. I have an ipod that I load with just running music and put that baby on shuffle.

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  19. I've been in desperate need of new running songs. Thank you!

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  20. Good luck at your half marathon! So glad your plantar fasciitis is a thing of the past. I haven't heard these songs so will have to check them out.

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  21. I don't think I know any of these songs. I don't run with music anymore but I love putting on pandora while I work out at home. Have a great time in Florida and good luck in the race!

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  22. I have been looking for some new songs to add to my play list! These are fun suggestions, going to check them all out now!!

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  23. Love the diversity of your playlist!

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  24. Is it sad that I've never heard of any of these? :[ Thanks for sharing them! :D I'm always up for new songs!

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  25. Love Trip switch. Haven't heard of the others but I'll check them out!

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  26. How did your race go?! From all the pictures it looks like it has been a fabulous time! I used to be a runner that didn't wear a garmin and didn't listen to music. Then came the music (and the garmin)and I was all about the music. Recently I switched to podcasts and wow, don't think I am ever going back. I think I have lost the "a certain song will give me a boost and make me go faster" but my runs, swims and bike rides have become so much more enjoyable! I will take going slower for enjoying it more.

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  27. I've never heard of these songs. My running music mostly has a faster pace to get me moving.

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