There's something about a great running song that has the power to transform a mediocre workout into an exceptional one.
Heck, the right song at the right time has the power to motivate you to get out the door in the first place. A good running song can even make you a better runner—a few years ago I solved my shin stress fracture problems by increasing my turnover rate to lessen the force of each impact. To do it, I found a bunch of songs with just the right tempo (180 beats per minute) and lined my strides up with the beats.
But what defines a good running song? It's hard to say. Sometimes you love a song when you're driving or at your desk, but when you take it out for a run, something just doesn't jive. The key isn't necessarily a fast tempo; sometimes slow songs are just as good as upbeat ones. A driving bass drum pulse might help, but on a two-hour run, that gets old quick.
Really, the only way to know a song works for running is to road-test it. Make a playlist and try it out; you'll know right away what works and what doesn't. Some will be surprisingly fit for running. And you'll have an inexplicable urge to skip right past some other songs that you were sure would be keepers when you made the list.
In my seven years of running, I've found lots of great running songs. But there are certain ones that, no matter how many times I hear them, or how sick of them I am when I'm not running, make it onto my iPod every time. That's what this list is—my top 10 favorite running songs of all time. (I went to high school and college from 1995-2003, so you'll have to excuse my post-grunge bias.)
The Top 10 Songs for Running
10. Foo Fighters – My Hero. 
A little on the slow side, but with Dave Grohl's thundering drums and motivating lyrics, this one's perfect for pounding out hill repeats or for when you're really worn out and the fast stuff's not cutting it.
9. Kelly Clarkson – My Life Would Suck Without You. Alright, I'm little embarrassed about this one. If I'm ever listening to it in the car, I turn it down when someone walks by. But for running, it's got a driving beat and enough attitude to keep you pushing hard.
8. Blink 182 – Anthem Part II. Say what you want about Blink 182, but man, can they churn out good running tunes. (And filthy lyrics.) I could make a whole list of "Best Blink 182 Running Songs," but since you're not all teenage boys, I didn't. This song has a great build at the beginning is way up-tempo.
7. Pete Yorn – For Nancy ('Cos It Already Is). You might not recognize this one by name, but if you heard it, you'd probably know it. This one was popular when I was training for my very first marathon, so I have a soft spot for it.
6. Marilyn Manson – The Beautiful People. My wife hates when she borrows my iPod and this one is on there. But I love this song for hill workouts. A band played a punk version of it when I was running the Virginia Beach Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, and I've been pretending to be a badass ever since.
5. Eric Johnson – Cliffs of Dover. Another one you might not know, but this song is a fantastic running track. There's no vocal, so it's easy to zone out and just listen to this guitar-god's catchy little melody. I ran to this song over and over when I was trying to groove a faster turnover rate, and it worked. Try it to test out your turnover, it's hard to keep up at first!
4. The Postal Service – Such Great Heights. A little bit electronica, a little bit sappy emo. But the beat is perfect for running and it just makes you feel awesome. Great lyrics don't hurt either.
3. Death Cab for Cutie – The Sound of Settling. I know, I know… two Ben Gibbard songs in a row. But the hook is infectious, the tempo is perfect, and there's something about this one that can pull you out of a funk like no other.
2. The Darkness – I Believe in a Thing Called Love. Hands down, my favorite song to run to. This guy is the greatest thing since Freddie Mercury (and I'm not talking about Adam Lambert, AI fans). This is my go-to song when I'm just feeling slow—it picks me up, speeds me up, and makes me feel happy.
1. ________________________________________. Ok, I'm tricky… I only compiled nine songs, and left the final spot open. Why? I want you to fill it in, because I need something new to listen to! What's your all-time favorite running song?
Update for Women Runners: You might be interested in 1984 Olympic women's marathon champion Joan Benoit Samuelson's Women's Marathon Mix 
, a two-volume set of upbeat marathon training songs that I just discovered. The songs are surprisingly non-girly, considering the title of the album.
You can find these and other running songs at the iTunes Music Store
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Hi! Thanks for dropping by my blog. To answer your Qs: "Raw" tofu is how I call it when I eat one (silken or extra firm) directly from the package without cooking. Apparently, they're not really raw since the manufacturing process involves cooking the soy beans. And the porky pancakes were wholewheat pancakes cooked in a pig-face shaped pan that's why I called them that.
As for running music, this song always pumps me up: "Police On My Back" by The Clash. 100% agree on IBelieveIATCLove!
.-= Mia {runs & rests}´s last blog ..Double Eight and Honest Ten =-.
mmmm postal service, death cab, dave grohl. Sounds alright to me!!!
.-= Jocelyn´s last blog ..Self slims down Kelly? =-.
Hands down, my favorite workout song (that always makes me run faster or row harder) is Rember the Name by Fort Minor. It's a little cheesy and kind of overkilled amongst college athletes, but every time I hear this when I hit a hill, I'm at the top in no time or if I'm doing a 2k erg test, my split just shoots down! Good luck with finding your next tune!
I agree, fort minor really gets you pumping when you need it on a run. I also like Rise Against – Savior as a good one, along with Lose Yourself – Eminem and Slipnot – Wait and Bleed. Good paced pumping beats.
You have a *great* list so far, but I know the missing song for you! It has gotten me through all of my longest runs (including the 19-miler that was my last marathon training run before the tendinitis hit!)….ready for it…*drum roll*…IDIOTEQUE by RADIOHEAD. You'll love it!
- Annabel
.-= Annabel @ http://www.FeedMeImCranky.com´s last blog ..The Granola Smuggler Eats Alone =-.
Awesome song!
COMBINATION PIZZA HUT & TACO BELL!
If you haven't heard that one, you should check it out.
Seriously though, two songs by Outkast always get me going: "The Whole World" and "Hey Ya"
I also love me some Britney Spears, only when running. Specifically "I'm A Slave 4 U" and "If U Seek Amy"
I have more Kelly Clarkson songs on my iPod than I care to admit.
So while Eminem's Lose Yourself has brought tears to my eyes during marathon training, I have to give the #1 spot to:
Starry Eyed Surprise by Paul Oakenfold
That song makes me want to lace up my sneaks and run out the door every time.
.-= Alison´s last blog ..Let’s Pretend =-.
Alison, that's so cool that Lose Yourself has brought tears to your eyes… I can totally understand that though. Somehow when you're moving your body and working hard, and then you hear the right song, all this emotion just gets stirred up!
Eminem's "Lose Yourself" and "Gives You Hell" by the American Rejects always get me pumped to run.
p.s. went for a 7-miler yesterday – I feel like a runner again!!
.-= Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)´s last blog ..Happy Hour on the Hudson River =-.
Megan, wow another Lose Yourself mention! Can't wait to try it.
Congrats on the 7 miles. I remember when I had my first hour-long run after my knee injury earlier this year. It felt so good to be back I wanted to shout it from the rooftops (instead, I think I tweeted it from the desktop!). I know exactly how you feel.
I'm not a runner yet, so can't contribute, but found the choices really interesting… Listened to a few on Youtube.
I enjoy working out to some African music from time to time… Johnny Clegg's songs are great:
- December African Rain
- Kilimanjaro
- Great heart
- Scatterlings of Africa
.-= Hanlie´s last blog ..Time for a roundup! =-.
just about anything by Girl Talk generally has a great running beat.
.-= Laura M…ski´s last blog ..Blogging malaise? =-.
Great topic! Hands down, my absolute favorite running song is Hysteria by Muse. Nothing beats it.
.-= Veggie Runnr´s last blog ..Kings of Leon =-.
I can't wait to hear it; I like Muse. The Muse song I really liked was "Our Time Is Running Out," but I don't think I ever tried running to it. Might be good though.
This play list is awesome.. great songs. I would have to say that the rolling stones- start me up.
I'm a cheese- I like anything black eyed peas or Pink for running!
.-= Erica´s last blog ..Charleston, Fresh Berry Froyo, Dinner =-.
ooohh man, i have so many faves. but i'd have to say Grand National – Talk Amongst Yourselves is up there at the top of the list.
Run by Gnarls Barkley
Good call on the The Darkness song! I'm a big fan of Vampire Weekend songs for running. They're so upbeat! The late Michael Jackson also has some great tunes to pick your feet up to!
Jenna, I'll check out Vampire Weekend, I've never heard of them. For some reason, I never really got into the MJ. (Nothing to do with kid-touching allegations or plastic surgery, I think I just got into music a little too late.) Although that Alien Ant Farm cover of Smooth Criminal might be a good one to run to.
Great list!
My favourite band to listen to while I'm running is the Arctic Monkeys. Specifically, "The View from the Afternoon" is the best song for running. "Cigarette Smoker Fiona" is another great one.
Hey Rosetta is another great band, and I also like listening to Immaculate Machine when I'm working out.
…I like the high energy stuff.
I love your shirts! They're so cute!
.-= Sagan´s last blog ..Defining Eating Disorders =-.
I'm not sure I can pick an all-time favorite, but right now, I'm stuck on 'Knights of Cydonia' by Muse.
.-= Amber Shea (Almost Vegan)´s last blog ..Deep chocolate brownies =-.
Amber, you're the second one to say a Muse song! It's funny, I never would have thought they'd be good running music. But I guess just like I wrote, you never know until you try it out.
I love running to Fall Out Boy…The beat in "Campaign for my Real friends, real Pain for my Sham friends" matches my stride perfectly. Others that get me to lift my pace are "Dance, Dance"; "A little less sixteen candles a little more touch me"; and "Bang the Doldrums"
.-= RottenTea´s last blog .. =-.
I don't run but I listen to my iPod when I'm cycling. Believe or not, I like this really old Elton John song, "Burn Down the Mission." And, I like this really new song by the Phenomenal Handclap Band, "15 to 20."
.-= lee (journey to fitville)´s last blog ..Farmers market report =-.
I need to snag some of those songs for my running list.
Hey….
I ran Boston in '08. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I have slowed down alot, I have also gained weight since then, so I am thinking if I can get the wieght of then I can find my speed again. But for now, I am happy just running for fun and not pushing my times.
.-= Janice´s last blog ..a great 10 miler… and my new challenge =-.
I couldn't agree more! Sometimes when I'm lacking motivation, I just have to pop my ipod on and I'm ready to go
There's too many to choose just ONE but I definitely wanna use some of yours above 
.-= Cait (Cait's Plate)´s last blog ..Bringing Out the Color =-.
you have some quality tunes on that list. oh my gosh, do you want to watch something ridiculously horrible but hilarious? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqvlwPn9eJk trust me, it is worth watching. it is so wrong. anyway, i like listening to "cause a scene (the first single)" by the format. good stuff.
Janetha,
Ok, I have an admission… I was kind of into that video! Well, not the video, but their cover. I've never really been into hardcore at all, but it's kind of cool when it's a song I know. But from the comments on the video, apparently they're kind of soft. Thanks, I actually enjoyed that.
Well my taste in music is a bit more urban and dirrrty than yours, lol, but I love me some Regaton Pitbul rap to run to. The beats are enthusiastic and bumpin. My favorite is one called "Go girl." It pumps me up like no other. Also gotta go with my man Michael Jackson and "Billy Jean," which actually has a killer beat to run to.
.-= amy (veganissexy)´s last blog ..NAKED FAJITAS =-.
i don't run with music but there are some songs that pump me up – one of them is "heart of a champion" by nelly.
.-= lindsay´s last blog ..when you're running down the road… =-.
Vampire Weekend is great, just make sure you pic an up tempo song like Walcott, Ladies of Cambridge, or A Punk. But my favorite is Can't Stop by Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Ooh, yeah, Vampire Weekend — excellent suggestion Henry (right above me). But my choice is Arcade Fire's "Keep the Car Running." It builds in intensity with an urgent, push-push-push drive that I love, so it's my official submission to the No Meat Athlete Great Running Song Derby of '09.
Pete
.-= Pete´s last blog ..Getting to Where I Want to Go =-.
OMG, I just shared this song with my sister (Veggierunnr)–I can't believe it hasn't been mentioned yet:
I'm Running by Misstress Barbara feat. Sam Roberts
It totally amps me up during a run and puts a bounce in my step!!
.-= Mrah´s last blog ..Utter Defeat =-.
Mrah: oh, VeggieRunnr is your sister! It makes so much sense now. Thanks for the song, you're definitely the most enthusiastic submitter!
RYC: Oh yes def the Greens+. The powder is green!
Per your running list, #10 I have totally forgotten about until now! love that song, lol!
-muffy
You are right, we do have tons in common! Although I must admit I got a 1 on the AP Calculus test in high school, so you've got me beat for sure! Also, I dig Pete Yorn (sort of by force because his CD was stuck in my car CD player for about 6 months). My fave running song is "Shipping Up to Boston" by the Dropkick Murphys. It is short and whenever it comes on I get a great burst of energy. I think you'll like it because hopefully that song will have special significance to you come 2010!!
.-= Allie Katie´s last blog ..I didn’t know I was pregnant… =-.
I love seeing what other runner's are listening to–thanks for the great post. Here are a couple of mine that never fail to get me stepping a little faster:
Troublemaker – Weezer
Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N Roses
Wonderful Night – Fatboy Slim
Looking forward to seeing your #1 selection!
Hi Candy, glad you like the post! I love Weezer (or more accurately, I love Weezer's old stuff), and I even thought it strange when I was making this list and realized that I never really run to any Weezer songs. But I haven't heard any of their Red Album so I'm looking forward to hearing this one!
Not a buzz worthy list here but a buzzkill posting (but speaking of buzzworthy, my is still ringing after seeing Paul McCartney and Mogwai concerts last week). I posted the below message to my running friends a few days ago … but hey, even my wife doesn't listen to me about running w/headphones as she still does it:
__________
Subj: Another reason not to wear headphones while running
The benefits of awareness of your surroundings isn't limited to bad people, but also bad luck. While it may not have mattered if she heard it or not, there are certainly some circumstances in which hearing the cracking of a tree limbs could help save your life.
This past fall in Rock Creek Park while hashing on a dry day with light winds I heard a very loud crashing of what sound like a large tree falling over. I didn't see it because it was probably 25 to 50 or more yards away, but damn that was a scary loud sound. While a big branch falling may not make the same loud sound, it has certainly made me more aware of those creaking and cracking sounds.
—————————————————————–
Tree branch kills Pa. woman days after NY accident
Posted 8/6/2009 12:30 PM ET E-mail | Save | Print
PHILADELPHIA (AP) Police have identified a jogger killed by a falling tree branch in a Philadelphia park as 23-year-old Mary Katherine Ladany of the Roxborough section of the city.
Police say it was a freak accident Wednesday evening in Fairmount Park, one of the biggest city parks in the world.
Chief Inspector Scott Small says a 30-foot-long branch fell 50 feet onto Ladany, killing her instantly.
Police say Ladany was wearing a portable music player that was still playing when they arrived, so it's possible that she didn't hear the branch breaking.
Last week, a Manhattan computer engineer walking to work through New York's Central Park was hit on the head by a 100-pound rotted tree branch. His mother said over the weekend that he was getting better.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
Brian, the key phrase in the article is "freak accident." The day I don't wear headphones because I'm worried about a tree falling on my head is the same day that I stop flying, driving a car, and crossing the street.
Although I must admit I don't wear headphones when I'm running on busy roads outside my neighborhood; I do think that's dangerous.
I'm usually pretty vanilla in my music choice but Ozzy Ozbourne's "Crazy Train" is simply the BEST song to run to.
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Such great heights is a very good song. I love that you did a post on music– I love for it! Check out my latest songs on my "Run Tracks" page if you have time
.-= Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn´s last blog ..Vacation Running: How to Not Piss Off the Group =-.
I am going to have to submit "Don't Stop Beleiving" by Journey for this one. I know it's kind of typical, but nothing gets you more pumped then some good ol' Journey.
Thanks Mel, I checked it! I used to run to the Cake song, and although My Name is Jonas is one of my favorite Weezer songs, I don't think I've ever put it on a running playlist. I'll try it!
You have some great selections. To top it off I am going to add "Fat Bottom Girls" by Queen. They have a lot of great running songs so it is hard to pick one…I finally decided on this one. Have fun!
"Can't Take That Plane" John Mayer Trio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns6mHeAnyh0
This one is just for fun- "I'm On A Boat" Andy Samberg and T-Pain.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOvaCV6uQp8
I have a blog dedicated solely to music and when my sisters, veggierunnr and vegginout, told me about your quest for some new running songs I had to put in my two cents. I am also a runner and for me a playlist can either make or break the run.
Happy Running!
Metallica always gets me pumped up for running. "Fuel" was a song made for speed!
.-= PoweredByProduce´s last blog ..Meet Your Meat: Pigs =-.
What? No Chariots of Fire?
from another ProBlogger class member!
All the best from Toronto,
Russ
.-= Russ´s last blog ..Financially Desperate Times – Top Ten Tips on How Not to Become a Sucker =-.
And how about the theme song from "Rocky"??? Wow- when I listen to that, I BECOME THE ONE RUNNING UP THE PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART STEPS!!!
To help me maintain a faster clip, I suggest "Somebody Told Me" by the Killers, and "Pump It" by the Black Eyed Peas. A very inspiring (but emotional) song is "I Run for Life" by Melissa Ethridge. It has to do with fighting cancer and taking your life back.
OKOKOK, I see that you have a TON of songs to go through and I'm so happy you haven't closed the polls just yet!!!! I really wanted to add Miley Cyrus: Party In The USA. LOL, this song MIGHT trump my earlier submition (I'm Running by Misstress) ….but I can't decide!!!! Good luck with all your choices!!! No matter what, I'm sure you'll end up with an awesome playlist!!!
PS: be forwarned: you just might 'throw your hands up and move your hips like yeaaaahhhh'
.-= Mrah´s last blog ..Stump the Trainer Sunday =-.
Mine is Suavemente by Elvis Crespo- thanks!
look at you rackin' up those comments
#10 kanye west – workout plan
gets me groovin everytime!
.-= holly the healthy everythingtarian´s last blog ..My New Boyfriend =-.
I LOVE the Darkness and I think that song is so great for running (Friday Night is a good one too)- they are a group you don't ever hear anyone site as a favorite!
Just found your blog through "healthy tipping point" and of course love it already!
Thanks Katie! I've never heard Friday Night but I think I have a copy of the album so I'll look for it. Actually I like "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" so much that it was the song that my wife and I came out to when we were introduced at our wedding reception!
As far as embarrassing running songs go, "No Sleep Tonight" by the Faders is up there. You might recognize it from the old iPod commercials but it's girl rock that always makes me want to run every time I hear it, and when I am running, I'm always able to run HARDER.
But my all-time favorite running songs are both by Florence and the Machine. The first is Drumming, it's got an amazing driving beat that keeps you going. The second is Dog Days, which has a perfect chorus to kick up your pace a little, and it doesn't help that she shames you into it by singing "Run fast for your mother, run fast for your father…" Ha!
These are such great suggestions! I'm having a blast looking them up on iTunes and deciding whether I should buy them.
Sometimes, I really like the ones that make me bop my head and break out into a smile, which totally puts my run into a fun one!
These songs do it for me everytime:
1) Thao: Bag of Hammers
2) Vampire Weekend: Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
3) Pete Townshend: Let My Love Open the Door
4) Journey: Don't Stop Believin' <—this one I'll repeat if I'm on a particularly long hill!
5) The Who: Baba O'Riley
I could totally go on forever, so I'll stop here.
Nice list! I saw this one posted earlier but I do love running to Paul Oakenfold… the songs are a little annoying but they keep you at a steady pace.
Also, usually listen to Fall Out Boy and Panic At The Disco- poppy but it works. And two songs I have to have on my playlist are by the Red Hot Chili Peppers: "Animal Bar" and "So Much I"- both more on the mellow side but they keep a pace and help me completely zone out.
.-= Lori´s last blog ..Raw Food =-.
"common people" by Shatner (Ben Folds) gets my second wind rolling
[...] best in our niche, something I'm endlessly grateful for. 3900 views that day. And my list of 10 favorite running songs has brought in around 100 new readers from Google searches every day. And since my search engine [...]
My songs as of late:
The Ting Tings – Shut up and let me go
Yeah Yeah Yeah's – Maps
Matt & Kim – Daylight
M.I.A. – Paper planes (remix)
Jimmy Eat World – the Middle
And a bunch others. Those are the only ones I can think of currently.
Nice list!
.-= Tracy Warner´s last blog ..I Hate Eggplant: Eggplant Parmesan =-.
definetly
1.teenagers – my chemical romance
2. dont stop me now – the vandals
3. going to collage – blink 182
4. and i – boxcar racer
5. become what you hate – midtown
6. beverly hills – weezer
7. california – weezer
8. island in the sun – weezer
9. banquet – bloc party
10. i love house – robert m
11. work – masters at work
ill think of more;p
7.
i get goosebumps from teenagers…its the best running song for me , along with dont stop me now
"Disturbia" by Rihanna is pretty motivating. Here are some others I like on my playlist:
"Tusk" Fleetwood Mac
"Golddigger" Kanye West
Pretty much anything upbeat by Pink
"One Step at a Time" Jordin Sparks–this one is good when you're nearing the end
"Running on Empty" Jackson Browne–surprisingly motivating
"Caress Me Down" Sublime
"Billie Jean" Michael Jackson
"Buttons" Pussycat Dolls
"Keeps Gettin' Better" Christina Aguilera
Hope these work out for you!
.-= VCK´s last blog ..Laurelwood Organic Portland Roast Espresso Stout =-.
My favorite is Final Countdown by Europe. But pretty much any song from a Rocky movie makes me wanna get up and run.
1.- fenix tx – Flight 601 (All I've I Got is Time)
2.- safri duo – Played a live
3.- Overseer – Supermoves (Animatrix Edit)
4.- GMS – Juice (Requiem For a Dream)
5.- Juno Reactor – Conga Fury
6.- Afrika Bambaataa and Soulsonic Force – Lunatic Calm – Leave You Far Behind
7.- My chemical romance -I'm_Not_Okay_(I_Promise)
8.- The ataris_The boys of summer
9.- Jimmy Eat World – A Praise Chorus
10.-The Killers – All These Things That I've Done
Some of these are better for just listen, but are good songs…
Greetings from Mexico city.
The killers are great to run to –
Roberto has a great mix…thanks!
Thank you so much! I have been relying on old stand-by hip hop and I am tired of it! Love these suggestions! Off to download
Common People by William Shatner
I defy you to run slow to this song.
Agreed. I listen to this on almost every run and have still not tired of it. Also, the Kanye version of Stronger, Dude Looks Like a Lady by Aerosmith, and Marina Gasolina by Bonde de Role are great running tunes.
Apollo 440 – Stop the Rock
from the movie Gone in 60 Seconds. I promise you will love this!!
Mr Brightside by the Killers. Perfect beat for me.
Here's a couple of my favourites:
Rise Against – Savior
Flobots – No handlebars
Bloc Party – helicopter
social code – bomb hands
Plus 44 – when your hearts stops beating
Offspring – Hammerhead
Look how far we've come by Matchbox Twenty. Awesome beat for that last sprint of a long run
Sorry I missed the contest, but enjoyed reading your post. Terrific stuff! This would be my top ten in case you're looking for more music by now
Pump it up – Elvis Costello
Lose Yourself – Eminem
Keep Your Head – The Ting Tings
Clampdown – The Clash
Age of Consent – New Order
Marathon and not a Sprint – Camera Obscura
It's Okay – The Kings
Lasso – Phoenix
You Got Yr Cherry Bomb – Spoon
Getting Down – The Kills
At least 1 of these made your list. Keep up the great work!
.-= John @ aboldpace´s last blog ..{race report} The Philadelphia Distance Run =-.
Whiskey in the Jar done by Metallica
My current list… it's a little eclectic so bear with me. It's layered, so it starts slower, amps up and then crashes right as I hit my first wall. Then it lays back a little and ramps up again.
The Dragon – The Calm Blue Sea
Saviorself – Jedi Mind Tricks
Ghost – Neutral Milk Hotel
Le Noyee – Yann Tiersenn
And So It Burns – Jedi Mind Tricks
Weak and Powerless (Tilling my Grave Mix) – A Perfect Circle
Quiet Little Voices – We Were Promised Jet Packs
Saving Grace – Tom Petty
Thirsty Dog – Nick Cave
Part of the Queue – Oasis
So Cold – Breaking Benjamin
Fucking in the Bushes – Oasis
True Nature – Janes Addiction
The Woman on the Screen – Boris (best running song of all time)
Strange Enough – N.A.S.A.
Here I Come – The Roots
The Champ – Ghostface Killah
Starz – Smashing Pumpkins
Ibitsu – Boris
How Far we've come – Matchbox 20
Song about ping pong – Operator Please
Funky Tonight – John Butler Trio
The One – Foo Fighters
Flagpole Sitta – Harvey Danger
Crazy LIttle thing Called Love – Queen
Get Shaky – Ian Carey Project
Like It Loud – Cassie Davies
Longview – Greenday
Whip It – Devo
All my LIfe – Foo Fighters
JOker and the Thief – Wolfmother
And I have to agree. The beautiful People by MM is AWESOME! Thanks for all the song suggestions.
I have MANY playlist to keep me motivated…here is 1 of them…you can download the clean versions if you dont want the explicit.
1. Killing in the Name 5:14 Rage Against the Machine
2. Disturbed – Let The Bodies Hit The Floor
3. Jigga What/Faint 3:31 Linkin Park & Jay-Z
4. The Beautiful People 3:39 Marilyn Manson
5. Breakdown 3:36 Breaking Benjamin
6. I Stand Alone 4:06 Godsmack
7. Twisted Transistor 4:16 Korn
8. Coming Undone 3:20 Korn
9. It's Just One of Those Days 2:47 Limp Biscuit
10. One Step Closer 2:36 Linkin Park
11. Smack My Bitch Up 5:43 The Prodigy
12. Firestarter 4:41 The Prodigy
- – - ARTISTS – - – Song Title
1. Rise Against – Under the Knife
2. Red – Wasting Time
3. Papa Roach – Not Listening
4. Disturbed – Down With The Sickness
5a. Offspring – Not The One
5b. Offspring – She's got Issues
6. Jet – Cold Hard B!tch
time to slow down…
7. Hedley – Old School
8.Daughtry – Feels Like Tonight
9. Guns and Roses – November Rain
Kick Start My Heart by Motley Crue
Disturbed – meaning of life (get psycho)
eminem- go to sleep
offspring-your gonna go far kid
three days grace-riot and animal i have become
disturbed – conflict and the game
crossfade- no giving up
eminem -till i collapse
I rotate favorites a lot as well… I would have to say Cake The Distance is usually at the top, followed by either a Kanye song, or a newer indie song. Check out Editors – Papillon and Percussion Gun by The White Rabbits.
Your list and the comments have given me some great ideas for running songs. Thanks!
My addition: Short End of a Wishbone by Haywire
.-= JavaChick´s last blog ..Tex-Mex Week Continues =-.
Thanks for these great suggestions! Some ones that I'll add to the lists… these have more of a happy running rock flavor to them:
My Own Worst Enemy by Lit
Bottom Line by Eli Young Band (great song)
Hum Hallelujah, and Sugar We're Going Down by Fallout Boy
Right Now by Van Halen
Girl at the Rock Show, and Feelin This by Blink 182
Vindicated by Dashboard Confessional
Fix You by Coldplay (starts low but picks up awesome)
AM Radio by Everclear
Semi-charmed life by Third Eye Blind
Only One by Yellowcard
Dream On by Aerosmith
I'm not a natural runner. I wouldn't last 5 minutes with a slow song, I need upbeat music to step in time to and keep me motivated. These songs seem to take the effort out of it.
Fireworks – The Tragically Hip
Spaceman – The Killers
Uprising – Muse
I Don't Care – Fall Out Boy
To Lose My Life – White Lies
Death – White Lies
Everything's Magic – Angels & Airwaves
All The Small Things – Blink 182
Dirty Little Secret – All American Rejects
Shake It – Metro Station
If You Want Blood You've Got It – AC/DC
Centerfield – John Fogerty
Thanks for the suggestions, all! Added a few to my mix.
Some additions of some songs I like to run to:
Remember the Name – Fort Minor
Fat Lip – Sum 41
Papercut – Linkin Park
Let It Rock – Kevin Rudolf
a slower one for my cool down:
One Day – Madisyahu
Thanks for the ideas! Here are some of my favorites:
7/4 (Shoreline) – Broken Social Scene
Blankest Year – Nada Surf
Young Adult Friction – The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Holiday – Green Day
I Don't Wanna Be – Gavin DeGraw
Your Love – The Outfield
Ray of Light by Madonna
Burning Heart (Survivor) – from Rocky IV
I've never run with it, but I get pumped up every time I hear it.
Chemical Brothers – Lost in the K Hole
Missy Elliott – Slide
Eminem – Till I Collapse
Sponge – Plowed
The Flaming Lips- Race for the Prize (BPM a little slower but still good song to run to)
"Shook Me All Night Long (remix)" AC/DC
Best running song OF ALL TIME:
Misrlou by Dick Dale
The best!!!
I like to run to songs that set my pace. i.e my foot hits the ground on every beat etc etc.
Wolf Like Me – TV on the Radio (the interlude is good for a slog if you need some recovery)
Obnoxious – Immortal Technique (the beat of this song is PERFECT to run to at a medium pace…the lyrics are brutal and hardcore but it's catchy..)
Maria – Rage Against The Machine
Voice of the Voiceless – Rage Against the Machine
Untouched – The Veronicas (this is pretty fast-paced)
I Am – Joseph Arthur ( it's got relaxing lyrics)
Empire State of Mind – Jay-Z (this song is really popular right now but there's something about the beat that makes my run faster and a lot looser which is something I usually struggle with)
Medieval – DM & Jemini/The Pharcyde
Citronella – Aesop Rock
Mother-Danzig
i go to work – kool moe dee
i'm bad – ll cool
My #1 all-time favorite is…
Black Dog – Led Zeppelin
Short, sweet, gets you moving!
All of the Nickleback "All the right reasons" CD
Excellent running cd!!!
I keep The Dynamo of Volition by Jason Mraz as my PowerSong on my ipod. It helps me to keep going every time. Give it a shot.
my #1 song for you to try…Person L – Untitled
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxl28ll9cRs
My top five (in no particular order) —
"Uptown Girl" – Billy Joel
Happy pop. Pure fun. It got me up a very big hill during the Big Sur International Marathon.
"Billy Jean" – Michael Jackson
This song makes me feel like a badass.
"That's Not My Name" – The Ting Tings
My, my if this doesn't epitomize "catchy."
"Summer of '69" – Bryan Adams
I'll sprint on the treadmill to this. So, so good.
"Dirty Little Secret" – The All-American Rejects
Another up-the-pace song . . . I ran almost a full minute faster per mile the first time I ran and listened to these guys. Seriously.
.-= Robyn´s last blog ..DNS Editing Deployed =-.
Great to start your run with – Pink Floyd – "Run Like Hell"
.-= zeninfinity´s last blog ..Amphora Pinot Invitational =-.
This is going to sound odd, but "The Circle of Life" from Disney's Lion King soundtrack. It's absolutely amazing to run to!!
Heart of a champion – nelly
I love that you included Ben Gibbard songs! Tracks with great lyrics often help me out as much as those with good beats. One great running song I just recently discovered?
Dashboard Confessional– Reason to Believe
.-= Marika´s last blog ..The Chocolate Chip Cookie Project: Part X =-.
Here are some of my favorite songs:
Kevin Drew-'Safety Bridge'(perfect rhythm for me)
Biagio Antonacci-'Sognami'(after 45 sec it's perfect too)
Richard Ashcroft-'A Song For The Lovers'(great song, makes my feet fly)
Howe Gelb-'Bud I Did Not'(very cool and relaxing)
The Charlatans-'The Misbegotten'(song to get high)
Evermore-'Running'(the lyrics are very motivating)
Radiohead-'Jigsaw Falling Into Place'(this one pushes me to the top)
The Lemonheads-'Bit Part'(feel good song)
Stephan Eicher-'Les Filles Du Limmatquai' (Version 2003!!!, very fast!)
Erdmöbel-'Auf Und Ab'(german cover of Vengaboys 'Up And Down'; a bit strange, but you can't stop running on it)
and some more:
Starsailor-Shark Food
Chris Walla-Everyone Needs A Home
The Sea And Cake-Car Alarm
Xavier Rudd-Energy Song
Seachange-In
Fink-Blueberry Pancakes
Michael J. Sheehy-The Fourth Day
The Producers-Freeway
The Whitest Boy Alive-Burning
The Arcade Fire-No Cars Go
Willie Nile-Cell Phones Ringing In The Pockets Of The Dead
Stars-Set Yourself On Fire
Foo Fighters-I Feel Free
Sam Phillips-These Boots Are Made For Walking
Mo' Horizons-Hit the Road Jack
Tiken Jah Fakoly-Allah
Wir Sind Helden-Nur Ein Wort
…
Some really good ones there guys (many of which I've nicked)
Hopefully I don't repeat any but
Not The Same – Bodyjar
Basketcase – Green Day
What we're all about – Sum 41
Bullet with butterfly Wings – Smashing Pumpkins
Stumblin – Powderfinger
Save Tonight – Eagle Eye Cherry
It's so cliche I'm surprised it hasn't been listed yet. Number one running song that never fails me:
Bruce Springsteen "Born to Run"
Bruce, great point; I can't believe nobody has mentioned that one. Never tried running to it, but it seems like it would be good… you're not The Boss, are you?
I loved this list. Running music is so subjective. Thanks everyone! Here's my contribution
The Test by Chemical Bros. (Must have!)
Defying Gravity from Wicked (great build-up song)
Little Bird by Annie Lennox (excellent)
On a High by Duncan Sheik (good pace song)
Burn Away by Foo Fighters
Bad Reputation by Joan Jett (sprint song must have)
Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder
Won't Get Fooled Again by The Who (How did this get missed?)
Running Down a Dream by Tom Petty
I Want You Back by Jackson 5
Long Road to Ruin by Foo Fighters
Irreplaceable by Beyonce
Thunderstruck by ACDC (another must have)
Late in the Evening by Paul Simon
I really like a good album or two, you can always shuffle it – but then you're not stuck looking for single songs when you should be out running.
You have to get the Muse album Absolution – it's been a workout standard of mine.
Lately I've been enjoying phoenix too – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Some of my favs… some are carried over from high school cross-country, so don't judge!
(Artist – Song Title)
Arcade Fire – Keep the Car Running
Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition
Death Cab – sound of settling
DMB – Crush
Keane – Spiraling
Mgmt – Kids, Time to Pretend
Eminem – Til I Collapse
Nelly Furtado – Manos en el Aire
Tegan & Sara – 19, Back in Your Head
Killers – Human
Foo Fighters – My Hero
Ben Folds – Brick
Travis Tritt – Great Day to be Alive
Hanson – Mmmbop
Nada Surf – Beautiful Beat
Justin Timberlake – Sexy Back
Timbaland – The Way I are
Rihanna – Disturbia
Tiffany – I think we’re alone now
Kings of Leon – ragoo, sex is on fire, fans
Bon Jovi – Bounce, Who Says You Can’t go Home
Katherine McFee – Over it
Lady Gaga – Alejandro, Poker Face
Duran Duran – Hungry like the wolf
Beyonce – Irreplacable
Gavin DeGraw – I'm in Love with a Girl
.-= Catherine´s last blog ..Slaw & salad =-.
Love this – I have so many new songs to try out on my next run. Since sharing is caring, this is my "run faster" mix – heavy on the punk / pop-punk…
Blink 182: I miss you
Lost in Line: Face in the Dark; The Drama; Smiles that Scream
Much the Same: Take What's Yours; Wrecking Ball; Picking up the Shattered Pieces
The Get Up Kids: Valentine
Sum 41: Pieces; Still Waiting
Good Charlotte: The Anthem
Linkin Park: Leave out all the rest
Mute: Burning Wreck; Atrophied
Matchbox Twenty: How Far We've Come
Millencolin: No Cigar; Vicious Circle
AFI: A Single Second
Paramore: I caught Myself; Let this Go
Unwritten Law: How You Feel
28 Days: Stealing Chairs
The Staring Line: Surprise, Surprise
Senses Fail: Calling All Cars
Passion Pit: To Kingdom Come
A Day to Remember: Have Faith in Me; If it Means a lot to You
Lose yourself by eminem or pursuit of happiness (remix) by kid cudi and steve Aoki
also my top 10
not afriad-eminem
nelly-here comes the boom (i no thats from longest yard but…..)
remember the name-fort minor
YES-LMFAO
hey ya-outcast
run this town-JAY-Z
Lose yourself-eminem
Pusuit of happiness (remix)-kid cudi and Steve Aoki
Lets get it started-black eyed peas
sandstorm-idk the artist but it a techno really good beat
Im sure this one has been mentioned but still one of my faves. I've really enjoyed reading everyone's music selections here. I've downloaded so many suggestions off this forum.
Run like Hell – Pink Floyd
There is a mashup called My Life on the Crazy Train Would Suck Without You, So What.
http://www.mashuptown.com/2009/04/my-life-on-the-crazy-train-sucks-so-what-dmf.html
Ozzy offsets Kelly Clarkson so you don't have to turn in your man card to listen.
Hey! Just found this site. I'm training for my first half and there's some really fantastic information on here.
But yeah, favorite running song right now is Savior – Rise Against. It's got a steady beat throughout the whole song, its super catchy and all I wanna do at the end is sprint for the finish.
And I have the Kelly song and Cliffs of Dover on my running playlist. Both awesome. I have Paramore on that playlist too – you do what ya gotta do.
Coldplay – Fix you. when it starts to pick up, you will to. good running tune.
Purple Bottle- Animal Collective
Thanks for the awesome site! You are such an inspiration, not to mention provide all the info i need in one place.
Animal Collective rules, I'm surprised to find someone else who knows of them! The song What Would I Want Sky is also amazing to run to. There's something great about their music! I actually like running to anything from Merriweather Post Pavilion by them.
Ok guys, if you want to really get pumped, I suggest running to Dragonforce. Anything by Dragonforce. It makes you want to run to the moon and back. TWICE.
Here's my playlist with some country…
All Star 3:20 Smash Mouth Astro Lounge Ska 4
Another One Bites the Dust 3:36 Queen Queen: Greatest Hits Rock 6
Any Man Of Mine 4:07 Shania Twain The Woman In Me Country 6
Baby Got Back 4:23 Sir Mix A Lot Mack Daddy Hip Hop/Rap 3
Baby Likes to Rock It 3:56 The Tractors The Tractors Country 3
…Baby One More Time 3:31 Britney Spears Greatest Hits: My Prerogative Pop 10
Be My Baby Tonight 2:51 John Michael Montgomery The Very Best of John Michael Montgomery Country 4
Beat It 4:19 Michael Jackson HIStory: Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 [Disc 1] Pop 4
Beautiful Day 4:08 U2 All That You Can't Leave Behind Rock 12
Bitch 4:13 Meredith Brooks Blurring the Edges Rock 8
Boom Boom Boom 3:09 The Outhere Brothers ESPN Jock Jams, Vol. 2 Pop 5
Born to Fly 5:36 Sara Evans Sara Evans: Greatest Hits Country 1
Breakfast 3:40 Newsboys Take Me to Your Leader Religious 2
Bye Bye 3:21 Jo Dee Messina Jo Dee Messina: Greatest Hits Country 4
Can't Get You out of My Head 3:51 Kylie Minogue Fever Pop 9
Cartoons [Live] 3:40 Chris Rice Short Term Memories Religious 2
Cecilia 2:55 Simon & Garfunkel The Best of Simon & Garfunkel Singer/Songwriter 7
Chattahoochee (Extended Mix) 3:57 Alan Jackson Alan Jackson: The Greatest Hits Collection Country 4
Come Baby Come 3:55 K7 ESPN Presents: Jock Jams, Vol. 1 Electronica/Dance 7
Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You) [Video Version] 3:42 Christina Aguilera Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You) [Single] Pop 4
Cotton Eyed Joe 3:08 Starsound Cotton Eyed Joe – Single Dance 6
Cowboy Take Me Away 4:47 Dixie Chicks Fly Country 4
Crazy In Love 3:56 Beyoncé Dangerously In Love R&B/Soul 12
Ditty 4:05 Paperboy The Nine Yards Hip Hop/Rap 7
Elevation 3:47 U2 All That You Can't Leave Behind Rock 7
Everyday Is a Winding Road (LP Version) 4:19 Sheryl Crow Everyday Is a Winding Road Rock 9
Eye of the Tiger 4:04 Survivor Now That's What I Call the 80s Rock 5
Fighter 4:06 Christina Aguilera Stripped Pop 7
Footloose 3:47 Kenny Loggins Footloose Soundtrack 5
Free Ride 3:23 Audio Adrenaline Bloom Religious 2
Get Ready 4 This 3:26 2 Unlimited ESPN Presents: Jock Jams, Vol. 1 Electronica/Dance 3
A Girl's Gotta Do (What A Girl's Gotta Do) 2:40 Mindy McCready Ten Thousand Angels Country 4
Gone Country 4:20 Alan Jackson Alan Jackson: The Greatest Hits Collection Country 4
Gonna Fly Now (Theme from "Rocky") 2:48 Bill Conti Rocky (30th Anniversary Edition) [Original Motion Picture Score] Soundtrack 6
Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) 4:01 C+C Music Factory ESPN Presents: Jock Jams, Vol. 1 Electronica/Dance 7
Good Vibrations 4:31 Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch Living In The 90's [Disc 1] Pop 8
Track 09 4:18 1
Guys Do It All The Time 3:12 Mindy McCready Ten Thousand Angels Country 5
Happy Girl 3:27 Martina McBride Greatest Hits Country 5
The Heat Is On 3:47 Glenn Frey Only Dance: 1985-1989 Rock 3
Hell Yeah 4:50 Montgomery Gentry My Town Country 3
Here for the Party 3:17 Gretchen Wilson Here for the Party Country 3
Holding Out For A Hero 5:50 Bonnie Tyler Footloose Soundtrack 4
Holiday 3:51 Madonna Madonna Rock 9
I'm Alright 3:17 Jo Dee Messina Jo Dee Messina: Greatest Hits Country 3
I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) 3:36 The Proclaimers Living In The 90's [Disc 2] Pop 3
(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction 3:43 The Rolling Stones Hot Rocks 1964-1971 Rock 9
I Like To Move It 3:40 Reel 2 Real ESPN Jock Jams, Vol. 2 Pop 7
I Love Rock 'N Roll 2:56 Joan Jett & The Blackhearts I Love Rock 'N Roll (Remastered) Rock 6
I've Always Loved You 4:28 Third Day Time Religious 1
I Will Survive 3:18 Gloria Gaynor 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Gloria Gaynor Rock 5
I Will… But 3:40 SHeDAISY The Whole Shebang Country 3
If You're Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows) 3:38 Rodney Atkins If You're Going Through Hell Country 3
Independence Day 3:26 Martina McBride Greatest Hits Country 3
Independent Women, Part I 3:41 Destiny's Child Survivor Pop 4
It's A Love Thing 3:41 Keith Urban Keith Urban Country 3
It's My Life 3:44 Bon Jovi Crush Rock 9
Track 06 4:39 1
Jump 4:04 Van Halen The Best of Both Worlds Rock 8
In the Light 5:06 dc Talk Jesus Freak Religious 1
Kryptonite 3:54 3 Doors Down The Better Life Rock 6
Let's Go Crazy 4:39 Prince & The Revolution Purple Rain (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture) Soundtrack 6
Let's Hear It For The Boy 4:21 Deniece Williams Only Dance: 1980-1984 R&B 3
Life Is a Highway 4:36 Rascal Flatts Cars (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture) Soundtrack 4
Little Bitty 2:39 Alan Jackson Greatest Hits, Vol. II Country 3
Love You Out Loud 3:05 Rascal Flatts Melt Country 2
Macarena 3:53 Los Del Mar ESPN Jock Jams, Vol. 2 Pop 5
Señorita 4:55 Justin Timberlake Justified Pop 11
Mickey 4:15 Toni Basil Best of Toni Basil – Mickey & Other Love Songs Pop 10
Miss Independent 3:35 Kelly Clarkson Thankful Pop 8
More Than a Feeling 4:45 Boston Boston Rock 4
My Girl 2:44 The Temptations The Wonder Years – Volume 1 Rock 2
My Next Thirty Years 3:37 Tim McGraw A Place In the Sun Country 4
Oh, Pretty Woman 2:59 Roy Orbison Pretty Woman Soundtrack 2
One More Last Chance 3:11 Vince Gill I Still Believe in You Country 2
Pump Up The Jam 5:22 Technotronic Living In The 90's [Disc 1] Pop 8
Push It 4:29 Salt-N-Pepa 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Salt-N-Pepa Hip Hop/Rap 5
Track 17 5:01 1
The Race Is On 2:56 Sawyer Brown Best Of Country 4
Ray of Light 5:21 Madonna Ray of Light Pop 8
Reality 3:09 Newsboys Take Me to Your Leader Religious 2
Redneck Woman 3:41 Gretchen Wilson Here for the Party Country 4
Right Here, Right Now 3:09 Jesus Jones Living In The 90's [Disc 1] Pop 5
Rock Your Body 4:27 Justin Timberlake Justified Pop 13
Run-Around 4:40 Blues Traveler Travelogue: Blues Traveler Classics Rock 8
Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) 3:20 Big & Rich Horse of a Different Color Country 4
Settlin' 3:27 Sugarland Enjoy the Ride Country 3
SexyBack (feat. Timbaland) 4:03 Justin Timberlake FutureSex/LoveSounds (Deluxe Edition) Pop 5
She's Got It All 3:29 Kenny Chesney She's Got It All (Single) Country 2
She Don't Know She's Beautiful 2:55 Sammy Kershaw Sammy Kershaw: The Hits – Chapter 1 Country 3
Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) 3:13 Beyoncé I Am… Sasha Fierce (Deluxe Version) Pop 6
My Hope Is You 4:20 Third Day Conspiracy No. 5 Religious 1
Stronger 3:24 Britney Spears Greatest Hits: My Prerogative Pop 11
Strut 4:04 Sheena Easton Only Dance: 1980-1984 R&B 2
Summer of '69 3:33 Bryan Adams The Best of Me Rock 10
Super Freak 3:21 Rick James Only Dance: 1980-1984 R&B 2
Survivor 4:14 Destiny's Child Survivor Pop 4
Sweet Caroline 3:22 Neil Diamond The Neil Diamond Collection Pop 5
T-R-O-U-B-L-E 3:01 Travis Tritt The Very Best of Travis Tritt (Remastered) Country 2
There's Your Trouble 3:13 Dixie Chicks Wide Open Spaces Country 2
There Are Days 3:12 Nickel & Dime 8 Through 9 Religious 1
This Is How We Do It 3:56 Montell Jordan Radio Waves of the '90s: Pop Hits Pop 7
This One's for the Girls 4:03 Martina McBride Martina Country 4
Track 16 3:11 1
Thriller 5:58 Michael Jackson HIStory: Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 [Disc 1] Pop 2
Tootsee Roll 4:03 The 69 Boyz ESPN Presents: Jock Jams, Vol. 1 Electronica/Dance 6
Two Of Hearts 4:00 Stacey Q Only Dance: 1985-1989 Rock 2
Ultimate Man 5:01 Nickel and Dime 3 Days in March Christian
Unbelievable 3:30 EMF Living In The 90's [Disc 1] Pop 4
Uptown Girl 3:18 Billy Joel The Essential Billy Joel [Disc 2] Rock 2
Walking On Sunshine 4:00 Katrina & The Waves Only Dance: 1985-1989 Rock 2
We Didn't Start The Fire 4:50 Billy Joel The Essential Billy Joel [Disc 2] Rock 2
We Got The Beat 2:32 The Go-Go's Only Dance: 1980-1984 R&B 2
What I Like About You 2:55 The Romantics The Romantics Pop 3
Whip It 2:39 Devo Greatest Hits Alternative 3
Who's Cheatin' Who 4:03 Alan Jackson Greatest Hits, Vol. II Country 1
Whoomp! There It Is 3:43 Tag Team ESPN Presents: Jock Jams, Vol. 1 Electronica/Dance 2
Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under 4:25 Shania Twain The Woman In Me Country 3
Where Are The Words 3:28 Nickel and Dime 3 Days in March Christian 1
Wide Open Spaces 3:44 Dixie Chicks Wide Open Spaces Country 4
XXX's and OOO's (An American Girl) 2:50 Trisha Yearwood Platinum Country Country 2
Yeah! (feat. Lil' Jon & Ludacris) 4:10 Usher Confessions (Bonus Track Version) R&B/Soul 3
You Dropped A Bomb On Me 4:07 The Gap Band Only Dance: 1980-1984 R&B 3
1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New) 3:08 Coolio ESPN Jock Jams, Vol. 2 Pop 5
1999 3:38 Prince The Hits / The B-Sides R&B/Soul 9
Party In the U.S.A. 3:23 Miley Cyrus Party In the U.S.A. – Single Pop 4
Womanizer 3:44 Britney Spears Circus (Deluxe Version) Pop 1
Girls Just Want to Have Fun 3:58 Cyndi Lauper She's So Unusual (Remastered) Pop 1
Nelly-AIR FORCE ONES…best beat EVER!!! Helped me through my half marathon last saturday!
mika* love today
mika's real good
Hearts on Fire – John Cafferty
Thunderstruck – AC/DC
All the above by Maino
umm…
DEFINITELY 'the distance' by cake.
that's a great one too
Queensryche — Jet Cit Woman
NICE!!! I downloaded Empire a few months ago because it had been years since I listened to it. Still kicks ass after all this time.
Bon Jovi – Runaway
Goody Two Shoes
Weezer – Troublemaker
Untouchable Remix – 2pac ft. Krayzie Bone & Swizz Beatz
Trapt- Headstrong
Ha! "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" is the top of my workout playlist.
Others include any girl poppy music like Destiny's Child, Lady Gaga, and a lot of reggaeton. Basically anything I feel like dancing like an idiot to!
Jai Ho by the Pussycat Dolls is a very upbeat song and easy to sing along with while you are running.
I LOVE anything by black eyed peas….especially "Pump it". This song usually gets me through the last half mile if I'm struggling.
Flat out the best running song for me is The Killers' cover of Four Winds (originally a Bright Eyes song)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no6_COroeLY
Love. Great, great pick.
The killers are amazing
i love it!
I tend to listen to entire CDs rather than playlists. Here are my favorites for running:
The Open Door – Evanescense
Something Like Human – Fuel
Absolution – Muse
In Your Honor (Disc 1) – Foo Fighters
The Colour and the Shape – Foo Fighters
Maladroit – Weezer
Stadium Arcadium – Red Hot Chili Peppers
American Idiot – Green Day
Any live recording by the Dave Matthews Band
And last but not least, anything and everything by Pearl Jam
Alpha Male by Röyksopp.
My number one choice is Firstborn, by J. Tillman (of Fleet Foxes). It's slow and melodic, so probably not anyone else's first choice, but running relaxes me, so it's perfect for me. I could listen to it nonstop while running. After that, pretty much anything by Against Me! gets me going.
Drop a bomb on em- eminem
not afraid- eminem
run this town- jay z
stop- ghost k
the second coming- julez santana
heart of a chapmpion- nelly
ali in the jungle- the hours
tick tick boom- the hives
bleed it out- linkin park
cant be touched- roy jones jr
wont back down- eminem
countdown- jupiter 11
eye of the tiger- survivor
Also forgot
till i collapse- eminem
stronger- kanye west
lose yourself- eminem
remember the name- fort minor
Boom – P.O.D
Thousand Foot Krutch – Move
note, some of these songs have cuss words so be advised, I buy the clean versions
Believe me by fortminor is a good one too
dude…i hope a guy didn't write this…kelly clarkson-really? youre gonna have to turn in your man card if thats true.
definitly The Pretender by the Foo Fighters
"wheel in the sky" by journey. AMAZING running song.
Just have to throw something different in the mix..once I started following the Chi or POSE method of running, my cadence increased so much I needed something fast to listen to. At the top of my favs is the group the Dropkick Murphys. Try it out..especially when you want an adrenaline boost, Great for trail running! I'm new to running period, having hated it until reading Born to Run…having great music makes it even more fun. Thanks for the amazing blog, I love it!
the killers – when you were young
Shameless promotion but hey, I run/bike/lift to one of my own songs along with other artists…..
AND it's available on iTunes as well.
"To Die For" ~ Cole Armocida from the album titled Lifeline
Handlebars by Flobots and Going the Distance by Cake…good middle-of-your run/get-your-tempo-back songs
Eminem – cold wind blows
Eminem ft Pink – won't back down
Eminem – Here we go
Eminem – Cinderella man
T.I. – Bring em out
lil wayne – best rapper alive
lil wayne – i'm a dboy
lil wayne ft jayz – mr carter
lil wayne ft eminem – drop the world
kanye west – can't tell me nothin'
black box – ride on time
shinedown – sound of madness
fort minor – dolla
korn – coming undone
scream – michael jackson
the crystal method – matrix theme
last of the mohicans – theme song
Your 9 look very much like what's on my 27 running playlists.
Death Cab's "The Sound of Settling" has a beat for pounding out the steps.
Lots of Against Me!, Mayday Parade, NeedToBreathe, Killers, Rise Against, Bright Eyes, The Cure (…how can you *not* get a second wind when 'Friday I'm in Love' comes on?!), Brand New, Death Cab, Ryan Adams, The Sounds, Gaslight Anthem, Taking Back Sunday…
So many good reasons to run.
Mixed Bizness- Beck
Move Your Feet- Junior Senior
-Just added these to the 'ol running playlist.
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' – Michael Jackson.. MJ has a lot of great workout songs!
somewhat new to running, and never ran to music, only people…but during a 1/2 I ran last fall, a friend let me borrow a device with her husbands music…when Vertigo came on by U2, that was it…replay, replay, replay – got me through…enjoying all of your suggestions, just bought myself a device!
Remember the Name – Fort Minor. Once I hear this song I get into a zone that allows me to push myself. Perfect beat and great motivational lyrics.
One song that's on all my playlists for running is
Let The Bodies Hit the Floor by System of a Down
Bananas- Gwen Stefani
Chopsuey-System of a Down
I'm Real-The Starting Line
Faint-Linkin Park
Enter Sandman-Metallica
Colision Cours-Jay Z & Linkin Park
Our Time Now-Plain White Tees
Not to nitpick but Let The Bodies Hit The Floor is by Drowning Pool. Decent song to run to though
Dropkick Murphys – Captain Kelly's Kitchen
Dropkick Murphys – Tessie
Dropkick Murphys – The Spicy McHaggis Jig
Thanks for all the posts.
i found this song has a good tempo.
Filo & Peri – Anthem
A few more Foo Fighters songs: This Is A Call, Monkey Wrench, All My Life, Generator, Low and Everlong.
If you want some really hard rock, Pantera and Five Finger Death Punch are perfect for sprinting days!
Juan Magan – Verano Azul
fort minor remember the name is my favorite to run to
THUNDERSTRUCK – AC/DC
I am a big fan of soundtracks…
Hands down one of the most motivating tracks I have listened to while running (which admittedly is a new thing for me) is the end credits track from the PIXAR movie THE INCREDIBLES. come one, what more doe you need then big brassy big band super hero music to motive you. Next on my list is anything from the Dark Knight sound track (once again, the super hero thing…I love it.)
Thanks, Tim. I never would have considered the Incredibles, but it actually sounds like it'd be great for running.
Nothing gets me pumped more then blasting "Du Hast" by Rammstein on my iPod. It goes great with the first steps of a race!
Galvanise by the Chemical Brothers
Try Motion City Soundtrack – Shiver, Future Freaks Me Out or My Favorite Accident. Great stuff!
Breakeven – The Script
Dynammite – Taio Cruz
Check Yes Juliet – We the Kings
I Just Wanna Live – Good Charlotte
Digital – Joy Division
Dead Man's Party – Oingo Boingo
Don't Do Me Any Favours – a-ha
Time of Your Life – Green Day
Busted – Candace from Phineas and Ferb
Make It Shine – Victoria Justice
staring at the sun- Tv on the radio
volcano girls- vercua salt
Battle-flag- lo fidelity allstars
name of the game- crystal method
lit up- buckcherry
banquet- bloc party
sunday morning- no doubt
dog days are over- florence and the machine
animal- neon trees
all gone to nothing- nelo
kids- mgmt
make her say- kid cudi
le disko- shiny toy guns
naked eye- luscious jackson
boys wanna be her- peaches
moths wings- passion pit
i'm bored your amorous- dear and the headlights
tko- le tigre
on call- kings of leon
bamboo banga- m.i.a
heads will roll- yeah yeah yeahs
l.e.s. artises- santigold
Bodysnatchers by Radiohead
I actually thought of more after posting this:
Mind Eraser No Chaser- Them Crooked Vultures
Unfair- Pavement
Tick- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Oh!- Sleater-Kinney
white wedding -billy idol
Totally agree!
How can the eye of the tiger not be number one???
Has anyone mentioned Springsteens 'I'm On Fire'?
I prefer calm songs with a fast rhythm. Some others:
Stephen Kellogg-The Way She Is
The Paper Raincoat-Brooklyn Blurs
Junip-Rope And Summit
Peter Wolf Crier-Lion
Neil Halstead-Always The Good
Lloyd Cole-Travelling Light
Mesita-Driving Home
Ryan Adams-Chin Up, Cheer Up
The Rentals-Little Bit Of You In Everything
Timo Räisänen-About You Now
The National-Brainy
Griffin House-I Won't Leave
Manic Street Preachers-The Year of Purification
Loveninjas-I Wanna Be Like Johnny
Here We Go Magic-Collector
I'm not a Coldplay fan but their Viva la Vida album has a few great tunes to run to. My #1 is Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love.
This is a little different than the other playlists listed. Mostly rock but it gets me extremely motivated when I'm working out.
Still Running – Chevelle
We Made It – Busta Rhymes
Ugly – The Exies
Lostprophets – Shinobi vs. Dragon Ninja
Connected – Hoobastank
Vitamin – Incubus
My Way or the Highway – Limp Bizkit
One Step Closer – Linkin Park
Broken Bones – Nonpoint
Bring Me Down – Pillar
Fireproof – Pillar
Can't Be Touched – Roy Jones Jr.
Falling – Staind
Riot – Three Days Grace
Now or Never – Zebrahead
It's My Time – Fabulous Ft. Jermih – NEED to check this one out. Great team pump up song.
Road to Nowhere by the Talking Heads
Forget You- Cee Lo Green
Psycho- Puddle of Mudd
One Girl Revolution- Superchick
Love Is A Battlefield- Pat Benatar
Best of Me -The Starting Line
Dance, Dance – Fall Out Boy
Physco -Disturbed
Damn Regret – Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Click Click Boom – Saliva
Drop The Bombshell – Powerman 5000
The Artist in The Ambulance – Thrice
Airplanes – B.O.B.
Blood Brothers – Papa Roach
Good Girls Go Bad – Cobra Starship
Headstrong – Trapt
Tik Tok – Ke$ha
Let The Bodies Hit The Floor – System Of A Down
My Like Be Like – Grits
Pressing On – Relient K
Savior – Skillet
Smashed To Pieces – Silverstein
The Plot To Bomb The Panhandle – A Day To Remember
Underdog – Audio Adrenaline
Who I Am Hate Who I've Been – Relient K
I Put On – Young Jeezy ft. Kayne West
We've Only Just Begun – Run Kid Run
Remember The Name – Fort Minor
Not Afraid – Eminem
Bodies is by Drowning Pool not System of a Down.
My list is
Static X – Push it
Tightrope – Janelle Monae
Girlfriend – Avril Lavigne
Smack my b*tch up – Prodigy
The Pretender – Foo Fighters (great to start with)
All my Life – Foo Fighters
Welcome home – Radical face. IMO the best running song EVER.
The only song that I really feel like runninmg after I've heard is Barry White's My First, My Last My Everything. However, I believ anything by Barry is good, just don't get a talky one!
Kick start my heart by motely crew. I always plant it when I know I am going to need a boost. It always works.
Absolutely. That one can't be at the start of my run or I go out too quick. It is impossible to slow myself down with that song on.
Here's some songs from my list that seem to always stay on even when I edit my list.
Coming Undone – Korn
Machinehead – Bush
Fully Alive – Flyleaf
Till I Collapse – Eminem
Lose yourself – Eminem
Out Here Grindin' – DJ Khaled
Stronger – Kanye West
Sabotage – Beastie Boys
Bombs over Baghdad – Outkast
Pump It – Black Eyed Peas
Act a Fool(remix) – Flosstradamus
Closer to the edge – 30 seconds to mars…great for the end of the set/projected finish
Running Down a Dream – Tom Petty
Beautiful Day – U2
Timebomb – Beck
Pump It – Black Eyed Peas
This song always helps me take it to another level: Saul Williams – List of Demands
I heard it in a Nike Football Video last summer and was hooked. Great Pace song…
My Body by Young the Giant… Awesome for that last mile of a hard run!
'lose yourself' by eminem is definitely an inspiring song, as mentioned by several people already…
and 'fighter' by christina aguilera.
BUT my top three running songs are
'i'm shipping up to boston' by dropkick murphys
'back in the saddle' by aerosmith
and the best running song EVER:
'lust for life' by iggy pop! i could run all day to the first minute-plus of music.
The song should be the top 1 of the list, strongly recommended.
I run for life – Melissa Etheridge
Won't Let Go by Newton Faulker is my favorite song to begin a run to!
Face Down by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is a really great song when you need that extra little push to run those last meters to the finishline. It makes you speed up a little bit to follow the rythm, and it just feels like you get new powers when you thought you were all done.
I Want To Conquer The World — Bad Religion.
Anything is possible.
Pictures of you by The Cure.
The Dears – Stick With Me Kid
Handsome Furs – Legal Tender http://youtu.be/35Jfc1PGCg8
Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie xx – Running http://youtu.be/56bu1n1IhY8
in an effort to find some new run tunes, i mined my facebook crowd for suggestions. i asked for recommendations around 165-170bpm and promised to contribute $5 to their fave charities for each good running song harvested. WOW! they had fun doing it and i ended up with enough new ear fuel to keep me pumped through summer. i spent a few bucks on amazon.com MP3 downloads and donated about $30 to various charities. totally worth it. oh, and my all-time favorite running song is "all my life" by foo fighters. it still gives me shivers and can improve my pace by as much as a minute/mile.
LOVE YOUR BLOG!
cheers,
trisha
WORLDS GREATEST BY R KELLY must have on that running playlist if your on a tough run and this song comes on you'll almost literally start to cry
Spiderbait version of Black Betty
@!#?@!- Motion City Soundtrack
Don't be a playa,Haiti- Rucka Rucka Ali
American Idiot- Green day
Run the world(Girls)- Beyonce
9 in the afternoon- Panic! at the disco
Let's go Jesus!- Rucka Rucka Ali
Good Girls go bad- Cobra starship
So what- P!nk
We are young- 3OH!3
Hey Baby(Drop it to the floor)- Pitbull
The city is at war- Cobra Starship
Free your mind- En Vogue
Club Villian- Your favorite martian
Memories- Panic! At the Disco
Here I am- The explosion
I'm for you- tobyMac
Defy you- the offspring
Your gonna go far kid- The offspring
Love is a drug- New Politics
Burn it to the ground- Nickelback
Gettin' Over you- David Guetta
I just wanna run- The downtown fiction
……………………Sorry. Couldn't choose one. =)
Honestly I believe that the track has to fit your stride length. And for me the best son has to be: Shake It but metro station, or Mr. Brightside by the killers
stronger by kanye west
its up beat and has motivating words
Agree with tiddley winks.
Stronger and Jesus Walks by Kanye are solid.
Firework-Katy Perry
Human, Spaceman, Mr. Brightside, All the Things I've Done, Read My Mind-The Killers
Bend and Break-Keane
Stick to the K's…;)
Ride on Time by Black Box, Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne, I Get Around by the Beach Boys, and anything by Maroon 5.
SO many great songs to choose from. The one that gets me each and every time. The one that I play in the last mile of a race or when a hill seems to long is "Living on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi (also "It's my life" is a close second)
wow, tough call on picking just one. I have many different running play lists… "Feel Good Inc" by Gorillaz, "Little Lover's So Polite" by Silversun Pickups, "Young Folks" by Peter Bjorn & John… those always seem to make it in my lists.
One of the best running songs I've found is by a new band called Young The Giant, song's called 'My Body'… great beat, great lyrics, etc.
Also,
Flogging Molly: Within A Mile of Home
Social Distortion: Reach for the Sky
Atmosphere: The Best Day & also Yesterday
The Killers: Neon Tiger
Muse: Resistance
The Avett Brothers: Kick Drum Heart
"JUMP" by Van Halen
Definitely That Song by Big Wreck. It makes me run soooo much faster: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0cqyg3y5DI&feature=related.
The entire album Treats by Sleigh Bells
Wake Up and Sprawl II – Arcade Fire
An Honest Mistake – The Bravery
M79 – Vampire Weekend
Crimewave – Crystal Castles
Lights and Music – Cut Copy
O! Valencia – The Decemberists
Maps – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
One Big Holiday – My Morning Jacket
Friday XIII – Deer Tick
Mr November – The National
Holland, 1945 – Neutral Milk Hotel
Get Myself Into It – The Rapture
Wanderlust King – Gogol Bordello
Send Me on My Way – Rusted Root
Dog Days Are Over – Florence + The Machine
I already had most of Matt's choices, but I used Anthony's list to create a new playlist. In return, I offer my own small list not featured here, with a somewhat Anthony feel:
Crazy Rhythms—The Feelies
Wolf Like Me—TV on the Radio
Hummingbird—Born Ruffians
Mountains of Your Head—Buffalo Tom
Left of the Dial—The Replacements
I’m Not Okay—My Chemical Romance
If you've ever seen Last of the Mohicans you have heard my favorite. Spirit of The Glen, by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guard. Talk about slowly building to a fantastic beat and rhythm that I swear could help me flatten a mountain.
Harder Better Faster Stronger by Daft Punk (though I prefer this for weights), and Highway Unicorn by Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga has a lot of good songs for running to but that one's my favorite.
A song I like when I want to push myself hard and fast while running is "Superstar II" by Saliva. Hard to match that guitar and drum beat to get you pumped up!
For a new song, I recommend Pedro the Lion's "Second Best". It's WAY TOO SLOW to be a running song and most people probably wouldn't be able to run to it, but it has a heavy, plodding beat that really keeps me going when I'm exhausted.
Oh, and Kanye West's "Power" (the remix, not the album version).
blackout – breathe carolina
mr saxobeat
if i never see you again – maroon 5 ft. rhianna
The Pretender – Foo Fighters – best song for that last 4 – 5 mins of your run to finish on a sprint
The Darkness is a great call!! My #1 that gets me going is Heads Will Roll by Yeah Yeah Yeahs and my #1 for inspiration with a great beat that gets incrementally faster is Ocean by John Butler Trio.
I really enjoyed this post and used it as a great source to create a list of my own with links and genre organization! I compiled 300+ songs organized across the genres of Pop, Rock, Rap, Classic Rock, and Instrumental. All songs have iTunes links so you can download easily. If you need more songs take a look!
http://themotivatedrunner.com/songs/
Looking forward to updates here!
[...] Update your running playlist. Of all the ideas here, this may the simplest, fastest way to breathe new life into your training [...]
I like to have Rihanna's "SOS" and "Please don't stop the music" at the end of my runs. When I'm hurting and I don't think I can get make it that last mile, those songs get me through it!
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I usually change my playlists once a month to keep from getting into a rut. However, I never remove these songs because they always motivate me when I am running:
Almost Easy – Avenged Sevenfold
Bring Me to Life – Evanescence
I Stand Alone – Godsmack
Numb – Linkin Park
Animals – Nickelback
Lose Yourself – Eminem (seems to be popular)
Everlong – Foo Fighters
Never Been Any Reason – Head East
Wicked Garden – Stone Temple Pilots
Tick Tick Boom – The Hives
Tell Me Baby – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Somebody Told Me – The Killers
Hysteria – Muse
Ch-Check it Out – Beastie Boys
Cannonball – The Breeders
Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N' Roses
and my favorite:
Testify – Rage Against the Machine (I turn the volume up as loud as it will go)
I also like these songs that have more of a pop feel:
Praise You – Fat Boy Slim
Burn For You (Shortwave Radio Mix) – TobyMac
Beautiful Day – U2
Wonderful (Radio Edit) – Gary Go
I Like to Move It – Reel 2 Real
Can't Get You Out of My Head – Kylie Minogue
Misery Business – Paramore
Move Your Feet – Junior Senior
Poker Face – Lady GaGa
Hey Ya – OutKast
Cupid Shuffle – Cupid
Don't Phunk With My Heart – Black Eyed Peas
It's My Life – No Doubt
Ray of Light – Madonna
This blog has given me some great suggestions for some new additions to my playlists. Thank you.