30 Minutes of Music

Nike+ iPod sneaker

I am a new runner.  New in that I have only run in two 5K races ever, both in the last two years.  When my high school lacrosse coach used to make us run two miles before practice, I cried, I whined, I hated her.  Now, I’m working my way up past the two miles I used to dread, to just over four miles per run.  I still hurt at the end, but I feel great in a way I never appreciated when I was a hard-bodied teenager with perky breasts and a tiny little uterus who didn’t have to wear a pantyliner when I wanted to exercise.

So I try to go for a run a couple of times per week to stay in shape and get my fix of the runners high.  One thing I cannot run without, though, is music.  I have whittled my library down to form my Workout playlist, which keeps me going when I hit various highs and lows during my run.  I’ve found that if I time the best songs for when I’m hitting the hard parts, I can make it through with a little less embarrassment on public roads.

I got an email today offering a free 30 minute download of running music by Ellie Goulding.  I checked it out, but it’s not really for me.  I need a little more variety and a faster beat to get me going and keep me there.  So, in the spirit of sharing what works for me and begging for some new titles in the comments section, I’m posting my run mix.  Laugh at the corny old school songs if you must.  But the deal is that you have to share at least one title missing from my list in order to earn the right to make fun of me.  Then it’s free rein.

My Workout Playlist:

Raise Your Glass – Pink

The Sweet Escape –  Gwen Stefani

Burn it to the Ground – Nickelback

Party Hard – Andrew W.K.

Gives You Hell – All American Rejects

Face Drop – Sean Kingston

Party in the U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus   (I know, I cringe while typing this one, but I love it!)

Leavin’ – Jesse McCartney

So What – Pink

This Afternoon – Nickelback

Tequila Makes Her Clothes Come Off – Joe Nichols

The Anthem – Good Charlotte

I Do Not Hook Up – Kelly Clarkson

Paradise City – Guns N Roses

Jump – Flo Rida & Nelly Furtado

Survivor – Destiny’s Child

Lay Your Hands on Me – Bon Jovi

Shut Up and Drive – Rihanna

I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas

When I Grow Up – Pussycat Dolls

I Want You to Want Me – Cheap Trick

Flathead – The Fratellis

I have more, but I’m not up to running quite that far yet.  What do you love to listen to while you run or exercise?  Let me know!!

Shoe Pouch

Note:  Both photos display my two favorite accessories for running with music.  The Nike+ iPod sensor ($29.99 at Target) and the Shoe Pouch  ($6.99 on Amazon).  If you love Nike sneakers that have the nifty little slot for the iPod sensor  built in, great.  But if you’re like me and prefer a different brand of sneaker, I highly recommend getting the Shoe Pouch so you can use the gadget without trading in your favorite sneaks.  While you listen to your own workout playlist, the sensor will track how far you’ve gone and give you updates as you run on your progress.  My favorite is hearing the countdown of “Only 400 meters to go…Only 200 meters to go…”  Great to keep you going through that final push!