I listen to music whenever I’m running or working out. I usually listen to music and try to sing along when I’m cooking and think I’m alone until somebody comes by and wonders who’s killing a cat. And now I’m listening to music as I write this.
You’re not really supposed to wear headphones when you’re running a race, but I couldn’t stand listening to my own thoughts for 4 hours. That would drive me nuts. My strategy for long runs is always to distract myself with music that’ll get my heart racing. A good playlist is invaluable for a marathon to take the focus off the pain.
This is the playlist I used for my most recent marathon. It’s pretty evenly mixed between 3 different genres for variety. I put the whole thing on random so I never really knew what was coming up.
Top 40:
These types of songs are great because they’re usually up-tempo and kind of catchy. Plus you’ll probably already know them because they’re played on the radio every day.
Country:
I’m a big country fan. For the skeptics, I promise it isn’t all songs about dogs dying, wives leaving, and drinking too many beers on a Friday night. There are definitely those songs but they aren’t all the songs. I usually look for the songs with a good, strong rhythm that you could picture people in a bar in Texas line dancing to(not that I’ve done that… yet).
Alternative Pop/Rock:
These types of songs are really good for running in particular since the beat is so strong and they get your heart racing. I’m not a fan of the crazy, screaming metal rock like Metallica, though that works for some people, but alternative rock I find fun and invigorating.
Some albums to check out:
Here are a few of my favorite band and albums. If you’re looking to buy new music, I suggest listening to a few of these and seeing what catches your ear. Most of them are available to preview on Spotify.
Masterpiece Theater—Marianas Trench
Ever After—Marianas Trench(not on my playlist since it came out the day after my marathon, but I’ve been listening to it ever since)
Shallow Bay: The Best Of Breaking Benjamin—Breaking Benjamin
Incredible Machine—Sugarland
Various Songs—Miranda Lambert
The Singles Collection—Britney Spears
What are you favorite workout songs lately?
I have everyone of your Country & Top 40 songs on my playlist too. Rock/Alternative Pop isn’t my thing so I’ve never even heard of those.
Miranda Lambert dominates my country running playlist as well. 🙂
I absolutely need music on long runs. I like all your songs ! I haven’t really run to the rock songs or country, but I do like that type of music. I usually run to techno/dance type songs with a good beat.
starring this to revamp my playlist. glad to see we have the same taste in britney spears.
i love seeing so much britney! dev’s new song is sooooo good. i’m obsessed.
I can’t imagine running a marathon in general, let alone one without music. I have even left the gym before when I forgot music. It is way to easy to convince myself to phone in my workout or cut it short without motivation.
I love top 40, Christian rock/pop songs, and a few of 90’s country – back when I was obsessed with it.
LOVE LOVE LOVE that you like (and know) Breaking Benjamin… especially Saturate 🙂
I do all my races without music (notably triathlons, where it’s expressly forbidden). Luckily, there are enough voices in my head that I can keep myself occupied.
(I wish I were kidding.)