Marathon Playlist: Big Sur, Big Time
This chick's about two decades younger than I am, but I bet my tunes are equally as hip
This might come as a bit of a shocker coming from the chipper one in the Dimity-SBS duo, but I’ve been going through a running slump lately. Nothing major: It just feels like my spark isn’t firing in the morning. I still head out the door, but the spring in my step is missing. I’ve tried to, um, jog my routine with some different music, but nothing seems to be hitting the spot.
So here’s what I’m hoping: If I share my most recent marathon playlist with you, will you tell me some new-this-year songs that have got you moving? Thanks, and here goes (along with some post-marathon notations). According to iTunes, it has 4.9 hours of music on it. I overcompensated for fear of running out of songs in case the hills really beat me down. Finally: In a race, I always turn “shuffle” off—I actually try to plot the beat and words to keep me from going out too fast and, later, from burning out.
Big Sur, Big Time
When You’re Falling: Afro Celt Sound System (My go-to premier song on any race mix)
Sun Children: Nickodemus (another awesome start-of-race song for me)
Electric Feel: MGMT
Kids: MGMT (eek: did I really have the same artist back-to-back?! Didn’t notice it.)
Viva La Vida: Cold Play (fairly tame for this playlist, but wanted to ease into race)
I Gotta Feeling: Black Eyed Peas (okay, ladies, it’s time to turn it up a notch!)
Hands in the Air: Girl Talk (GT is my Desert Island Musician if my island were big enough to run on)
Accidentally in Love: Counting Crows (a nod to the kiddies and Shrek)
Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It): Beyonce (never fails to excite. I even did jazz hands around mile 4 when it came on)
Hate on Me: Glee Cast (Mercedes rules!)
She Talks to Angels: The Black Crowes (heard this in my first marathon—on a Walkman radio!—so it’s now a 26.2 standard for me)
Borderline/Open Your Heart: Glee Cast
Spaceman: The Killers
Beautiful: Akon, Colby O’Donis & Kardinal Offishall
Supernova (feat. Kanye West): Mr Hudson
Halo: Beyonce (always need to add in a slower number occasionally to make sure I don’t burn out the adrenal glands)
Rude Boy: Rihanna
Like a Virgin: Glee Cast (if you aren’t a “Glee” fan, skip down a few…)
4 Minutes: Glee Cast (sorry: Madonna ep had just been on! Madge’s version appears down the road)
Burning Up: Glee Cast (uh, one guess as to my current favorite show…)
Rehab: Amy Winehouse (tricked ya!)
No Rain: Blind Melon (sure, out of place, but just rediscovered it)
Umbrella (Travis Barker Remix): Rihanna
Gimme More: Britney Spears (wouldn’t be an SBS mix w/o her)
Gangsta Luv (feat. The-Dream): Snoop Dogg
Down (feat. Lil Wayne): Jay Sean
Imma Be: Black Eyed Peas
My Prerogative: Britney Spears
Pinch Me: Barenaked Ladies (again, out of place, but love the beat)
Forever: Chris Brown
Just Fine: Mary J. Blige (my ultimate tempo-run song)
Right Round: Flo Rida
Gold Digger: Glee Cast
Vogue: Glee Cast (yeah, them again)
Feel Good Inc.: Gorillaz
I Like It, I Love It: Lyrics Born (my ringtone!)
Piece of Me: Britney Spears
God’s Gonna Cut You Down: Johnny Cash (Heard this on a Josh Cox YouTube vid once, and I’ve been hooked ever since)
Womanizer: Britney (yes, again)
Bounce That: Girl Talk
I Am Superman: R.E.M. (a psych-song from college crew days. Message still resonates)
My Life Would Suck without You: (by, say it with me) Glee Cast
I Know What You Want: Busta Rhymes/Mariah Carey
What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?: R.E.M.
Lovely, Love My Family: The Roots (always inspirational to call the fam to mind)
Gives You Hell: Glee Cast (okay, yes, overkill, I admit it. But at the time…)
Like a Prayer: Glee Clast
How Do U Want It: 2Pac (reminded me of all my track workouts as it always seems to come on while I’m doing repeats)
Young Forever: Jay-Z (would have fast-forwarded as I was feeling ancient, but I decided to not fiddle with nano)
Not Ready to Make Nice: Dixie Chicks (country IS out of place, but this song fuels me. I listened to it countless times on one long, hilly route I often ran)
Mr. Brightside: The Killers
In My Head: Jason Derulo
Express Yourself: Glee Cast
Twice as Hard: The Black Crowes (my going-out-at-night psych-song during my divorced days. A Tab soda, some ginseng, and The Black Crowes and I was set)
Disturbia: Rihanna
Let’s Get It Started: Black Eyed Peas
Baby One More Time: Britney
4 Minutes: Madonna (one of the best workout-songs in my book)
Love Sex Magic: Ciara
Wake Up Call: Maroon 5 (I think I finished up right around here)
Here’s the Thing: Girl Talk
Stronger: Kanye West
Hard Knock Life: Jay-Z
Pass Out: Chris Brown
Under Pressure: Davie Bowie & Queen
Low: Flo Rida
Hard: Rihanna
OMG: Usher
Please Don’t Leave Me: Pink (just discovered this song thanks to Shazam)
Not Afraid: Eminem
One: Mary J. Blige & U2
Empire State of Mind: Jay-Z
Up Up & Away: Kid Cudi
Hell of a Life: T.I.
Show me the love: Please tell me your favorite 2010 songs
another mother runner 
My playlists are full of Glee too. 🙂 I actually like Kurt and Mercedes’ version of 4 minutes better than Madonna’s.
I don’t have any new suggestions for you as I’m behind on the current music, but I’m looking forward to seeing what others have to say.
I just though of something. No specific songs in mind, but my sister in law just introduced me to a band called Fun and they’re, well… fun!
Here’s a couple of my favorite high energy songs:
Your friends are tearing us apart by Eric Clapton
Uprising by Muse
Right Round by Flo Rida
Let it Rock by Kevin Rudolph
One favorite steady beat is:
La Grange by ZZTop
I hope you enjoy these!
Love “St. Elmo’s Fire” Man in Motion – totally throws my pace off but i can’t help but groove to it at some point in my run. I sing it if I don’t have my pod :S Thank goodness I live in the country the huff and puff along with yelling St. Elmos Fire is usually enough to keep the Bears away and no neighbours to think i have finally lost it.
Say Hey I love you~Michael Franti
Waka Waka~Shakira ( World Cup Anthem)
Alice~Avril Lavigne (Alice in Wonderland Soundtrack which has a few others that are good as well.)
Those are just a few that I have added to my playlist as of late. 🙂
i was going to say empire state of mind by jay-z but you had it on the bottom! but another good one (but slower) is free by zak brown band. great song especially if you are going down hill!
“Here Comes Your Man” by The Pixies- “Dancing With Myself”- Billy Idol- “Walk This Way” Run DMC… My kids love “I Love Rock and Roll” by Joan Jett
You gave me some good suggestions for mine, but here are few I have been using lately.
Beautiful Day – U2 (great now that the weather is better)
Boom Boob Pow – Black Eyed Peas
Free – Donavon Frankenreiter / Jack Johnson
Good life – Kayne West
Hey Soul Sister – Train (currently my 4 year old’s favorite song)
I am sure there are more and I will add when I can think of some …
These are not exactly from 2010 but a few favorites I didn’t see on you list (you had most of mine):
~Now that We Found Love by Heavy D & the Boyz
~Fighter by Christina Aguilera
~Work That by Mary J. Blige
~Switch by Will Smith
~Just Dance by Lady GaGa
~This is How a Heart Breaks by Rob Thomas
Michelle–
So glad you suggested a Christina Aguilera song! Over the weekend, while reading Entertainment Weekly, I decided I need to give her music a chance. Thanks: I am downloading Fighter as I type this!
I was gonna second Michelle’s “fighter” suggestion. It is one of my go to running songs. I mean, come on, with lyrics like this:
‘Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
Makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
It makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter
How could you not get fired up?!
I LOVED your playlist & added to mine. Here’s a few that might interest you (some are not for kiddos ears). 🙂
Invincible – Adelitas Way
Girlfriend – Avril Lavigne
If You Can Afford Me – Katy Perry
Misery Business – Paramore
Can I just say that your playlist is way cooler and way more hip than mine?
However, here are my add ins:
Party in the USA – Miley Cyrus (never fails to pump me up)
Just Dance – Lady Gaga
Bad Romance – Lady Gaga
Telephone – Lady Gaga (I don’t own this song yet but I do love it).
I love the Glee songs – sometimes better than the original artists. LOL
I definitely steer towards the alternative / hard rock, but my favorite newer band to run to is Silversun Pickups. I currently have Growing Old is Getting Old, The Royal We, and There’s No Secrets This Year on my playlist, all from their album Swoon.
Are you sure you didn’t just copy my playlist??
I also have some Cavo – good hard rock/alternative.
Favorite running song of all-time “Champagne” by Cavo.
I’m a classic rock/80’s new wave/alternative kind of gal, but I’ve been thinking in the past couple of weeks that I should get some recommendations for current music that would be good for running. So, thank you for this post!
I will second the suggestion for “Uprising” by Muse. I just added it to the mix last week, and that song always pumps me up a notch.
Another suggestion that is not new but is a fun song and a perfect fit for this group is “Fox on the Run” by Sweet.
I LOVED “Fox on the Run” as a kid!! Right up there with “Kung-Fu Fighting” and “Run Joey Run.” (Needless to say, I’m bummed the Glee version didn’t make their newest CD!)
not all from 2010 but some ideas
Say Hey – michael Franti
you and your heart- Jack Johnson
just like a pill – pink
it’s my life- bon jovi
days go by- keith urban
sweet thing -keith urban
down under-men at work
the sign- ace of base
one week- barenaked ladies
waitin on a sunny day- springsteen
somebody- bryan adams
mustang sally – the commitments
big machine -goo goo dolls
only want to be with you- hootie and the blowfish
half of my heart- john mayer
the emperor new clothes- sinead o’connor
all summer long-kid rock
Caroline–
I had NEVER heard “All Summer Long” until I was selling RLAM at ZOOMA race in Annapolis. The band played it and my friend who was with me clued me in. I now LOVE that song in part b/c it reminds me of the spirit of that day.
It is the perfect summer song…
this blog was fun…gave us all good ideas! thank you for starting it!!!
I too LOVE “Not Ready to Make Nice,” that song gets me up hills too. It’s a girl power song.
A few of my new faves:
A Star Is Born: Jay Z (feat. J. Cole)
Lost : Coldplay feat. Jay Z
Airplanes: B.o.B. Feat. Hayley Williams
Run This Town: Jay Z Feat. Rihanna and Kanye West
Beautiful, Beautiful: Francesca Batistelli
Grapevine Fires: Deathcab for Cutie (one to make you slow down and save it)
Hope these get your spring back! I seem to listen to the hardest core Rap when I run, and I tend to be a very demure girl otherwise! 🙂
Funny: I couldn’t find “A Star is Born,” but when I searched iTunes for Jay-Z, I found “Run This Town.” Listened to clip and contemplated buying it…now, on your suggestion, Meredith, I’ll pull the trigger!
yes, that is great one!
I really like: Jesus of Suburbia(Greenday), Evil(Interpol), For Real(Okkervil River), 59 Sound(Gaslight Antham), Mean Man(Sharon Jones/Dap Kings), Long Live the Queen(Frank Turner).
I got nuthin’ for you as I’m so far behind the times with new music here in India … that the only thing I’ve added in recent days is Waka Waka (Shakira) and Jai Ho …
Pathetic .. MUST add these new songs to my to-do list as my current running music is tired!
But, Naomi, it was you generously sending me all those burned CDs of your running club’s favorite songs that helped spur me out of my rut before. Thank you!!
Tik Tok by Ke$ha
19 and Crazy by Bomshel
Waka Waka~Shakira ( World Cup Anthem)
Glitter in the Air by Pink
Break Your Heart By Taio Cruz
What ya Say – Jason Derulo
Money – by Pitbull
Rocky Theme!!
Grainne–
Not only do you keep buying copies of RLAM as presents (excellent idea!!!), but now you’ve turned me on to Glitter in the Air. Just watched Grammy performance of that song–wow. Downloading it now. See you next month in CT.
I am in a Lady Gaga phase right now. Pokerface, Monster & Bad Romance are all new additions to my playlist. They really get me going!
Sarah, I love all the Glee. My current running mix has “4 Minutes” on it, the Glee version.
Two songs on my mix that never fail to make me pick it up a bit are:
Walking Contradiction by Green Day
and
Tidal Wave by Owl City
I realize Owl City is a bit techno teeny bop, but I have to tell you: I adore the album. All of it. I think I’ll run to it tomorrow all by itself.
Cathy–Do you have my Honda Odyssey bugged?? I just was groovin’ to Fireflies, but I had no clue who sang it and couldn’t grab my iPhone quick enough to Shazam it. Thanks for the suggestion!
One more thing to love about you? That you have a song with Peter Gabriel singing as your go-to song. My hubby made a 2.5 hour Peter Gabriel running mix that he says he loves. I may have to test that baby out some day, as I worship PG.
Oh, Cathy, I am a MASSIVE Peter Gabriel fan. In fact, my BFF and I have an on-going duel (that’s lasted, um, 15+ years!) as to who gets him as her Desert Island Musician. As in, if stranded, which one musician would you want on island with you. In 1995, Peter Gabriel was THE perfect solution: amazing singer AND smokin’ hot dude. (I mean, come on, if I’m going to be stranded…) But she had first dibs, so I had to “settle” for Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music fame (who, I might add, has AGED quite a bit better than now-puffy PG).
I saw Peter Gabriel live in college. Sigh…
Thanks for you list! Just in time for my marathon in two weeks!!
Looking over your list, I’m going to recommend Vampire Weekend. I think you would REALLY enjoy either album. Either album sounds better when running than anywhere else, they are hip and current, and have a nice upbeat sound. They should keep you moving through a tempo run – I promise!
Never apologize for Glee. It’s my go-to.
Not from this year, but I love One Girl Revolution by Saving Jane. How can you not feel empowered with the lyric: “I’m here to start a one girl revolution; I’m not the girl next door anymore; Baby I’m an institution.” Always gets me pumped up.
I always have Jump Around by House of Pain on my playlist. I have been known to “rap” along with the song, much to the amusement of my running mates. Distracting them and making them laugh always gives me a boost.
I was all excited to recommend Empire State of Mind, the only really current song on my iPod — but there it is at the bottom of your playlist. Maybe I’ll just recommend moving it earlier into the rotation?
I’ve been mixing in some older stuff, mainly as fodder for later conversation with my dad — his favorite? Don’t Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult. (Or, for us 30 year olds, More Cowbell).
I am totally adding Dixie Chicks to my list!! I forgot all about that song – it’s a great one!
I heard The Who’s Teenage Wasteland at the start of a race once and I found it really energizing, so that’s on my list. I also like Hips Don’t Lie (Shakira), When I Grow Up (PCD), Don’t Cha (PCD), Uprising (The Muse), Not an Addict (K’s Choice) (I know, I know, it’s a drug song, but running is a drug too) and Criminal (Fiona Apple). Most anything by Green Day has a good pushing beat.
Thanks for the list – I’m going to be copying portions for sure!
Can’t get enough of:
“Magic” by B.O.B. with Rivers Cuomo
“She” and “When I Come Around” by GreenDay
“I’m Gone, I’m Going” by Leslie Roy
“Numb/Encore” remix by JayZ and Linkin Park
“Lose Yourself” by Eminem (best warmup or cooldown song ever!)
Any of the Jock Jams CD’s from the 90’s
Loving all the other recommendations too!!
California Gurls by Katy Perry…my new fave running song…then again, I AM a Cali girl.
Also…check out the Ting Tings…Shut Up and Let Me Go, That’s Not My Name…both good workout songs!
Oh and I posted my 5k playlist with post-run notes here: http://kristenworden.blogspot.com/2010/06/running-wednesday3.html maybe you’d get a song or two to try out…some of them come from your previous run lists too. 🙂
Wind It Up: Gwen Stefani
Stupid Girls: Pink
Fergalicious: Fergie
Now That We’ve Found Love: Heavy D and the Boyz
Push It: Salt n Pepa
Cowboy Cassanova: Carrie Underwood (country, I know, but still fun)
Thanks for sharing your list! I actually have the Glee CDs but didn’t consider putting them in my running tracks. Not sure why. I agree with the Butterflies song and many of the others above as well!
I love Hey Ya! by Outkast. Used to be my Nike+ power song. 160 bpm
I’ll also second suggestions for Right Round and Let It Rock.
One more thing – I googled beats per minute and found this site that had a list of 48 songs that are between 155-170 bpm. Looks like you don’t have a few of them.
hate on me – glee cast
bad romance – lady gaga (or did i miss it?)
run this town – jay z with rhianna
rude boy – rihanna
love today – mIka
get on your boots – u2
elevation – u2
make it mine – jason mraz
hot n cold – katy perry
encore – jay z
change your mind – the killers
those are some of my favorites – btw excited to meet you all when you come to lululemon Greenwich!!! 🙂
oops – meant to actually include the link to the site – DUH!
http://www.43things.com/things/view/899166/list-songs-to-run-to-with-bpm
Here are a few of my 2010 playlist tunes: Not Myself Tonight and Woohoo by Christina Aguilera; Rapture by Alicia Keys (remake of Blondie’s version for SATC2 soundtrack–so awesome); oh and one more thing, apologies as it is not from 2010, but if you love the Dixie Chicks you must run to Sin Wagon!
my newest obsession is “OMG” by Usher
other mainstays on my ipod…
“boom boom pow” by the black eyed peas
“never going back again” by fleetwood mac
anything by regina spektor seems to somehow always fit my pace
the kings of leon & the raconteurs are both repeat offenders on my playlist
“ain’t no friend of mine” by mason jennings is a great one
“don’t you evah” by spoon always gets me through that point where i’m ready to throw in the towel
last but not least, dave matthews is my favorite running partner…”You might die trying” might be the most inspirational workout song on my ipod. it’s amazing how many times it has come on during shuffle mode at just the right time! it”s a perfect “last mile, you’ve come so far, this is what it was all for” song.
Rude Boy by Rihanna – perfect BPM for me; always gets my feet moving (just saw that you had this on your list, but I’m going to repeat because it’s the perfect running song for me – maybe because I’m short and don’t have a long stride?)
Tik Tok by Kesha
Till I Collapse by Eminem and Nate Dogg
Alejandro by Lady Gaga
Oldies but goodies:
Mama Said Knock You Out by LL Cool J
The Hand That Feeds by Nine Inch Nails
Hollaback Girl by Gwen Stefani
Thunderstruck by AC/DC
I’m more into the alternative stuff, but have a few of the ones you mention, and was able to add some more to mine from yours. Thanks!!
Here’s a few faves:
All-American Rejects – The Future Has Arrived
Weezer – (If You’re Wondering if I Want You To) I Want You To
Boys Like Girls – Contagious
Madge’s 4 Minutes is definitely one of the best workout songs. No kidding it seems to pop up on my play list on the last 4-5 minutes before my cool down all. the. time.
this year Glee is huge on my play list as is Lady Gaga along with my usual selections including Linkin Park…Bleed It Out always makes me run fast and strong and I don’t care who hears me singing along…and a little Dave Matthews (You and Me) and the American Idiot Broadway Soundtrack. I run strong to the title song, 21 Guns and Novocaine always sees me through when I find myself struggling.
“Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) Beyonce
“Come On Over” , “Fighter”, “Woohoo”, “Dirty” – Christina Aguilera
“Lovedstoned”- Justin Timberlake
“Who Knew”- Pink
“SOS”, “Don’t Stop the Music”, Shut Up and Drive”- Rhianna
“Rockstar”- Nickleback
“Desire”, “ONE”, “Pride (In the Name of Love)” – U2
“Long Train Runnin”,- Doobie Brothers
“Jealous Again”, “Hard to Handle”- The Black Crowes
Oldies, but Goodies. Thanks for the rest of suggestions provided. I just started running. Good selections.
I love your blogs! I have been struggling to get back into running again (I have many lousy excuses). However, making a new playlist did get me out the door a few weeks ago.
Strictly off the 2010/2009 entries:
Slash’s new album – Ghost; Dr. Alibi; and We’re all gonna die (Iggy Pop on that last one).
Pearl Jam’s Backspacer – Gonna see my friend; Got some
And I’m liking the new Godsmack, but it’s a phase. I’ll get over it.
Thanks for the tips!
these are my newest downloads (some may be duplicates)
Muse, Uprising
Pheonix, Lisztomania and 1901
Rihanna, Hard
The Temper Trap, Sweet Disposition
White Rabbits, Percussion Gun
Hockey (pdx band), Song Away
Broken Bells, The High Road (kinda slow but good)
Lily Allen, The Fear
Metric, Help I’m Alive
and my old school but dirty favorite:
Ice Cube featuring Mack 10, You can do it (naughty but AWESOME!!)
i hope you get your spark back, we all depend on your competitive fire to get us moving!! Go SBS!
So like others, I haven’t really been keeping up on new music. But here are a few of my standard running songs that you haven’t mentioned:
– Can’t Stop – Red Hot Chili Peppers (I usually hit skip somewhere in the middle, but that start always gets me pumped up)
– Fighter – Christina Augliera
– Survivor – Destiny’s Child
– Ain’t Goin’ Down Til the Sun Comes Up – Garth Brooks (perfect pace for me!)
– I Just Wanna Live – Good Charlotte (I am SO not a Good Charlotte fan, but this song is AWESOME to run to!)
– Mr. Jones – Counting Crows (a little slow if I need pumping up, but a nice distraction in the middle of a long, slow run since I can zone out and sing along to it – in my head, of course lol)
My new favorites are “Hey Baby” (Mocean Worker, Sun Children (Nikodemus), and “I like it, I love it” (Lyrics Born) — thanks, Sarah! — but here are some of my regular go-to’s:
Steal My Sunshine – Len (upbeat)
Run On – Moby (I like to start with this one – not too fast, but a nice rhythm)
Hey Ya – OutKast
Been Caught Stealing – Jane’s Addiction
Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve
Rockafeller Skank – Fatboy Slim
Circles – Soul Coughing
Tubthumping – Cumbawamba (I know the rest of the world is tired of this one, but I still like it)
Soundtrack to Mary – Soul Coughing
Walkin’ on the Sun – Soul Coughing
That’s Just What You Are – Aimee Mann
Gives You Hell – The All-American Rejects
Come Out and Play – The Offspring (reminds me college/grad school)
Don’t Tell Me – Madonna (this one keeps me going when I’m tired)
Ray of Light – Madonna (high energy!)
Should I Stay or Should I Go – The Clash
Heavy Things – Phish
Kryptonite – 3 Doors Down
Touchdown Turnaround – Hellogoodbye
Hot N Cold – Kary Perry
Suddenly I See – KT Tunstall
I Wanna Be Sedated – The Ramones (my kid used to sing “20-, 20-, 24 hours to go… I wanna be a tomato!” — love it! Good for the very hilly parts of runs)
One Big Love – Patty Griffin
I Want Candy – Bow Wow Wow (short and high energy)
Roots Radical – Rancid (my ringtone !)
Lately I’m in love with Body Bounce by: Kardinal. I love it because it reminds me of the way my 20 wk preggo belly bounces when I run 🙂
You should check out “Thunder” by Nuttin but Strings.
It is such a moto mover.
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