Top Songs For Running

A few days, ago, my friend Lindsay posted a blog with her Top 20 Running Songs, which has inspired me to do the same.

I tend to choose songs with a medium-fast beat (something I can comfortably run in time with--remember, I am not a fast runner. I plod.) that inspire me in some way. The songs are presented in no particular oder of preference--these are just the twenty songs I'm most inspired by when I'm out for a run.

1. "F***ing Perfect" -- Pink

I've been listening to this a lot lately, as I work on accepting my body as it is and working to make it stronger and faster, rather than "skinnier" and "prettier." It's full of girl power and "don't get yourself down."

2. "Bend and Break" -- Keane

Yes, I have a lot of Keane on my "Songs For Running" play list. This one, in particular, has a lot of meaning. It's sort of my theme song for running, as explained here.

3. "Just Say Yes" -- Snow Patrol

This one just has a great beat, and a good tempo. It's my favorite song by this group, and one I enjoy listening to.

4. "The Cave" -- Mumford and Sons

This song just has "awesome" written all over it, and from beginning to end, it has a feeling of driving forward, pushing towards something, gaining momentum. I really love running to this song--it makes me push harder and faster.

5. "Somewhere Only We Know" -- Keane

Well, duh. This is only my favorite song on the planet. Any song that can make me smile when I'm sad, calm me down when I'm angry, and make me believe that the world is okay, is going to also make me believe I really am a runner. This is just one of those so-perfect songs.

6. "Down River" -- The Temper Trap

Another song by a band I've only recently discovered, the Aussie group The Temper Trap. It's a very high-energy song that keeps me moving.

7. "Starlight" -- Muse

I'm one of those people who is very selective when it comes to Muse. I don't just automatically love everything they do like some fans of their music--but this is one of their better songs (Lindsay listed "Supermassive Black Hole" as a great running song and I also have that on my playlist) and it's fun to run to.

8. "Viva La Vida" -- Coldplay

"I used to rule the world, seas would rise when I gave the word..."

9. "Jaded" -- Aerosmith

Nothing like a little Aerosmith to make me feel like I can take over the world.

10. "Lovely Day" -- Bill Withers

This might not seem like a typical song for running, but something about this one puts a smile on my face and makes me pound the pavement with a little more enthusiasm.

11. "I Feel the Earth Move" -- Carole King

This one is pretty self-explanatory, I think!

12. "Buddy Holly" -- Weezer

This has been on my running playlist since I started running in January 2009. It just gets my blood pumping.

13. "Departure" -- Mt. Desolation

A great little song by the Keane side-project group, Mt. Desolation.

14. "Dreamer" -- Supertramp

Supertramp is one of those underrated bands that put out some awesome music in the 70s. I just love them, and the album version of this song is peppy and fast and so fun to run to.

15. "Get Ready" -- The Temptations

I really don't feel that I have to explain how awesome The Temptations are, or how this song might be perfect for a running playlist.

16. "Sweet Disposition" -- The Temper Trap

Another great song by these guys.

17. "Tripping" -- Robbie Williams

Ahh, my first British love. There's a very frantic feel to this one that keeps me moving. The video is, well, trippy.

18. "You Get What You Give" -- The New Radicals

I have loved this song since London Semester 1999, and still find it inspiring and awesome.

19. "Can't Stop Now" -- Keane

Ha ha, get it? Can't stop now! Keep running! Plus, you know, it's Keane, and a great song.

20. "Chariots of Fire" -- Vangelis

This is, by far, the cheesiest song on my "Songs For Running" list. I added it as a joke, but you know, I do love it. I remember wanting to be able to play this on the piano when I was little. I never did learn it, but I suppose I could if I found the sheet music. Actually, I could probably just figure it out on my own.


Those are just a few of the songs that cycle through my iPod when I'm running. I used to run without the iPod because I didn't like holding it. Now, though, I can't imagine not having music to help me along.

What are some of your favorite songs to work out to? What music gets you moving? Share in the comments!