Mark and I are both runners. Maybe less so now that we have two little ones, but never-the-less, we are. It’s something we actually enjoy doing. Finding motivation to just get out there and log some miles can be tough though, especially if you think running is just not your thing. Finding a motivator may be just the thing you need to make running more enjoyable!
My husband, Mark, is my music man. He puts together playlists for me that keep me moving {and guessing based on his extensive music collection ?}, but it is something I look forward to as an element of my running or training. Mark totally finds his motivation in running through music. He has run numerous races ranging from 5K’s to 10K’s, half marathons and even one full marathon. He’s graciously here today to tell you about upbeat music motivation for your running playlists:
M: I remember talking to a friend after one of my marathon training runs on a Saturday, in which I ran 18 miles in roughly 3 hours. His response was, “You ran for 3 hours!! What did you do that WHOLE time?! Don’t you get bored?” Many of us know that training for any race, whether it is your first 5K or your fifth marathon, takes a lot of time and motivation. And everyone is different in terms of how they motivate themselves or how they pass that time on the pavement or treadmill. For me, running is therapeutic. It gives me time to think and reflect. I am able to let my mind drift but also just organize my thoughts. It definitely is a stress reducer, and there is nothing better than taking a morning run while the sun is coming up. Those are all motivators.
This is the view Lisa and I had on all of our morning runs when we lived right on Lake Michigan! This was a motivator in itself to get out the door and run each morning.
What you do during a run can be major motivation for pushing your speed, logging more miles or crushing a goal. I am the type that would get bored if I didn’t listen to music. That isn’t the case for everyone though. I know some friends who like silence when running and some listen to an audiobook or podcast. {Beware though, sometimes running with sound, especially on open roads, can be dangerous – so you should always use caution when putting your earbuds in.} When finding something to motivate you for your next race, I think the key thing is understanding what will keep you interested while you’re running. Whether it’s that new audiobook, the vocals of Celine Dion or joining a running club for the social aspect, find the key components of enjoyment that resonate with you and stick with them.
For myself, that key component is listening to music that is upbeat. Those beats power me through my run. Nike was spot on with their running app to include a ‘Power Song’ — a go-to song when you need a boost. I should pause here though and say, if you can’t even get to the point of fathoming the idea of an enjoyable run, be sure to check out where Lisa wrote about the habit loop. That would be a good place to start!
Music as a motivator.
Try it. I challenge you to listen to motivating music and report back.
Anyone who has trained with me knows I often times will suddenly pick up the pace and run faster. This coincides with hearing a song that I really like. Hearing that motivator makes me up my pace and keeps me going. It makes me focus on the music and enjoyment rather than only on the act of running. {L: Major way to get that runner’s high!} I’ve disclosed before that I have a huge liking to electronic dance music (EDM), and I find it to be very motivating during my running. The music keeps me moving!
I’ve compiled a playlist of songs I’ve used over the years for my runs and encourage you to add some of these beats to your running playlist. I really think you’ll be surprised at what it does to your training. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Mark’s Motivating Playlist for the Every-Runner:
- Silver Sand (Radio Edit) – Blood Groove & Kikis
- The Longest Road (Deadmau5 Remix Radio Edit) – Morgan Page
- Fast Car (feat. River) – Tobtok
- New Vibe – Jaytech
- Ok – we are getting more EDM like now. This is an frequent power song on my playlist.
- This Time It’s My Life (Radio Edit) – Micar
- L: Mark and his 90’s music. This has the tune to Bittersweet Symphony.
- Sansa – Gareth Emery
- Rise Up – Yves LaRock
- Oh Baby – Seizo
- Heaven – Avicii
- Avicii quickly became one of my favorite DJs, even back when he first released Penquin. This song was originally created by Avicii and Chris Martin (from Coldyplay). If they ever release this – this will be a huge hit! Checkout the Youtube of this song and definitely be on the lookout for this to add to your playlist.
- Lift Me Up (feat. Nico & Vinz & Ladysmith Black Mambazo) – David Guetta
- Ya BB (Official Radio Version) – Play & Win
- This is one of Maven’s favorite dance tunes! It’s good for a run too!
- So Much Love (Radio Edit) – Fedde le Grand
- Pjanoo (Radio Edit) – Eric Prydz
- Wonderwall 2Night (Ken Loi Bootup) – Oasis vs. Eric Prydz
- Midnight City (Eric Prydz Private Remix) – M83
- Feeling (Radio Edit) – Melsen
- Back Where I Belong (feat Avicii) – Otto Knows
- Ride (Tiesto Radio Edit)
- Beautiful People (feat. Benny Benassi) – Chris Brown
- Echoes (Radio Edit) – Henrik B, Niklas Gustavsson, Peter Johansson
- Alt+F4 – Alt+F4
- Now or Never (Radio Edit) – Tritonal
- Days Go By – Dirty Vegas
- The Stockholm Syndrome (feat. Froder) [CLMD Radio Edit] – CLMD & Kish
- Right Here, Right Now – Fatboy Slim
- Had to add this song at the end, although you may remember this song from your high school days and the warm-up jams that would be played, this song definitely is motivating in the middle of a long run!
What is the first song on your current running playlist? Do you have any recommendations? If music isn’t your motivator, what is?
Happy running!
-Mark
Stay in touch. Sign up via email below.