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Apr
28
It started with deciding to say yes to a challenge that felt impossibly out of reach, which led me to a beautiful city I’d never seen before and a finish line I never thought it would be possible for me to cross. A week later, I thought, I’ve come this far and learned so much about myself in the process—what if I kept going?
We leave on Friday for Eugene. The marathon is on Sunday. The marathon that I’m running in.
I pushed myself out the door a thousand times when I’d have given anything to stay home. I ran through wind and rain and dark night skies. I ran short, I ran medium, I eventually ran 21 seemingly endless miles, all in the name of preparing my body to endure 26.2. I spent money on tights and fuel belts and energy gels and music and hats and shoes. I got sidelined by painful injuries in my knee and hip and foot. I sometimes ran lonely; I always ran alone.
It’s been the hardest thing I have ever done, this training. A lot of it has been, in a word, miserable. I don’t know if I will ever want to do this sort of thing again.
But here I am, about to run a goddamned marathon. It’s not over yet, but I’ve put in the work to get this far and it is a nearly indescribable feeling. I read a quote once: “Out on the roads there is fitness and self-discovery and the persons we were destined to be.” I believe this is true. I believe these last several months of running have forever changed me. Or maybe just revealed what was there all along.
I’ll be thinking of you on Sunday, my friends, you who have helped me out so much with encouraging words and support from afar. Thank you for being such a positive presence in my life. Thank you for the kindnesses you’ve shown me and the advice you’ve shared. It makes a difference.
Now, assuming I don’t black out and die in a pool of my own vomit before I have a chance to make it past the audiobook section of my iPod and into the music, I need what can only be described as the World’s Most Epic Running Playlist, and here’s where you come in: what’s the one song that never fails to revive your flagging spirits, that you’d want piped into your head-holes to help stave off total physical collapse? The request line is OPEN.
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Stuff I Like:
Regina Spektor's "All the Rowboats".
She's almost unrecognizable in this video, but wow, what a song.
Smashbox brow tech.
Utterly foolproof eyebrow groomer/filler-inner.
Prada Amber.
My favorite perfume: sweet and exotic without being overpowering.
Blinc mascara.
I have tried all the mascaras and this is the very best one. Trust.
“Untouched” by The Veronicas. Love it.
Good luck this weekend! I’ve done two half marathons but have yet to work up the courage to attempt a full. You are an inspiration!! :)
Rage / Bomb Track
Ok, this is a totally corny pick, but it really does the job of pumping me up when I need it: “Hazel Eyes” by The Darkness. I challenge you NOT to pump your fist and sing along to the chorus.
Good luck to you, Linda. I’ll be thinking about you and cheering you on mentally!
Bad Romance by Lady Gaga (I know, okay, but I can’t help but lurve her)
Run for Life by Melissa Etheridge
Stronger by Britney Spears (Again, I KNOW)
Vindicated by Dashboard Confessional
And my new favorite song, which pushed me over the finish line at my very first 5K and may play on repeat over and over and over is:
Love and Memories by OAR (LOVE THIS SONG). The end.
Color me impressed, woman! I can just about get through 30 minutes of Jillian Michaels! That said, Ballroom Blitz, either by Sweet or the Damned’s cover.
Black eyes peas, pump it. It’s very upbeat and just makes me want to get up and move every time I hear it.
“She’s So Lovely” by Scouting for Girls. Also “Mony, Mony” never fails to get me through the last few minutes of a workout.
Probably completely inappropriate for some people, but Prodigy – Smack my bitch up
Always gets me up this really steep hill at the end of my run.
i have been reading your blog for a very long time and just wanted to stop by and say have a great race this weekend!!! i ran the eugene marathon last year and its a GREAT race, you will have a blast! the first marathon is SUCH a great experience, i am very excited for you :) soak it all up out there!
Fighter~ Christina Aguilera
Go gettem Linda….you kick ass
Bad Bad Boys by Midi Maxi and Efti
I wish you good running weather and know you have many fans cheering you on!
It might be weird, but Such Great Heights by The Postal Service is my go to, kick it into gear workout song.
Hmm mine are SO dorky but they’re really upbeat and loud:
Eye of the Tiger
Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne (great pace-setter when you need a kick in the pants)
Single Ladies by Beyonce (I just think of how fit she looks in the video)
Hot Hot Hot (the remix from Bend it Like Beckham)
I could go on and one but I’m sure others will have plenty more suggestions.
You are awesome, and you are going to kick ass on this marathon!
This song is totally cheesey: Eye of the Tiger.
It has a great beat that you can run to around mile 25, when it feels like you can’t run any longer.
Good luck!!
What about good old corny”We are the Champions”? Does it for me!
“Painkiller” by Judas Priest. The drums get you moving, and the lyrics are about a robot who descends from heaven to help all of humanity.
Plus, Rob Halford screeching. Good times.
Yo Linda, I’m really happy for you and Imma let you finish, but Kanye West’s “Stronger” is one of the best workout jams of ALL TIME.
I’m lousy with song suggestions, but must say rock-the-fuck-on-with-your-bad-self! You’re going to kick ass.
Anything from Rocky.
“New York, New York” by Ryan Adams – there is SOMETHING about that song that is so energizing!
Good luck – I know you will be phenomenal in the race – because you are!! You are so inspiring to me down here in Mobile – I contemplated driving to New Orleans to cheer you on (probably strange, but not a stalker, I swear) – you really are an incredible, inspirational person – thank you for sharing your journey with the rest of us!
Check On It by Beyonce – always gets me pumped up for some reason!
Lots of luck this weekend!! Can’t wait to hear all about it! :)
I am a long time reader/lurker. I started running about 4 years ago and have enjoyed watching you accomplish your running goals. That said, I am also running my FIRST marathon this fall (Marine Corps in Washington, DC).
Here are my favs from over the years:
Stronger – Kanye West
Hung Up – Madonna
Its Raining Men – The Weather Girls (my husband always comments about this song when he borrows my ipod!)
What a Feeling – Irene Cara
Good luck!
I second the Postal Service.
Also:
Here it Goes Again, by Ok Go
She Said, by Brie Larson
Chinese, by Lily Allen
The World Should Revolve Around Me, by Little Jackie
Big Girl (you are beautiful), by Mika
GOOD LUCK! I know you’ll shine.
Know Your Enemy by Green Day is a good one. I wish you all the best, can’t wait to hear how it went.
I have to vote for “Idioteque,” by Radiohead, definitely there most pounding, beat-driven song. Good luck.
Good luck, Linda! You’ll do great.
I wholeheartedly recommend “Numb” by Rob Zombie. I require a serious beat when running, and this has a kick-ass, scrape-your-tongue-off-the-pavement beat with lyrics that only add to the awesomeness.
Go, go, go!!! You have really inspired me. (The Couch-to-5K is on my postpartum to do list, srsly.)
My go-to, upbeat, grins every time song: Manhattan Transfer – “Trickle, Trickle”
Kick ass this weekend!!
I completely second the “Eye of the Tiger” suggestion… definite must for the playlist!
Sorry, it’s “Feel So Numb,” not just “Numb” by Zombie.
Oh and “Get Ready for Love,” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and “Atomic Garden” by Bad Religion.
Hit ‘Em Up, by Tupac. Angry=energized.
“Love Me Like You” by the Magic Numbers — starts slow, gets peppy, gets peppier, gets slow again, then gets CRAZY FUCKING PEPPY PEPPY PEPPY PEPPY PEPPY to push you over the edge to the finish line.
Next to You by the Police
“Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes” by Paul Simon (Graceland album) never fails to put me into a great mood, energize me, and get me moving.
Best to you Linda! The fact that you have trained and are making the attempt makes you both insane and awesome in my book.
“Kings and Queens” by 30 Seconds to Mars
and
“The Adventure” by Angels and Airwaves
I love the way these two build up throughout the songs. Plus the lyrics are pretty fitting on The Adventure.
My very, very favorite motivational workout song right now is “You Fucking Love It” by Dirty Pretty Things. Trust me, you will fucking love it.
You are so awesome. It has so great to watch this whole darn thing go down. Thanks for sharing.
Alrighty then, music:
Current go-to: Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”
(heh. “current” I know, I know, but whatever: it is a FANTASTIC running song, and has been in my running rotation for years
I’d be remiss to not mention Stronger by Kanye — I am not kidding you when I say I listen to it on repeat for THREE HOURS of a marathon. Every time my iPod would move to the next song, I was all “Nope, not working, going back to Kanye.” Three hours. Not an exaggeration.
I also really love the Jay-Z/Lincoln Park mash ups – Numb/Encore being my fave.
Enjoy it. Seriously. You’ve done the work, the race is the reward.
Also: take an ice bath. For real.
PS. KICK ASS this weekend, Linda!
Have a great race! I did one marathon and that’s it. I’m proud of that marathon but I will not do one again until my kids are out of the house.
My current running faves:
Imma Be – Black Eyed Peas
Ring-a-Ling – also Black Eyed Peas. Only bc they say ding-a-ling over and over to refer to penises and that makes me laugh like a school girl.
Sexy Bitch – because that’s what I am when I’m out running
Whip It – classic awesome running song
9 to 5 – I love Dolly and this makes me think about my dream to walk away from my job.
I’m stealing all these music suggestions, for sure. Before you run your marathon (yay for you!!!) I highly suggest you listen to a recent Radio Lab podcast on the topic of “Limits”. It’s pretty uplifting and educational, and it’s helped me on my (beginners) exercise routine immensely.
Best of luck! Hope you don’t poop your pants!
Oooh, also, recently I have been loving running to Van Halen’s “RIGHT NOW!” Seems appropriate, right?
“Sabotage” Beastie Boys. Old Skool.
“Panzer Attack” by The Cooper Temple Clause.
“John the Revelator” by Depeche Mode.
‘How far we’ve come’ by Matchbox 20 always works for me.
Good luck for Sunday!
Daylight, Matt and Kim
The entire Collision Course album that the commenter above metions (JayZ/Linkin Park)
Cosmic Love, Florence + the Machine
Heads Will Roll, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Diane, Guster
Bombs over Baghdad/The Whole World, Outkast
Good luck, good luck, good luck! I’ll be silently cheering you on on Sunday!
You are awesome and you’ll have a great time!
No inspiring song suggestions, but when “Private Eyes” from H&O’s came on, I could NOT clap. And clapping while running is funny.
Restless by The Crystal Method. The beat works its way into your legs somehow. Have a great race and I hope you booked a spa day for the week after for some motivation too! (And Molly- Midi Maxi and Efti- I broke that tape when I was in high school I played it and rewound it so many times!)
The White Stripes–7 Nation Army
Good luck! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
How about “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor? Only find some kind of kicked-up disco dance version. :)
Go get ‘em Linda.
Move Along by All American Rejects.
Oh and the Ecstasy of Gold from the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly soundtrack fo’ sho!
Beat of My Own Drum by Poe!
Songs that make me happy:
Message in a Bottle – The Police
Super Trouper – Abba
Mamma Mia – Abba (Really almost anything Abba)
The Minnow and the Trout – A Fine Frenzy
If you’re looking for faster music
Flame War – College Humor downloadable from http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1907543
i second lose yourself by eminem. my spinning instructor likes to throw that one on during uphill climbs and i swear to christ that’s what gets me through those climbs.
You are amazing and inspirational! Thank you for this awesome post and good luck on your marathon!
Hollaback Girl – Gwen Stefani The cheerleader inside of me gets so excited when that damn song comes on. I know I am so lame.
Good luck!! I will be thinking of you!
Whoops, it’s really called “Walk the Walk.” Still by Poe though. That song makes ME want to run a marathon (the feeling ends as soon as the song does. I hate running).
18 wheeler by Pink. I know, I know, I’m embarrassed to type it but it does the trick for me.
Higher Ground – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Canned Heat – Jamiroquai
The remix version of Total Eclipse of the Heart
Lose Yourself – Eminem
Eye of the Tiger
Ridiculous songs but they seem to get the job done. Good luck this weekend :) Kick that marathon’s ass!
Linda, I just wanted to tell you that you were a huge inspiration for me to start running when it came time for me to figure out how I was going to get back in shape.
When I don’t *feel* like running, I will ask myself, “What would Linda/Sundry do?”, and I tell myself, “Linda/Sundry would get her ass out on the street and run through it.”
So, for chronicling this process as you go through, I thank you. It’s been major. Some day, I may even tackle a full marathon.
I have two songs that I love to run to:
“Bad Romance” by Lady GaGa (the beat works)
“What You Waiting For” by Gwen Stefani
My picks are:
- Fighter (Christina Aguilera)
- Survivor (Destiny’s Child)
- Sexy Chick (David Guetta)
- Holiday (Green Day)
- Lose Yourself (Eminem)
- I Will Survive (Cake)
OK, so my themes are obviously fighting and survival, but GEEZ that is what is takes for me to get through a run!
Good luck to you Linda. You will rock it. You are inspiring!
Wow. This is going to be quite the eclectic marathon playlist.
My vote: Where Is My Mind? -Pixies
“Sexy Bitch” by Akon and David Guetta
“Smack my Bitch Up” by Prodigy
Anything by Lady Gaga
not to rain on your parade, but have you checked to see that the race allows ipods? Many don’t. Which I KNOW!! Is insane!! How can anyone run without music to keep them going?? But they claim it’s a safety issue or some such bullshit.
Laid – James
Are you gonna be my girl – Jet
You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet – Bachman-Turner Overdrive
KILL IT, GIRL!
Mighty Dub Katz – Magic Carpet Ride
GOOD LUCK!
I can’t run, but I bike, and Led Zepplin keeps me moving when I feel like I should be dead.
“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen — perfect for the end of a race. Good luck!
I know it is an oldie but “Girls just want to have fun” Cindy Lauper. Too much fun when you might be at a not fun point.
The Faders – No Sleep Tonight. Has this great drum hit on the refrain that picks me up on my runs MORE THAN I CAN EXPLAIN.
Ditto what everyone has said: rock on with your bad self! It’s been very cool to watch the changes in you over the years, and if it’s possible to be proud of someone you never met, I’m proud of you. :) My choice for non-stop song is Underworld’s Everything Everything – live version.
-Just Dance (Lady GaGa – just thinking about it makes me start hopping in my desk chair)
-Bittersweet Symphony
Go get ‘em!
Sorry, song name is Born Slippy/NUX – the real name, not just the chorus. Sigh.
Good luck, Linda! I’ve been reading your blog for ages and am so inspired by you. That said “Push It” by Salt n’ Peppa always does it for me.
Go Linda!
I suggest Le Tigre’s “Deceptacon”–it jams from the moment it starts.
Trust me…She’s So Cold by the Rolling Stones. Perfect beat.
Good luck!
I love songs that have “run” in them when I run.
Rihanna – Pon De Replay (Run, run, run, run, everybody move run……)
I loves the Black Eyed Peas too. Let’s Get It Started – And the base keeps runnin, runnin. And runnin, runnin..
Laura C I have those on my shuffle too :) I second the White Stripes Seven Nation Army too.
Off to add Hollaback Girl to my playlist. Thanks Sande……
Oddly enough, Time Warp from the Rocky Horror Picture Show always make me run just a bit faster.
Good Luck!
This is going to show my age but I always get a little extra burst of energy when Paradise City by GnR comes on. Classic!
You’re going to do great in the marathon!
The song that always gets me going in my workout is Wat Pomp by Die Antwoord.
Oh, and anything by The National – bom bom bom bom bom bom – always a great beat that just keeps going.
Dude. Dragula by Rob Zombie, Guarded by Disturbed. Just thinking about these songs makes me want to go out and run. Or whack something with a stick. Whichever.
You are going to kick that marathon in the balls. Rock it!
Counting Bodies Like Sheep / Perfect circle
good industrial rock :)
-Adagio for Strings (full length version) by dj tiesto
-Now we are Free by Gladiator
-That’s not my name by the Ting Tings
-All the Small Things by Blink-182
-I need a miracle by Cascada
-Now You’re Gone by Basshunter
-Sandstorm by Darude
-Us by Regina Spektor
“Train in Vain” by The Clash, London Calling album. At least, that’s what would keep me going.
Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship. Yes, it’s cheesy but it works for me!
anything by Alanis morissette. I call her the Angry Woman. but she keeps me going 10 miles on a bike.
Good Luck. I’ll be waving from Portland!
SO LAME but I can’t help it…”Faith” by George Michaels…and it’s like seven minutes long. Almost a whole mile :)
Lose Yourself – Eminem
Drop the World – Lil Wayne & Eminem
History in the Making – Darius Rucker
Empire State of Mind – Jay Z
I’m So Paid – Akon
Oh Linda, what an awesome adventure you have ahead of you. I must agree with you that training for the marathon is as big, if not bigger, an accomplishment as completing it. I look back on those training runs with as much pride as the memories of crossing the finish line 26.2 miles later. Will be thinking of you Saturday, clear across the country on Long Island, NY. Come run the Hamptons Marathon in October!
Okay, this is super corny, but the chorus of Queen’s The Show Must Go On pretty much makes me feel like I can run a marathon right then with no training.
I can’t wait to hear how it goes! Good luck!
Good luck on Sunday, Linda! I’ll definitely be thinking of you, because I’m running my first ever 10K the same day, and I’m doing it largely because you inspired me. (I’m a regular lurker here, only sometimes commenter.)
My only playlist suggestion is Vertigo by U2 as MY long runs are still less than an hour and therefore a single episode of NPR’s Radiolab gets me through it. And I’m a gigantic NPR nerd.
You are going to do awesome!! We are all so proud of you!
My input for music would be Blue October, anything by them, I love them so much.
fuckin’ in the bushes — oasis
also…
don’t rain on my parade — barbra streisand. because come on.
Imma Be by the Black Eyed Peas.
Good luck! I have done halfs, but have yet to pull the trigger and sign up for a full…wimpy me.
I just discovered “Bicycle” by the Memory Tapes. It’s kind of ethereal and mystical and about half the song is a chorus of voices that kinda makes me tear up. IDK — kind of hard to describe, but it might be up your alley.
From the ‘Songs I Have Listened to On Repeat For Hours to Keep Myself Going’ file, I nominate Dar Williams’ “Closer to Me.” It’s all about journeying and getting yourself going and that sounds good for a marathon. Granted, I only run when I’m being chased, but it should work.
Good luck! :)
Send me on my way by rusted root . Has lots of happy flutes and drums
Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
You are fabulous.
I have no music suggestions because I don’t exercise (I leave that to my husband, who has just done his 6th marathon), though he does like The Propellorheads for that sort of thing, I think. So there you go.
Have a great run. You’ve earned it.
Get ‘em, Linda!
My starting song is always has to be Son’s Gonna Rise from Citizen Cope, and if I timed it right/manage to find it I like to end with Good Girls Go Bad by Cobra Starship.
I fear this may be a little cheesy but the Melissa Etheridge song, “I Run for Life” pushed me over my 5K finish line when, just two months before, I couldn’t run a solid minute.
I’ll be thinking of you Sunday, Linda. You can so totally rock the shit out of this.
I have no witty songs to add, just to make sure all the kids’ crap is off your random lists – I get to plugging along (I’m mostly walking/jogging) and there’s nothing that kills a good rhythm than having Mickey Mouse Clubhouse or Choo Choo Soul come blasting on – ACK!
Rock it Sunday – you’re amazing. Can’t wait to hear the story!
Rear View Mirror- Pearl Jam
“I gather speed… from you fuckin’ with me!!”
These three songs are seriously awesome and will keep you going.
A King Without a Crown: Matisyahu
Jockey full of Bourbon: Moshav
I Just Want to Celebrate: Rare Earth (the Mocean worker remix on treadmill training mixed terrain 1)
Linda, I am so excited for you. I am so proud of you. Good luck. Remember to enjoy it! Run your ass off, girl.
I am a former marching band geek so I need tempo music. Here are my faves:
Tik Tok – Ke$ha
Cup of Life – Ricky Martin
I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
Army – Ben Folds
Ok, this may not be your speed but “Move B*tch” by Ludacris always get my blood pumping. It’s not PC but I feel strong and badass when listening to this song. It is appropriate for a race though because you want to tell the other racers to “get out tha way!!”
Linda! YOU ROCK! Good luck!
Here it is:
“Lose My Breath” Destiny’s Child
“Strutter” The Donna’s (it’s a cover of the kiss song but they do it faster. And harder.)
“Brass Monkey” The Beastie Boys
All are fast and I just automatically push it when I hear them! I’ll be thinking of you this weekend!
Good luck Linda. As many other have said I find you very motivational. My favorite song these days for working out is “Breaking Dishes” by Rihanna.
the way you make me feel
Michael Jackson.
You’ve been a great inspiration to me on my own running path. Good Luck!
Oldies but Goodies to keep up the pace:
Bob Segar-Against the Wind, Still the Same, Old Time Rock and Roll
Joe Cocker-Up Where We Belong
Alan Parsons Project-Psychobabble
Bruce Springsteen-Born to Run, I’m on Fire
Roy Orbison-Pretty Woman
The Doors-Light My Fire
Queen-We are the Champions, We will Rock You
Chariots of Fire to finish
no bad news- patty griffin
go go go. you’ve already won.
I’ve got two:
She is Beautiful by Andrew W.K.
This Too Shall Pass by OK Go (the live version with the Notre Dame Marching Band)
Like a Friend – Pulp. It starts slow but then it picks up. Good luck to you! You are an inspiration to a lot of us out here on teh interwebs.
Hellllooooo!! *waves from bottom of seemingly endless comments*
My hands-down run across the finish line in a vomitous blaze of glory song is “The Final Countdown” by Europe. Just thinking of the intro gives me goosebumps of AWESOME.
Good luck, Linda. I know you’ll do a great job!
My songs are:
The Power – Snap
Break Stuff – Limp Bizkit (I know I’m a dork)
Break My Stride – Matthew Wilder
Paralyzer – Finger Eleven
Mickey – Toni Basil
The Killers “Mr. Brightside” or “Somebody Told Me”
the slow build and then the screamy singing
You’re gonna rock it, Linda!
The Stripper Song by Wyclef Jean – I cannot explain it, but I just love this dang song when I am running!
Gay Bar by Electric Six. Only problem with the song is it’s too short-but it’ll be a 2 minute energy infusion.
okay my suggestion would be to put more than you think you’ll need so that if you’re not feeling a song you can just skip through it and onto something that will give you a litte pick me up.
loose yourself – eminem
start me up – the rolling stones
here i come – fergie
sex on fire – kings of leon
tusk – fleetwood mac
numb -jay-z and linkin park
paint it black – the rolling stones
today – smashing pumpkins
i’m so pumped for you. i’ve signed up for my first marathon in portland this october. i love your running posts. now go kick ass!
I trained for my first 5K on Tom Petty’s gratest hits. Something about Refugee always gets me movin. Also, Running Down A Dream is pretty apropos.
So many of my pop faves were already mentioned, but I’ll add “Afraid” by Nelly Furtado to the mix.
Good luck!
Rise Against: Ready to Fall
The Cure: Doing the Unstuck
Guns & Roses: Welcome to the Jungle
Dorothy at 40: Cursive
GREAT luck, girl! You are going to rock it.
Holy cow! Good luck and know that we are all cheering for you! You’ll do great!
The songs…for me to get totally pumped up and in a don’t-fuck-with-me-I-RULE attitude, I choose:
A.M. Radio by Everclear
Walking Contradiction by Green Day
Thanks for the Memories by Fall Out Boy
Oops – I wrote the Cursive song backwards, should have been:
Cursive: Dorothy at 40
=)
Good luck Linda, you are truly an inspiration!
Eye of the Tiger
Simply the Best by Tina Turner
Beggin’ by Madcon
Drop the World – Lil Wayne & Eminem
Imma Be – Black Eyed Peas
Dragula – Rob Zombie
Going to California – Led Zep
Tik Tok – Kesha
Boom Boom Pow – Black Eyed Peas
April 29, 1992, Santeria, What I Got – Sublime
Good luck lady. You can do it!
So I did my marathon a year and a half ago and I am glad to say that I did it, but I can cross that item off my bucket list. Never again! My husband made me an awesome playlist, and here are some of my suggestions from that:
Thunderstruck – ACDC
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
Enter Sandman – Metallica – I’m a Yankees Fan – It get’s me excited for the 9th inning!
Longtime lurker, first-time commentor, but how could I not chime in? In my opinion, the running mix makes the run. It makes the training run. It makes the race. I’ve done a marathon and a couple of halfs and know what you’re about to do — the nerves are the worst, aren’t they? If the race doesn’t allow iPods, sneak the headphones up the back of your shirt. Anyway, here are my votes:
Brand New Day – Sting (put this at the front of the running mix. It’s a good one to start out to.)
Superstition – Stevie Wonder
Get Jiggy Wit It – Will Smith
Hit Me Baby One More Time – Britney
Come on Eileen – Dexies Midnight Runners (or whatever that band is called!)
Let’s Get it Started – Black Eyed Peas
A Sort of Fairytale – Tori Amos (NOT an upbeat song, really, but put it in the middle of your run when you’re zoning out — the beat is a good cadence to run to and the melody is so pretty it’s kind of inspirational).
GOOD LUCK!!!
Good luck! Hotel Yorba by the White Stripes is always good for making me want to jump up and down, so I assume it works well for running, to.
anything by Green Day.
Delirious – Prince. It kicks almost as much ass as you do.
Thoroughly idiotic, but I swear it always works: “Do It” by…the Spice Girls.
Don’t knock it till you try it.
Dark Matter – Andrew Bird
So cool! Have fun.
Dude I am so happy you asked this question so I can come back and review what everyone has said. You rock and you’ll do amazing…best of luck. Right now my favorite is Hollaback Girl, Gwen Stefani, which is probably my favorite only because it is a newly added one. But it does the trick mid long run.
You’re amazing and inspiring!
How about:
Mercedez Benz – Miss Platnum
-and-
Invincible – OK Go
“I’m Running” by Mistress Barbara
Here are the lyrics: http://www.lyricsreg.com/lyrics/misstress+barbara/I%B4m+Running/
LOVE this song.
Can’t wait to hear all about your race. Own it!!
Here are two of my favorite “get out of a bad mood” songs:
Been Caught Stealin’ – Jane’s Addiction
Head Like a Hole – Nine Inch Nails
Some more recent:
Uprising – Muse
Little Lion Man – Mumford & sons
The funny thing is that no one who knows me would ever guess that I like those songs.
Best of luck with the marathon!
You are going to love doing the marathon (even when you’re hating it and wondering why you ever on earth thought it might be a good idea). You’ll finish and you’ll swear you’d never do THAT again….and a couple days later you’ll start strategizing about how you’ll do it differently next time.
As for music — there is nothing like a seriously loud gospel choir to get you moving. I have one song called “shut up and start praying”; it’s not particularly rowdy but it makes me laugh whenever it comes on during a run. And you can’t go wrong with old school Motown (Jackson 5) or Earth Wind & Fire
When Worlds Collide – Powerman 5000
Works every time! Best of luck to you!
When I did my first long race (20k) without a partner, I have a great memory of high-fiving the cop stopping traffic while dancesprinting to the finish line to “Footloose.” I was like 249th of 275, but I was in the BEST mood!
Also: Underdog, by Spoon; Kiss Me Deadly, by Lita Ford; American Girl, by Tom Petty; Dancing with Myself, by Billy Idol and Head over Heels by the Go-Gos (1st line: “Been running so long…”)
Look, not that I had musical credibility to begin with, but here goes nothing:
Ani DiFranco – “Angry Anymore”
Kate Nash – “Foundations”
Kanye West – “Stronger”
Daft Punk – “Harder Better Faster Stronger”
Timbaland – “The Way I Are”
Rhianna – “Shut Up and Drive”
Rhianna – “Disturbia”
Depeche Mode – “Personal Jesus”
Violent Femmes – “Add it Up”
Dead Milkmen – “Punk Rock Girl”
Gnarls Barkley – “Run”
Survivor – “Eye of the Tiger” (Better known as the Rocky training theme)
The Chieftains – “The Hunter’s Purse” (which I know is the most random thing, ever, but it’s so cool and so quick that before you know it 2 minutes have passed and you find yourself wanting to listen to it again)
Love Shack by the b-52’s.
No I’m not joking.
“Wonderful” by Gary Go. It’s that song featured in the DisneyNature Oceans Trailer. Very uplifting.
“Five Minutes to Midnight” – Boys like Girls. Just good and upbeat.
“Rocky Road to Dublin” – Drop Kick Murphys. High Irish Energy!
“Danger Zone” Kenny Loggins. Top Gun. Need I say more?
“You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” – The Offspring. Probably would be great for one of those miles in which your slowly imagining drawing a blade down your wrist in agony.
“Let the Flames Begin” – Paramore. Another one of those “Time to put it into Kickass Mode” songs.
“Automatic” – Tokio Hotel. Very upbeat, techno.
Other than those.. I’ve got a lot of Japanese songs, but I doubt you want those.
Rock on girl! You can totally do it, I did it once and tried a few more times but my body reminded my brain that I said I would only run 1 marathon.
So Whatcha Want – Beastie Boys
Call Me, Blondie
Rebel Rebel and/or Fame, David Bowie
Groove in the Heart, Dee Lite
Personal Jesus, Depeche Mode
Feel Good Inc, Gorillaz
Big Pimpin, Jay Z
Are you going to be my girl, Jet
Sexy Back, Justin Timberlake
Mr Brightside, The Killers
The Beautiful People, Marilyn Manson
Electri Feel, MGMT
I could keep going, but I’ll stop in the mid M’s! Good luck and enjoy all those yummy carbs.
Idina Menzel singing “Defying Gravity” on Wicked’s original cast recording.
It’s Your Thing by the Isley Brothers!! Rock it, Linda!!!
I like Rob Zombie when I need to fire myself up – particularly Dragula and Superbeast. Our 12 yo wants to hear them before his soccer games. :)
I’ll be thinking about you Sunday. I can’t wait to hear about it. I know you’ll kick that marathon’s ass.
We have the country’s largest half-marathon here, and I’ve always wanted to participate. A fact I’ve kept to myself because I don’t think anyone would believe it! Someday….
Rob Zombie’s “More Human Than Human”
Good luck!!!
The best part of my workout mix is these three songs in a row: “Come On Eileen” by Dexy’s Midnight Runners, “Pump It” by the Black Eyed Peas, and “SOS” by Rihanna. I’m so excited for you, good luck!!
Okay, dude, you’re going to rock this bitch, I know it.
For songs, I’m going to suggest Vampire Weekend’s “Giving Up the Gun” and “M79″ Or really, the whole eponymous debt album, plus Giving Up the Gun from the second.
Also, seconding Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” and the whole Rocky soundtrack.
Let’s see … I find Celine Dion’s “Taking Chances” and “A New Day Has Come” to be inspiring (SHUT UP.)
Ben Folds’ version of “In Between Days” is my favorite, too, and always gets me going.
Good luck! You’re going to be awesome!
“I am Superman” – REM
Good luck, I know you will do great! I will be thinking of you this weekend.
Reading about your journey has been really inspirational for me. I am always in awe of how much you pack into your days, you seem to get it all in, time with your boys, time with your husband, work, fitness and now school. You have made me see how worthwhile all the effort is in all areas of our lives, and how you don’t know what you can accomplish until you try. So now I am working toward something I always thought was impossible for me, a 5K. Thanks for that, its a new feeling for me to work toward difficult goals and not shy away.
I’d recommend Holiday by Vampire Weekend.
first of all good luck! second of all, thanks for this post b/c I needed good workout music too and love to hear other people’s ideas. third: “Cobrastyle” by Teddybears and “Tenderoni” by Chromeo (MSTRKRFT remix0
…man, I am really that old (I don’t think so), I honestly don’t recognize many of the songs suggested…BUT “Low” by Flo-Rida helps me step it up!!! My regular go-to song is “Busa” from Songs from the Lion King-Rhythm of the Pride Lands…good strides, Linda!!!!!
Hips don’t lie- Shakira
I ain’t living long like this- Waylon Jennings
You shock my all night long- AC/DC
So many great songs that I have to go pick up now.
Good luck with your race.
Kid Rock – So Hott
I listen to mostly country music but my spin instructor always plays this song and I love rockin out on the bike to it. So out of style for me :)
Kick Ass this weekend.
I’m fourthing or fifthing Eye of the Tiger. Love the beat.
Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne. I know, I KNOW. It just makes 3.5 minutes go by a little easier.
You’re going to kill it, Linda, I have no doubt.
I was thinking of you recently on this very subject and thought, “I need to tell Linda about The DNC!” I first heard their music on Jamie Oliver’s show — they did a flash mob dance routine to one of their songs. I definitely recommend “Jungle Flames,” “Ur The Bomb,” and “Feeling Good (Oooh La La).” If you’re only going to go for one though, go for “Jungle Flames” — I guarantee you’ll love it.
i’ll be thinking of you on sunday, linda. you rock!
my fave song of ‘em all to start a run is “countdown” by jupiter one.
and i love “the telephone rings” by german post-hc-band the robocop kraus. it’s got a great rhythm and the beautiful line “you can go wherever you want to go”.
which is true.
:)
and on another note: thank you so much for inspiring me to always strive for more.
if you’d never written that “three months” post, i might still be sitting on my couch, eating pringles by the boxfull. instead, i’m 60 pounds lighter, just got home from a yoga class, and am about to cook me a nice dinner. it’s a different life, and i love it.
thank you.
Seriously lame, but Kanye West Stronger, Lady Gaga Bad Romance, Beyonce Check on it. All are mainstream pop which I know makes me the lamest of the lame, but all 3 never fail to get me through a rough patch, or across the finish line.
You’re going to rock the marathon this weekend, have fun doing it!
“Girlfriend” by Avril Lavigne
“Sabotage” by Beastie Boys
“Shipping Up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphies
“Lilac Breeze” by The Eels
Thank you for inspiring me to do my first half this fall. You will own this marathon, and I can’t wait to read about it.
Alkaline Trio – Mercy Me.
Old school runnin’
(also known as pissed off rock)
highway to hell, ac/dc (where you’ll be, lol)
walk like an egyptian, bangles
uncle lijah, black oak arkansas
paranoid, black sabbath
old time rock and roll bob segar
devil went down to ga, and in america charlie daniels band
she bop, cyndi lauper
layla, dereck and the dominos
iko iko dixie cups
life in the fast lane, eagles (watch for cars, lol)
sweet dreams, eurythmics
little green bag george baker
gear jammer, willie and the hand jive, cocaine blues, who do you love, (this one will hit you where you live), move it on over, george thorogood
i want a new drug, huey lewis
call me the breeze, jj cale (cuz you are fast)
move over, janis joplin (asshole, get out of my way)
my sharona, the knack
saturday night special, lynyrd skynrd
spirit in the sky, norman greenbaum (for by the time you’re praying)
if you want to get to heaven, ozark mt daredevils ( you gotta raise a little hell)
i don’t care anymore, phil collins (convince yourself, there’s no pain)
another one bites the dust, queen (for when someone falls)
its the end of the world as we know it, rem
black betty, ram jam
brown sugar, the stones
born to be wild, steppen wolf (because you rock)
bang a gong, t rex (get it on)
papa was a rollin stone, temptations
joy to the world, 3 dog night (close to done)
gimmie all your lovin, got me under pressure,legs,zz top (last push, you got legs!!)
Kick ass, take names, post photos, you ROCK!
and we are sooo proud of you!!!
Can’t believe no one said it yet–Chariots of Fire. Sure, it’s slow, but there’s nothing that makes me dig down for the grit quite like it.
Also, Pistolero by Juno Reactor, El Matador by Los Fabuloso Cadillacs, and pretty much anything by Led Zeppelin, although Black Dog is great.
Good luck!
You are SUCH an inspiration linda!! Your going to do great this weekend!
As far is it goes for workout music, for me anything that is fast and loud does this trick.
So..anything by these bands should do it:
NOFX
RISE AGAINST
RANCID
AGAINST ME
ACDC
THE ROLLING STONES
TOM PETTY
Also,
`Merry Happy, Fluorescent Adolescent -Kate Nash
`Pretty much anything by Lady Gaga
`Ramble -Led Zeppelin
`Womanizer -Britney Spears
`The Climb -Miley Cyrus
I was going to be all “This is totally lame and ridiculous and STUPID but my favorite is Stronger by Britney Spears” and then be so embarrassed I never read your site again…
and then lo and behold the fourth comment down already took the shame right out of it.
I also second (third, fourth) anything by Black Eyed Peas, ACDC, Kanye, Beyonce, or Kesha. Why yes, I DO have terrible taste in music.
It’s My Life – Bon Jovi
It just works for me, might for you.
Good luck, will be thinking of you!! You are my HERO!
Burn it to the Ground~Nickelback
Because you sister have no fear, no doubt, your all in balls out. Awesome song, even if I did get it from my son’s ring tone :P
Matchbox 20 – Look how far we’ve come. :)
“Panama” by Van Halen always makes me drive faster so maybe it will help a runner out?!
I’m not a runner. My knees will not allow it. So, I am jealous because I will never have a runner’s legs. You’re awesome!
Go get ‘em Linda. And I’m looking forward to you publishing the fabulous music list you’ve got in these comments. :)
“Forever” by Chris Brown.
“Sweetest Girl” by Wyclef.
“Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira.
Pretty much any/all Black Eyed Peas.
Good luck!
I have very little to recommend in terms of music (Black Eyed Peas, Emimen, Lady Gaga — yes, my taste in music is questionable AT BEST). I just wanted to let you know that I’ll be thinking of you on Sunday. Have a great race!
It makes me feel extremely cheeseball, but “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera always helps me reach down and pull out some extra grunt. The beat is a good pace for me and I imagine myself punching the run in the face with a Mighty Boxing Glove of Awesomeness.
And for some reason, “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” — U2.
Uh, well, this dates me, but the cover version of “Ever Fallen in Love” by the Fine Young Cannibals; “Stutter” by Elastica; “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure.
Good luck, Linda, I’m really excited for you.
I’m astonished at how well you use your time. When I compare what you’ve accomplished in the last four years with what I’ve done in the same time, I’m abashed/inspired.
I kept meaning to email you some new songs…the best way to get you going in a workout. Some great suggestions here. I will be playing on iTunes tonight!
My best running songs are:
Nth Degree–Morningwood
Let My Love Open The Door–Pete Townsend
Shotgun–Junior Walker
Knights of Cydonia–Muse
Paint It Black–Rolling Stones
Call Me–Blondie
Good luck!!!!
A little embarrassed for this one, but my best go to song is “Goodbye to You” by Scandal. Good luck!
La Rage – by Keny Arkana (angry french rap, which I adore)
Rock on Sundry! Have a good run.
People of the Sun by Rage Against the Machine
“Galvanize” The Chemical Brothers
Thunderstruck by AC/DC..it will keep you going for miles. Good luck..you’re going to do SO AWESOME!!
Good luck this weekend! I always run out of good tunes on my runs, so I’ll be looking at your comments for advice. Run your ass off, girl!
Metallica – Give Me Fuel
You’re gonna do great this weekend. I’ll be cheering you on from Portland.
you’re gonna go far, kid – offspring. “so dance f-er dance..” LOVE for running.
Another for Born Slippy.
Your Time Is Gonna Come – Led Zeppelin.
I’m so so so so rooting for you on Sunday! I’m proud already!
Kick ass this weekend!
also: I like the way you move, by Bodyrockers. the tempo will keep you moving
Wolf Parade – I’ll Believe in Anything
This sounds totally cheesy but you are an inspiration!
And he’s a total statutory rapist but R. Kelly’s Ignition (remix) always makes me happy and keeps me going.
“Us” by Regina Spektor.
I have no recommendation but just wanted to say:
DUDE. SO proud of you.
Anything by:
Foo Fighters
Fear Zero
A Perfect Circle
Jimmie’s Chicken Shack
Revis
Kick ass Linda — we’ll all be thinking of you on Sunday…..
Don’t laugh, but…
Tootsie Roll by 69 Boyz
GO SUNDRY! Oh my. We are all rooting for you. You are a force to be reckoned with!!
Lots of good music already, but I’ll add these:
“You Can Make It If You Try”, Sly and the Family Stone
“Attitude”, Bad Brains
“Take On Me” by A-Ha and “Africa” by Toto
I second for ‘Galvanize’ by the Chemical Brothers and would also add ‘Hey Boy, Hey Girl’ by them as well.
Must feel very cool to know that you’ve got thousands of strangers cheering you on from their computers, Linda. Kick ALL KINDS of marathon ass this weekend. You’re an inspiration and a total rock star. Kill it, lady.
Yay! Can’t wait to see the grin on your face in the “finish line” photos :) You are incredible, and one of the people that I use as inspiration when I’m debating with myself about whether or not to lace up my shoes and go.
My favourite kick-ass songs?
Love Myself Today (Bif Naked)
Bleed it out (Linkin Park)
Queen – Don’t stop me now
Oh, and one more: “This Is Your Life”, Banderas.
My SO thinks this song is depressing, but I find it incredibly uplifting and motivating; it never fails to get me in gear when I’m facing a challenge. Different strokes, I guess :)
I Hear the Bells – Mike Doughty
Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond (this may work just for Sox fans, though)
I also second the recommendation for Take On Me.
Kick some ass out there!
ELO – “Mr. Blue Sky”
Scissor Sisters – “Take Your Mama”
Radiohead – “15 Step”
And when the going gets really tough, Snoop Dogg never lets me down – “Who Am I” – Explicit version. It always helps me get through the “whose *!%&# idea was this?” part.
ive got a few that always seem to work and i never seem to get old of them. theyve stood the test of time and at least one of them always appears in the running playlists i keep in rotation.
live: heaven
matchbox 20: how far we’ve come
aerosmith: dream on
all american rejects: move on
goo goo dolls: stay with you
ok go: here it goes again
say anything: alive with the glory of love
foo fighters: everlong
red hot chili peppers: dani california
i know, a lil heavy on the 90s alternative rock/pop. dont judge.
g’luck on sunday. its just one foot in front of the other…
Tik Tok by Ke$ha, good luck!
Good grief, I can’t stop!
“Mean Machine”, The Cramps
“Groove Is In The Heart”, Deee-Lite
“We Care A Lot”, Faith No More
“Down Under”, Men At Work
“Break My Stride”, Matthew Wilder
“Sir Duke”, Stevie Wonder
“Never Enough”, The Cure
“Root Down”, Beastie Boys
“My Philosophy”, Boogie Down Productions
Gold and Warm, Bad Veins
8 Mile Soundtrack (esp. Lose Yourself, Rabbit Run, and 8 Miles and Runnin’)
Hold Me Now, The Polyphonic Spree
Thunder Road, Bruce Springsteen
Yer So Bad, Tom Petty
Weezer (The Good Life, Photograph, The World Has Turned and Left Me Here)
Tenacious D! Oh my goodness. “Wonder Boy”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACiA1TX0tvA
Michael Franti & Spearhead: “Say Hey (I Love You)”
The Verve: “Bittersweet Symphony”
Lo Fidelity Allstars: “Battleflag” (go ahead and get the dirty version)
Band of Brotherz: “Back to the River”
Particle: “The Elevator”
Paul Simon: “The Obvious Child”
Deadman: “When the Music’s Not Forgotten”
Tea Leaf Green: “Sex in the ’70s”
Delurking to share my weird mix of faves. But they work for me. You can do it. One foot in front of the other. Can’t wait for the post-race scoop.
I love to run to Andrew WK’s entire catalog, his stuff is very energetic with a consistent beat throughout – it really helps me to run to the beat, so that’s the first thing I look for when choosing music.
Journeys – Don’t Stop Believing
Is that even the correct title? I don’t know – but they played it during my first (and only, so far) marathon at mile 18 and oh dude….to this day I get all tingly when I hear it. It is cheesey and inspiring and that is exactly what some of us need when running 26.2 miles.
You are going to do great!
I read this post this morning just before heading out on my last long run (20kms) before my first half (23 May) and it put me in a much better frame of mind. Good luck for the weekend — I’m really looking forward to reading about it.
The one song that keeps me going is “I Believe” by Yolanda Adams — it’s from the movie Honey
“You worked real hard and you know exactly what you want and need so believe
And you can never give up
You can reach your goals
Just talk to your soul and say
I believe i can
I believe i will
I believe i know my dreams are real”
So cheesy, but it really, really works :-)
You can doooooo it!
Here are songs with lots of shouting! For you!
TKO, Le Tigre
The Power Is On, The Go! Team
(You know the second one is special because they have an exclamation mark in their name. They also have so many members it’s like having your own cheering section.)
I love “Money Maker” by Ludacris & Pharrel,
“Get Up” by 50 Cent, & “Krazy” by another rap artist who’s name I can’t remember. Lil Jon, maybe?
Goodluck!
de-lurking to wish you the best of luck on Sunday! I’ll be thinking about you fulfilling a dream after a ton of hard work.
Some of these I’ve already shared with you, but I can’t resist this question. :)
“So Alive” by Love and Rockets and “Take Your Medicine” by Cloud Cult are my go-to songs for lyrically convincing me to keep moving while providing a good steady beat at the same time. See also “Steady as she Goes” by the Raconteurs.
Then there’s “Machine” by Regina Spektor. The beat’s maybe a tiny bit slow, but for my elliptical workouts I love it. Not sure how much of that is enjoying the irony of being, you know, Hooked Into Machine to get my exercise, but it might work for running, too.
“Glittering Clouds” by Imogen Heap, “Sweet Dreams are Made of This” by the Eurythmics, “You Spin Me Right Round” by Dead or Alive, “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, “Silent Running” by Mike and the Mechanics (omit the 45-second intro), “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence, “Legs” by ZZTop, “So What” by Pink, “Sweet Child Of Mine” by Guns ‘n’ Roses, and a whole boatload of techno (Basshunter and Darude are my favorites) also keep me moving.
Mock at will. :)
If you are not opposed to country. I like Rodney Atkins, If You’re Going through Hell. Spin class instructor used to play it during the hardest parts.
Atomic – the Trainspotting soundtrack version
I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
The Way I Are – Timbaland
Sandstorm – Darude
Smooth – Santana
The only other thing I can think of are songs that make you sing in the shower. Whatever those are, they make you happy, so play ‘em.
Good luck! Run like the wind!
Fuck the Pain Away (Peaches)
You Can Do It (Ice Cube)
Try Again (Aaliyah)
Push It (Garbage)
Take Your Time Do It Right (The S.O.S. Band)
Knock ‘em dead!
So, so corny: Gonna Fly Now, otherwise known as the Rocky theme song.
Also: Coldplay, Viva La Vida
And: Persephone’s Bees, City of Love
And how about: The The, This is the Day
I’ll stop now. I’ve got a million of ‘em. Good luck!
You rule and I can’t wait to see photos of you kicking ass at the finish line.
Running music . . . my standard “get pumped” playlist is “Safe and Sound” / Idlewild, “Priceless” / Jealous Sound, “In Circles” / Sunny Day Real Estate, “The Pod” / Hum (”Hi! I’m Holly and I haven’t listened to any new music since the 90s!”)
“Misery Business” by Paramore. Also prominently features the line “But God does it feel so good!” and I swear once in a while, running to it, I actually do.
Another vote for Eye of the Tiger!
Also, “Le Disko” by Shiny Toy Guns. I think they used it in some badass Motorola commercial at one point. Either way, it rocks.
Break a … uh… record! Best of luck!
Rage Against the Machine – Bulls on Parade
Beastie Boys- Sabatoge
Kanye West – Stronger
Beyonce – Single ladies
Eminem – Lose Yourself
Iggy Pop- Lust for Life
Jay-Z – 99 Problems
Missy Elliot – pass that Dutch
Notorious BIG – Mo Money Mo Problems
GOOD LUCk!!
So What by Pink
You rock. You’re still a rock star! Do it for all us moms!
Allow me to be the second Sara (with no h) to suggest The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army. (weird!!!)
Also, good luck! I’m so proud of you.
Runnin with the devil – Van Halen.
Love that song, makes me feel free and alive. Good luck!
You should totally play “Chariots of Fire” just as you’re about to cross the finish line! :)
And to get you pumped up, I like “Rock the Casbah” by the Clash.
Good luck, and by the way, you are a total inspiration!
An Australian outfit called The Presets.
Go Girl!!
Kick ass Linda! You’re awesome.
Also I can’t believe no one said this, but “Run” by Gnarles Barkley. I mean, sure, it’s obvious, but it really gets me going.
People already have me covered with Kanye’s “Stronger,” but I’ll throw in “Gold Digger” as well (is it worst if I tell you I prefer the Glee version? Don’t throw things).
“City of Angels” by the Distillers tends to pep me up. Ditto “C’mon C’mon” by the Von Bondies and “Chain me Free” from The Matches.
Good luck Linda! Is it weird to be proud of someone you’ve never met? I’m proud (and weird, if it is so.)
I always liked running to Pedal to the Metal by Kazzer, but I’m not sure it’s really cool to admit it. Oh well.
Good luck! I’ll be thinking of you on Sunday!
You go girl! SO impressed, proud, motivated by you!
Katy Perry / Timbaland: If We Ever Meet Again
The Temper Trap: Sweet Disposition
Black Eyed Peas: Rock That Body
The Potbelleez: Are You With Me
Pit Bull: I Know You Want Me
Daft Punk: Around The World
Kelly Rowland/David Guetta: When Love Takes Over
David Guetta (ft. Kid Cudi): Memories
Scissor Sisters- Take your mamma out tonight
(makes me want to get up and dance everytime I hear it)
MGMT- Electric Feel
Radiohead- – 15 Step
Black Eyed Peas – I gotta feeling
You WILL kick some major effing ass on Sunday girl! Run Linda, run. And as you are running, remember that if you just made it 5 steps, you can make it 5 more.
If you get bored, start writing that book of yours in your head. Kill two accomplishments with one stone!
Carry on- Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Good.Luck.
Shipping Up to Boston, by the Dropkick Murphys.
If this is not already on your running mix, you have been missing out! I guarantee you it will move your butt over the finish line. It worked for me.
The Pretender -Foo Fighters
Kick some ass this weekend! Your dedication to your goals and training are part of what’s getting me through my training for my first 10K. I’m already thinking about running a half in November, and it’s all your fault. By which I mean: thank you!
Oh, and Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” has been my go-to anthem since 2002.
“Wake Up” by Arcade Fire.
THE END.
Also, you are awesome. Get out there and rock it on Sunday, and enjoy every little second. Youve earned it, you’ve earned it, holy hell, you’ve earned it. WOOWOO!
“1,2,3,4″ by Feist
“Oh My God” Ida Maria – it will knock your socks off.
bleed it out by linkin park.
When the music stops working I go to self talk. When you’ve got nothing left, you’ve always got your will/belief in your own mental toughness.
watching nike commercials on youtube plus the any given sunday coach speech and miracle on ice coach speech gets me very inspired in my ability to do anything too.
Good luck!
If I’ve posted here it’s only been once or twice but I have been reading you for a looooong time. Best of luck on Sunday. You will make that race your bitch…or bastard…whatever, you get the point.
Oh, and thank YOU. For inspiring and motivating so so many including me.
Go kick some ass.
I’m not the first to say it, but Lose Yourself by Eminem is my #1 go-to song — makes me want to punch my fists in the air like Rocky every time. :-)
I’ve loved following your journey over the last few months and I know you will kick some serious ass this weekend.
Florence and the Machine, “You’ve Got The Love” & Shiny Toy Guns, “Le Disko”
Eminem – Till I Collapse
Kick ass Linda
So, I’ve been quietly reading but had to give my input for this:
“Runs in the Family” – Amanda Palmer
“Till I Collapse” – Eminem
These both always get me through that last leg of a run (be it much shorter than yours!)
Good luck! Can’t wait to read about it – I’ll be living vicariously through your experience (since I’ll never be brave enough to run one!)
Congratulations and good luck!
I also want to say thank you, as you have definitely helped inspire me to exercise more and harder.
Two of my favorite exercise songs are “Fire Burning” by Sean Kingston and “Hot N Cold” by Katy Perry.
Stronger by Kanye West always makes me run faster!
It’s cheesy, but I had “Gotta Get Thru This” by Daniel Bedingfield on my playlist for about mile 22 (when it’s pretty tough).
But, after that, gotta go for Eminem, Lady Gaga, Dance Express (s’xpress), Runaway by the Real McCoy’s (gotta trust me on that one), Mr. Cab Driver (Lenny Cravitz), Baby Got Back, Why not Me by the Judds (if you don’t mind country), and It Takes Two.
And, I should not go hide in shame after admitting that to the world.
Good luck!!!!
I think Liz has the right idea. Here’s what helps me…
These are the two that help me push it farther when I feel like I’m going to collapse:
Ain’t No Love (In the Heat of the City) – Jay-Z
The Seed (OG Lyrics) – The Roots
Also, strangely helpful are:
I Was Made To Love Her – Stevie Wonder
Getting Jiggy With It – Will Smith
Connected – Stereo MC’s
Most important – you go kick some ass, Linda – you’re a rockstar!
Arg, sorry, that would be “Ain’t No Love (In the Heart of the City)” not “heat” of the city.
Seriously, screw the emo stuff – for 26 miles you need hip hop or some heavy, heavy guitar shredding. :)
Apollo 440 – Stop The Rock
gotta love a band with TWO drummers
Holy million comments batman. I think you’ve got some support here! Good luck Linda.
The song that never fails to get me pumped to run is Headstrong by Trapt.
Stronger by Kanye West
If I had to pick *one* song:
Holiday in Cambodia – Dead Kennedys
But these never leave my running playlist:
Chosen Time – New Order
And Me – Beastie Boys
The Game – Common
Soon – My Bloody Valentine
Satan Said Dance – Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!
Los Angeles – X
Someone Great – LCD Soundsystem
New World Water – Mos Def
Sunday is going to be awesome. Looking forward to reading all about it.
Kick Drum Heart – the Avett Brothers
Pumps me up everytime!
Stronger – Kanye West
Mr. Hurricane – The Beast
Good luck Linda! My running playlist always includes Rage Against the Machine (Bulls on Parade) and Henry Rollins (Get Some Go Again, Illumination).
Blister in the Sun – Violent Femmes
Tiny Dancer – Elton John
Solsbury Hill – Peter Gabriel
Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
Good Luck on Saturday!!
Blister in the Sun – Violent Femmes
Tiny Dancer – Elton John
Solsbury Hill – Peter Gabriel
Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
Good Luck on Sunday!!
Rock Star by NERD and For the Girl by the Fratellis. Good luck!!!
I know you are going to rock this thing. I will be sending good thoughts your way on Sunday.
As if you need any more suggestions but some songs that always make me feel good/motivate me are:
Rio – Duran Duran
Take on Me – Aha
California Dreamin’ – M & P’s
Wild Horses – U2
Various Eminem numbers – I saw Lose Yourself on here many times, I agree with that one.
Burn it to the Ground – Nickelback
Free Fallin – Tom Petty
Boys of Summer – Don Henley
‘Brandy on April 28th, 2010 10:04 am
Yo Linda, I’m really happy for you and Imma let you finish, but Kanye West’s “Stronger” is one of the best workout jams of ALL TIME.’
That was epic ftw!
My personal recommendation would be “Irish Blood, English Heart” by Morrissey – it always makes me jump up and down. That guitar! His voice! Can’t beat it.
Best of luck – because of you (and other motivations, such as being fat) I started running. Thank you so much! Rock on!
“All Right Now” by Free. It was the song the band at my alma mater played at football games when we got a touchdown, so it never fails to lift my spirits and often my feet.
Oh, and of course, GOOD LUCK! I am totally excited to know you’ll be doing something you’ve never done before, and meeting the person you were destined to be.
Town Called Malice by The Jam
The Metro by Berlin
Rebel, Rebel by (the one, the only) David Bowie
Vacation by The Go Go’s (you can dream about going on one after your marathon)
Knock ‘em Out by Lily Allen (cracks me up every time)
God Only Knows by the Beach Boys (it makes me think of the special people in my life and that inspires me, even though it’s not really a “pump you up” song)
Hello Seattle Remix – Owl City
Viva la Vida for sure
Call on Me (remix) – Eric Prydz
Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap
Dancing With Myself
Switch – Will Smith
Release – Timbaland/JT
O… Saya – M.I.A. (Slumdog Millionaire)
The Walk – Imogen Heap
Everybody ona Move – Michael Franti
Let My Love Open the Door – Frampton
Pussy Control – Prince
Days Go By – Dirty Vegas
Good luck!!
The Black Album – Jay-Z
Taking the Long Way – Dixie Chicks
The Sandman – Metallica
One – U2
Good luck!
Talk like the- The Presets
Delurking to give you that!
The 2 songs that currently help me get through my long runs are one off the new Groove Armada called I won’t kneel & my all time fave for making me push it. Eminem’s Till I Colapse. Nothing like getting your inspiration from Eminem. Best wishes to you Linda…you have no idea how much you’ve inspired me!
I’ve been watching your progress in relative silent awe. Truly, good luck to you this weekend.
Muzzle – Smashing Pumpkins
My favorite.
Boom Boom Pow– Black Eyed Peas
Beautiful Day– U2
Better Things –The Kinks
She Will Have Her Way – Neil Finn
All were on my playlist for my first half marathon last year– and you are inspiring me to dream even bigger. Good luck, and have FUN!!
Florence + The Machine – The Dogs Days Are Over
It will make you feel like you are being chased but you are winning.
GO LINDA GO!!!! You’re my hero and you’re going to kick that marathon’s ass.
Songs: Where Eagles Fly, by Sammy Hagar; Nothing But Green Lights, by Tom Vek; Stronger by Kanye West.
Back in Black by AC/DC!
Well I’m not a runner but when I hear this song it makes me want to run :)
I honor of you this Sunday I’m going to do what I’ve been wanting to do since you started this running adventure. I will run. Not sure how far but I will do it. Best of luck my dear, you can do it!
Walking On Sunshine
And I’m going to run Sunday too. Good luck! You can do it! woo hoo!!
“Rebellion” by Arcade Fire. Something about the beat always peps me up when the energy is lagging.
Good luck! You are going to do great. I can’t wait to read all about it.
I was going to ditto what others said about “Eye of the Tiger.” One of the cheering sections I ran through during an event was playing this and it definitely pumped me up (and made me a bit teary).
Maybe you can come up with a playlist of just songs you need to hear when you *really* need some help and a playlist for when you are in that zen state and just moving along.
My music might be a little different. I used to use some of these songs on long bike rides… 100+ milers. I had to have songs I didn’t mind having stuck in my head if the battery on my player died. But some of these are more recent than my riding days. Good luck, and listen to your body. Then tell it to go to hell.
Tourniquet – Evanescence
When the Weight Comes Down – The Tragically Hip
Wanted Dead or Alive – Bon Jovi
How Bad Do You Want it – Tim McGraw
Animals – Nickleback
Speedway at Nazereth – Mark Knopfler
Half Way Up – Clint Black
She Didn’t Know – The Tragically Hip
Estranged – Guns and Roses
Good luck, and congratulations on everything you’ve done to get this far. I have a feeling this isn’t really what you’re looking for, but the first song that came to mind was “I am Singing” by Stevie Wonder. Such a happy song!
I’m so excited for you, and can’t wait for the race report! Kick some ass.
And listen to Banquet by Bloc Party.
Emminem’s Lose yourself makes me want to kick some tail!!! Sorry, I’m as work or else I’d say I’d like to kick something else.
Girls Just Wanna’ have Fun- Cyndi Lauper!!!!
Best of luck, Linda! You are beyond inspirational! As someone who also hates running I know the importance of a solid playlist. I like aggressive tracks to keep me moving. My personal favorite is “let it rock” by Kevin Rudolph and lil Wayne.
Tear it UP, lady! We’re all rooting for you!
Stronger by Kanye…Yes, he’s a crazy jerk, but just try to get through the song without putting on your tough girl face.
I’ll be thinking on you on Sunday. You’re an inspiration to us all!
Madame Helga by the Stereophonics, use it near the end, when you need a push from the great riffs that this song includes.
Great luck to you, Linda, for a marathon that you deserve and have worked so hard for.
Kick some ass.
Hey, if you go through these comments and make a big list of songs, would you mind posting it? No sense in us all doing it :)
Go Linda go!
Bedouin Soundclash – When the Night Feels My Song.
It always makes me smile, always makes me want to move.
Good luck on Sunday!
Baby, I’m a Star – Prince
Sexyback – JT
Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough – MJ
Firestarter – The Prodigy
More Human than Human – Rob Zombie
The Sound of Settling – Death Cab for Cutie
Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira
The Distance – Cake
Canned Heat by Jamiroquai.
Good Luck Lady!
ooh, i am stealing all of these suggestions for my second half-marathon – my playlist is crusty and old (see: battleflag/lo fidelity allstars)…
My power song is, always will be, always has been “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. My current second runner up (pun very much intended) is “Wake Up!” by Shooter Jennings/Hierophant.
Florence and the Machine “Dog Days are Over”
Actually include the lyrics:
Run fast for your mother run fast for your father / Run for your children and your sisters and brothers
Its such an amazing song her voice is FAB
Good luck!
This is totally cheeseball, but when I was training a while back, R. Kelly’s “The World’s Greatest” got me going EVERY TIME. I know. Lame. But it worked!
“Come on Eileen” was another fave, but not nearly as good as R. Kelly.
Good luck!!! I’m running with a relay team in the Pittsburgh marathon on Sunday – it’s only 4.3 miles and I’m all worried, I can’t imagine 26.2 :)
Try these, they *always* motivate me, all from Cherry Poppin’ Daddies (i know, ewww), album is Zoot Suit Riot
So Long Toots
Zoot Suit Riot
Ding-Dong Daddy of the D-Car Line
Mister White Keys
Brown Derby Jump
Dr. Bones
Master & Slave
No Mercy For Swine
First of all, I know you will kick ass. You are an inspiration to me, as I just started running and working out for the first time in a year and a half!
My suggestion is totally cliche and corny, but I LOVE Don’t Stop Believing by Journey. This is one of the few songs that I can rock out to no matter my mood or energy level.
Good luck! I’ll be cheering you on this weekend!
“Saturday Night Fever” by the Bee Gees!!!!!
Best of luck!!! XO
I don’t have any song suggestions; oddly I like running without music (I know, even *I* find this weird), but I wanted to wish you the best of luck on Sunday. Your journey has been such an inspiration!
Oddly, “Teardrop” by Massive Attack is always a good one for me. It’s not a fast song, but listening to the heartbeat that drums along in this song always seems to center me and gets me into a nice running rhythm.
Cake – Going the Distance
Seems very fitting does it not?
Mojo, by Peeping Tom.
Thunderstruck by AC/DC
How far do you wanna go – Gloriana
the two songs couldn’t be more different, but I like them.
“Swim” by Jack’s Mannequin. It’s not fast (it’s actually really slow) but it’s about just keeping it going no matter what.
I’m dating myself. “Love Island” by Fatboy Slim makes me kick it into high gear when jogging; I’m also inclined to throw in a dance move or two. I’m a sight for sore eyes when jogging, I tell ya.
Best of luck!!
My all-time fav song, ever:
She Sells Sanctuary (The Cult)
some great tracks! I second Underworld, (Born Slippy), but Push Upstairs is also good. Dare by Gorillaz.
Kick ass!!
My favourite workout track is “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. Great beat and perfect lyrics.
Knock ‘em dead, Linda! I’m so proud of you and so grateful that you share these experiences with us. I’ll be thinking of you on Sunday!
I get bored quickly listening to the same running playlists over and over, but these are the songs I always come back to – they rarely fail to give me a little extra shot of adrenaline:
Never Gonna Come Back Down – BT. The version I have is from the soundtrack of the truly awful movie, ‘Bounce’ but there are some other more techno versions on iTunes – just make sure Mike Doughty is the vocalist. It’s just a wonderful, fascinatingly spastic song.
Beat Box – Matisyahu. I’m compelled to run faster to keep up with his voice.
My Delirium – Ladyhawke. I once ran an entire 5 mile race listening only to this song.
Tidal – Imogen Heap. It’s beautiful and ethereal while maintaining a good beat. The line, “do what you want, just how you like … nobody has to know” makes me want to take off. Listen all the way through – it transitions and gets more intense toward the end.
If you find that you run strongest at a certain cadence, there’s a great site that provides complete playlists of songs organized by genre and beats per minute: http://www.runningmusicmix.com/
I will be thinking of you on Sunday, Linda – when you’re hurting and feeling rough, remember how many of us are here cheering you on!
I have no music suggestions because I’m 40 and too embarrassed to share with at least 300 people what music I enjoy while running, but wanted to say good luck and good work sticking with the whole thing and seeing it through!
Linda – be strong and go!
Becoming Insane – Infected Mushroom
Jay Z- On to the next one
Stevie Wonder- Higher Ground and Supersticious
Janes Addiction or Porno for Pyros- pretty much anything
Gorillaz- pretty much anything
Britney- Womanizer
Deee-Lite- Groove is in the heart
Doobie Brothers- It keeps you running
Jamiroquai- Canned Heat, Feels just like it should, Virtual insanity
Queen- Another one bites the dust
Rick James- Super Freak
Can’t wait to hear about your experience! My LIFE GOAL is to run a marathon – I’m in awe of you.
Footloose by Kenny Loggins. Keeps me going, I swear. It totally has a perfect running beat!
I don’t know if you’ve heard any Jens Lekman, but his song The Opposite of Hallelujah makes me grin and think running is kinda fun even when I was about to choke on my lungs a moment before.
I also love It’s All Gonna Break, by Broken Social Scene, despite the fact that the first thirty seconds are a little slower than I’d like.
I hope you have no disasters and it’s as life-affirming and awesome and hugely relieving when you’re done as you dream!
I will never have to endure a marathon, but these are a few of my current favorites when I do 5K. Best of wishes with the run!
Run this Town (Jay-Z)
TiK ToK (Ke$ha)
Goodbye (Kristina DeBarge)
Poker Face (Lady GaGa)
Say Hey (Michael Franti & Spearhead)
Pocketful of Sunshine (Natasha Beddingfield)
Better Day (Saving Jane)
Hey, Soul Sister (Train)
Kiss the Rain (Thriving Ivory)
Here’s a few from the playlist I used for my recent half:
One Week – Barenaked Ladies
Real Gone – Sheryl Crow
Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying – Fall Out Boy
Just a Girl – No Doubt
Lose Yourself – Eminem
The Distance – Cake
Won’t Back Down – Fuel
Mr. Brightside – The Killers
Here it Goes Again – OK Go
Dance, Dance – Fall Out Boy
Evenflow – Pearl Jam
Pump It – Black Eyed Peas
Hash Pipe – Weezer
Totally cheesy: Eye of The Tiger, preferably played by a college marching band. Anything played by a college marching band.
Michelle Branch “Breathe”
Oldie but a goodie, but has anyone suggested Bombs over Baghdad by Outkast? That one always does it for me.
Good Luck Linda….I CAN NOT wait for your after-marathon post. Running one has always been my goal and you have TOTALLY inspired me as I read your posts (and re-read them) I read quite a few of the music suggestions, but feel oddly “out of the loop” since I hadn’t even heard of about 3/4 of the group. SOOOOOO, my list may be a little antiquated….but here it goes;
POD-Alive
Switchfoot – Meant to Live
Incubus – Pardon Me
Limp Bizkit – Rollin
U2 – Beautiful Day
As a post race bonus, I hope you share your race day playlist with us, I love finding new groups.music…
Good luck and Godspeed!
Eminem Lose Yourself is my go to song.
You are awesome and you are going to kick some marathon ass. Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Good luck at the marathon! I made the crazy leap of signing up for the Seattle Rock n’ Roll Marathon in June: http://petesspeaks.blogspot.com/2009/12/131-131-262.html
I find that “Stronger” by Kanye helps me up hills. I HATE hills. And now I don’t like the song because of it, but it still helps.
So this is a seriously cheesy choice but it always makes me smile Nelson – Love & Affection. I have loved it since high school and still keep it on my Ipod, much to my hubby’s chagrin. Good luck, you’ll do great!
Great Luck. I”m searching the comments to load up for my half this July.
At the risk of outing myself as a total loser, I will suggest “Stronger” by Britney Spears. Yep, that’s right. Britney Spears. Seriously though, best running song.
Also, have so much fun running. Crossing the finish line in a marathon is something you’ll never forget. You may cry. It’s okay. I did my first time, and I still can’t quite explain why. It’s just a big life moment.
I always have Fergalicious off Fergies Dutchess “album”
It has a good beat, and can easily get my feet back in rhythm but is entertaining enough to take my mind off the running for oh
4min 52 seconds.
I will be watching for the updates this weekend! Rock On!
Okay, gang – I have an obervation/question….WHY does everyone seem to apologize for the music they suggest?? Its really made me giggle – especially given that we are all “apologizing” over songs that are apparently fairly popular!
Its music – its meant to entertain, basically – why do we feel like it has to live up to some imaginary “standard”?
Interesting…… :)
George Michael, Too Funky (good for a warm up or a slow down for you, probably — I run really really SLOW)
Diana Ross, Ain’t no Mountain High (aging myself here)
A fun song a blogger sent me — called “You Promised me” by In-Grid (original version in french, “Tu Es Foutou”)
Eminem, Shake That (crude but the beat is consistent)
Don’t know if you’re a Michael Jackson fan, but I used to run (ha! jog — no, trot) to the entire Dangerous CD — the song Dangerous was awesome. (And long!)
Use your gut — if you don’t say “Oh, I love that song!” when you hear it, dump it. (My best homemade CD is called just that — “oh, I love that song” and I made it one night thinking “god, I hope no one ever finds this… because, seriously, Petula Clark followed by Eminem?! WTF!” but I made it entirely for ME and I do, in fact say, every. single. time: OH I LOVE THAT SONG!”
You should publish your list!
GOOD SKILL, DARLIN’!! You can do it. Look how far you’ve come already?!
Piece. o. cake.
Ray of Light, Madonna.
I second the angry = energized sentiment! Prodigy- Smack my Bitch Up, House of Pain- Jump Around and almost anything Tupac get me hyped.
Good luck!
I’m not sure there are any songs left to suggest but as a long time follower I wanted to wish you all the best. And to tell you how proud I am of you for taking that extra step each day to get to where you are now! GOOD LUCK and Have fun!
I think the song suggestions have been pretty well covered but wanted to let you know this: if you feel the need to be swooned over and adored by your extensive Corvallis fan base (either pre or post marathon) please swing by and we’ll organize a parade or a keg party or something.
Jimmy Eat World “The Middle.” Gets me through work outs and the car ride home after a bad day at work.
Good luck!
People have already recommended most of my favorites, but I just want to reiterate:
“‘Til I Collapse” by Eminem
If it doesn’t make you want to keep running through those last miles, nothing will. That being said, I know you’re going to kick ass! Sure it’s tough, but wait until you see that finish line. Truly an awesome experience!
5.7.0.5. by city boy and funkytown by lipps inc. nice and jolly for those last few miles! :)
So late all my offerings will be repeats, except: Ode to Joy – Beethoven, especially the last 3 minutes or so of the one with the German Chorus.
One Pure Thought by Hot Chip and Knights of Cydonia by Muse (also Uprising, Hysteria, Far Away, New Born, and Politik by Muse. Muse is good.)
“Higher Ground” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Come Baby Come” by K7
Kick some ass! :)
“Here I Come” by The Roots
Rock the 26.2. Rooting for you!
U2–In God’s Country….it’s inspirational, pumps you up, fast, etc…awesome!!
Can’t wait to hear how it goes :) Good Luck!
-k
OK, don’t laugh – “Tell Me” by P. Diddy and Christina Aguilera. Tell me you wouldn’t get pumped when you hear: “Do that shit, do that shit, DO IT.” Besides, the beat is awesome.
So excited for you. A marathon is BIG TIME.
“Late in the Evening,” Paul Simon
“What How When Where (Why Who),” Ani d.
“The Great Defector,” Bell X-1
Just for fun, “Satan Is My Motor,” Cake
“Respect Yourself,” Sister Sledge
Good luck!
It may be hideous and cheesy but I can’t help bopping to Spice Up Your Life.
This is Why I’m Hot by Mims
WTF? by OK Go
Lolli Lolli by 3 Six Mafia
Break Your Heart by Taio Cruz
Dominos by Big Pink
Animal by Neon Trees
Something is Not Right With Me by Cold War Kids (for when you think you are crazy to be running a MARATHON!!!) :)
“Roll with the Changes” REO Speedwagon
Best Wishes. I’ll be thinking of you on Sunday and checking Twitter to see how you did!
Jesus Christ. You’d have to run at least 3 marathons just to listen to all these music suggestions!
p.s. good luck out there ;)
Best of luck to you on Sunday! Your journey has been inspiring and I’m sure we all wish we could be there in person to cheer you on. No song suggestions, i’m not sure there are any left! Go, Linda- Go!
Despite the fact it’s not an uptempo song, I really wanted to write down the Velvet Underground – Sunday Morning. Then I considered your website name and the day you’re running and yup, it’s my choice. Congratulations already on training so hard. <3
Okay…I didn’t have time to read through all of the replies. I wish you all the luck in the world! I am not a runner, but my dad is and it so happens that he lives in Eugene. As a matter of fact, I graduated from North Eugene High School. Sad…
My song suggestions are so stuck in the 80’s, but I love them so. They make me wanna dance. Here goes:
“Footloose” – Kenny Loggins
“Let’s Hear It for the Boy” – Deniece Williams
“Yes” – Merry Clayton
“(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
“Maniac” – Michael Sembello
Good luck!
“Right Now” by Van Halen
Good luck!
I am in awe!
Here is my suggestion:
“Hoppipolla” by Sigur Ros – goosebumps! it’s about how resilient we were as kids – something we adults need to be reminded of. Kick some ass, Linda!
“Fruta Fresca” by Carlos Vives. It is the awesome. It’s about shouting out your love to world. It is incredibly joyous. Congratulations on being kick ass!
Wow, 350 comments! I hope you can feel the love and energy pouring out to you from all of us!
I’m late to this, but my song pick is “Dirty Boots” by Sonic Youth.
Good luck!
Mr. Brightside by The Killers.
Best of luck!!!!
Ditto to Mr. Brightside and then Somebody Told Me by The Killers. Dr. Feelgood by Motley Crue. Extreme Ways by Moby. Enter Sandman by Metallica.
Good luck and kick some marathon ass! You are a great inspiration, Linda. I have promised myself that I would follow in your footsteps. I had my third baby two weeks ago and will be training for a 5K in September. So thank you!!!
Static-X: Push It from the Wisconsin Death Trip Album. I hate running and this song makes me feel like a badass
This isn’t a song, but a suggestion for audio comedy. Ricky Gervais’ Guides to…(Art, Society, Natural History, Earth) with Karl Pilkington and Steve Merchant.
It’s embarrassing laughing your guts out alone in public but it’s also very healing and energizing.
Definitely corny, but a good song… “You’re the Best” from Karate Kid! “You’re the best, around! Nothing’s ever gonna keep you down!”
Good luck!
Can’t wait to hear how the marathon goes. I have a 5K Sunday morning so I will definately be thinking about you! You have inspired me!
Jamiroquai “Canned Heat”
A couple music suggestions -
The Darkness – “I Believe in a Thing Called Love”
and NUMBER ONE RECOMMENDATION —
Red Hot Chili Peppers – “C’Mon Girl”
If that song doesn’t get your adrenaline pumping, check your pulse!
and btw, go get ‘em tiger!! YOU CAN DO THIS! You are awesome!
Well I pretty much read all the other posts and tried to post stuff no one else did :-)
Aint no rest for the weary by Cage the Elephant
Grounds for Divorce by Elbow (also fun turned up super loud in your car!)
3 By Britney Spears
Love is a Battlefield by Jordin Sparks
Army by Bjork
Revelry by Kings of Leon
Please Don’t Leave by Pink
With or Without you by U2
Girlfriend – Avril Lavigne
Hey Ya – Outkast
Deelite- Groove is in the Heart
“She sells sanctuary’ The Cult.
Linda – congrats! As a marathon runner myself, I’ve felt everything you are expressing and give you a virtual high five!
Chris Cornell’s “Scream” album…the entire thing, should be added to the Epic playlist immediately, you will love it. Every song keeps you moving, and at times I’ve wondered if it was produced just for a running playlist! I’ve started many a run on the Burk and Sammamish River Trail to this album. Also, “The Rhumb Line” from Ra Ra Riot. Very different, but picks up my feet each time.
“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”
Pump It – Black Eyed Peas.
Good luck and have an effing awesome time on Sunday. Take a look at the people on the sidelines, they wish they could do what you are doing. Less than 1% of the population will run a marathon!
Here’s a no-fail long-distance running playlist of mine!
I’m Shakin’ The Blasters
I Will Dare The Replacements
18 Wheels & a Crowbar BR549
Burning with Optimism’s Flame XTC
Feeling Good Muse
Skateaway Dire Straits
Kick the Stones Chris Whitley
Coma Girl Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros
Stop your Sobbing The Pretenders
Deja Voodoo Kenny Wayne Shepard
On the Run Gangstagrass with
Gin & Juice The Gourds version of Snoop Dogg
Hellhound on my Trail Robert Johnson
Did anyone mention Run Like Hell, Pink Floyd?
Linda, have a fantastic time with your first marathon! It’s so exciting. As for music, I must admit I’ve never ran a marathon with an Ipod, but I soaked up the crowd’s encouragement. Plus, there are likely to be live bands and music along the route. So much atmosphere! But that’s just me. I know people who chat with fellow runners (strangers) along the course to pass the time. Whatever gets you to the finish line smiling! Erika
“Martyr” – Rusted Root
“Least Complicated” – Indigo Girls
“Woman” – Wolfmother
“Gel” – Collective Soul
These are the songs in constant rotation on my running playlist. Good luck! We are rooting for you!
I’ve been reading since 2005. You’re inspiring – Go get em!
The entire Hex Dispenser’s album “Winchester Mystery House” – totally awesome.
“Time is Running Out” by Muse
“Forever Young” Jay Z
you rock!
Wow, there are a lot of comments here, and I don’t pretend to have read them all, so forgive me if all my suggestions are duplicates. But wow, so many people cheering you on!
My favorite exercise songs…
The Hives – Hate to Say I Told You So
Le Tigre – Get Off the Internet
Outkast – Hey Ya [I didn't promise cheese-free songs, hah]
almost anything by Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Prodigy or Rage Against the Machine
Have a wonderful run!
They are all ridiculously cheesy songs, BUT: the beat goes on and helps those shoes move along…
-Pink: You and Your Hand
-Kanye: Stronger (I know, it’s been mentioned, but it’s GOOD.)
-Five for Fighting: Timberline (good for that “I need some goddamn inspiration” moment)
Have fun, enjoy the run as much as you can, and be fucking glad that it’s finally here and you can cross it off your list. Rock on, girl.
i’m sure somebody already said this but i’m not willing to commit to perusing your 390 million thousand and a half comments so here it is again – USE SOMEBODY by Kings of Leon. go get ‘em, linda…job well done! i ran the USMC in 2000 and have marathon amnesia which makes me think i’d like to do one again soon, like this year. it’ll happen to you too. :)
I would have to say “You’re Going Down” by Sick Puppies and “Invincible” by Adeltia’s Way (SP?) both kick a$$ songs!!!! Good luck Sunday!!!!
I’m too lazy to read all the way through the comments to see if someone already suggested this, but “You Can Do It” (Ice Cube). Don’t stop, get it get it!
My brother-in-law is running in the same marathon. :) Kick his ass, Linda!
Proud by Heather Small. Totally gets me going every time!! Good luck!
Wow, ready for that marathon finally. Good luck, I get worn out after a 10K, but I don’t really run. My doctor’s have advised me against it. (I have broken my right ankle 3 times and dislocated my left knee too many times to remember.) Have fun and listen to some DMX, his gruffy barks and yelling always pumps me up!
Beats that will not let you down:
Kick Push (Lupe Fiasco)
Something for Nothing (Heiruspecs)
5ves (Heiruspecs)
Go Linda!
I second Brooke on ‘The Middle’ by Jimmy Eat world. Also ‘Song 2′ by Blur, ‘Welcome to the Black Parade’ by My Chemical Romance (you’re trying to run a marathon, not be a cool indie kid, right?)
GOOD LUCK!
I just ran my first 5k of the year today. I was thinking how I’m at the place in my running history that you were Way Back When! I am so in awe of you and your commitment to this marathon. You are amazing, strong, and so capable of really doing well tomorrow! I’ll be thinking of you, knowing that you will be spectacular. Can’t wait to see pictures and hear all about it :) Run like the wind!
“DLZ” from TV on the Radio, couldn’t get it out of my head after hearing it on Breaking Bad.
First, GOOD LUCK! You have a global internet cheering sections!
“Cult of Personality” by Living Colour
“Brother 52″ by Fish
John Wesley’s full band cover of Seal’s “Crazy” (available to download free from http://www.john-wesley.com)
Marillion’s “Between You and Me”
(not that I am a runner, but these are songs that really push me through at the gym when I seriously need an energy boost)
A quote I’ve always liked says, “The race goes not to the swift or the strong, but to those who keep on running.”
Rootin’ for ‘ya like everyone else! Can’t wait to see a post-race-post! You rock so much. :)
Today I had a terrible run. I am training for a half, am up to 7 miles, and was only running 4 today. In the midst of wanting to barf and walk, I thought of you, probably starting your marathon about that time. Congratulations on achieving such a ridiculously awesome goal!
I hope you did well! I thought of you today, because I completed my first half-marathon and it started off horribly (thunderstorms) and ended okay.
I hope you made it through and enjoyed it as much as possible! :)