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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Alexa
Alexa
13 years ago

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

Barb
Barb
13 years ago

…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!!!!!

cindy in AZ
cindy in AZ
13 years ago

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.

Jilian
13 years ago

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.

Jules
13 years ago

I’m fourthing or fifthing Eye of the Tiger. Love the beat.

Whitney
Whitney
13 years ago

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.

Erin
13 years ago

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.

caro
13 years ago

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.

Kristen
Kristen
13 years ago

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!

Amy
Amy
13 years ago

“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.

Kara
Kara
13 years ago

Alkaline Trio – Mercy Me.

donna
donna
13 years ago

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!!!

wealhtheow
13 years ago

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!

lisa
lisa
13 years ago

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

Suzanne
13 years ago

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.

Tara
Tara
13 years ago

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!

Kami
Kami
13 years ago

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

AndrewENZ
13 years ago

Matchbox 20 – Look how far we’ve come. :)

MommiePie
13 years ago

“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!

Katherine
Katherine
13 years ago

Go get ’em Linda. And I’m looking forward to you publishing the fabulous music list you’ve got in these comments. :)

Jillian
Jillian
13 years ago

“Forever” by Chris Brown.
“Sweetest Girl” by Wyclef.
“Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira.
Pretty much any/all Black Eyed Peas.

Good luck!

Carmen
13 years ago

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!

JennyM
13 years ago

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.

victoria
victoria
13 years ago

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.

KateB
KateB
13 years ago

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!!!!

Pam
Pam
13 years ago

A little embarrassed for this one, but my best go to song is “Goodbye to You” by Scandal. Good luck!

cheyenne
13 years ago

La Rage – by Keny Arkana (angry french rap, which I adore)

Rock on Sundry! Have a good run.

Kristin
Kristin
13 years ago

People of the Sun by Rage Against the Machine

Anonymous
Anonymous
13 years ago

“Galvanize” The Chemical Brothers

Tracy
Tracy
13 years ago

Thunderstruck by AC/DC..it will keep you going for miles. Good luck..you’re going to do SO AWESOME!!

JJ
JJ
13 years ago

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!

christine
13 years ago

Metallica – Give Me Fuel

You’re gonna do great this weekend. I’ll be cheering you on from Portland.

jo
jo
13 years ago

you’re gonna go far, kid – offspring. “so dance f-er dance..” LOVE for running.

Jon Bell
13 years ago

Another for Born Slippy.

Victoria
13 years ago

Your Time Is Gonna Come – Led Zeppelin.

I’m so so so so rooting for you on Sunday! I’m proud already!

Kate
Kate
13 years ago

Kick ass this weekend!

also: I like the way you move, by Bodyrockers. the tempo will keep you moving

Alison
Alison
13 years ago

Wolf Parade – I’ll Believe in Anything

Nora
Nora
13 years ago

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.

Anonymous
Anonymous
13 years ago

“Us” by Regina Spektor.

Angella
13 years ago

I have no recommendation but just wanted to say:

DUDE. SO proud of you.

Anneli
Anneli
13 years ago

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…..

Joanne
Joanne
13 years ago

Don’t laugh, but…

Tootsie Roll by 69 Boyz

duodecad
duodecad
13 years ago

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

Emily
13 years ago

“Take On Me” by A-Ha and “Africa” by Toto

Lucy
Lucy
13 years ago

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.

mrsgryphon
mrsgryphon
13 years ago

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)

J
J
13 years ago

Queen – Don’t stop me now

duodecad
duodecad
13 years ago

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 :)

Gwen
13 years ago

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!

Pauline
Pauline
13 years ago

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.