Best Running Playlist

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There is nothing that relieves and uplifts the soul like some good music. Songs inspire and motivate the listeners in different ways. Sometimes when we feel low, slow and cool instrumentals brighten up our day. You can take your running to a higher level by spicing it up songs that help add spice to our mood. This method can be a great way to make your running session more fulfilling and less monotonous.

Music can reduce stress and anxiety. You can expect to have your heart rekindled and motivated to push harder, depending on the track. As a runner, consider coming up with a playlist that excites you.

Key Considerations When Making Your Playlist

It is evident that every runner has his or her pace. Choose songs that keep you active and going. Some of the factors below define what makes a great playlist.

Tempo – As a runner, you need to compile your playlist according to the beats per minute (bpm). If you are doing warm-ups or jogs consider 130 bpm. For a more steady-paced running try, however, set it at 150 bpm. Also, for sprinters let the songs go at 170 bpm.
Lyrics – You can always use words to your advantage and this may also inspire you. There is a reason why songs like “Can’t Stop” come up often in people’s playlists. The idea is that the song is very catchy and relatable, especially when you are on the verge of giving up.

Remember not to stock your best songs at the very beginning of your playlist. Always save these power-packed songs for the end. This is because the end of your running session is when you will be most tired, likely to give up. Thus, to get that extra surge of energy, putting some actual songs at the end of the playlist will help.

Our Top Recommended Running Playlist

Born to Run – This is a rock number by Bruce Springsteen. It is his third studio album that came out May 1974 and July 1975. The song inspires runners to keep up their pace and endure the race.
Lose Yourself – This song is by Eminem, an American rapper born on 17^th October 1972. The song motivates aspiring rappers and is coupled with an aggressive beat. It is great for athletes hoping to achieve greatness.
Pump it Up – This song is by Elvis Costello, a UK-based musician born on 25^th August 1954 at Paddington, London. The backbeat in this number keeps going on and on. It repeats the same organ hook until an athlete feels the need to keep going.
Can’t Stop – This song was released in 2002 by Red Hot Chili Peppers, a Los Angeles-based American funk rock band. Being a mix of funky n frothy, its energy comes from the title and any privileged athlete can surely slog a little more on the trail with this number on.
Sleep Now in the Fire – This song was originally released in 1999 by a Los Angeles-based band called Rage Against the Machine. This song belongs to the Alternative Metal genre. It is fast and inspiring. It can raise an athlete’s heart rate for several hours even after the music is over.
Sabotage – This is a 1994 song by the American hip-hop group Beastie Boys and was released as the first single from their fourth studio album. It is a Rap rock that plays for a maximum time of 2 minutes and 58 seconds.
Gonna Fly Now (Rocky’s Theme) – Also known as “Theme from Rocky,” this is a theme song from the movie Rocky, composed by Bill Conti with lyrics by Carol Connors and Ayn Robbins. It was released in February 1977 in the movie Rocky and it became a big part of the American pop. The song was written in Philadelphia and is often played at sporting events.
Stronger – This is a hip-hop song by the American rapper, Kanye West. It was released as the second single from his third studio album, “Graduation” on 31^st July 2007. The song won a Grammy award for best rap solo performance at the 50^th Grammy awards, thus being recognized as one of the best songs of the year by rolling stone and spin. The inspirational aspect of the song is all about the resolve that comes when one faces adversity and frustrations over mistakes made in the past.
The Distance – It is a hip hop song by the American alternative rock band called Cake. It was released on October 15, 1996, as the second single from the band’s second album “Fashion Nugget. ” It is one of the most popular songs written by their guitarist Greg Brown.
Beautiful day – It is a rock song by U2, an Irish Rock Band. It is the first track from their tenth studio album “All that you can’t leave behind” and was released as the album’s lead single on 9th October 2000. The song still remains one of their biggest hits. It is about a man who has lost everything but finds joy in what is left with him. The song encourages a vision of abandoning material things and finding peace through perseverance. It is a great number for your playlist that gives runners the hope to continue pushing despite not winning.
I Believe in a Thing Called Love – This song is by ‘The Darkness’, an English Rock Band. It was released on 22^nd, September 2003 as the band’s third single from their Debut studio album “Permission To Land”. This number was ranked on the number one position of the classic rock magazine’s list of the 101 greatest rock songs. The repetition of the word ‘touching’ truly rocks and is inspirational for any runner trying to break a sweat. So, no one can deny how hard it rocks and is great for athletes to start an afternoon running session to break a sweat.
Runnin’ Down a Dream – This song was co-written by Tom Petty and was released in July 1989 as the second single from his first solo album labeled ‘Full Moon Fever.’ The lyrics of this song are motivational when it comes to chasing dreams. It has simple lyrics and a no-frills chorus that makes you feel like you are racing towards the finish line.
O.B – “Bombs Over Baghdad” is a song by American Rap Duo OutKast from their fourth studio album. It was released as the album’s lead single on September 19, 2000. The song contains lyrics like “don’t even bang unless you plan to hit something” which gives quite a kick to any runner to push it a wee bit harder. B.O.B consists of high-speed tempo beats that can keep you going. The song takes you through various genres such as hip hop, jungle, and gospel.
I’m Shipping Up to Boston – This is a single by Dropkick Murphys from the album “The Warrior’s Code”. It was released in 2006 and became a battle cry for athletes, sports fans and film scorers everywhere.
Heart of a Champion – It is a pop-rap song sung by rapper Nelly, released and recorded in 2004 from the album called ‘Sweat’. In this song, Nelly raps about how he is at the top of his game and has the drive and will to succeed in life. It is mostly played at sporting events to keep the runners motivated to achieve their dreams.
Let’s Get It Started – This song was sung by the American hip-hop group “The Black Eyed Peas”, released as a single on June 22, 2004. The track was the fourth single released from the band’s 2003 album ‘Elephunk’. The song was nominated for ’Record of the year’ and ‘Best Rap song’. This song is not for the faint-hearted and its tempo is quick.
All I Do is Win – It is a hip-hop number that was composed and sung by DJ Khaled. It was recorded in 2009 but released a little later on February 8, 2010. This song was shot in Florida and was featured in a warm art commercial in 2017.
Till I Collapse – This is a rap-rock by the American rapper Eminem. It was released in his fourth studio album “The Eminem Show”, on May 26, 2002. Furthermore, it is the 18^th track on the album. It features American rapper Nate Dogg performing the hook.
Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop – This is an American Grammy-nominated single by American hip hop duo Young Gunz. It features Chingy on the root live album, “The Present”. It was also recorded and released in 2003.
Pump It – It is a song by The Black Eyed Peas. It was recorded in 2004 and later released on January 17, 2006. This hip-hop number was released as the fourth and final single of their album called Monkey Business. The song reached higher on the charts in other countries. It keeps a runner pumped-up with strength and motivation to hit the finishing line despite the obstacles.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, in your playlist, remember to mix things up. As a result, it will ensure you have a set of diverse tunes. This will allow you to feel many things during your run. Experts recommend personalizing the songs to only include ones that have a positive association. Remember to start slowly as the beats of the song starts slowly and speeds-up in time.

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