Your turn to help me –
Runners — What songs get you moving? I wanna put together a runner’s soundtrack of sorts, and need suggestions –
BTW — I’ve started running in the morning instead of evening and thought the air’d be cleaner — but I feel like I’m inhaling lungfuls of exhaust with every breath. When is air actually cleaner — 7 am or 7 pm?
I like running to LA Woman by the Doors, the Rain King by the Counting Crows and Freedom by George Michael.
Comment by Molly — September 25, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
“Get me Bodied” by Beyonce. And anything by Cake.
Don’t I win a prize for this or this or something? =P
Comment by Summer — September 25, 2007 @ 5:20 pm
I’ve recently picked up running (within the past 7mo), so here are some songs that I like running to (I tend to like a lot of dance/pop that I would maybe not normally listen to) in no particular order:
•The Beatles- Got To Get You Into My Life
•Black Eyed Peas- Let’s Get it Started
•Christina Aguilera- Fighter (This one is really corny to run to I think, but no one else but you knows you’re listening to it)
•Kanye West- Jesus Walk With Me and his remix of Daft Punk’s (which is also good to run to) Harder, Better, Faster Stronger
•Kelly Clarkson- Miss Independant
•No Doubt- Get on the Ball
•Scissor Sisters- I Don’t Feel Like Dancing
•Mika- Grace Kelly and Lollipop
•Sandi Thom- I wish I was a Punk Rocker with Flowers in my Hair
•Earth Wind and Fire- Shining Star
•The Decemberists- July! July!
•Dee- Miles and Miles
•Ben Lee- Into the Dark
•Ok Go- Crash the Party
•Ben Folds Five- Rockin the Suburbs
•Rascal Flatts- Life is a Highway
•Toby Keith- I wanna talk about me
•Big and Rich- Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy
•Ozomatli- Full Album of Don’t Mess with the Dragon
•Gnarles Barkley- Full Album of St. Elsewhere
I hope that list wasn’t too overwhelming, but I’ve found that I’ve loved running to these the past few months. Enjoy!
As for morning or evening… I can’t really picture that either one necessarily has less exhaust in the air.
p.s. I was the winner of the District Cotton tote a few weeks ago and just wanted to tell you that I’ve loved using it, esp for taking my groceries home. Thanks again!
Comment by Jessica — September 25, 2007 @ 9:09 pm
Don’t consider this a recommendation, but there are some “workout” podcasts free on itunes. Just something to consider checking out.
Personally, I like listening to NPR, because it can keep my interest for a whole, agonizing half-hour. Few songs can do that. Or other similar podcasts. Those that are very short (say, 2-10 minutes) are good so you don’t miss too much if you don’t pay close attention.
Comment by Rafi — September 25, 2007 @ 10:03 pm
I’m not sure where I read this, but I heard that the air tends to be less polluted in the mornings (especially before morning rush hour) because it’s had the evening to “settle down” and clear out a bit. However, in places like LA or Orange County, it probably doesn’t matter very much. It’s polluted badly 24 hours a day! :(
Comment by Jennifer — September 25, 2007 @ 10:57 pm
Who cares when you run? I’m just jealous that you are running at all! I’ve been such a freakin’ slug ever since the Disney Half.
Okay, music:
My power song on my Nike+ iPod is Madonna’s “Push.” Somebody said corny? Yeah, but whatever makes you move.
I like Outkast “Hey Ya”
Many songs on Gorillaz “Demon Days”
A funny mashup of Panjabi MC and Missy Elliot’s “Work It”
Chemical Brothers “Galvanize”
Happy Mondays “Step On”
Paolo Nutini “New Shoes”
Brandi Carlile “The Story” (the song, not the album) Actually, I sometimes just play this song over and over while I’m running. Every time she gets to that part where her voice comes apart, I feel like exploding myself.
The whole Tilly & the Wall “Bottoms of Barrels” album. (I laugh. I cry. I run really fast and flap my arms around.)
And yeah, I agree with the Cake person and the Gnarls Barkley person. Cake’s “The Distance” would be good if I were a guy. But the lyrics are not very encouraging if you’re female.
There’s a great program you can get which lets you adjust your music to your target stride rate. It’s called Repacer.
http://www.bestworkoutmusic.com/repacer.html
That way, you can maintain your cadence no matter what you’re listening to.
I’ve gotta start running again! My butt is starting to meld with my desk chair!
Comment by Beth Terry — September 26, 2007 @ 2:55 am
When I lived in Hollywood serveral years ago, I used to run up the Hollywood hills and can see the pollution looking down in the city. To me, it didn’t look any different morning or evening. The only time I can tell a difference is after it rains.
I usually run without any music. However, the few times I ran the LA marathon, they always start it off with “I Love LA” by Randy Newman to get everyone moving.
Comment by Jason — September 26, 2007 @ 3:50 am
I’m all about the cheesy music when I run. I’m the only one listening, so who cares – and it keeps me amused as I’m huffing and puffing.
Elvis Crespo – “Suavamente”
Everclear – “One Hit Wonder”
Guster – “Airport Song”
Nelly Furtado – “…On the Radio”
Dar Williams – “As Cool As I Am”
Sia – “Breathe Me” (the Mylo remix)
Imogen Heap – “Loose Ends” or “The Walk”
Shakira – “Ciega, Sordomuda”
Have fun. :)
Comment by Laura — September 26, 2007 @ 10:31 am
I don’t have any music suggestions because, I personally, only like to run on the beach and hear the waves and birds.
As for the time of day to run – I would suggest A.M. as best time for your body – helps to get blood moving and gives you energy for the day. Also I would think that since traffic has been creating massive fumes all day long, it would not be good to jog at the end of the day and consume those fumes. Maybe re-think where you run, so you are not running on the street with cars. And good for you for running!!
Comment by Kim Hover — September 26, 2007 @ 12:18 pm
Clearly I have v. different musical taste than running readers b/c I only have 3 songs from the many suggestions here :( So far, my play list is:
LA Woman — The Doors
I Will Survive — Cake cover
Short Skirt / Long Jacket — Cake
Hmmm….
Comment by Siel — October 11, 2007 @ 9:37 pm
I love both of those Cake songs. In fact, my S.O. just posted a silly version of Short Skirt/ Long Jacket in the comments to my post about touring the recycling center:
“I read her piece on the Davis Street station.
It is smart, and thorough, and loaded with facts.
She’s tracking her use
She’s cutting her consumption
She’s touring recycling facilities
And picking up trash..
I want a girl with a cool site and NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
plastic!!! (Da da da da da, da da da da da da…)”
I love my tall geeky husband!
Comment by Beth Terry — October 11, 2007 @ 9:49 pm