Weight Watchers Wednesday: Adventures in Running

by Blue-Eyed Bride on November 4, 2009

Holy sore legs, Batman!

I got up yesterday morning before Hudson did, asked Todd to take care of morning baby duties, and I set off. On foot. Around our hilly neighborhood. My friend at It Is Everlasting wrote a running plan for me. This is a realistic running plan. I asked her to set it up where I run three days every week and in the end of 8 weeks I’m able to run a 5K.

So yesterday morning, I was off. With my iPod on my arm and my face freezing. But I was so proud of myself for just getting both feet out the door! My workout yesterday was to do a warm-up walk for 5 minutes, then jog for 2 minutes and walk for 2 minutes. I repeated this five times for a total of 20 minutes of run/walk.

I’m about to admit something that I’m really ashamed to admit. I haven’t worked out since I had the scary episode when I was pregnant. The scary episode (where I had severe bleeding at 7 weeks) happened and my doctor told me to take it easy for 3 weeks. I turned those 3 weeks into an excuse to stop working out even when 4 weeks rolled around. Then the horrible sickness started and didn’t stop until I was 26 weeks pregnant. I’m not giving excuses, but I’m letting you know how long it had been since my body had done anything more than power walk.

When I got home from my first run I was tired, but I felt energized. Today, my legs are a little sore in the thighs– thank goodness it’s not the shins. And I’m taking Hudson on a big walk when he wakes up from his nap. Tomorrow morning I’ll be out again– running.

Here’s my ultimate goal. I know I wanted to do this before turning 30– and I may even do it before turning 28! It just so happens that I’ll already be spending the weekend in Charleston over the March 27 weekend with some fabulous ladies (not that Charleston is THAT far me anyway). Since I’ll be in town and I’m working toward a 5K now, I should go ahead and set my final goal at completing a 10K. And what better 10K than the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston?

Picture 22

Now, on for the second part of this post. While I was running yesterday, I realized that I didn’t set up a decent playlist on my iPod. THEN my iPod battery just died on me. So I spent a good part of this morning making my ultimate playlist.

I have a tendency to skip a song after listening to it for 30 seconds while I’m exercising, so I put quite a few songs on this list to make sure that they’ll cover the entire run. I also don’t want to hear the same exact songs every day. Here are my running choices. These are all songs that make me want to get up and dance or just put me in a good mood.

Alone- Heart
Call On Me- Eric Prydz
Carry On- Pat Green
Carry On Wayward Son- Kansas
Clocks- Coldplay
Dancing on the Ceiling- Lionel Richie
Dancing With Myself- Billy Idol
Don’t Stop Believin’- Glee Cast
Escape- Enrique Iglesias
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic- The Police
Everyday People- Sly and the Family Stone
Fireflies- Owl City
Flashdance (What a Feeling)- Irene Cara
Float On- Modest Mouse
Forever- Chris Brown
Friday I’m In Love- The Cure
Gloria- Laura Branigan
Go Your Own Way- Fleetwood Mac
Gone- Kelly Clarkson
Halo / Walking On Sunshine- Glee Cast
Heaven Is a Place on Earth- Belinda Carlisle
Honestly- Zwan
How Will I Know- Whitney Houston
I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’- Scissor Sisters
I Gotta Feeling- Black Eyed Peas
I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)- The Proclaimers
It’s My Life / Confessions, Pt. II- Glee Cast
Let the River Run- Carly Simon
Like a Prayer- Madonna
Louisiana Saturday Night- Mel McDaniel
Love Story- Taylor Swift
More than a feeling- Boston
My Life Would Suck Without You- Kelly Clarkson
One More Time- Daft Punk
Radio Nowhere- Bruce Springsteen
Rain King- Counting Crows
Safe in the Arms of Love- Martina McBride
Shadows of the Night- Pat Benatar
So Small- Carrie Underwood
Some Hearts- Carrie Underwood
Speed of Sound-Coldplay
St. Elmos Fire- John Parr
Such Great Heights- The Postal Service
Take On Me- a-ha
Testify to Love- Avalon
Vacation- The Go-Gos
Viva la Vida- Coldplay
Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’- Michael Jackson
The Way You Make Me Feel- Michael Jackson
Where Does the Good Go?- Tegan and Sara
Where You Are- Rascal Flatts
You Belong With Me- Taylor Swift

Now that you know my taste in music, do you have any other music suggestions for my running playlist?

I’ll leave you with one more question. What is the best jogging stroller out there? I want a jogging stroller that can also be used in the airport, in the mall, or on sidewalks around town. Thanks for the help!

{ 75 comments… read them below or add one }

1 carolina girl November 4, 2009 at 3:38 pm

This sounds weird, but try Miley Cirus’ Girls Just Want to Have Fun. It’s a pretty good version! At least for running. :)

2 MrsPreppy November 4, 2009 at 3:38 pm

She wrote a plan for me also!!! I am excited. I am doing to before work in the mornings.

Lets join this running mafia and keep each other motivated!

3 kate November 4, 2009 at 3:41 pm

SO exciting! After I finish the 3 Day on Sunday, I’m starting the Couch to 10k in 10 Weeks program from Run University! I haven’t signed up for an actual race yet, but I’ve always wished I was a runner. My new work buddy is an Ironman and got me hooked on all these triathlon blogs… SO inspiring!

4 Judy November 4, 2009 at 3:44 pm

I like Life is a Highway (Rascal Flatts) is usually my first song. It just opens up the road for me and makes me feel happy to be out! I am happy you found your legs again…take it easy and have fun!!

5 Heidi November 4, 2009 at 3:48 pm

The first song on my workout playlist is “All the Single Ladies” by Beyonce!! It might be silly but it gets my hiney movin’ faster!
Congratulations on your plan!

6 Ally November 4, 2009 at 3:49 pm

So proud of you!! You should totally sign up for the 10k. I love 10k races, they are a great distance because it doesn’t take up your whole day, but you still get a kick butt workout in.

Running is challening, so, way to go! Don’t get discouraged and don’t worry if you take lots of walk breaks–just enjoy your time out there on your feet :)

7 Milltini November 4, 2009 at 3:58 pm

Good for you! I am contemplating adding a major running challenge to my life’s goals as well. I signed myself up for the lottery for the NYC marathon next year. I may or may not be selected, but I figured I would give it a shot. If I do get selected, looks like I am running! This would be a HUGE challenge for me because I am presently not a “runner”…I don’t even like it. But, I am hoping that once I get started and work towards a goal that running “high” that seems to capture so many will grab me too. I’ve also convinced Lulu (Blair) to sign up for the lottery as well, I think it would be so much easier to go through with a running buddy. We’ll see what happens…either way, you should be very proud of yourslef for setting these goals. I know you can do it! Xx

8 Lauren Kelly November 4, 2009 at 3:59 pm

LOVE LOVE LOVE the playlist. Some great picks!!! :)

9 Shannon November 4, 2009 at 4:04 pm

love the playlist! I am actually working my way to running a 5K as well and am looking into the BOB Revolution. Heard GREAT things about it and it fits in my hubby’s car which is a plus. Good luck running! :-)

10 MCC November 4, 2009 at 4:12 pm

I am a mother and a jogger as well. Kudos for getting started! The jogger we bought is a Bob Revolution stroller. If you have an REI in your area, they usually have several to check out. They also have a great resale value when baby #2 comes along and you want to upgrade. This is the secondary reason we bought the Bob and will be making that exchange happening in the next few months.

Anyway, this stroller is amazing. I wouldn’t say it’s lightweight, but it sure is smooth and flexible. I occasionally take this to the mall as well. It’s a bit wider than a normal jogger, which can make for some fun aisle movement, but it more than makes up for that in other areas. Technically your son is too young to be in one of these without fully developed neck control, but you can buy the car seat adapter and run away. Be prepared for a totally new workout, especially if you have hills to run!

11 Julie @ Wearing Mascara November 4, 2009 at 4:15 pm

YAY for running! Here are some suggestions for running music:

It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere (Alan Jackson)
Ticks (Brad Paisley)
Good Directions (Billy Currlington)
Fast Cars and Freedom (Rascal Flatts)
Kerosene (Miranda Lambert)
I Like It, I Love It (Tim McGraw)
Paralyzer (Finger Eleven)
You Know I’m No Good (Amy Winehouse)
Suds In The Bucket (Sara Evans)

I got tons more if you want them! I hope this helps. Good luck with your running!

12 j November 4, 2009 at 4:23 pm

Good for you! I did a 10k for my first race and I loved it.

I suggest setting your ipod to shuffle songs before you run. One of my biggest pet peeves was knowing that when I got to song X, I still had X miles to go. But if you put it on shuffle, you won’t have certain songs at the same points in your runs. It sounds silly, but it was such a help to me and the music was much more distracting when I didn’t know what was coming next.

Galvanize by the Chemical Brothers and Do Something by Britney are two of my favorites. Good luck!

13 MeganTree November 4, 2009 at 4:24 pm

OK, I do the same thing!I I skip through songs like nobody’s business, usually within the first 30 seconds to minute of a song! HA! Somebody reminded me of The Ting Ting’s which would be a good addition to my playlist. We have alot of the same songs.

14 MMW November 4, 2009 at 4:31 pm

WOW several of your playlist songs are on mine too! I love the additional suggestions you gave – as well as those listed in the comments section. Good luck with your running. It’s such a great change in one’s life!

15 Molly November 4, 2009 at 4:32 pm

Go Erin! You’ve caught the running bug! Next stop will be a 1/2 Marathon for you after the 10K :-)
My running friends w/ kiddos all swear by the Bob.

16 Ashley November 4, 2009 at 4:37 pm

Oh, this post was Perfect timing for me! I was going to write a post asking for good work-out songs! I just started running again 6 weeks ago (after a TWO year running hiatus). I have been running on a treadmill and I watch TV to pass the time, but I want to get outside. I went from barely running one mile, and it only took me one week to get to 5K, although, I am pretty SLOW!! My IPOD had to be “re-booted” so I have to re-load everything on it, so I am going to use your list as a base for my “Running outside Music”
My mom is a avid runner and used a running stroller (for my niece 2 years ago). She loved it, and she passed it onto me, but I do not have any babies yet, so I will check the brand and let you know!
WAY To Go getting out there! Starting is the Hardest part! I do not LOVE running yet, but I am making it a habit now! Ps. I follow WW too, but I have been struggling lately.

17 Chas November 4, 2009 at 4:39 pm

YAY! WWW is back! Thanks for posting your play list, it gave me some good ideas. You need to add Electric Feel by MGMT, it’s a real perky, get out and go song.

You can SO do the 10K by March! I trained for about a month, using the Couch to 5K program and ended up being able to run a 10K…you can do it!!!

18 Ashley November 4, 2009 at 4:43 pm

*AN avid runner*
sorry

19 J.A.P. November 4, 2009 at 4:46 pm

Such an awesome playlist – I have a lot of the same songs on my running playlist. I put multiple copies of the same songs on my ipod but change the settings of the song so it only places bursts (about 45 seconds to a minute) of the song. Like Teenage Wasteland by The Who – it’s way too long for me all at once when I’m running but great when I get little intervals of it. It helps me keep from getting burned out.

20 Kari Beth November 4, 2009 at 4:53 pm

My SIL and cousin both have the BabyTrend jogging stroller. I think you can get it at Target or at Babies R Us. I’m thinking about getting that one! I LOVE the BOB strollers, but they are pricey!

21 Kristin November 4, 2009 at 4:57 pm

Hey! I love that you are training for a 5K. I have been trainning and I am doing “From the Couch to a 5K”. IT has been a great workout for me and very nice to be able to accomplish something that seemed so overwhelming. I am also planning on running a 1/2 marathon in the spring, maybe next fall! I am not going to bite off more than I can chew. I think I might do the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon. You should come do it with me.
I have a Jeep jogging stroller. I did alot of research and tried several ones out. I love the one that I have becuase it is not huge, but it is so smooth. Now…I went jogging with it and it is sooooo hard! AHHHHHHH!!!! Good workout. Georgia Kate is just now gettin to where she can sit in it without going everywhere though.
Love your workout music! I will be adding those to my ipod!
KS

22 Rachel November 4, 2009 at 5:05 pm

Good Luck! I can’t wait to start working out again! I’m already planning on doing a 5K next May, so I’m looking forward to that and setting a goal for myself to get out there and get active again!

23 jessica November 4, 2009 at 5:05 pm

a BOB jogging stroller is the ONLY way to go…really is the best stroller to get you through the next few years…so well made, steers so easily and rides so smooth, Hudson could fit now, and my 4 year old still rides comfortably. You can purchase an attachment with a tray for you w/a cupholder and a rain cover. It’s awesome! Good for you getting back into it…I always dread working out, but feel SO much better when its done!

24 Amber November 4, 2009 at 5:10 pm

My husband is a huge runner and has participated in several 10k’s and 5k’s and 2 marathons. If money is not a huge factor in your decision, please allow me to suggest the BOB Revolution stroller. We use our BOB for everything, not just when hubby is running! It moves so easily and hubs says it makes for a much easier run.

25 Emily November 4, 2009 at 5:18 pm

You can totally do this Erin! Also check out RunnersWorld.com for training guidelines too. I used it for my half-marathon. A couple songs on my running playlist that always get me in the mood, also has a good run beat:

Viva La Vida – Coldplay
Move Along – All American Rejects
Super Trooper – ABBA
See You Again – Miley Cyrus
Stronger Woman – Jewel
Human – The Killers
Between the River and Me – Tim McGraw
SexyBack – Justin Timberlake
It’s My Life – Bon Jovi
Hey Ya – Outkast (don’t laugh!)

I’m totally up for doing the bridge run with you in March and any other races you want to do! Next December, come do the Kiawah Island Half-marathon with me! You can totally do it! :)

26 Elizabeth November 4, 2009 at 5:18 pm

Great playlist. I agree with Heidi, you need to add Single Ladies on there. That song, I believe, can anybody moving. What about Eye of the Tiger? It worked for Rocky:) Oh, and I like Lose Yourself by Eminem gets me going.

I’m not sure about the jogging stroller, but I’ve heard lots of good things about BOB.

Good Luck. You can totally swing the 10K. Go for it. If nothing else, just alternate running and walking.

27 amanda November 4, 2009 at 5:25 pm

i love the police song you chose! i have it on my playlist as well as i had it played at my wedding reception. i like running to “touch of gray” by the dead and “blue sky” by the allman brothers. congrats on your new quest! it’s an awesome goal. i’ve recently set a post baby run goal for myself as well. feel the burn…

i have a BOB revolution. love it.

28 Amber November 4, 2009 at 5:28 pm

This might sound really cheesy but when I really need a motivator I flip it on to Britney Spears. I’m not usually a fan but when I hear her voice I think of the great body she has after popping out a couple of kiddos :) Plus, her songs have a great beat.

29 caitlin November 4, 2009 at 5:41 pm

cograts on getting out the door! that’s the hardest step sometimes :)

30 Shannyn November 4, 2009 at 5:43 pm

Your playlist sounds so much like mine, with a lot of the same songs! And I second you on the switching songs after 30 seconds. I get really ADD while working out. My workout mix has about 200 songs on it, just so I don’t have to switch it once a week.

31 Lindsay Adams November 4, 2009 at 5:44 pm

After doing a lot of research I registered for the BOB Revolution and even tried it out at REI and Buy Buy Baby. I liked it a lot. It is expensive, but from what I read, it’s worth it. Because of the front swivel wheel it’s easy maneuver in malls, etc. You can also lock the front wheel if you’re going on a long jog. The most common complaint with the cheaper brands (like Baby Trend) is that the front wheel starts to wobble after very little use. If you purchase the BOB and still need to use the car seat, the adapter kit is compatible with Graco car seats (among others). Hope that helps!

32 Gwen November 4, 2009 at 5:44 pm

I am so proud of you!!!! I know from experience how hard it is to restart a work out routine after a long break. I know you can do it!!! I plan on completing my races this year as long as my ankle holds up. :) As far as running strollers I don’t have any idea. I never ran when Ellie was little and now I think she could push me in one when I get tired. XOXO

33 365 Runs November 4, 2009 at 5:47 pm

I think the 10K is a great plan! It’s so much fun to run in a beautiful place like Charleston so you have lovely things to look at while you run.

I’m like you; I usually skip through a song about halfway through so I have to double load my playlist. Based on what you have already, here are a few from my list that might work for you:

It’s a Great Day to Be Alive (Travis Tritt)
Man in the Mirror (Michael Jackson)
Swim (Jack’s Mannequin)
The World’s Greatest (Radio Edit)
All at Sea (Jamie Cullum)
I’m Movin’ On (Rascal Flatts)
Gold Digger (Kanye West)

…Imaybe I’ll get around to finishing my own running playlist post that I started 3 months ago!

34 Melissa November 4, 2009 at 6:07 pm

We have very similar taste in running music! :)

35 Danica November 4, 2009 at 6:07 pm

Okay A. I’m so excited for you and of course you can run a 10k. The best part about running is that you can do it at your own pace and FOR YOU :) YAY!!!! ha ha. Obviously I’m a big running fan so you get my vote that you can totally rock the 10k and I know you’ll be one of those cute families at the finish line that always make me cry when I run by with cute little Run Mom signs. Seriously. Every. Time. I get teary eyed.

Also, starting off slow is the best way to go! :) I’m so glad Mrs. Everlasting helped you out because even though it seems weird to walk and run like that, it will give you the endurance that you need and help your body adjust. YAY for you doing it the right way! So many people go out and kill themselves and run 3 miles and then give up because they are so sore and can’t move for a week.

I’m SO happy for you. YAY. Okay. I’m done. ha ha :)

36 Colleen Pate November 4, 2009 at 6:10 pm

BOB Jogging Stroller is the best stroller on the planet…hands down. I only walk but it is the best Stroller.

37 Charla Liedahl November 4, 2009 at 6:11 pm

Good for you! I need a plan myself! I HIGHLY recommend the BOB Revolution. I had the single when I just had one little boy, but now with two kiddoes I also have the double. Yes, they are pricey but they have a great re-sale value on Craig’s List (at least here in CA) so we were able to “justify” the cost knowing we’d recoup some of it when the boys outgrow them. My baby is 3 months old and I just started putting him in the BOB last week. He does fine with head control and we are not using the infant carrier adapter. The BOB user guide says it’s safe for little ones to ride without the infant seat adapter as long as they have good head control. Enjoy your walks and runs!

38 Maggie @ Living the Life of Riley November 4, 2009 at 6:17 pm

BOB revolution hands down. Best investment I ever made. Add gwen stefani – hella good to your list. Awesome running song!

39 Maggie @ It Is Everlasting November 4, 2009 at 6:19 pm

Girl I could not be any more proud of you! You are doing so great already and before you know it we’ll be in Charleston running 6.2 together. :) I am totally the same way with my running mixes– I rarely finish a song so I will have to add some of these fabulous tunes to my list as well!

40 Austie86 November 4, 2009 at 6:35 pm

I love seeing what other people run to! It gives me great new ideas to revamp my playlist. I get so tired of listening to the same songs all the time. Here are some of my recent faves:
Miley Cyrus- Party in the USA
Beyonce- Diva
Britney Spears- 3
Forever the Sickest Kids- Hey Brittany
Paolo Nutini- New Shoes

Congrats on getting started with your training program! You’ll be running 10k’s in no time!

41 Maria November 4, 2009 at 6:41 pm

The song that gets me up and moving around is ‘3′ by Britney Spears. Here are some other suggestions:
Jai Ho- Pussycat Dolls
Pump It- Black Eyed Peas
Hot and Cold- Katy Perry
Shake It-Metro Station

Also, you e-mail me your running schedule?? My mom wants to start running again and her goal also is to be able to run a 5k with me and my sister :-) Keep up the good work!!!

42 Emily November 4, 2009 at 6:43 pm

I haven’t worked out in two months and am trying to get back into running, that sounds like a good running plan!

43 cyndi November 4, 2009 at 6:52 pm

I Gotta Feeling got me through my lastest 5K! My other go to songs are…
Womanizer – Britney Spears
SexyBack – Justin Timberlake
Love Stoned – Justin Timberlake

Regardless of how I feel they get me going!

Congrats on your running program! Your 10K goal is incredibly impressive and I know you can do it!!

44 MTC November 4, 2009 at 6:55 pm

Where’s Alabama’s “Cheap Seats”???

45 Cee November 4, 2009 at 7:23 pm

Good job, girl! Very impressive!

46 Niki November 4, 2009 at 7:26 pm

Great job on the running! I think you will definitely be ready for a 10k by March! One song that I have on my running playlist right now that I listen to over and over is Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus. I know… how old am I right? But I just love that song!

47 nat November 4, 2009 at 8:03 pm

Way to go!! You will totally be able to do a 10k by March!

48 Rachel November 4, 2009 at 8:22 pm

Good for you! I am not a runner, but I try to make myself do it. Starting slow is the key.

And fabulous list by the way! You reminded me of a few songs I need to add to my own list :)

49 carrie November 4, 2009 at 8:44 pm

I have the Baby Trend jogger from Babies R Us. My husband and I love it. It has the I Pod adapter so you and the baby can listen to you music and you won’t have your headphones in and can hear the baby if he happens to get upset for some reason.

50 Jackie November 4, 2009 at 9:40 pm

Good for you, Erin!

51 kelly November 4, 2009 at 10:07 pm

Hey, you should try nike+ for your ipod or iphone. Or if you have either of those you should also try “couch to 5k” app. There is a free version. I think it lasts about 30 days or so and it tells you to “RUN” and “WALK” and its got all of the days planned out.

Good luck :)

52 Elle November 4, 2009 at 10:27 pm

That’s awesome! I wish I could find my motivation like that LOL

53 Jess November 4, 2009 at 10:47 pm

I started to list some of my favorites and the list got really long, lol. So, I decided to make my own post… feel free to check out my stupid long list, lol.

http://allamericanjess.blogspot.com/2009/11/workout-songs.html

54 Katy November 4, 2009 at 10:48 pm

I’ll be at the bridge run with part of the wedding party since it’s two weeks before the wedding. :-)

In 2007, Clay proposed to me after the bridge run on the dock. It’s a special day for us.

55 Bethany November 4, 2009 at 10:55 pm

Oh I am totally going to use this to build my playlist…I need serious help.

56 Amber Freeman November 4, 2009 at 11:16 pm

This is sooooo weird that you have posted this!!!!! I have been training for a 5K as well! I’m still overweight and have a long way to go but it gives me soemthing to look forward to! I have already lost 11″ in just 3 months (1 month I only worked out 2 times). I’m so excited to hear that you are doing it! Congrats! Keep with it!

57 Megan November 4, 2009 at 11:20 pm

YAY!!! I LOVE that Alone was the first song! It is pretty much one of my favorite songs! Congrats on starting a routine again. I’m being lazy and TIRED! good luck!! I’m sure you will do great! :)

58 Meagan November 5, 2009 at 12:32 am

I like the Jeep Strollers!

59 Maggie November 5, 2009 at 2:12 am

Congrats on getting back in the groove!!! Sooo hard after the baby! (not to discourage, its harder after your second…and third..!) No jogging stroller suggestions (hated mine!) but for the iPod: Cheap Trick – all of it, but most importantly “I want you to want me”….Teddy Pendergrass “I don’t love you anymore”….find it, you will love this song for when you hit your stride…trust me, its not as bad as the title suggests! “whats the matter here” by 10,000 maniacs. has a great beat and as a mom, the song makes me run 10x faster….finally, for making me feel like a girly girl….Supermodel by Jill Sobule….tee hee, a huge fav! enjoy and good luck!!!

60 Lauren November 5, 2009 at 2:39 am

Wow that a lot of bob lovers!! You already know my opinion but I have to add you need the revolution version, it has a swivel front wheel. The stationary wheel doesn’t even come close.
Maneater by Nelly Furtato is my favorite workout song on the rare days that my audio book isn’t cutting it.

61 ktbtodd November 5, 2009 at 10:36 am

Thanks to my trainer’s taste in music, here are a few new fun songs I’ve added to my playlist:

Sandstorm – DaRude
Love Drunk – Boys Like Girls
Down – Jay Sean

And I personally love:

Do You Know? (The Ping Pong Song) – Enrique Iglesias
Witch Doctor – Alvin & the Chipmunks soundtrack

Enjoy!

62 LauraAnn822 November 5, 2009 at 11:05 am

Love your playlist! Pretty sure that my playlist includes most of your songs from the 80’s and all the songs from Glee. Love me some Glee! :-)

63 Melyssa November 5, 2009 at 11:45 am

Where are you located? I’m in Charleston, that’s why i ask.

64 Kristen November 5, 2009 at 12:50 pm

Our playlists have a lot of crossovers! I did a half-marathon earlier this year. Here are some songs that keep me motivated!!

Live Your Life – Rihanna (I always get a burst of energy when this comes on.)
Light On – David Cook
How Far We’ve Come – Matchbox 20
Poker Face – Lady GaGa
Use Somebody – Kings of Leon
Just Like Heaven – The Cure
Scars – Papa Roach
(This is how) You Remind Me – Nickelback

65 Es November 5, 2009 at 1:25 pm

You need to add some U2!!! I know that during my second marathon that was what kept me going at mile 13 and near the end. Plus you did say that you wanted to go see them in concert!

I also like Oasis for my runs and I have 1979 by the Smashing Pumpkins as well as Kings of Leon something upbeat like a Katy Perry or Black Eyed Peas song, Snow Patrol, The Killers, Depeche Mode. I like the Cure but I don’t really listen to them while running. What about OMD or Breakfast Club soundtrack music? I had some of Madonna’s newer dance music on there until I had to take it off from getting bored of listening to it. I have MIA Paper Planes as well and that Arcade Fire song from the Where the Wild Things Are trailer.

Certain songs have meaning to me while I’m running such as Depeche Mode’s Never Let Me Down Again or U2’s Magnificent. Those songs scream “you can do it!” to me. You should find a song like that and put it in the middle or near the end as your “power song”

When I first started running I made the mistake of just putting my favorite songs/ songs that I’d normally listen to when I’m not running on my running playlist. After running two marathons and an 18 miler, I’ve realized that if you do that then you’ll just end up pressing next when the song starts to slow down or whatnot. Instead I think you should pick songs that (a) have greater than 160 bpm (the tempo of the song- generally the greater the beats per minute, the easier it is to run fast to), and (b) motivating in some way, based mainly on the lyrics.

I know that this advice might seem not that useful at first but trust me, you’ll find yourself slowing down to match the pace of the music. I used to have a lot of Coldplay until I noticed that some of their songs have slower parts which aren’t particularly good for running. There’s a website I found that actually tells you what the bpm of most popular songs are. I will look it up and see if I can find it again.

I also did something that really worked for me in terms of motivating me to run for a certain amount of time. On iTunes you can load your music onto the playlist and it will tell you how many minutes of music is on there. I usually group songs in 15-25 minute groups and then I’ll have a song right at the 15-25 minute mark. For example, I’ll have 20 minutes of music then put a U2 song right after that. That way I don’t have to keep looking at my watch while I’m running, plus I feel good knowing that I just ran for 20 minutes.

Good luck! I know you can do it! :) Most important is to make sure you have enough energy for the run. I know that after I started running I really enjoy food more. I know that I don’t have to feel guilty about eating something that I normally wouldn’t eat because I’m doing so much running.

66 Mojito Maven November 5, 2009 at 1:33 pm

so not sure yet if i will be joining you on this run, but you can bet your ass i will be cheering for you at the finish line holding water and starbucks before we go pig out on chocolate chip pancakes!!!

67 Mrs. M November 5, 2009 at 1:38 pm

Some good songs to run to –
Dancing with Myself – Billy Idol and Get Busy – Sean Paul

68 Jennifer November 5, 2009 at 2:13 pm

Hands down, the best stroller is the B.O.B! I have one, and LOVE it! It is so lightweight, and has great shocks (this is great for the kiddo when you hit a bump). They are pricey, but worth it. You might find a deal online, or buy one used. Also, if you end up buying it new – find an authorized retailer in your area (like a running speciality store) and see if they will order one for you. Chances are, they’ll cover the shipping, and you can just go pick it up. Shipping is usually around 75ish, I think.

69 Perfectly Imperfect November 5, 2009 at 2:44 pm

I have always wanted to do the Charleston Bridge Run as well! I think I’m going to have to skip this years but I am all over 2011! You in for that one too?1

70 Nicole November 5, 2009 at 5:40 pm

When I was running regularly (I’ve also taken a little pregnancy hiatus, unfortunately), I would always start out my run with “Wonderful Day” by O.A.R – it just pumps you up and puts you in the best mood to hit the road! I actually started out with that song to the bridge run last year, which is the first time I ran it – it’s GREAT!!! Since we live in Charleston, and I’m due in January, my goal is to run it again this coming year (which will give me a little less than 2 months to get ready for it, yikesies!)… we’ll see. Oh, and my in-laws just got us the BOB stroller for the baby-on-the-way – I did tons of research and everyone just raves about it! I’m hoping it’ll give me some motivation as well, haha! :)

71 Kimberli November 5, 2009 at 7:15 pm

Way to go! I wish I could get the inspiration to run. :)

72 Lynne November 6, 2009 at 9:55 am

Great job getting started with running! Just remember, the more often you do it the easier it gets. Two weeks of working out consistently and you will feel like a whole new person.

Three of my favorite songs to run to right now are “Branwascht” by Ben Folds, “Politics and Space” and “Words” both by Kate Miller-Heidke. She’s really famous in Australia but not well known here, and she ROCKS.

73 Poopie Coopie November 9, 2009 at 2:22 pm

2 more song recommendations I didn’t notice…..

Walkin’ on Sunshine
PYT

Also, I was too cheap to get the BOB and went for one of the Jeep strollers instead. We love it! It also has the I-pod adapter so you and your baby can jam out while you’re jogging!

74 Kristen November 11, 2009 at 12:29 am

The Cooper River Bridge Run is one of my favorite runs! I am from DC and heading down to Charleston in March for my 2nd CRBR. My girlfriends and I are making it a tradition and it never hurts to have a great excuse to get to Charleston =) Good luck with your running!!!

75 Alex November 11, 2009 at 10:58 am

Congrats on the running! Isn’t it the best feeling??? You should be so proud of yourself!

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