I've heard two schools of thought on your mindset while running, the first being to really concentrate on how the running is feeling, and the other being to dissassociate yourself from your running by distracting yourself by thinking of other things, etc.
I am definitely one that prefers to distract myself with music. Music is a big part of my running regimen. It makes the time go by much more quickly, it really helps me to think, and I use it to set my mood.
My musical tastes are pretty eclectic. I thought I'd share a sampling of the more frequently-played songs from my MP3 player when I go running. These are in no particular order.
80s Songs
Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
Sweet Child of Mine by Guns and Roses
Don't Stop Believing by Journey
Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen
Songs that remind me of my beloved Blackhawks and their games at the United Center:
The Show Goes On by Lupe Fiasco
Let It Rock by Kevin Rudolf
Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis (I would lose all credibility as a Hawks fan if I didn't include this)
This isn't on my MP3 player, but I just couldn't resist...
Favorite Musicals
The Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera
Memory from Cats
Movie Soundtracks
The Last of the Mohicans
Jurassic Park
The Cider House Rules (used in those beautiful "Pure Michigan" commercials and in my wedding)
Classical
Pretty much anything by Beethovan or Chopin. Favorites include:
Beethovan - Piano Concertos #1 and #3, and his Appassionata:
Chopin's Fantasie Impromptu, his Polonaises, and his Piano Concerto #1:
Other Sports
The Superbowl Shuffle by the 1985 Chicago Bears (so funny!):
Intro by The XX (reminds me of the 24:7 Penguins/Capitals series on HBO.)
By the way, for you hockey fans out there, this series is an absolute MUST SEE. Here's one of my favorite scenes from the first episode:
Travels
Blue Moon by Elvis Presley (reminds me of Hawaii)
Soarin' (from the ride at Disney's Epcot)
Reflections of Earth (from the fireworks show at Disney's Epcot)
Claire de Lune by Claude Debussy (reminds me of France)
Volare by Dean Martin (reminds me of Italy)
Mambo Italiano (also reminds me of Italy)
Some Randoms
Pretty much anything from The Eagles (one of the greatest bands ever, in my opinion)
Many songs from The Beatles
Lots of songs from Frank Sinatra
Strange Condition by Pete Yorn
BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUCE !!!!
ReplyDeleteHe's DA BOSS!!!!!!
Deletei alternate between quiet, podcasts and country...not sure why but the mix of fast and slow tempos works well
ReplyDeleteAmanda, I completely agree with you on mixing up fast and slow tempos! I think it is another way to keep things as interesting as possible from a mental perspective, which then feeds our physical performance. It's kind of like doing running intervals, only with music, yes?
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