For me, music is an integral part of any workout. The mental aspect of running (and most forms of exercise) is often the biggest battle we face. Music is the secret weapon I use to win the war against negative self-talk. Running is a form of meditation for me. The lyrics and melodies bring me out of my everyday thoughts and into a daydream. I imagine myself teaching yoga to the beat, running across the finish line, embarking on an exotic adventure, or just all-around kicking ass. I visualize myself getting what I want.
My ever-evolving playlist contains all sorts of artists. Right now I’m loving:
- “I Lived” by One Republic. When I hear this song, my heart skips a beat. Why? I picture my intention, I picture completing my first marathon, I picture teaching yoga. Sometimes I get teary-eyed — it’s that inspirational to me. Plus, it’s a faster tempo song that gives me a much-needed pick-me-up on runs.
- “I Bet My Life” by Imagine Dragons. I like the fast tempo at various parts of the song. There’s a power in lead singer Dan Reynolds’ voice that makes me in turn feel stronger and faster.
- “Diamonds” by Johnnyswim. When Johnnyswim described this song during their show at the MIM, they said it was about saying “suck it” to people who didn’t believe in them. But it’s also a song about hope.
- “i” by Kendrick Lamar. “I love myself.” What better mantra can you repeat than this as you run mile after mile after mile for your own good?
- “Tom Ford” by Jay-Z. No explanation necessary.
- “Lips Are Movin” by Meghan Trainor. This song makes me want to dance, and so I pretend I am doing just that instead of running.
- “Geronimo” by Sheppard. The lyrics “I can see you/Through the curtains of the waterfall” remind me of my husband.
- “Elastic Heart” by Sia. The words “I’ve got thick skin and an elastic heart” are on repeat in my head this week.
- “Riptide” by Vance Joy. I’m not sure what the lyrics are — Vance himself doesn’t remember — but I like the sound: “I love you when you’re singing that song and/I got a lump in my throat because/You’re gonna sing the words wrong.”
I’m always in the market for fresh running tunes. Recommendations are always welcome!
Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.