No training or race day is complete without a rockin’ playlist that will pump you up and keep you going! As running can give you a rush of endorphins, so can music. I never leave my house without my headphones and a playlist because it makes me feel like I can surpass any obstacle coming my way.
On race day, it’s early, a little chilly, and there’s an energetic buzz all around. The moment before the start is exciting yet nerve-wracking as you are about to embark on a 13.1 mile course, and your body is anxious to start. Everyone has a different training strategy, and a key part to my training routine is creating a playlist with my favorite artists and new beats that will push me the last few miles. Don’t get me wrong – running is a great time to think and enjoy your surroundings, but running long distance can be taxing and a little music can go a long way!
If you’re like me, my pace tends to slow down around mile 9. My legs are exhausted and I’m thinking about breaking stride, but I know once I stop it will be hard to get back on pace. This will be my first time running the SLO Half Marathon, and I have been forewarned of the hills intermixed in the course. Hint: look out for Johnson Street and Baileyanna Winery where elevation goes up! Hills or no hills, music motivates me to keep going, lyrics help me to think positively, and sometimes the beat of a song gives me the energy to pick up my pace.
Here are some of my favorite songs that will be on my playlist the morning of:
1. Yeah! – Usher ft. Lil’ Jon & Ludacris
2. Run the World (Girls) – Beyoncé
3. Mr. Brightside – The Killers
4. On Top of the World – Imagine Dragons
5. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars
6. Lose Yourself – Eminem
7. Crazy in Love – Beyoncé, Jay Z
8. I’mma Shine – Youngbloodz
9. TKO – Justin Timberlake
10. Higher Ground – TNGHT