So even though yesterday’s run was not really helped that much by the awesome playlist I created a couple of days ago, I still have faith in the music. Just because Macklemore didn’t help get my quads going, doesn’t mean anything for future runs. Music has always been a huge help for me when running. I tend to change my playlists up at least each season. Yes, I put some Christmas music on during the months of November and December. I always change up my list before a big race, too.

When I opened the newest addition of Self magazine, which came in the mail Saturday, they are had chosen 50 songs to power your next workout session. Selections were made by Ke$ha, Carly Rae Jepsen, Ellie Goulding, and employees of Self, and some other singers. Their choices are below.

My current playlist has several of their choices on there, too. I like to throw some slower songs on in the middle to make sure I’m not running too fast. I also often start playing my music with these songs so I don’t start runs too fast. I’ve been known to get into my music a bit too much and soon I’m flying along too fast or worse-singing quietly while I run. Nobody wants to hear that-trust me! Often I’m high when this happens. People relax, a runner’s high, that euphoric feeling when all is right with the world and the run. My current playlist is below.

Side Note: Yes, Justin Bieber is on my playlist. Boyfriend is about to be cut though. I used to like the song; now every time I hear it I skip it. I imagine runner hell to be handcuffed to a treadmill with Boyfriend on repeat (or Call Me Maybe) for an indefinite amount of time. Scary stuff!


When making your own playlist Self gave several tips to ensure they help you with your next workout. The list should not be just songs you like and the worst part-they say you shouldn’t be listening to these songs at ANY OTHER TIME! How am I supposed to jam to Get Lucky and Blurred Lines during the day if I follow this rule.

I refuse to follow this rule. I get it, but if I get sick of a song and it stops motivating me then it is cut from my playlist. Then I search for something new. That is part of the fun! Making a new playlist makes me want to run just so I can listen to it.

Self Playlist Tips-
1) Warm Up Music should be about 120 Beats Per Minute (BPM)
2) Sprint or Kick It Up music-around 145 BPM
3) Recover music-130-140 BPM
4) Cool Down-under 110 BPM

If you go on iTunes you can actually search for music by the songs BPM. I usually just choose catchy songs that I like and arrange them by how much they pump me up. Less so at the beginning, more so in the middle, fist pumping next, followed by some chill tunes. Since everybody has a different fitness level and fitness goals, below is a more structured approach if you’d like to get your heart rate going higher than the Self suggested rates.

Stuck in a rut? Feeling unmotivated? Make a new playlist! All this music talk; it’s time to run!

Happy Monday!