The Ultimate Running Playlist

Some of us never run without music, while some enjoy the quiet solitude of a trail running and listening only to the sounds of nature and our breathing.  Whatever your taste, few can say that they’ve never been lifted up by the perfect song at the perfect time on a tough run.

And with that in mind, I’ve put together the ultimate running playlist.  I’ve tried to make it a genre agnostic, although it is admittedly rock heavy.

Best of You–Foo Fighters (sample it here)

The Foo Fighters have a lot of great running songs because of their upbeat tempo.  I would also include My Hero (sample it here) in the list of ultimate running songs.

Lose Yourself–Eminem (sample it here)

Whether you like rap or not, whether you like Eminem or not, there’s no way Lose Yourself won’t lift you up when you’re feeling down.  Cuz remember, you got to lose yourself in the music, the moment, you own it, you better never let it go.

Welcome to the Jungle–Guns N’ Roses (sample it here)

Rollin in the deep–Adele (sample it here)

This is a brand new song from Adele.  If you had told me I’d have Adele on this list a few months ago, I would have laughed, but this new song is crazy good and has already carried me through a 60 minute hill workout (on repeat).  Go ahead, click on the link and sample it.  You’re going to love it.

Breathe–Prodigy (sample it here)

I’m not a fan of Prodigy, but I am a fan of this song.

Numb–Linkin Park (sample it here)

Eye Of The Tiger–Survivor (sample it here)

I don’t feel the need to explain myself on this choice.  When I hear this song on a run, I picture myself running to the top of a snow covered mountain in the middle of Siberia – preparing for my fight with Ivan Drago.  Of course, with the Rocky theme I also recommend Burning Heart (also by Survivor) (sample it here)

Jump–Van Halen (sample it here)

Sugar, We’re Going Down–Fall Out Boy (sample it here)

I know, I know, you’re way too cool to listen to Fallout Boy.  That’s OK, I am too.  But no one has to know that this song is on your iPod, and if you give it a shot I guarantee it will lift you up.

Higher Ground–Red Hot Chili Peppers (sample it here)

Born to Run–Bruce Springsteen (sample it here)

It would be blasphemy to create a running playlist without including the Boss’s classic, Born To Run.  Yes, I know he’s not talking about that kind of running, but it’s still a great song.

Good Feeling (sample it here)

This is my own sentimental favorite, and probably isn’t the best running song.  But this song came on my iPod as the sun rose after a 12 hour overnight run I did years ago, just minutes before the finish line.  And the lyrics say:

Good feeling,

won’t you stay with me just a little longer

It always seems like your leaving

When I need you here just a little longer

Dear lady there’s so many things,

that I have come to fear

Little voice says I’m going crazy,

to see all my worlds disappear

Vague sketch of a fantasy,

laughing at the sunrise

Like he’s been up all night

Oh slippin’ and slidin’

What a good time but now,

have to find a bed

that can take this weight