Step One - Update the Tunes

One of the first things I decided to do when I started to focus on playing was to change what I hear. Not only did I change what I say to myself but I changed what I listen to while I'm having playtime.  I figured that most of us spring clean everything else - why not our work out music?  Fresh new music can inspire and energize giving that extra boost right when we need it.

The music I used to listen to while running was sorta angry and aggressive and I knew I needed to change that. I want to have fun and what I had been listening to didn't make me feel that way.

I went through the music in my iTunes library to figure out what I should add to my new and improved running playlist. My aim was to replace the harsh stuff with lighter, fun music.

The first thing I thought of adding was music from my days as a kid. I figured that if the song was attached to a fond memory then it would be perfect for the playlist. Rick Springfield, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and the GoGo's all found a new home on my iPod.

Next came the fun music that makes me dance in my car during rush hour traffic. Enter Ke$ha, Britney Spears, Pink, and, yes, Lady Gaga.

I added in some Kelly Clarkson, a healthy dose of Florence + the Machine, a splash of Beyonce, a dash of the Spice Girls (don't judge me!), and a few old disco tunes that remind me of being 3 years old and cruising with my Aunt Peggy.

I held onto Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Marvin Gaye, and Led Zeppelin because my list would not be the same without them.  And I could not leave off one of my favorite songs, No Rain by Blind Melon (it reminds me of college).

Now that my new playlist is complete, I am going to take it out for some playtime.  While I'm doing that, I leave you with this....

Happy Trails!

Valeka

Music

Music in the soul can be heard by the universe. - Lao Tzu

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. - Berthold Auerbach

I have been asked by several people whether or not I listen to music when I run or wog.  The answer is - I usually don't.  I prefer listening to the sound of my footfalls, my breathing and nature.  I reserve music for those days when I am having trouble relaxing into my run or when I can't clear my mind.

When I do play music, I listen to things that inspire me as opposed to songs that are just loud or have pronounced beats.  I do have a few "power songs" that I turn to when I need a boost but for the most part, I prefer songs that calm me.  I have found that something soothing benefits me more.  The music I select helps me keep a steady, relaxed pace.  My Ipod has lots of different genres - classic rock, classical music, opera, oldies, big band, indie rock and some alternative music.  Here is some of my favorite running music:

• Where The Streets Have No Name - U2
• Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac
• Round Here - Counting Crows
• No Rain - Blind Melon
• Take It Easy - The Eagles
• Someone To Watch Over Me and Come Fly With Me - Frank Sinatra
• Comfortably Numb and Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd
• Running On Empty - Jackson Browne (which, incidentally, inspired the name of my blog)
• Against The Wind - Bob Seger
• La Grange - ZZ Top
• Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
• The Four Seasons - Vivaldi
• Madame Butterfly - Puccini
• November Rain - Guns N Roses

What do you like to listen to when you run (or work out)?  Share!!  Maybe some of your music will work for me, too!

Happy Trails!

Valeka