For me, running is selfish. I do it for myself. I do it because I enjoy it. I don’t train with anyone else. I don’t belong to a running club. I don’t train for events in exotic far away places, or for the status of saying I competed in such-and-such. It’s strictly solo. Although I try to keep my running a personal matter, frequently someone who has seen me pounding the pavement, will approach me and say, “Hey, I waved to you while you were out running and you didn’t even see me!” I ususally use the excuse, “Oh, I must have been in the zone”. Truth is, I was probably trying to catch my breath (gasp), or keep from tripping over something and causing an unnecessary injury. So there you have it, proof that when I am running, I am thinking only about myself!
Today I want to share what motivates me to run: music. It can turn a “I don’t feel much like running” day into a ”just had the best run” kinda day. Ideally music should match your pace. That would mean, in my case, I should be running to music with 170 beats per minute (BPM). If you are interested, here is a link that will help you match your music to your pace. This week I made a new playlist for myself, which I am posting here today. In addition to the song, artist, and time I have listed the BPM. You will notice, there are no songs with 170 BPM. Why? Did I mention running is about me. I pick songs primarily based on 3 criteria: I like the song, it’s energetic enough to motivate me to reach my goal target heart rate, helps keep me focused.
In addition to the above criteria, I also like variety. Mix it up. Change it around. You’ll notice every song in my playlist is by a different artist and the genre of the music varies from pop and rock to hip hop and folk. This playlist even includes a few Christmas songs. Life changes, music should change. Keep it interesting. If you like to run, trying making your own playlist by either matching music to your pace, or listen to what you like! Just check to make sure you’re reaping all the benefits of your run by finding your target heart rate and checking during exercise to assure the music is pumping you up, but not maxing you out! The benefits of exercise are gained when you exercise at the right intensity. If you are not exerting yourself or your heart rate is too low, pick up the pace. If you feel you’re pushing too much or your heart rate is too high, slow it down.
Knowing that exercise is good for me might be enough to get me going, but music makes the experience enjoyable. That’s why I come back for more, everyday.
How do you get motivated to exercise? What are your favorite running songs? If I get enough responses, I’ll create a new playlist including your favorites!
Diane’s December Running Playlist
Call me Maybe, Carly Rae Jepsen 3:20; BPM 120
Rains Down In Africa, Toto 4:22; BPM 92.7
Dynamite, Taio Cruz, 4:13; BPM 128
Part of Me, Katy Perry 3:40; BPM 130
Fire burning, Somebody call 911 Sean Kingston 3:51;BPM 123
All I want for Christmas is You, Mariah Carey 3:55; BPM 150
We found Love, Rhianna 4:36;BPM 128
What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger) Kelly Clarkson 3:43; BPM 120
Paparazzi, Lady Gaga 3:36; BPM 115
More, Usher 4:11;BPM 119
Same Old Lang Syne, Dan Fogelberg 5:22; BPM 120
