I’m taking it easy again tonight, two days after running 9 miles in preparation for a couple of races. In reality, I’m not racing anybody. I’m paying money for the right to run in an organized event and, well, to get a t-shirt. And to buy gear, like the fresh New Balance kicks and Oklahoma headband I picked up last week — and the three running shirts and new running shorts I picked up today.
And I just got my compression socks in the mail!
Ah, the running industry has me by the wallet.
All good. I’m kicked back tonight polishing off that all-important running playlist. Mostly I need either upbeat songs, anthemic tunes or tracks I really, really love. Usually a combo of the three.
Thought I’d share that list with you. What should I add? Post to the comments below.
Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now – McFadden & Whitehead
One Day In Your Life (Euro version) – Anastacia
Thrill Of It – Robert Randolph & The Family Band
One note about “Thrill Of It.” I’m not sure Robert Randolph isn’t the best guitarist on the planet. The solo in this song picks up my speed every time. He’s a brilliant musician.
Leave It – Yes
Fall In Love – Phantogram
Let It Rock – Kevin Rudolf & Lil Wayne
Welcome To The World – Kevin Rudolf & Rick Ross
Gimme All Your Lovin’ – ZZ Top
80s Mercedes – Maren Morris
So, you might not assume this is a running song, and you’d be right – but I love the song. I get lost in it for 4:00.
Odds Are – Barenaked Ladies
Walking On A Dream – Empire Of The Sun
Honey In The Summer – PUBLIC
Live Like We’re Dancing – Mura Masa, Georgia
Sunday Best – Surfaces
Misled – Kool & The Gang
Controversial comment, but “Misled” is Kool & The Gang’s best song. Don’t @ me although “Summertime Madness” is an acceptable alternate.
Break My Heart – Dua Lipa
Levitating – Dua Lipa
Dynamite – BTS
Smile – Katy Perry
Chained To The Rhythm – Katy Perry, Skip Marley
Take Me Hone (feat. Bebe Rexha) – Cash Cash, Bebe Rexha
Clarity – Zedd & Foxes
Money’s Too Tight (To Mention) – LIVE – Simply Red
Sunrise – Simply Red
Note: “Sunrise” uses “I Can’t Go For That” by Hall & Oates, and Mick Hucknall turned it into a masterpiece of his own.
Don’t Lose Sight – Lawrence
You Can Get It – Arkells, K. Flay
Swing, Swing, Swing – Arkells
What You’re Made Of – Steven Lee Olsen
Lovin’ Each Day – Ronan Keating
Stand Back – Stevie Nicks
Go – Cody Fry
It Would Be You – Ben Rector
Want You Back – HAIM
Brazilian Soul (feat. Sofi Tukker) – The Knocks, Sofi Tukker
Stay With Me Tonight – Jeffrey Osborne
The Second Time Around – Shalamar
The Groove Line – Heatwave
Dare Me – The Pointer Sisters
See “Kool & The Gang,” above. This was The Pointer Sisters’ best tune. OK, go ahead and @ me.
Invincible – Pat Benatar
Everlong – Foo Fighters
The Man – The Killers
Hella Good – No Doubt
Le Disko – Shiny Toy Guns
Titanium – David Guetta, Sia
Without You – David Guetta, Usher
I Won’t Let You Down – OK Go
Stompa – Serena Ryder
Cool For The Summer – Demi Lovato
Jealous – Remix – Nick Jonas & Tinashe
Magic – Kylie Minogue
Get Outta My Way – Kylie Minogue
Midnight Blue – Lou Gramm
Hypnotize Me – Wang Chung
Note: Wang Chung was truly one of the more underrated bands of the 80s. Forget “Everybody Have Fun Tonight.” Checkout “Don’t Let Go,” “Dance Hall Days,” and “Let’s Go.” Great band.
Get That Love – Thompson Twins
See Wang Chung, above, re: The Twins
To Live And Die In L.A. – Wang Chung
See? This is a bad-ass song. Wang Chung tonight.
Go Insane – Lindsey Buckingham
No Lookin’ Back – Michael McDonald
Love Remedy – Roachford
High On Love – Roachford
Cuddly Toy – Roachford
Note: “Cuddly Toy” is one of the best Lost Hits Of The 80s out there. Such a groove.
Daydream – The Aces
Dirty Deeds Done Dirty Cheap – AC/DC
Classic – The Knocks & POWERS
Classic – MKTO
Love You For A Long Time – Maggie Rogers
High Hopes – Panic! At The Disco
Over – Drake
New Girl Now – Honeymoon Suite
Ah! Leah! – Donnie Iris
Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy – Sammy Hagar
Stone In Love – Journey
Crumblin’ Down – John Mellencamp
Adore You – Harry Styles
Watermelon Sugar – Harry Styles
Isn’t It Time – The Babys
Viva La Vida – Coldplay
I Love You Always Forever – Betty Who
Somebody Loves You – Betty Who
Dance – Tim Halperin
Blueberry Eyes (feat. SUGA of BTS) – MAX & SUGA
On The Loose – Saga
My goal for the 10K is 90 minutes. Honestly, I have no idea how I’ll do. I’m as curious as anybody, but I know it’ll be fun! Forecast is for a high of 76, which honestly is too warm. Hoping we can bump that down to about 58, lol.
