My running music playlist for the Redbud 10K and Oklahoma City half-marathon

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.