This dinosaur of the MP3 age is my iPod Shuffle, circa 2005. It lacks a display. It requires frequent charging. And I haven’t replaced the ear-bud covers I lost years ago.

But it was my first (and only) digital music player, and it gets me through my runs like no amount of positive thinking, grit, or determination does.

Of course, that’s because I have several power songs on my playlist. These songs infuse me with bursts of energy when the last mile of a long training run is threatening to drag me down. They kick-start my speed intervals, which help me run faster for longer stretches of time. And they push me to run a mile or two farther than I did the week before.

My general tastes in music are definitely in the alternative vein, but some of my power songs are not. Here’s my list:

“She Sells Sanctuary” by The Cult

Okay, so I was 9 when this song came out, but I’ve long held a penchant for 80s-era British rock bands. The meaning of the lyrics is somewhat of a mystery. Some say it’s about social isolation. Others insist that it’s about a man in love with a “lady of the evening.” But I love playing this song during the last half mile of my runs. It’s my “the finish line is near” power song.

 “The Other Side” by Pendulum

The first minute of this song builds up to a great switch-up in the beat, and once the song reaches that point, I start running a speed interval. Running intervals within the first two miles of a run is relatively easy for me. Running them six or seven miles in is not. So, I try and have this song queued up just before I start.

“You Spin Me Right Round” by Dead or Alive

The 2009 re-mixed version of this song gets me in my sneakers and out the door on cold, rainy mornings, it helps me power up hills, and it makes me want to go dancing in the tinfoil paradise known as Vertex in downtown Rochester, a place where I spent a great deal of time in the early 90s.

And last, but not least…

“Lose Yourself” by Eminem

I realize Eminem doesn’t exactly fit the genre to which my other power songs belong, but I can’t help it. I love this tune. It helps me push through to the end of my run, when one mile back I thought I didn’t have anything left in me. The lyrics make me think of crossing the finish line at my half-marathon in September, of achieving this goal of mine that I’ve held on to for so long.

(Oh, and sometimes I do a little above-the-head fist-pumping while this song plays. Don’t tell anyone, or you’ll ruin my street cred.)

“Feet Fail Me Not.”

Admit it, it’s a perfect running song.

What are your power songs for your workout?

1 COMMENT FROM T.C. May 18, 2010 at 1:23 pm

The theme from “Iron Man.” No joke – gets me through a run every time.

2 COMMENT FROM Amy May 18, 2010 at 1:53 pm

It’s a Beautiful Life (Ace of Base), most anything from the old Jock Jams CD’s (and I mean early 90′s old), Independence Day (Bend it like Beckham soundtrack) and Poker Face by Lady Gaga.

3 COMMENT FROM Holly at Tropic of Mom May 18, 2010 at 9:26 pm

I’m glad I’m not the only one who uses earbuds without the covers. I’ll check out some of these songs.

4 COMMENT FROM Lauri May 18, 2010 at 10:30 pm

I agree with “lose yourself” by Eminem

5 COMMENT FROM Kristi May 19, 2010 at 1:06 pm

T.C. and Amy – thanks for the suggestions. I will check them out!

Holly – Earbuds really aren’t necessary, are they? Mine were always falling off even before I lost them.

Lauri – Much as I am not a fan of Eminem the person, that song really does rock.

6 COMMENT FROM Steph May 19, 2010 at 10:57 pm

Uprising by the Muse

7 COMMENT FROM Melissa May 20, 2010 at 4:53 am

This might sound silly, but Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” does the trick.

PS – I don’t use earbuds either.

8 COMMENT FROM Vanessa M Design May 20, 2010 at 6:54 am

Oooh, I love She Sells Sanctuary!

Some of my favourite ‘butt movers’ are:

Bring me to Life – Evanescence
If Today was Your Last Day – Nickelback
Just Say Yes – Snow Patrol
Jump – Flo-rida and Nelli Furtado
Jump – by Madonna
Jump – by The Pointers Sisters (think Hugh Grant in Love Actually).

So while these may not traditionally be songs that get one moving due to thumping beats, for me it’s more about what the song makes me remember, or feelings that it brings back, about good times, which motivate me to exercise.

9 COMMENT FROM Hillary May 20, 2010 at 8:40 am

I’m on a constant lookout for new running music. I need something that pounds to keep me going. Lately I’ve been listening to these:
Heavy Metal – Sammy Haggar
Not Myself Tonight – Christina Aguilera
Gel – Collective Soul
Cruel to be Kind – Spacehog
Toxic – Britney Spears
Ride the Wind – Poison
Wherever, Whenever – Shakira

10 COMMENT FROM Kristi May 24, 2010 at 10:11 pm

Steph-That’s a great song. I totally agree.
Melissa-They don’t serve an actual purpose, do they?

Vanessa-Good points about the songs conjuring up memories that motivate you. I like it!

Hillary-this is a great list too. I’m checking these out!

11 June 23, 2010 at 9:43 pm

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