Songs to not run by
Last Christmas, Andrea gave me an iPod. I love running with it. I’ll tweak play lists as the occasion warrants; for trails, tempo, track, or LSD (Long, Slow Distance in runner’s parlance). Music certainly motivates. But I got to thinking, are there types of songs I’d never listen to while running?
Of course there are.
Nothing against these fine artists and songs. You just shouldn’t listen to them while running:
ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL (pt. 2) / Pink Floyd
References to “The Wall†should be shunned, of course.
I’M A LONG WAY FROM HOME / Shooter Jennings
I dare you not to cry.
THE THING THAT SHOULD NOT BE / Metallica
Apocalyptic visions of the leviathan or your latest 20-miler. You make the call.
DREAMING WHILE YOU SLEEP / Genesis
It’s best to avoid Phil Collins/Genesis songs as a rule, but anything about vehicular homicide is an unwise choice, no matter how tortured the driver.
HERE COMES THE RAIN AGAIN / The Eurythmics
Eshew, unless of course you enjoy running in the rain in November, or listening to the sad, introspective Annie Lennox.
I FALL APART / Juliana Gianni
Sure it’s hip, but in that purposefully depressing, Independent film sort of way.
GUESS THINGS HAPPEN THAT WAY / Johnny Cash
Abject resignation.
NOT TODAY / Jump Little Children
The sweet sounds of procrastination.
REQUIEM IN D MINOR – LACRIMOSA / W.A. Mozart
Funerary dirges just don’t motivate.
HALF A WORLD AWAY / R.E.M.
Michael Stipe at his depressing best… er… worst.
I CAN’T CATCH YOU / Six Pence None The Richer
The anthem of my last 10k.
SINCE I GAVE UP HOPE, I FEEL A LOT BETTER / Steve Taylor
The anthem of my first marathon.
FRAGILE / Sting
Quiet contemplations on pacifism.
HAS IT COME TO THIS? / The Streets
The cadence alone should put you off pace.
RUNNING TO STAND STILL / U2
Question your life on your own time.
Of course, if you really want to run to this stuff, just go ahead and download all the songs via my iTunes iMix
November 15th, 2006 at 8:24 pm
Yet another reason why not running is an excellent choice. By not running I am able to fully appreciate each song on that list.
November 16th, 2006 at 11:48 am
I think I’m actually going to run 10 miles at marathon pace to this mix. Consider it something of an experiment in mental toughness.
– Dean
November 20th, 2006 at 9:56 pm
I have had to eliminate many favorite genres and performers from my running playlist: bluegrass (too fast), folk (too slow), Dylan (too contemplative), Bela Fleck (too many tempo changes).
On the other hand, I have found nearly anything by U2, Derek Trucks, or the Violent Femmes keeps me moving, especially with a few of Lyle Lovett’s jazzier tunes sprinkled in. My all-time favorite, though, is a version of Battle Hymn of the Republic by 1960s jazz flutist Herbie Mann. At 7:14 long, it’s the perfect tune to get you through your last mile at Kiawah. CP
November 22nd, 2006 at 11:56 pm
i agree on avoiding phil collins at all costs, but have you tried 70’s genesis w/ peter gabriel on vocals and phil on drums? it is awesome! (if you enjoy progressive) not sure about running to it, though. my favorite running music is steve vai and david bowie.
November 25th, 2006 at 9:24 am
Naturally, I enjoy 70s Genesis. Actually, I love Mr. Phil and company. The music is layered, complex, and ages so well. One day it just hit me that Phil must be trying to win the “Most Melancholy Musician” lifetime achievement award. I’m pretty sure he’s got it wrapped up. Of course, Annie Lennox has already won the “Tragically Sad” grammy.