Running Music

So I am one of those people who like to run with music sometimes, not always.  Rarely when racing, because I love the atmosphere of a race and don't want to obscure  it with music.  During the work week I frequently run alone before dawn and I have to admit I love a little music kept low enough that I am aware, but it helps me get pumped up.  Not just for the run but for the day.  Picking the right music for the right run is important. I am big fan of Rock My Run.  This site used to require you to purchase tokens and download mixes but it now has a very affordable membership structure that gives you a certain number of downloads each month. 

What I like about Rock My Run is they are DJ prepared mixes, which means they are snippets of songs and mixes.  It changes frequently so you don't get bored.  They have a lot of variety of genres and it tells you the BPM. I have about 20 mixes on my Iphone.  Some of my friends like Pandora and I did try typing in Running Pop Music.  I got an interesting array of music. For me I like the DJ mixes.  My husband likes to listen to internet radio.  He likes Slacker FM or Radio Paradise.  I think if you are someone who either likes music all the time or intermittently there are a lot of options. 

The service or method you choose is only half the decision.  Once you have a source then you have to decide what kind of music.  I will admit on my phone I have a go to mix called Grrl Power.  It has my favorite song Beyonce's "Who Runs the World (Girls)."  That mix is a given if I get out the door and I am just not feeling it.  Once the music starts I am instantly ready to go.   I also intentionally keep mixes I don't care for as much.  This is a tool for me.  I can get carried away, I know does not seem possible, right?  But I can.  So if I know this should be a slow recovery run or I know I did an intense workout and I am supposed to be taking it easy, I will put on something I don't like as much.  It is amazing how that can change your energy. 

A Dailymile friend was asking what are our favorite running songs currently.  Of course you already know my favorite, but I thought I would put a few down.  You might notice a pattern.  I don't know why listening to women when I run gives me so much more energy, but they definitely make up most of my current favorites though I am a big Maroon 5 fan.

Some Songs to run to:

Single Ladies - Beyonce
Last Friday Night - Katey Perry
Starship - Niki Minaj
Catching My Breath -  Kelly Clarkson
Stronger - Kelly Clarkson
Just Like a Pill - Pink
Blow Me (One Last Kiss) - Pink
Try - Pink
Set Fire to the Rain - Adele
Titanium - David Guetta
Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5
One More Night - Maroon 5

Do you like music?  If so what do you listen to on the run?