Girlie Show

I woke up to a really clear, warmish day today and decided it was a good day to reconnect with my long lost friend running. I haven't been on a run since um...Panama, so I was expecting it to be rough. It was. It certainly didn't help that I elected to do the loop through the Garden of the Godswe've been doing on our Thursday bike rides. It sort of messes with your head when it takes 10 times as long to do the loop. Fortunately the hills are just as brutal either way. And by fortunately I mean, sometimes I hate this place and it's endless hills.

At least I was smart enough to make up a fun playlist to keep me motivated after such a long break. Here are some highlights if your workout list is in need of a pick me up.

"Good Luck"-Basement Jaxx
This one has been a staple of my running playlist ever since my Boston roommate Linda gave it to me about six years ago. The best way I can think of to describe this song is "explosive." Even when I am really tired this song will always get me fired up. And it has some sort of angry lyrics which like it or not, can be terribly helpful when you just need to focus and push yourself.


"Howl"-Florence and the Machine
The entire album "Lungs" is actually a pretty good running list. I love to blast "Dog Days Are Over" on the downhill run after the Incline and there are plenty of others that get your heart racing. This track also has kind of over the top lyrics (Screaming in the dark, I howl when we're apart, drag my teeth across your chest to taste your beating heart) that really help rile me up.


"Lights"-Ellie Goulding
My sister introduced me to a Passion Pit cover by Ms. Goulding and upon further investigation of her work, I found this track. I like things that start out a little bit slower and build. Sorta the way I prefer to work out.


"A Litte Bit Stronger"-Sara Evans
We went to see Country Strong on Friday. The reviews are terrible but I actually enjoyed it. I like Blair Waldorf and Garrett Hedlund is even sexier in this than he was in Tron. And the music was fun for pop country. I downloaded a few tracks and although this is a pretty typical breakup song, the chorus works for talking yourself into just getting a little further up this hill. Training and getting over someone are kind of the same as it turns out-if you have a bit of discipline, every day you get a little bit stronger. (CLICHE ALERT! This video is also terrible)


"Dreams"-Deep Dish
I really love Fleetwood Mac. And I really, really love the song "Dreams". Many many mix CD's ago, my friend Corey gave this remix to me and I don't think I've ever done a workout of any kind without listening to it since. It's such a great song, a great remix and hey, great advice ladies-players only love you when they're playing.


Happy trails everyone, if you have a favorite running song please tell me! I always need new suggestions!