A little running music

I don't run with music. I've never been comfortable with earbuds in my ear.  And I run in the city...I want to hear vehicles around me...and the bad guys trying to sneak up on me.  But I do like running music...or to be more accurate, music that pumps me up. 

Heading out to a race I love Dave Matthews 'Two Step', Led Zeppelin's 'Ramble On', Joe Zawinul's 'Procession' and Al Dimeola's 'Flight over Rio'.  Those are my standbys.  But there are a others that I turn to when I really want to get crank it up:  

Sinnerman, Nina Simone.  Loved it in The Thomas Crown Affair...love this extended version even more

Boogie Wonderland Extended Mix, Earth Wind and Fire.  They could have called this 'Happy Feet'. It sure gets my legs turning over.

Thunderstruck, Two Cellos.  OK, AC/DC nailed it with Thunderstruck but this is one of the best versions ever!

What's your favourite running music?

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Getting High with my Favourite Running Songs

The Runner's High...it is real. Not psychedelic high like drug-induced highs.  Endorphin high that washes away anxiety, stress, moodiness and replaces them with euphoria, calmness and a state of general well being.  I generally can't go a day without running and not feel anxious...so to reduce the anxiety I go running.  I love the Runner's High!

Most of my running is alone.  Since I run early morning along city streets, I need to be aware of vehicles and traffic.  When I run the trails, I like to hear the birds chirping.  Sally who has recently started walking the Humber River Trail near our place says the same thing.  She has already experienced the Walker's High!

I love music.  Rock, Jazz and that wonderful combination of Jazz/Rock mastered by bands like The Dave Matthews Band are favourite genres.  But even though I love music, I don't run to music.  I don't like the earbuds at all and I carry my Samsung Galaxy Note Smartphone to take pictures and videos.  But I do like running music...music that gets my foot tapping, my blood pumping...music that I have to play LOUD!  Here are a few of my favourite 'Getting High' running songs:

1. "Running Back to Saskatoon", The Guess Who
2. "Life is a Highway", Tom Cochrane and Red Rider
3. "Two Step", Dave Matthews Band
4. "Loose Yourself", Eminem
5. "Walking on Sunshine", Katrina and the Waves
6. "Echo Beach", Martha and the Muffins
7. "Thunderstruck", AD/DC
8. "Relax", Frankie Goes to Hollywood
9. "Two Tribes", Frankie Goes to Hollywood
10. "Desire, the Hollywood Mix", U2
11. "Firestarter", The Prodigy
12. "Running Down a Dream", Tom Petty
13. "I Got a Feeling", Black Eyed Peas
14. "Tubthumping", Chumbawumba
15. "1999", Prince
16. "Beat It", Michael Jackson
17. "Ramble On", Led Zeppelin
18. "Midnight Rambler", The Rolling Stones
19. "Brick House", The Commodores
20. "Last Dance", Donna Summer

I have been know to sing these songs out loud while running.  Out of tune and flat for sure but sung with all the emotion and energy they inspire.  And I'm pretty sure that after going through the above list at least one of them is currently playing in your head right now. You're welcome.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy
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I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

• The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20

• The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.