The ultimate running playlist

I refuse to run or go to the gym without my headphones. Why?

Well, I need some motivation and something to be playing in my ears. It doesn’t always have to be music, as I love my long runs to be filled with wisdom from a podcast.

When first beginning, having a good pump-up playlist will make all the difference.

Imagine running up a hill to a song by Adele, you’ll probably stop midway and walk the rest. I’m not hating on Adele because she has some good songs, but it just won’t give you that boost you need when your mind is telling you to stop.

As I’ve said, running is mental. It’s easy to let your mind tell you that you can’t anymore and to stop just because you’re tired. Whenever I hit that wall, I queue up several songs. I realize that it all depends on the person, but I need something that is up-beat and resembles a coach motivating me to push through.

1. Jubel by Klingande.

You may be wondering—why in the world would she enjoy running to a song that has almost no words? The beat. It’s constant, with some shifts in rhythm and goes right along with my running strides. Just when you may be getting bored of the song, something new and funky gets added, which distracts you from the run you’re on.

2. Kill The Lights (with Nile Rodgers) – Audien Remix

This song is absolutely funky, yet so fun. It’s different in the sense that throughout the song you hear different noises that go with the upbeat song that it is. I almost would suggest this song as a downhill sprint or end of run bop, because it’s got that good-feeling vibe, yet motivates you to finish the run you started even if you may be out of breath and feeling like you should stop.

3. Breathin by Ariana Grande

This one is a personal favorite and one that reminds me of something so key when I run. My favorite line is “just keep breathin and breathin…” although that line isn’t about breathing in a run, who’s to say I can’t make it a good reminder?

4. Better Now by Post Malone

This is a good one if you’re overwhelmed or simply need to blow off some steam. There are plenty of times where I’ve gotten frustrated and needed to go run to let it all out and this song doesn’t disappoint. Not only are the lyrics relatable, but the beat is perfect for a run. Just the right amount of hype—without it being too much to where it adds stress rather than relief.

5. Shots—Broiler Remix by Imagine Dragon

This one is interesting because it starts a little slower, but after 30 seconds you’re getting that high energy boost that you are needing in a run. I usually wouldn’t start with this song, but more of one that I would play in the middle to give me a little boost. The beat is rather constant but continues to push you to finish that run that you had planned.

6. Electricity (with Dua Lipa)

This one is perfect for a hill. As cheesy as this sounds, it’s as if you get this boost of energy. The song is so upbeat that it makes you want to climb that hill and push yourself to get over it. I tend to run uphill faster than I do downhill, so this song will motivate me to climb over it.

7. Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine

This song is all about the buildup. I would recommend starting your run with this song, particularly because of its slow start. When you tighten your shoes and put on your headphones, the first song you listen to should get you in the running mood. I think the slow start does exactly the fix you need as a warm-up. Depending on the route I take, I will start with this song if my run includes a hill in the beginning. After 45 seconds the beat picks up and the buildup begins; it is perfect for a smaller hill if you ask me.

8. Whatever You Like by T.I.

This song starts strong with momentum. Whether you know the lyrics or not (yikes for some of the words), the beat is constant throughout the song. While I may not choose to listen to this one on a big hill, I surely would select it to keep my motivation and momentum going. I would call this one a ‘head bop’. Yes, go ahead and laugh but next time you go on a run try it out.

9. Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen

First of all, great song for anything. If you’re a Queen fan, you most definitely understand what kind of mood this song puts you in. And of course, when I listen to this song, all I want to do is sing it at the top of my lungs, which no can do while I am running. Nonetheless, I love listening to this song, particularly if I need a mood booster and a change of pace from hip hop or rap. The simple words, “Don’t stop me now” makes me want to continue and finish out whatever the goal of my run was, going back to the original reason for even putting on my running shoes.

10. I Can’t Stop by Flux Pavilion

This is another great one to start a run with. The slow, initial beat gets you going for the first minute, and then you get to feel the beat and rhythm speed up. Another song with few words, however, having the words “I can’t stop” repeat over and over, does get me in a mood where I feel determined to keep going and not stop. The song is slightly longer compared to other songs, but this gives you the steady and constant beat you need when you’re thinking maybe I should walk the rest of the way home.

While this one doesn’t make my top 10, I do have to say Yummy by Justin Bieber is a good one. That’s all I will say about it.

BUT, I know it can take time to find the right songs for the right run. I will say that if you’re feeling lazy and don’t want to make your own, I always fall back to 2F Mixes. They compile songs from all generations and create what they call a “Two Friends Big Bootie Mix.” They have several volumes but my two favorites are Vol. 12 and Vol. 15.

A killer playlist can make a run enjoyable instead of a drag. You need songs that boost your energy level and give you that steady rhythm you’re looking for.