Please don't stop the music

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I went for a run this morning. Mostly because I wrote it down on my google calendar last night and got a little obnoxious beeping reminder about it on my iphone this morning. While I was running I was thinking about the things that I do to make running tolerable, like counting dirty Santas, leaping over dog poo, imagining I'm being chased by tigers. . . . Anyway, I decided that the biggest factor in keeping me from quitting and deciding to take a nap in the park is music.

So here's my list of songs that I like to run to. Please understand that this list may include songs that make any self-respecting music-lover cringe. Many of my running songs would never be on any other playlist that I listen to.

Starters: These songs must be happy and bouncy in order to lull me into the delusion that I actually enjoy running. These are crucial decisions. Pick the wrong song and you're likely to give up before you reach the end of the block

Im Yours - Jason Mraz

Helen - Nizlopi

Then I tend to need something with a good beat to remind my feet to keep moving after the bouncy fun delusion fades.

Pon De Replay "Rihanna" - Rihanna

Maneater - Nelly Furtado

Basically this is my Rihanna, Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, and occasionally Britney Spears portion of the run. Yes I know. I make no apologies. Speaking of, I also enjoy

Apologize (Remix) - OneRepublic

Although I'm aware it's a bit slow.

Okay so this brings me to the point in the run where I really need some inspiring tunes. I can't count on my brain for motivation, so I need the music. I NEED it. These are songs that start off with gentle, yet unrelenting beat that gradually build to a crescendo that would be appropriate for a "run to the top of the stairs and pump your fists Rocky style" kind of moment. You can't stop running when these songs are on. My top picks are

With Or Without You - U2

and

You Found Me - The Fray

And finally if you need a little humour when you're running--as I do.

Baby Got Back - Sir Mix A Lot

Because let's face it. Spandex is humbling.

What do I finish with? Well, to be honest, the sound of my own gasping. When I'm done I'm done. The music has done it's job.

Hope you enjoyed!