Favorite Running Songs

Posted on October 17, 2014 by Coco

I almost always run with music, unless I’m running with a friend. If I notice that my iPod Nano is dead as I’m heading out for a run, I will grab my iPhone instead. If I notice that my iPod Nano is dead when I’ve gone too far to turn back, I will be disappointed. I know that listening to music while I run outside breaks a safety rule, but I love running with music–and I keep the volume low enough so I can hear ambient noise. So, what are my favorite running songs?

Favorite Running Tunes

You might think that a person who loves to run with music as much as I do would have the latest songs on her iPod, but I haven’t made a new playlist list since January! It just takes so much time to put together a new playlist! (To make it easier for you, I’ve provided Amazon Affiliate links directly to M3 downloads of my favorite running songs–just click on the images.) Instead of choosing current songs, I tend to use songs that have a motivating message or that will make me laugh during a long run.

All About That Bass — Meghan Trainor. OK, this is a current song–but it’s got a certain silliness that gives it staying power as a fun running song.

Happy — Pharrel Williams. I really should be sick of this song by now, but there is something about it that makes me …. happy!

Sexy And I Know It — LMFAO. This one makes my playlists for its pure laugh factor. 

Johnny Got A Boom Boom — Imelda May. I first heard this song on an NPR show (who knew public radio could be so cool!?). It’s got a wild “story” and is really upbeat.

Bang Bang — Ariane Grande. This is another fun, fast song. 


Stronger — Kelly Clarkson. When I am making a playlist for a specific race, I like to put this song where I think I’ll encounter a big hill.


Ice Ice Baby — Vanilla Ice. I like to put this song near the end of my playlist to psych myself up for an ice bath. 🙂


Raise Your Glass — Pink. I like to put this song near the very end of my playlist, as encouragement to finish strong and “raise my glass” to a great run. 

I can’t wait to check out the favorite running songs that others will be sharing on the Friday Five linkup hosted by Eat Pray Run DC, Mar on the Run and You Signed Up for What?!

[Tweet “Great Running Tunes For Your Next Playlist”]

How often do you make a new playlist?

Posted in Fitness | Tagged , | 24 Comments

Race Etiquette Pet Peeves

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Coco

One reason I like to do races is to experience the positive energy of pushing myself with thousands of others who are doing the same. (Did you see my Army Ten Miler recap? I’m still enjoying those endorphins!) I love it when we all are lined up waiting to start, re-tying our laces one last time, making sure our Garmins have a signal, squeezing in one more stretch, and smiling at everyone else who finally has made it through their training programs to race day. 

Race Etiquette
But, there are some things that runners do during a race that can really detract from the race experience. We could make races even better by following good race etiquette and refraining from these racing pet peeves. Continue reading →

Posted in Fitness | Tagged , | 23 Comments

Army Ten Miler Recap — Lucky Number Seven

Posted on October 12, 2014 by Coco

This year was my seventh time running the Army Ten Miler, and the 30th anniversary of the race. Since I started the day without much of a plan and ended up with an unexpected PR, I will remember this Army Ten Miler recap as Lucky Number Seven. 

30th Army Ten Miler

This year also was the 30th year for the GW Parkway Classic—
I guess 1985 was a good year for running!

With all my recent racing, I’ve got my pre-race preparations down to a simple routine. I fix homemade spaghetti and turkey meatballs for dinner. Continue reading →

Posted in Fitness, Race Recaps | Tagged , | 24 Comments

5 Ways To Fuel Your Workout

Posted on October 10, 2014 by Coco

Figuring out what to eat before, during, and after a workout can be a real challenge, especially if you’re like me and exercise first thing in the morning. I don’t want to get up even earlier to eat, but I don’t want to bonk. After I exercise, I don’t have much time before I have to leave for work, but if I skimp on breakfast I will be gnawing at my steering wheel before I pull into the parking garage. After some trial and error, I’ve come up with these five ways to fuel your workout. 

Favorite Fuel (1)
[Tweet “Five Ways To Fuel Your #Workout #FitFuel”]

1. Breakfast Cookies. Ever since I discovered this recipe, I’ve kept a stash of these three ingredient breakfast cookies in the fridge. I pop one or two in the toaster and top with a schmear of peanut butter to get me through a track workout or indoor cycling class. Continue reading →

Posted in Fitness | Tagged , , , | 19 Comments

Waterfall Wednesday — Visiting Niagara Falls Canada

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Coco

I never thought of Niagara Falls as a Canadian destination, but when we were planning our trip to Toronto we learned that we could take a day trip to Niagara Falls Canada. We booked a tour on-line and braced ourselves for a hokey tourist experience, but it turned out to be one of the best parts of our trip.

Niagara Falls Canada

The bus picked us up at our hotel at 8:00 am, and then made a few stops at other hotels before getting on the highway. Louie, our driver and tour guide, kept us entertained through the morning traffic jams by pointing out the sights, sharing local lore, and giving us a preview of the day ahead. Our tour included a stop at a winery that makes 20% of the world’s ice wine, some time in the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and three full hours at Niagara Falls. Continue reading →

Posted in Life | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments