Running Soundtrack

When running is the topic "what do you listen to" always becomes a discussion.  For a lot of people I've spoken to, they want to continually add to their music choices out of fear of getting bored with what they have on their playlist.  I find they are open to anything that gives them an extra boost.  That's a great way to move into new bands and even new genres of music.

Every time I load up music, I get really excited to hear it for the first time on the course.  Here are my Top 10 enduring songs that always get me going.  Full disclosure, I could just listen to Dream Theater for my whole run, so picking as few as possible was made very difficult.  

#10.  Juke Joint Jezebel - KMFDM

From the Mortal Kombat movie soundtrack, this one is a no-brainer.  In all truth, the entire soundtrack is easy to utilize while exercising, but this one has a great rhythm.  

#9. Awake and Alive - Skillet

A great one to get you moving.  Inspirational lyrics and some intense vocals.  

I'm awake, I'm alive

Now I know what I believe inside
Now it's my time
I'll do what I want 'cause this is my life

(Here, right now)
Right here, right now
Stand my ground and never back down
I know what I believe inside
I'm awake, and I'm alive

 

#8.  Did My Time - Korn

Power.  It's Korn.  Thunder and more thunder.  The lyrics to this one just get me.  Very much about struggle, but when you throw the vocals in, you feel like you're beating the struggle.

I am the one who chose my path
I am the one who couldn't last
I feel the life pulled from me
I feel the anger changing me

#7.  Darkened Mind - Circus Maximus

The virtuosity of the musicianship is enough, but the chorus brings it all together for running.  Great tempo for moving those feet forward, and the way the track builds just makes you feel like there is something great ahead of you.

Can you forget all of the promises, is the truth to hard to take
Now I know there must be time to forgive, we will be one again

#6.  Clifhanger 2 - Shadow Gallery

Long song with a great storyline about getting saved from desperation.  Finishes with a dual guitar attack called The Crusher.  Killer tune for setting pace.

In the blink of an eye systems deploy
And we are off, baby, off on the run
Bullets raining on down
Wind driven snow here we go

#5.  Marathon - Rush

Hard to argue the theme.  Makes you feel like a method actor

From first to last
The peak is never passed
Something always fires the light
That gets in your eyes
One moment's high
And glory rolls on by
Like a streak of lightning
That flashes and fades in the summer sky

#4.  Pull Me Under - Dream Theater

And now begins the deluge of Dream Theater.  I could fill out the top 10 with all DT tracks, but not everyone is into the band like I am.  This one again, builds brilliantly and keeps the show going the entire track.

This world is spinning around me
This world is spinning without me
All life is future to past
Every breath leads me one less to my last

#3.  Outcry - Dream Theater

A song about not being beaten.  Themed around the recent revolution is Egypt, this one is not only inspiring, but the instrumental is CA-RAAAAAAAZY!

By the way, this is a fan video made of still pictures of the revolution.  Chills up the spine every time.

The streets are bathed in blood
Time to step down and time to walk away
You'll never rule me now
Though you may stand upon my grave

#2.  Bridges in the Sky - Dream Theater

Another track of redemption.  The chorus always makes me move an extra step faster.  So inspirational.

Sun come shine my way
Make healing waters bury all my pain
Wind carry me home
The fabric of reality is tearing apart
The piece of me that died
Will return 
To live again

#1.  Last Ride of the Day - Nightwish

Oooooooh Man.  I ONLY listen to this while running.  Can't handle it otherwise.  Inspires me to appreciate every single day of life right here in this moment.  When I run a race, this one is quick-played to the finish line and I feel no pain.

Once upon a night we'll wake to the carnival of life
The beauty of this ride ahead
Such an incredible high
It's hard to light a candle
Easy to curse the dark instead
This moment the dawn of humanity
Last ride of the day

There it is.  Lots of guitars and drums, not a ton of techno; but that's just me.  Of course, this is going to be a living list as more music is made, but for now if I had a 10 track soundtrack to get me my miles, they would be here in this order.  Cheers.