Maybe you’re like the “Go-Go’s” and you got that beat. Or perhaps you’re the type who couldn’t keep time even if it were chained down. No matter where you fall within that spectrum; most all of us appreciate music on some level. And for lots of us, we can’t run without a head full of tunes.
If the algorithm isn’t delivering for your these days, we’ve got you covered, friends. We checked in with some of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassadors to ask what’s on their playlists.
Mandy Carter
“Gravity” by John Mayer is a great warmup/cool down song. About 120 BPM, but it feels slower/chill to help you make those transitions.
“Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder is my pump up song. Not because of the BPM, but because the memories associated with the song always make me smile. (And running is scientifically proven to be easier when smiling!)
Nikki Judd
“So What” by Pink because no matter how slow I’m going, so what? I’m still a rockstar. I got my rock moves.
Haley Heartley
“What’s My Name” by DMX. Because I have to channel my inner DMX when things get hard (and/or I just don’t want to do them) and remember who I am and how I want to finish.
Sandy Johnson
“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen. This one kicks things into high gear, taps into energy I don’t always realize I have left, and reminds me that yes, I AM having a good time!
Deanna Nichole
“Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé. I love the beat and it’s a great reminder.
Mike Cooke
“Swim” by Chase Atlantic is my new obsession. A nice steady beat, up-tempo, and lyrics you can mumble while you’re out of breath.
“Private Eyes” by Hall & Oates. Stone cold classic for old folks like me. Has a nice flow, and you can run to the beat, or the lyrics for a little slower pace. I’m old.
Kerri Vardon
“Move Bitch” by Luda, “Outta Your Mind” by Lil Jon, pretty much any Rage Against the Machine song.
Emily Richardson
“Automatic” by Jack Harlow. The beat is FIRE!
Lissa Nypaver
“Whatever it Takes” by Imagine Dragons. This is one of my playlist go-to songs. Excellent pump-up jam and a reminder that you can make it through, whatever it takes, “I was born to run, I was born for this.” Also clocking in at 135 bpm it keeps your tempo up without full out effort.
Bekah Eljoundi
“Run Boy Run” by Woodkid. The build of the song just gets my legs moving faster and faster making it feel effortless.
There you go! And if you’ve got any tunes that get you fired up and make those miles melt away, let us know! Drop your suggestions in the comments or send them directly to ed@runcharlotte.com.