I haven’t talked a lot on HAFILAX about my last 6 months since I signed up for what seemed to be my impending doom with MudHero (a 6k Run/Obstacle course with a lot of (you guessed it) MUD!) so since I initially had the goal of wanting to survive the experience, I’ve dropped 45+ lbs, at least 2 pant sizes and am now able to snap off a 7k run in a little under 45minutes.  I didn’t do much other than change my eating habits (tracking what you eat helps A LOT) and started getting more active.   Now you may ask why lay all of these cards on the table at this point, well I’m glad you asked! The entire time, I’ve built playlists to help motivate me and to push me onwards, so I thought I’d share some of the tunes I’ve enjoyed on this journey (and yes some I may have mentioned before, but this is a little different so I hope you enjoy!)

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1. “Bit by Bit” – Mother Mother

This track was a recent addition to my running playlist, but completely deserving.  It starts off pretty flat, but when the song kicks in it turns into a solid motivator.  It sets a good tempo and keeps you moving.  I definitely enjoy when this track hits when I’m on the trail.

 

2. “Can’t Hold Us” – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

This is a great shot of pure pop saccharine when you’re at the tail end of a run, when this comes on, it pushes you further.  It’s a celebratory tune, it’s a solid track to bat clean-up on the running playlist.

 

3. “The Phoenix” – Fall Out Boy

Talk about speaking directly to the listener, this speaks volumes of how I feel vs how I felt 6 months ago.  I would never have thought that the running bug would ever get me, but it sure as hell did and I seriously enjoy it (so much so, I have signed up for another 5k in Sept).  I have risen from the ashes of slower, less motivated me and worked hard to craft a leaner faster self.  This song echoes how I feel about my past 6 months.

 

4. “Feeling Good” – The Sheepdogs

I’ve been groovin’ on this song for the past few months against my better judgement, but when I added it to my mix, I found it was a great middle of the playlist track as it settles into a nice groove and stays there.  It also speaks volumes about how I feel after a run.

 

5. “Wicked and Weird” – Buck 65

Talk about a song which inexplicably works on a running playlist, I tossed it on initially as a lark, but found it fit beautifully.  It’s a bit silly and left of centre, but it has a great driving beat and is well suited for a solid run.

 

6. “Move on Up” – Curtis Mayfield

Holy shit!  This may be one of the greatest motivators that I’ve had on any of my playlists, it’s an 8 and a half minute funk and soul track which just pockets you in their groove and floats you along.  This is one of my favorites when it starts oozing out of the headphones.  I found this to be the ultimate in soundtrack surprises.  Solid tune!

 

7. “Righteous Smoke” – Monster Truck

This is a song I love blaring early on in my run as it is a solid kick starter tune which helps fire me up and gets me ready for the K’s to come.  It’s a sweaty snarl of solid rock n roll, it’s a great way to get pumped up for the rest of your run.

 

8. “Control” – Big Wreck

A fairly new addition to my playlist, but one of the few that I actually find myself singing along with as I run.  This is a tune that mellows me right out and that allows me to hit a really good rhythm on the trail.  It seems to me I’ve mentioned this tune before, but this is one I really enjoy listening to when I’m out.  I seriously hope I get a chance to see them soon (maybe Fredrock?).

 

I hope you try some of these songs out and they bring you the same enjoyment they’ve given to me.