RKR.com's Bloggers Revamp Your Playlist

Dave & myself run just about everyday. While he's in Virginia & I'm in Pittsburgh, we tend to stick to a similar regimen. When your "short days" consist of a 5k and the weekends bring long runs that exceed an hour, a playlist can get old pretty darn fast.

Some of the best running songs I've stumbled upon were suggestions or favorites from other people. Even if you've never heard of a song before, throwing it on your playlist can add an interesting and new element to your run. Instead of thinking about how you're struggling to break through mile six, you'll be focusing on the song, the beat, the lyrics. It's actually kind of fun. When I ran my Disney half, I texted all of my close friends and family members and asked them for song suggestions. Every time the song switched, a trail of thoughts and memories played through my head focusing on that one person.

So here are mine & Dave's top 30 (15 from each of us if you're having a hard time with the math). As you can see, we have relatively different styles - so there really is something in here for everyone. When they come on, just think of us :) Just click the jump below to see the list!

Kelli's Picks

15. Wild Boy - MGK (Ft. Waka Flocka Flame): There is absolutely no way on earth you can not feel like an unstoppable badass listening to this song. Once you start picking up on the lyrics, it's even better to rock out to.

14. Will2k - Will Smith: Don't ask me why, but this feel good jam from 1999 is one of my favorite songs on earth. When it came on during my half marathon, I got the biggest, stupidest smile on my face. Plus, it's great for stirring up old memories that will occupy your mind.

13. I'm On A Roll - Stefano (Feat. New Boyz & Rock Mafia): An awesome upbeat pop/hip-hop song that has "pump you up lyrics" and an addictive beat. Don't know how this song wasn't bigger on the radio.

12. They Don't Care About Us - Michael Jackson: I love timing my heel strikes to this song - the beat is perfect. And it's one of MJ's most intense, bad ass songs.

11. Grenade - Memphis May Fire (Pop Goes Punk Vol. 5 Mix): I'll be honest, when my friend Julia told me to download this I was like, "there is no way on earth I'm going to like this." However, it's such a strong, powerful cover of an already great song. Even if you think it's played out - this song is worth a listen. Plus, the screamo in the middle is a nice little tension release.

10. Knock Knock - Mac Miller: As you may know, I'm from Pittsburgh - so I have to represent one of our hometown boys. I also like to listen to cocky rappers when I run (hence the Waka Flocka, MGK), and this Mac song is perfect in that department.

9. Cruise - Florida Georgia Line: I'm not a huge country music fan in real life, but I love country when I run (Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde?). I think it appeals to me so much because country singers tell stories when they sing, and it's a great distraction. Cruise is fun and carefree, too.

8. Girl On Fire (Inferno Version) - Alicia Keys (Feat. Nicki Minaj): This song came on as I was crossing the finish line at my half and it made me cry. Feel free to make fun of me.

7. Go To Church - Ice Cube: Cocky rap song with in-your-face lyrics... need I say more?

6. Break Stuff - Limp Bizkit: I am a huge fan of the 90's & early 2000's music-wise, and this song is still my number one way to de-stress. I have a seriously hard time not screaming the lyrics to this when I'm pounding out 8 miles on a treadmill lol.

5. What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction: You can't not like this song. Come on. It makes everyone smile. No matter how bad your legs hurt.

4. Work Hard, Play Hard - Wiz Khalifa: Another hometown Pittsburgh boy I love to represent via my headphones every time I run. This is the perfect "suck it up" song and it has a nice consistent "bounce" to it which is great for pacing.

3. Cinema - Skrillex: This song is honestly hypnotizing to me. It has such a strangely relaxing quality to it, yet at the same time it makes me feel like I could run through a brick wall. I'm not the biggest Dubstep person, but this song does it for me.

2. Understatement - New Found Glory: Another great jam from my highschool glory days that still pumps me up. NFG has such relatable lyrics, too - so it's not hard to get lost in their songs. Not to mention that their poppy alternative style makes them the perfect mid-run pick me up.

1. Bombs Over Baghdad - Outkast: If you've never heard this song before, just listen to it & you will understand why it's my number one. 

Dave's Picks

15. Freestylers - Cracks (Ft. Belle Humble) (Flux Pavilion Remix): A classic Dubstep jam.  This raging torrent of a song has enough synth and vocals to allow the Dubstep connoisseur and newbie alike to lose themselves in this hot track.

14. Wiz Khalifa-Never Ever:  As a Pittsburgher, I got to rep Wiz Khalifa.  This motivating track makes my feet feel like they are flying on the road.  Hmm, I guess that’s why it is on the flight school mixtape!

13. Linkin Park – Burn it Down:  This song has a great motion that always kicks my run into high gear when I hit “the wall”. 

12.  Daniel Kim – Pop Danthology 2012: This mashup of over 50 songs allows the listener to diversify their music in one song.  It truly has something for everyone!  The best thing about this song is that is free to download!

11. Tinie Tempah-Pass Out:  For those of you who are hip-hop fiends, this will be a fix that will not disappoint.  If you watched the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, you may remember Tinie Tempah rocking this UK banger!

10. Sleigh Bells – Comeback Kid:  I feel like a machine when this song comes on.  The lyrics motivate me!  “You gotta try a little harder, you’re the comeback kid!”

9. Andrew W.K.- I Get Wet:  Every AWK song is a party song, but the horn synthesizers, hard hitting rhythm, and attitude make me feel like I want to grow rockets and fly to the moon!

8. Vince Dicola - Training Montage (Rocky IV): This song makes me feel as if I am running to save America from Ivan Drago and the rest of the USSR.  Nothing is better than a deep-cut 80’s Rocky track to stick it to the communists!

7. Hanson – MMMBop: Don’t judge me…

6. Skrillex – Equinox (First of the Year):  This Dubstep banger will keep you striding like a well-greased cyborg running into a futuristic battle space. 

5. Macklemore ft.Wanz – Thrift Shop:  This goofy track keeps my laughing on the inside.  The fact that it has a sick-ass beat is a bonus!

4. Theme from Chariots of Fire: The original running movie’s theme song had to be put in here.  I feel like I am in the Olympic Marathon every time I hear this song!

3. Deadmau5 Ft. Rob Swire – Ghosts N Stuff:  No words to explain how awesome this song is.  Just listen to it and discover where it takes you.

2.  Kenny Loggins – Danger Zone: Whether you channel Top Gun, TV’s Archer, or Kenny Loggins himself during your run, this song will always take you above and beyond your comfort level.  I call that, the “Danga Zonnnnnnnnnnne”.

1.  Shawn Gallaway – Light of the Flame:  Had to end this list on a positive note.  My Uncle Shawn’s song will inspire you to live your dreams and go for gold! 


Keep Running,
Kelli & Dave