Something strange has come over me. I have turned into someone who actually likes running. I’ve run before, but back then I was someone who liked having run. There’s a difference. I used to run just to say I ran and to keep from getting fat. This time, I started running to stop getting fat but now I rather enjoy the 30-40 minutes a day where it’s just me and my pounding feet (and throbbing legs). My only problem now is that I tend to go out too fast and end up sucking wind for the second half of every run. To combat this, I had to find songs that would pump me up but also contained a slow enough back beat to remind me to slow my feet down.
I am no world class athlete, just a mom trying to get her groove back. I’ve learned I have to play music that keeps me focused on slow feet or else I’ll end up passed out on the side of the road. These are some of my favorites this week. They come with a warning, if you come here for my girl power messages and modern day feminist spin, don’t read this or you may never respect me again. Each of these songs and artists and videos may be worse than the next as far as undoing all the progress of women over the last forty years. What can I say? I’m a sucker for misogynistic club songs when I workout.
Who Dat Girl, Flo Rida featuring Akon: I think I’ve had this one on a MV mix before, but it’s a good one for this purpose so it made the cut to “new running mix” on the iPod.
The Anthem, Pitbull featuring Lil’ Jon: If I were honest with you people, I would admit that almost my entire workout playlists are dedicated to Pitbull. When you throw in Lil Jon and a trumpet to run to, I just can’t fight it anymore. This is a #1 hit for me. Also, concentrating on trying to translate the Spanish makes the minutes fly on my stopwatch!
Bang Bang, K’Naan featuring Adam Levine: It is inexplicable as he’s tiny enough to fit in my pocket and sings in a girly falsetto but I will say it: Adam Levine is motivating. That is all.
Magic, B.o.B featuring Rivers Cuomo: Simple, easy fun. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Raise Your Glass, Pink: A little something to redeem my chick cred after all the “men, men, men” songs. Notice she’s the only one who sings alone. No one “featured” here but good ole’ Pink. Rawr! Girlz rule.
P.S. Looking for more parenting guidance and tips for self-care? Check out From Chaos to Calm a guided training to help you feel better in this tough season.
