Whether you like running with an ipod or not, research has shown that training with music not only makes you train harder, it also helps you enjoy it more. As your body follows the beat involuntarily, a faster song can help you run faster and subsequently increase your heartbeat, while a slower song can be valuable to get you up a killer hill. And when you’re listening to your favourite song, you sometimes forget how hard you’re working and a couple of kilometres can pass without you even noticing!
So if you feel the motivation dipping and you don’t know how you’re going to face that long run on Sunday, crack out the tunes – if you haven’t done so already. (You may not agree with our choices, so feel free to share your favourite songs on our Facebook page.)
The Angry Playlist
Since You’ve Been Gone – Kelly Clarkson
You Oughta Know – Alanis Morissette
So What – Pink
Piece of Me – Britney Spears
It’s my Life – Bon Jovi
Don’t Cha – Pussycat Dolls
Ich Will – Rammstein
The Pretender – Foo Fighters
Paper Planes – M.I.A.
Welcome to the Jungle – Guns n Roses
The Motivational Playlist
Single Ladies – Beyonc?
Push the Tempo – Fatboy Slim
The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner – Iron Maiden
Sexyback – Justin Timberlake
Walk This Way – Aerosmith
Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
Do Your Thing – Basement Jaxx
Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
We are the Champions – Queen
Power – Kanye West
The Happy Playlist
Ain’t No Other Man – Christina Aguilera
Crazy in Love – Beyonc? and Jay-Z
Just Dance – Lady GaGa & Kardinal Offishal
Clocks – Coldplay
My Life Would Suck Without You – Kelly Clarkson
Happiness – Alexis Jordan
Can’t Stop – Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Valerie – Amy Whinehouse
Livin’ La Vida Loca – Ricky Martin
When I Grow Up – Pussycat Dolls
Pay extra attention to your surroundings when you’re running with an ipod, to avoid cars, cyclists, dogs and other pedestrians or runners. Either keep the volume low enough to hear what is happening around you, or run with only one earplug inserted. Also note that using an ipod is not allowed at certain races, so make sure before you plug in that you won’t be disqualified if you do.
Great Gear for Girls
With the mornings becoming chillier, you need something warmer while still looking the part, of course! You can’t go wrong with the adidas Supernova Sequence long-sleeve top. Made from soft, lightweight Climalite fabric, it will not only keep you warm at the beginning of your run, but its superior moisture-management will keep you cool as you get into your stride. It is a totally seamless garment and has a FORMOTION™ enhanced fit that follows the natural movement of your body for a better fit and greater comfort. Best of all it is miCoach-compatible. But what we love most about it is that it comes in bright pink! You’ll definitely be making a statement when you hit the road with this top.
Available at selected Sportsmans Warehouse branches and The Sweatshop at R449.
