Three Things Thursday: Motivational Songs

Have you ever been running or walking down the street and the PERFECT song comes on your shuffle just when you needed it to? or

Have you spent hours the week night before the race trying to craft a playlist so spot on that you would want to sell it on the internet?

Yeah me neither. ;)

I've been working over the last year to run without music. Since I am trying to make the leap to triathlons and am training for that little race called the Pumpkinman Half Ironman in September 2014, I am tackling the mental exercise of running/swimming/biking sans music.

For those that don't know. music is not allowed during triathlons. That's right. I will need to come up with a way to entertain my head space for a good 6-7 hours during that Half Ironman so that I don't keep asking myself: "Are we there yet?"

NOW, that doesn't always work. If I am not running with Tedy's Team or a friend, I am NOT at the point where I can break out a half marathon or more without music. Especially if there isn't a crowd around to distract me. You all don't know how crucial those signs are along a course as entertainment and distraction.

So I still rock my iPod shuffle on many a long run and during the Dopey Challenge in Disney I had it at the ready for the stretches of course without a character stop or music playing (aka outside of the parks for the most part). I even had it stored in the back pocket of my capris during the Boston Marathon in 2013. Even though it never left that pocket, I felt comforted knowing it was there if I did.

Well, since it is three things Thursday and I have been dabbling in the music/playlist realm lately, I thought I would share my top 3 favorite motivational songs. These tunes have always come on the shuffle (aka I've hit 'forward' until I hit the song I want) in the big races this year.

1) "Go The Distance" - Hercules

This jam came on during Mile 10 of the Disney Marathon back in January. It was a magical moment. I was texting with Eric (aka @TheMochnacz) during the run and I think of Hercules whenever I talk to him. And then "Go The Distance" came on. I started belting it out loud. I'm sure the runners around me were staring at me like I had three heads and wishing I would slow it on down to be out of their ear shot. ;)

It was exactly what I needed to hear. I knew that I was going to make it through the marathon. I was going to finish the Dopey Challenge. I was going to go the distance and prove to myself and to others that I could.

I also made sure to listen to this song pre-race as a pump up. Especially the line - shown above - "I know every mile, will be worth my while." I anticipated the 48.6 miles of the Dopey Challenge to be more of a mental than a physical challenge. But I went into the race saying that I would enjoy every single mile and take it all in ... and I did. :)

2) "Defying Gravity" - Wicked

I've been talking about this song for ages. It has been a staple on my running playlist for a while now. I am ALL about belting this song out in the middle of a run ... and I have been known to do it.

Some non-theatre folks might be questioning the choice, but I am telling you - this song is for everyone. If you have ever been an underdog or have had anyone question you abilities, this song is for you. It truly encompasses my entire weight loss and fitness journey.

I'm through accepting limits 'cause someone says they're so Some things I cannot change But till I try, I'll never know! Too long I've been afraid of Losing love I guess I've lost Well, if that's love It comes at much too high a cost! I'd sooner buy Defying gravity Kiss me goodbye I'm defying gravity And you can't pull me down:

I mean how could you NOT have your spirits lifted when hearing that sung by the amazingly talented Idina Menzel (more on her later).

3) "Let It Go" - Frozen

This.

I told you Idina Menzel would be back!

I'm not sure there is anyone that I know that hasn't seen Frozen yet. If you are one of those folks, run out and see it NOW!!! This is the title track in my opinion that has taken the world by storm (no pun intended).

This song can satisfy all of your moods: happy, sad, angry, lethargic, pumped, etc. It truly is one of the most versatile songs I know.

And one that has really resonated with me. For obvious reasons, this song was all over Disney during the Dopey Challenge in January, but it has been on my iPod since the day I saw Frozen in late 2013.

When it comes on the iPod during a run, I can't focus on anything else except the words. If there is pain, it is numbed. If there is sound, it is silenced. If my mental state is failing, it is rejuvenated. Plus, it always puts a little pep in my step.

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I feel emotionally lighter after listening to all three of these songs. Now I know they are more Disney/Musical theatre themed than some people may like. But if you close your eyes and listen to the words and the music, the genre slips away ... and the emotions stay!

What is your top motivational song to listen to while running?