Whether you’re a running newbie or trying to beat your personal best, training for any race is difficult so why not make it a little easier? When your run is feeling a little lacklustre, blasting your favourite tunes is one of the best ways to get back in gear! And, playing music while you train is proven to reduce exertion levels and increase your sense of “being in the zone”.
With that in mind, at Run in the Dark HQ, we have compiled a playlist of some of the music that always work when we need a little extra motivation.
Track 1: The Prodigy – Firestarter
When I used to train on rowing machines, the beats per minute of this song connected with the numbers of strokes per minute that we were training at – when I listen to it now, it brings me right back. If I had to cheat and get another in, it would be Eye of the Tiger – a true classic, no explanation needed!
Mark, Co-founder, Run in the Dark
Track 2: Tine Tempah – Frisky
Tinie Tempah shouting at me, “Would you risk it for a chocolate biscuit?” got me through the battling wind and rain on Achill Island for Quest Adventure Race. I would risk it, Tinie, particularly when I crossed the finish line soaked through after 3 hours pulling myself around the course.
Paula, CEO, Run in the Dark
Track 3: George Ezra – Shotgun
This song never fails to pick me up and get me motivated when I need it. It’s a well needed dose of sunshine as the days get darker!
Kristina, PA to Mark Pollock
Track 4: Modern Lovers – Roadrunner
Roadrunner is one of the perfect running songs. Just three chords, driving guitars and rambling lyrics about going faster and faster. I’ve been playing it a lot recently as I try to make myself go for early morning runs – it definitely helps wake me up but I can’t get the song out of my head for the rest of the day!
Ann Marie, Brand and Relationships Lead
Track 5: AC/DC – Thunderstruck
If you’re feeling low in energy, then you need some classic rock like Thunderstruck. Although you need to remember that playing air guitar while running is not recommended…
Anna, Data and Insights Lead
You can listen to Run in the Dark‘s Motivation Music playlist here.
Need some motivation to keep fit this winter? Then why not join us for Run in the Dark! Every November, as darkness sweeps the globe, thousands of people in 50 cities will pull on their running shoes and red flashing armbands and hit the streets to Run in the Dark. As runners flow through the streets and light up the night, they join the global movement helping to cure paralysis in our lifetime. Join us for a 5k or 10k run in one of our official locations – Dublin, Cork, Belfast, London. Or, join a pop-up event, run by volunteers, in cities worldwide from Madrid to Melbourne.
