With more than 25,000 registered runners, the 2nd Annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon was described as a 13.1 mile block party.  Fast and flat, the August 1 race featured local bands at every mile and cheer stations throughout.  Chicago did not disappoint and crowds turned out to show support all along the way. … Read more →

Album: Over You (2010) Artist: Offer Nissim Feat. Maya Simantov Over You is the latest album by Israeli DJ Offer Nissim and the first sole collaboration with Maya Simantov. While most of the material has been released bit-by-bit over 2009, the album is a nice set of his most recent work and is strong electronic—almost … Read more →

This 5K playlist comes in at nearly 34 minutes so it would be good for any runner between a 10 and 11-min-per-mile pace.  Right now, I’m loving Kelis’ Scream and Wynter Gordon’s Dirty Talk. However, other favorites to run to include Rihanna, Utada, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. I just wish iTunes had her new one: Bittersweet. … Read more →

Runners’ Pick: Commander [Radio Edit] (2010) Artist: Kelly Rowland (Feat. David Guetta) Beyoncé isn’t the only one of Destiny’s children to watch. Lately Kelly Rowland has been putting out great stuff–especially for infusing some extra energy.  This charged track can keep you running until ‘hella-late.’  Her second collaboration with French DJ-turned-producer Guetta, it’s the lead … Read more →

Something happens for many runners between miles 9 and 10. It’s not that mile 10 is some magic number where suddenly your needs for a run change, but it seems to be the point where many runners notice it. This may be partly due to the fact that most training schedules ramp you up at … Read more →

Trying something new with these playlists … Rather than featuring songs from the newest albums reviewed, the 5K Friday lists will include songs that I’m running to right now. So while there may be overlap (i.e. Cupid Boy is definitely on my repeat list at the moment), these will more reflect my favorite running tracks. … Read more →

Runners’ Pick: Who Wants To Be Alone (2010) Artist: Tiësto Feat. Nelly Furtado Who would have thought that the collaboration of Tiësto and Nelly Furtado would produce such a slick song? In an interview on BPM, Furtado credited her husband Castellón with the pairing. A fan of the Dutch DJ, he said she should work … Read more →

Runner Rewind: Sweet Dreams (1983) Artist: Eurythmics Few songs can stand the test of time as well as the Eurythmics’ pulsing Sweet Dreams.  Everything about this song works. Within 2 seconds you know what is in store: haunting vocals from Annie Lennox, a killer electronic beat, and energy non-stop. No remix can ever top the … Read more →

Album: 100 Miles from Memphis (2010) Artist: Sheryl Crow Her 7th studio album abandons her previous rock/country/pop roots.  Instead, 100 Miles from Memphis has a rich blues feel that is soul-inspired. Crow tackles religion, politics, and love without getting heavy. Perhaps the most pointed messages come through on Say What You Want. “So much noise, … Read more →

Album: Bionic (2010) Artist: Christina Aguilera You never know what’s coming next on Xtina’s fourth studio album Bionic.  After a 4-year hiatus, the pop diva returns with an 18-track hodgepodge. From cyborg (Bionic, Elastic Love) to calm, mature songstress (All I Need, Lift Me Up), the often highly synthesized CD takes you on a rollercoaster … Read more →