There’s lots of new energy out there. This playlist features the recent radio airplay hits from Rihanna, P!nk, and Far East Movement—as well as some higher energy tracks that are a little less mainstream. Too bad iTunes doesn’t have the Fred Falke Radio Edit of Shampain. It adds that little boost that the song needs … Read more →

Energy abounds in this mix. Have fun with the new Taio Cruz and Ke$ha collaboration or the punchy Hey Hey by Dennis Ferrer. You can also sample a couple of Dave Aude remixes.  Great for running, he injects energy without overdoing it.  At 32.1 minutes, this playlist is slightly more than a 10 minute per … Read more →

This 5K playlist includes Katy Perry, a cool remix from the Scissors Sisters, and a couple songs that are blowing up right now: Xxxo and Club Can’t Handle Me. Another great track is 4th of July by Kelis. Too bad iTunes doesn’t have the WAWA Remix—it works the best for a run. Also, The Underdog … Read more →

Runner Rewind: Call Me (1980) Artist: Blondie It’s hard to believe this song was recorded in 1979. More than 30 years later, it’s still a slick and cool track.  The theme from the Richard Gere classic American Gigalo, it was immediately popular. The sudden success of the song interrupted the release of the Eat to … Read more →

This 5K playlist is a mix of some of my current favorites for running.  I’m loving the feel of Mike Posner’s Cooler Than Me and the remix of Lady GaGa’s Dance In The Dark.  Combined with the punk feel of Starstrukk and the tribal mix of Hook Up—it’s definitely an eclectic set. However, I think … Read more →

Runner Rewind: Obsession (1985) Artist: Animotion It’s hard to believe this song only reached number 6 in the U.S. I can’t imagine an 80s compilation or set that doesn’t include this synth-pop classic. Very few songs can be as easily recalled and hummed in your head as this one. “You are an obsession. You’re my … Read more →

A little less energetic than some 5K mixes, this is a set of fun and light songs.  I am loving Take It Off by Ke$ha—and Home by Kelis is great for running. I am sure she didn’t literally mean we were all running in a race—but the song works for one.  She sounds nothing like … 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 →

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 →

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 →