Can't thank this forum enough!

[Pnegirl]

OK, I'm only on week 5 but I only discovered the forum and C25K app two weeks ago. I can't believe how much of a boost the tips, advice and encouragement have given me in the running process. I just completed a run this morning in the rain and I found myself smiling (yes, actually SMILING!) during my last 5 minute run.

Until joining this forum, I hadn't really enjoyed the runs; loved the feeling afterwards but not the actual running. After running slower, I think music has been the biggest factor as I never listened to it previously. The song that really had me smiling today was Groover by T. Rex (thank you Marc Bolan!) and I became curious as to what other songs get other people in the running zone 🙂🎧🎶

[acountrycabbage Graduate]

Welcome! This forum is indeed an incredible place. Glad to hear you’re feeling it’s magic already!✨

I listen to everything but have to switch my tunes around often or I get bored. I enjoy a lot of cheesy disco and soul, which makes me want to shake my booty, 80s/90s and (always) Arcade Fire because they get me pumped. Blink 182 from my skater days seems to work too 😎 I just ran W5R3 to the Hamilton soundtrack which worked a treat, really kept me in the zone for the 20mins.

Might try Grease or Aladdin on the next run without intervals 😁

Work every time for me:

Arcade Fire - Keep The Car Running/Everything Now/Wake Up

Dancing in the Street/I’m Every Woman/YMCA (really..!)/Dancing in the Dark/Get Up Offa That Thing/The Middle/Bad Reputation

[Pnegirl Graduate in reply to acountrycabbage]

Ooo, I hadn't thought of a bit of soul. Good suggestion! I also have a bit of Blink 182 and some other classics from my teenage years (ok, guilty pleasures which I will not be revealing hahaha). Thanks for replying!

[acountrycabbage Graduate in reply to Pnegirl]

ALL guilty pleasures are acceptable in running world! 🤣 whatever works to give you a boost! 🏃🏼‍♀️💥

[VPOLLIE67 Graduate]

Well done Pnegirl!!! I think we must all look a bit crazy at the end of a run. I regularly find myself grinning like a Cheshire Cat hahahaha. Have a lovely weekend.

[Pnegirl Graduate in reply to VPOLLIE67]

Hahaha yeah I've only recently found myself doing that. I think ghosts from PE lessons past made me so surprised to find I was actually enjoying myself. Who'd have thought it! I hope you have a lovely weekend too 🙂

[nowster Graduate in reply to Pnegirl]

Definitely ghosts of PE lessons past. There's probably something wrong in the way that PE happened in schools. The teachers usually had a sadistic streak.

[Ian5K Graduate]

The first time in my life I have run with music. Well, you have to have the gadgetry to hear the coach so I thought, why not?

I started with DJ Jamz Supernova, for three downloads, and now it’s Moses Boyd. Introducing me to some new tunes.

I don’t actually run to the beat, it’s just having a pleasant distraction and wonderful juxtaposition to the passing countryside.

[Pnegirl Graduate in reply to Ian5K]

Yes, I do the same. Don't really listen to the beat unless I know it's a good rhythm/pace. It's a good way of creating your own head space while taking in the lovely scenery like you say

[nowster Graduate in reply to Pnegirl]

Same here. Unless the tempo is close to my cadence, I don't tend to find myself running to the beat.

[Pnegirl Graduate in reply to nowster]

Some songs would finish me off if I tried haha 😂

Ps. Your point about PE teachers was sadly true in my case but I'd like to think things have changed since

[nowster Graduate in reply to Pnegirl]

I doubt the PE teachers have changed much recently. I suspect you last did PE something like 15 years ago. For me it's more like 35 years!

[Maxi80]

I concur. It’s splendid!

I positively hate the running but love the satisfaction afterwards!

Oh and anything by Cloud Nothings is my band of choice!

[Pnegirl Graduate in reply to Maxi80]

I haven't heard of that band. Might have to check them out 🙂

[Roxdog Graduate]

Well done and it's so great when you discover the joy in the runs!

As for musuc, that's an interesting one. Always ran to music, but find myself wanting to run without any music most of the time now as I find it distracts me and cuts me off from everything around me. Use it on short runs, but other than that, I can focus more without it! Always listened to rather chilled music.

Good luck with the rest of the plan- nearly there now!

[Pnegirl Graduate]

Ah thanks for the encouragement! I do have a chilled playlist for later in the programme just in case haha but I did the first 3 weeks (and a few weeks before officially following c25k) without music. It was nice and serene, especially seeing as though there's a nice little farm with horses chickens and geese next to the sports field where I run. I've found as I found the runs a bit more difficult though that music makes me less conscious of my breathing/fatigue and helped me relax a bit more though. Funny how things work out

[Smile23 Graduate]

Got an eclectic mix to run to at a bpm i can run to. All seem to have a positive theme too.

Step by step. Whitney

Maneater. Hall and Oates

Dead ringer. Meatloaf cher

Milk and alcohol Dr. Feelgood

You cant stop the beat. Hairspray (makes me cry) honestly!

Whitesnake/iron maiden/thin lizzy

Bit of an 80rock feel

Love it😁

[Pnegirl Graduate in reply to Smile23]

I love meatloaf and have a few of his on my playlist though I have to watch I don't speed up! On the plus side, one of his songs would take me well past a five minute running slot haha. I have an eclectic mic too but can't beat a bit of 70s rock 🙂

[Irish-John Graduate]

I start every run with "Maneater" (Hall and Oates) It keeps me from starting off too fast, and there is a funny memory associated with it that always has me starting my run with a smile

No way can I run without either music or audiobooks or especially BBC radio drama downloads. I'd quit within an hour - running and listening is "my time", I completely get away from all the "noise" of daily life and any stressors

[Pnegirl Graduate]

I'm starting to learn and really appreciate the 'my time' of running and (almost) switching off. My friend who has been running for years swears by audio books though for the moment, I enjoy my music and, like you say, the memories that come to mind 🙂