Sweet-Tooth Friday: My Girly Running Mix

By: Christine F

Hey everybody!  This is Christine, checking in for Sweet-Tooth Friday.  Instead of a new dessert recipe this week, I felt a need to respond to my brother’s recent post on his running songs for 2010.  You see, I took one look at his list and thought, “That is such a boy’s list!”  I can definitely see how they would be great running songs…just not for me.

What a Girl Wants

Matt was considerate enough to post a female angle with “Joan Benoit Samuelson’s Women’s Marathon Mix,” but somehow that mix didn’t quite do it for me.  Am I a total girly girl?  Nah, but I see nothing wrong with being a cupcake-baking, toe-nail polishing, pink iPod rocking athlete.  In fact, I think that should be celebrated!  That’s why I made this list of super-fun all-female running songs.  Don’t worry, it’s not all bubblegum pop—these artists span many genres from hip hop to indie to jazz.  And guess what?  You don’t have to be a girl to rock out to them either!

My All-Female Running Playlist

• Feist – I feel it all. I love starting off my run with this song—bright enough to get me energized without going over the top.  You may remember their song 1234 from those iPod commercials, but don’t neglect other gems their album The Reminder like My Moon My Man and Sealion.
• Brigitte Bardot – Moi je joue. Yes, that Brigitte Bardot!  The time-less sex kitten puts out some delicious sixties style french pop.  Who cares what the words mean, just run with it!
• Shakira – Hips don’t lie. Something about Shakira makes me want to move.  Well, me and the rest of the latin world!  I tend to speed up my pace while daydreaming about shaking my hips half as convincingly as she does!
• Yoko Ono & Peaches – Kiss Kiss Kiss. Ok let up already, Yoko didn’t actually break up the Beatles!  If you’ve found her music difficult to swallow in the past, check out her album of techno remixes, Yes, I’m a Witch. This edgy cute one remixed with Peaches is full of hand-clapping goodness.  Also worth checking out are Everyman Everywoman and O’oh.
• Lil Mama – Lipgloss. You’ll roll your eyes when you hear these superficial lyrics about lipgloss and high school drama…but before you know it you’ll find this addictive little rap on repeat!  The cheer-style claps and stomps make for a great running stride so it’s win-win.
• Rilo Kiley – Breakin’ up. Jenny Lewis, the lead singer of Rilo Kiley, is a true indie princess.  You get all the joy of an addictive melody with the rocker street cred to back it up.  While you’re at it, check out the song Silver Lining too.
• Christina Aguilera – Ain’t no other man. Sometimes the best way to celebrate being female is to celebrate the man you love.  With trumpets and soulful backup singers.  Just don’t tell the next artist that I said that.
• Ani DiFranco – Gravel. I’m not sure if you had any super angsty grrl-power teen years, but when I did, Ani DiFranco was there for me.  Her violent guitar and intense lyrics always said it better, and now they help me fight a little harder during my run.
• Sarah Vaughan and Gotan Project – Whatever Lola Wants. When Verve records let their classic jazz recordings get remixed by modern house DJ’s, it resulted in three AMAZING albums.  Perfect for working out when you need the beat but just can’t take another top-40.  Also check out the remix of Nina Simone’s Sinnerman by Felix Da Housecat.
• Amy Winehouse – Valerie. This is from Mark Ronson’s album Version—a very modern yet totally retro and soulful collection of covers.  The song opens with such a snappy drumbeat, and once you hear Amy’s voice you’ll forget all about her tabloid adventures.
• Pink – So What. A hard-rocking punky Irish song- by a girl!  Something about this song makes me want to fight- maybe it’s the line “I wanna start a fight!”
• Lauryn Hill – Doo Wop (That Thing). If you’ve never been into rap or hip hop, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is an exquisite and accessible introduction.  But if you can manage to sing along while running, you’re not going fast enough!
• Britney Spears – I’m a Slave 4 U. I said my list wasn’t all bubblegum pop, but I didn’t say there wasn’t any!  To be perfectly honest, the hardest decision on this list was deciding which of my many favorite Brit Brit songs to choose.  If you’re feeling indulgent, check out Womanizer and If U Seek Amy.

So that’s my girly running playlist for you!  This mix totally pumps me up without grating on my sense of musical integrity—I hope you feel the same.  I’m going to need it over the next month too, because I just signed up for Baltimore’s Shamrock 5K!  I’m running it with my camogie teammates (St. Patrick’s day is great for Irish sports!).  This will be my first race, since last year I fractured my foot while training.  I’d love to add your favorite female artists to be my playlist—please comment with some ideas for me!

Until next time, stay sweet!

xoxo Christine

Please note: The links to iTunes here are affiliate links, so I earn a few cents if you buy any of the songs I mentioned.