Rock Running Playlist: 12 Kickass Songs to Motivate

Rock running playlist? Running playlist that rocks? Call it whatever you want: I’ve already done the work for you and picked the songs.

 

That’s kinda what I do. I’m Adam 12, on ROCK 92.9 weekdays from 11 a.m. ’til 4 p.m. I pick songs. I play them on the radio. My aim is always to entertain, educate, and motivate.

 

And motivation is what this playlist is all about. As I’m typing this, the 128th running of the Boston Marathon is getting underway in Hopkinton. It’s the best damn day of the year in MA.

 

Now, while some of us might be better suited for a Marathon Monday bar crawl as opposed to running the actual race, I think pretty much everyone will find something they like here.

 

Because whether you’re running a marathon, training for one, going couch-to-5K, or just like to rock while you walk, this 12-song playlist that I’ve built for you will fit the bill.

 

Rock Running Playlist: 12 Kickass Songs to Motivate

A few notes before we get into the tunes. I’ve built my playlist using YouTube links for each of the songs. I did it this way for two reasons. First, it’s always fun to go back to these classic music videos.

 

Second, I wanted to give you the option to make my playlist your own. This way, it’s customizable. You can use any of the songs, in whatever order you please, on the platform you prefer.

 

“But 12, why didn’t you just build a Spotify playlist? It’s so much easier!” Because Spotify sucks. They don’t pay artists fairly. Read this short piece where I break the numbers down for you.

 

If you want to take my songs suggestions and build your own Spotify playlist, that’s on you. Either way, I hope you enjoy my rock running playlist. And appreciate the sequencing.

• "Runnin' With The Devil"

  You need the right song to set the tone on a running playlist. This is the way to go. The fade in, the thumping bassline on the downbeat, the mid-tempo groove. It’s the right energy.

• "Runaway"

  “Runnin’ With The Devil” ends with that cacophonic crash. “Runaway” ends with that blast of ’80s synth. And the tempo’s just a bit quicker. It’s a nice segue.

• "Run Like Hell"

  Now, we don’t want to go too hard too fast. So let’s pivot to Pink Floyd. We’re still throwing on literal “running” songs. But this one lets you keep a good pace without completely flooring it.

• "Where The Streets Have No Name"

  The crowd noise of “Run Like Hell” fades out. This U2 song fades in. Slow and quiet at first. Then picking up. Picking you up.

• "Wherever I May Roam"

  Another song that starts slow and picks up, letting you choose your pace as you approach the midway mark of the playlist. And it’s a nice segue out of U2. And a nice setup for the next song, too.

• "The Distance"

  Remember this ’90s hit from Cake? It’s tailor-made for racing! A fun lyrical pick me up. A nice, driving tempo.

• "Runnin' Down A Dream"

  Gotta have a nice kick in the seat of the pants as you pass the midway point. Tom Petty provides. Yet another song that fits the bill sonically and lyrically.

• "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams"

  Tom Petty fades away, making way for Green Day. The intro has such a nice punch. But the tempo is just a bit slower, giving you a chance to save your legs a bit if you need to.

• "Legs"

  Speaking of legs, how about a song about ’em? Another great segue from the abrupt ending of the Green Day song into the intro of this ZZ Top classic. Move those legs! You know how to use ’em!

• "Walk This Way"

  What else do you do with your legs? Aside from running? You walk. Although when the Run-D.M.C. version of this one kicks in, you’re probably going to want to pick up the pace.

• "Runaway Train"

  A nice midtempo ’90s number as we approach the proverbial finish line. Soul Asylum had some jams back in the day. This one almost qualifies as a ballad, but it still has enough tempo to move to.

• "Over The Hills And Far Away"

  A versatile song to end the playlist with. You can use it to power through. You can use it to warm down. Either way, I hope you’ve found all my song selections useful.