Ironman races do not allow any type of MP3 player or cell phone to be carried with you during the run; however, there are no rules on what I can play pre-race to get in the zone. No, Kanye, I want to get in my zone.
I know I’m going to be a bundle of nerves, so I’ve compiled a playlist of some of my favorite pump-up, introspective jams. Some are quite different from what I would have on a running playlist, but know this: I’m no music aficionado. I only know what I like, top 40 and all.
Below is a look at the playlist (or you can see it on iTunes here).

Tell me, what other songs should I add?
Oh, and happy halloween!
Okay Page, there must be a great story as how Steve Miller Band made it on your playlist…do tell. 🙂
Ha! My parents loved Steve Miller and for some reason, I’ve loved this song since I was a kid. It’s a go-to classic. Happy Halloween!
Your playlist actually mirrors my variety of “Ironman Training”, “Ironman Pumpup” and “Ironman Relax” playlists, but I think I need to add “500 Miles”. Clever 🙂
How about adding “We Run the Night” by Havana Brown featuring Pitbull, or “Titanium” by David Guetta & Sia?
UGH, Kanye, just let me do my thing! (Still laughing from your line above. I do love that song.) I’d also suggest his song “Mercy” as a pump-up. Good stuff.
Check out Icona Pop – I Love It, one of my favorite pump-me-up songs 🙂
Thanks, Amanda! And it was good to see you Saturday!
I’d veunrte that this article has saved me more time than any other.
I’ll always remember Mrs. Walker as the first teacher that helped me to see Shakespeare as accessible and understandable. That’s not an easy task as a high school teacher…she was gifted at sharing her love of literature.
On the way to the start of Vineman 140.6 I listened to Eminem’s Til I Collapse and Girl Talk’s This is the Remix, over and over again, serious to lighter, just repeated them over and over and over. A little weird, I know, why not more variety? I think the repetition, for me, kept the nerves at bay.
Just a couple weeks til IMAZ! I’ll be there cheering for some of my teammates who are racing. Ironman day is life changing…
Anything Eminem seems to do the trick! Maybe I’ll see you there 🙂
Yes- can’t wait for you! I always have pre-race playlists that I listen to when gearing up for it and the week leading up. (My husband has his own!)
A few songs from my IMAZ list :
Race You – Elizabeth & the Catapult
Run this Town – Jay-Z, Rhianna, Kanye
Can’t Stop – Chili Pepper
Start Me Up – Rolling Stones
and of course, I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas (I think this was the IM theme song that year!)
Some from my IMCA list:
Waka Waka (this time for Africa) – Shakira
Won’t Back Down – Eminem ft. Pink
Run Right Back – Black Keys
And, longest comment ever! Happy Halloween!
I think we could be music BFFs! Love all these!
I shamelessly admit that Ke$ha has gotten me through more than one long run. Specifically, “We R Who We R” (it pains me to type that title) and her new one, “Die Young.”
We have 5 of the same songs, I just made a playlist entitled “IronMan Race Morning” last week. Miss u training buddy. Time for a 1/2 iron man
Your puppy is so cute! My yorkie hates being dressed up. She refuses to let me put anything on her head and when I put a dress on her, she mopes around instead of being hyper like normal! How much does your puppy weigh? She’s so tiny!
She’s a whopping 3 pounds! But don’t be fooled, she hated the hat too!
Oh my goodness. Running 26.2 miles without music will be another accomplishment in and of itself. Do you usually listen to music in races? I imagine that will be difficult.
It depends on the race – but 9 times out of 10, yes! Should be interesting this time around!
Love that “Stronger” is on your playlist! Best pump-up song ever!
If you’re into T-Swift, “22” will make you happy. And how about some Katy Perry? “Last Friday Night,” “Teenage Dream” and “Wide Awake” would do the trick. Can’t miss Spice Girls’ “Wannabe.” Also: Ke$ha.
Just some ideas 🙂
Great list & great comments above! I’ll add Kanye’s Power, Enrique Iglesias’s Escape, Arcade Fire’s Sprawl 2 & some Black Keys! Can’t wait for your race!
jules dit :Lors de ma visite la semaine dernière vous deviez m’adresser une nouvelle proposition pour être mieux remboursée tout en ne payant pas plus que 700 Euros par trimestre.Qu’en est-il ?