Just because my 1/2 marathon went well, doesn’t mean it was easy. We were asked not to wear headphones (so that we’d be aware of traffic and our surroundings) though many still did, myself included. I had prepared myself that I may not be able to, but I also prepared myself should it seem like I could.
I popped my earbuds in early-on but kept the volume low the whole time and made sure I was constantly aware. I also would pop one out from time to time so as to really be able to hear should we be getting information as we passed stations, while conversing with other runners or through intersections.
But regardless, I was happy that I could still have my music, hear my Nike+ GPS updates and the support that was pouring in via Facebook cheering.
And because I know we all need some suggestions on good playlist additions from time to time, I wanted to make sure to share what music powered me through my 1/2 marathon. Keep in mind this playlist is longer than I ran but I had it on shuffle and it was awesome – clearly, I beat my goal by 8 minutes! 😉
Are you a running with music person or do you prefer to run to silence/talking to others?
All photos in this post are the proofs from my 1/2 marathon. Source.

Lately I’ve been listening to talk radio–but it doesn’t make me run fast, just long. I love your list, though! I have to have SOMETHING. I avoided races for so long because I was scared of not being able to have headphones in. [However, having battery or other malfunctions on occasion has taught me I CAN run without it, and my zoning out and not realizing I missed a ton of music or a show also supports the notion that I could train myself to just RUN if I had to.]
I do not, however, like talking to people while running.
I don’t think I could talk to people while running…haha Though I was able to get out a few words to my fellow 1/2 marathon runners. 🙂
Yes! You know I am totally loving this! New music to check out!!! And omg, I have been LOVING that new Muse song!!
Yay for beating your goal! I almost always listen to music when running unless I listen to a podcast. For long runs though music is key!
i’m so stealing all these songs. Gah, awesome! and congrats on your run!
I have to run with music, it’s nearly impossible for me to get through a run otherwise! I’ll definitely be using some of these songs for my half marathon playlist, thanks for sharing!
Love your playlist.
Gotta check out some of those songs!
I am so lazy that I keep saying I’m going to make a playlist
and always end up listening to pandora instead
I am def a music person
But occasionally I run without music if I have someone to talk too
or just trying to really focus on my breathing!
Isn’t it amazing how inspiring and motivating music can be? I always feel like I can run farther or workout longer when I have music :).
Definitely prefer to run with music!
Loving your play list, I don’t even have half of those songs so I am going to be looking for those now as always love new music or new to me music 🙂
New to ME music is some of my favorite! 🙂