Power of Music in Running | What’s In Your Earbuds? Long Song Recommendations
Running and music go hand in hand. Whether it’s a pump-up anthem before a race or a steady beat to keep you moving on a long run, the right song can make all the difference. In a recent What’s In Your Earbuds? podcast, hosts Joe Hardin and Lori Hauck dove into the power of music in endurance sports, sharing their ultimate long-run playlist and challenging listeners to help them reach 24 hours of nonstop tunes.
The Ultimate Long-Run Playlist
The discussion kicked off with Chad Sullivan throwing out Bat out of Hell by Meatloaf—a classic for pushing through miles. From there, listeners and hosts shared their top picks, including tracks from Bruce Springsteen and the Black Crows, proving that everyone has their go-to anthems.
Joe Hardin, however, admitted to struggling with long songs, joking about his “commitment issues” when it comes to tracks that stretch beyond the usual 3–4 minutes. But with the playlist already sitting at 12 hours and 44 minutes, the challenge is on to hit 24 hours with community contributions!
Can Music Improve Your Running Performance?
Science backs up what most runners already know—music can boost endurance, reduce perceived effort, and improve mood during training and races. The right song tempo can help regulate stride and breathing, while emotionally charged lyrics can provide that extra push when fatigue sets in.
Some studies suggest that songs between 120–140 beats per minute are ideal for running, aligning with a steady cadence. Whether it’s classic rock, pop, or EDM, finding the right rhythm for your run can keep you going longer and feeling stronger.
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Share Your Favorite Running Songs
Joe and Lori are inviting the endurance community to help expand their playlist to 24 hours—so what’s your go-to song for long runs? Whether it’s a nostalgic classic or a fresh new beat, share your picks and be part of the ultimate endurance athlete playlist. Maybe your music choices will provide the power another athlete needs to stay in their running zone!
What’s Next for the Everyday Athlete Podcast?
Beyond music, the Everyday Athlete Podcast Playlist has plenty in store for listeners. Future episodes will feature deep dives into movie soundtracks and how they can inspire training sessions. Plus, upcoming segments of Fireside Chat and Caffeinated Coaching will continue to bring valuable conversations for endurance athletes looking for motivation, training tips, and community stories.
Stay tuned, keep the music playing, and remember—every great run starts with the right playlist!
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