Need Running Music?

I've decided I don't really enjoy running for exercise.  In fact, I feel almost completely the opposite about it.  Meaning, I kind of dislike it.  That's probably an under statement.  But, I challenged myself to complete a Thanksgiving Day five mile run with my cousin.  I did warn her I wouldn't be running with her, but a little ways behind her. 

I kept myself on track by running 2-3 times per week.  I slowly built up to five miles.  I added hills, because this race was uphill 2.5 miles and back down.  One of my friends told me to listen to music while I run because that would be so much more enjoyable.  I laughed and said, "No.  I still don't think I'll like it." 

Why did I do this if I don't enjoy running?  I have to set a goal for myself.  I really wanted to add something to my fitness routine, especially during the winter months, to keep myself on track with holiday goodies everywhere you turn.  So, I signed up for this race knowing I'd have to train for it.  Plus, my cousin and I knew it would be fun on Thanksgiving Day to annoy the heck out of all of our family by saying "Pass the mashed potatoes....I ran five miles today, ya know." at every chance possible.

Of course, as I usually operate, the day before the race I decided maybe I should listen to some music while I run.  It would be nice to hear something besides my own huffing and puffing breathing. 

I do not own any type of 'smart' or technologically advanced product.  This includes an ipod, mp3 player, smart phone, kindle fire or any similar device.  I work at a bakery part time and once a co-worker asked how I could stand working for hours just listening to silence...I told him it was the highlight of my day, since I have 3 kids who talk/yell/scream 24/7.  Anyhoo, this left me in quite the predicament when I needed something to listen to while I run. 

Fortunately, my mom has an mp3 player.  Unfortunately, she had no idea how to use it and it did not come with any instructions.  Ay, yiiii, yiiiii, how am I going to get through this race??

I called my friend Amy at a In a galaxy and she and her husband helped me figure it out.  I downloaded some songs and was ready.  What did I download, you might ask?  This lady who doesn't know how to use a smart phone or an ipod?  What music does she like?  Many people ask me that because I really don't listen to music all that much.  As I mentioned, I really do enjoy silence.  But, I do have some tunes that get me in the mood to move a little faster...and hopefully push my butt up that hill.

Here is what I downloaded:

Usher Yeah (This song may be the reason I don't listen to music in the car with the kids.  Did not know Usher/Lil John/Whoever liked to get the milk for free in a birthday suit....)

Psy Gangnam Style (Oh yes.  I did.  My cousin said this song would make her run off a cliff, but I really liked it as a motivating running song.)

Alex Clare Too Close (Now one of my new favorite songs)

Imagination Dragons  It's Time

LMFAO Party Rock Anthem

The Black Eyed Peas  Pump It

The Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling

Jennifer Lopez Let's Get Loud (this is an awesome song to run to and would have been even more awesome had I downloaded the entire song)

Aerosmith Dude Looks Like a Lady (Stop laughing)

Aerosmith Janie's Got a Gun (In hindsight, not a good running song.  Especially creepy when I spotted a guy wandering in the woods while listening to a murder song.  I don't care how many runners were around me.  Creepy.)

Aerosmith Love in an Elevator (Why did I pick so many songs about sex??)

Maroon 5 Moves Like Jagger

As I write this, Middle Child is listening to my playlist while laying in bed next to me wiggling his hips and singing Moves Like Jagger.  My husband just informed him that I have incredibly bad taste in music.  He has offered to download some BeeGees for me.  I told him that would not make me run faster but may force me to run into oncoming traffic. 

Overall, these were actually all very good running songs.  Except for Janie's Got a Gun.  I'm deleting that baby.  The music did make me move faster.  And, a funny thing happened...I started to pass people!  One was an old lady in compression hose, but let's not split hairs. I wasn't setting the world on fire, but I did it. 

Why am I writing this a month after Thanksgiving?  I have not run since then.  My feet were killin' me after that race!  But, I did sign up to do a mini marathon in April.  And, after learning some great stretches (thank you My Gym) and buying some special inserts for my shoes, I am going to start training in January.  I'm going to need to add to my running music. 

Any advice?  What do you like to listen to while you run?