Music Psychology: What Running Playlist Suits Your Running Personality


So you’ve finally decided to sign up for the adidas King of the Road 2012 on September 30. Now all you have to do is train. Technology is an essential thing in the running sport. With the different gadgets in the market, there is one important item in the list that runners find useful in aiding them to run better, and that is none other than their trusted MP3 player.

A big part of training comes in the form of what can enable you to perform at your best – from proper nutrition such as the right energy drink to the running playlist that would accompany you throughout the course – it is important to know what can boost your energy and endurance.

Music, for some runners, helps in setting the pace during the run and at the same time, acts as a motivator especially during longer distances. Your choice of music is important and shows the type of runner you are.

Are you more of the fun runner or the competitive type? Did you sign up for the 5K, 10K or 16.8K for the adidas King of the Road? Whatever category you fall into, maybe it’s time you update that playlist you have. Here are some songs you may want to consider to be part of your playlist that suits the kind of runner you are.

Fun Runner


1. Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen
Nothing says fun than the latest anthem for viral videos that got the whole internet buzzing. Locally, the current it girls of Philippine show business made their own version and made the song even more popular here. If their sexy and toned bodies are not motivation enough to stay true to your routine, what is?

2. One Thing – One Direction
This song may be for the younger generation but it shouldn’t only be limited to them. Aside from the upbeat sound of this song, who doesn’t appreciate the good-looking guys behind the song?

3. Good Feeling – Flo Rida
Well, the title says it all. If you’re the kind of runner who’s in it for fun, you may want to consider including this Flo Rida hit in your playlist. This will definitely leave you with a “good feeling” after your run.

4. Give Me All Your Luvin’ – Madonna feat. Nicki Minaj and MIA
No one knows fun like the Material Girl and Nicki Minaj. MIA adds that extra oomph to this song. This controversial song initially made noise when they performed it at the Super Bowl, so this has already made its mark in the world of sports.

5. Part of Me – Katy Perry
One of the faces of adidas, Katy Perry has been known to be the girl who knows how to have fun. Though this one is a break up song, it still has that lively beat for the fun runner in you.

The Chill Runner
1. Settle Down – No Doubt
Aren’t you glad that they’re back? Well, this song still has their signature feel good vibe suited for the chill runner.

2. Whistle – Flo Rida
This song makes you feel like you’re running on a beach or someplace calm. The start of the song is a bit soothing and is great to be one of the first songs you hear whenever you run.

3. Dance Again – Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull
Part of the good thing about being a chill runner is running in your own pace. This song is good for running as it is good for dancing but one thing for sure this song will make you stay on your feet.

4. We Found Love -  Rihanna
The music video may be quite unsettling but the song has such a nice rhythm it’s really nice to have in the background while you break a sweat and the message of the song is quite uplifting as well.

5. Glad You Came – The Wanted
This is another nice song to have in your playlist. It’s a good song not just for when you’re training for that running event you’ve signed up for but also excellent when you just want to have that leisurely jog around your neighborhood.

Competitive Runner
1. Dog Days Are Over – Florence + The Machine
This song may have a slow start but this will surely get your adrenaline pumping when it reaches that fast chorus line where it continuously reminds you to “run fast for your mother, run fast for your brother” and all the other members of your household. Who better to have as your motivation when you want to bag the gold?

2. Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) – Kelly Clarkson
A song that will surely motivate you to keep on training and to keep your eye on the prize, after all what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!

3. Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5
This song has that beat that will certainly keep you energetic. When you have a goal this song will help you a lot because it’s really nice to have a song that encourage you to emulate the moves of extreme front man of The Rolling Stones.

4. All I Do Is Win – DJ Khaled feat. T-Pain, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris & Rick Ross
A collaboration of the well-known stars of this genre, it is another song that says it all in the title. This will fire you up and help you unleash the aggressive athlete in you.

5. Turn Up The Music – Chris Brown
It has a dynamic beat that makes it a fine song for the dancer in Chris Brown, which is also suitable for the competitor in you.

So whatever kind of runner you are, before you tread the road to Bonifacio Global City on September 30 for the adidas King of the Road, it is high time to replace that “Eye of the Tiger” in your playlist, after all we’re in the 21st century!

If you’re not yet signed-up in this year’s most awaited run, here’s how to join:

Register online for the adidas King of the Road 2012 from July 25 to September 15 (http://adidaskingoftheroad.com/ph) or

Visit any of the 6 KOTR registration sites from July 25 to September 23: adidas Megamall, adidas Rockwell, adidas SM Mall of Asia, adidas Trinoma, adidas Greenbelt 3 and Runnr Bonifacio High Street. Registration sites are open 7 days a week from 12NN to 8PM.

Race fees are as follows: Php 1,050.00 for 5km and 10km; Php 1,300.00 for 16.8km.

For news and updates on KOTR, visit the adidas Philippines Facebook fanpage (facebook.com/adidasphilippines).