For the first  10-13 miles, I will probably be successfully distracted by the specatators and other runners on the course. But for those next thriteen, more specifically, miles 20 – 26, I will be conducting orchestras, marching to the beat of the drumline, joining a gospel choir, and pretending I’m in the Hunger Games as I inch towards the finish line.

Here is a sample of what will be on my playlist tomorrow! What I need from you is suggestions for music to add to my Marathon playlist!! If there is a story behind the song, please share that as well! Please leave your suggestions in the comments section, or comment on my Instagram post! 

1. Anything by Pharrell / N.E.R.D: Mainstays on my play list! Brand New, Come Get it Bae, Lost Queen from G I R L. Most of the songs on all three N.E.R.D. albums shown. Truth or Dare, Lap Dance, Windows, Kill Joy, Love Bomb, Spaz. Etc. I even LOVE the Despicable Me 1 and 2 soundtracks, specifically Fun Fun Fun and Prettiest Girls!  

+Bonus: Hypnotize U (Tong & Rogers Wonderland Radio Mix) 

2. “Hosanna“ by Kirk Franklin -  It starts off, 'LET ME HEAR YOU MAKE SOME HOLY GHOST CRAZY NOISE Y'ALL, LEMME HEAR YOU!' This has been on my running playlist since Spring 2010 (Thanks Lauren!!). A great addition to sets of intervals, the key changes (starting at 3:13) in this song will have you forgetting about your anerobic threshold. The only wish you’ll have is that you were running in a choir robe.

This is so joyful it makes me want to pinch you!

3. “Man Up” from Book of Mormon – This song is a hilarious coming of age power ballad. It is hilarious. Please listen to this song like 5-8 times to make sure you get all the funny lyrics. Arnold Cunningham sings this song as pressure from the Church begins to build as they are angry about the failed missionary attempts, and Edler Price leaves Elder Cunningham  behind.

Here is a sample, ‘Just like Jesus I’m growing a pair’.  

4. “Butterflies and Hurricanes” by Muse – This song encompasses much of what I love about Muse. Lots of build up, and then an all out JAM to start off the chorus. And then at 2:33 I start conducting the orchestra until 4:00. I’m also on drums at 4:20 so this song keeps me pretty busy. Great song for running hills and for interval training too!

5. “Grown Woman” by Beyonce – LOVED this song in concert, and then listened to it nonstop after. Great beat and catchy lyrics with a strong female message. This song will probably make 3 appearences on my playlist. Also, in case you were wondering, the fans Beyonce uses in concerts ARE NOT your typical house fans. Not even three fans equal the power of one of her stage fans. TRUST ME. 

6. “King Kunta” and “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar – A breath of fresh air. Great beat. Catchy and different!!! King Kunta  is our favorite driving song, and my husband can be heard busting out ‘King Kunta’ ‘round the house. I was also happy to hear that it was the Song of the Week on NPR and kicked of their All Songs Considered 'minipodcast'. +Bonus: 'Alright' is a great jam song too!! 

7. “Roll the Bass” and “Lean On” by Major Lazer – Great for dropping it like its hot and for dissociating when running up a steep hill. These songs will get you nice and revved up!!! Makes you feel tough, you know what I mean?

+Bonus: “Come to Me” 

8. "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" and "Superstition"by Stevie Wonder - The first two songs are so upbeat and positive, they will be the tools I use to refocus on the effort I've put in since January 1st and how awesome it is that I'm out there running! These two songs have been on my running playlists and served as my alarm clock on and off for the last 10 years!!

+Bonus: "Living for the City" and "Uptight (Everything's Alright)" 

9. "Started from the Bottom" by Drake - For obvious reasons. Because I never thought I would run a marathon. I thought my legs would surely snap. I had a terrible run one Saturday and thought maybe I should just stick to half marathons. This song came on during mile 20 on our last 22 mile run and I just felt that it was appropriate.  

10. "Atlas" by Coldplay (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Soundtrack) - I will be pretending to be Katniss while I listen to this song. You know, super tough, hero, just saved the world (minus the last two...) A marathon is kind of like The Hunger Games, right? Survival of the fittest or most determined?

+Bonus: "Elastic Heart" by Sia 

Additional Recommendations That I Just Remembered Tonight When I Was Looking Through My Music: 

• “New York City Rage Fest” by: Kid Cudi – No words. Steady beat. Great drums. About two minutes. I love this gem. This will be a good hill song. +Bonus: “Afterwards (Bring yo friends) [feat. MICHAEL BOLTON]”
• "Where Have you Been?" by: Rihanna 
• "Louder than Words (feat. Niles Mason) [Radio edit]" by: David Guetta & Afrojack
• "Celebrate feat. Pharrel Williams" by: Mika
• "When the Last Time" by: Clipse