“This would be a great song to run to,” I thought while listening to some Ra Ra Riot.

Yes, it’s time to discuss the all-important running playlist.

I’m a bit conflicted because in an earlier post, I mentioned not running with headphones as a pure safety measure. But during a race sometimes an up-beat song can give you that extra boost on a particularly tough hill.

I’ve actually had friends who are new to running ask me to recommend good music to listen to. I tell them it’s pretty simple: the earbuds or headphones are in your ears, so pick whatever you’d like. Nobody else has to listen to it, so it doesn’t matter if the song is super cheesy. If the music motivates you, then that’s all you need.

But I was discussing this very topic with a co-worker last night while listening to Future Islands (also on race-day playlist) and brought up this point: running to a song that you’re completely sick of is no good. So, switch it up every so often. 

What are your favorite tunes to help push you down the road?

The weather forecast for Thursday’s AJC Peachtree Road Race says a high chance of rain, and highs in the mid-70s. Again, note what I do for a living: nothing to do with predicting the weather, so this could change.

That being said, cloud cover may make for a good running experience. Still, wear sunscreen, and I’d follow this tip I read in the handy Road Race Magazine from the Atlanta Track Club:

Grab two cups of water when you stop at the water stations. Drink one and pour the other on your head.

You may look a bit silly, but running isn’t the best activity to gain style points anyhow.

It will be warm: water is your friend.

Ok, everybody, just two more days until the big event. Check back here in the afternoon -- we'll be posting more about getting to the AJC Peachtree start corrals swiftly and safely.

Here’s one more song, and it’s homegrown.