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The Ultimate Running Playlist for Speed

Legendary world champion racing driver, Mario Andretti, said, "If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough,” and so it goes with using your own two legs in training and actually running a race. It's not enough to simply stay in the race, but to have the drive to win. When training, music can be the element that sets your feet afire to cross the finish line - perhaps first.

Fitness instructor Erikka Blohm, with over 10 years of sweat in the field of fitness, teaches at the medical fitness center on Chicago’s north side. She has worked at Galter LifeCenter teaching its Fluidity Barre class since 2015 and uses this playlist not only during her barre classes to motivate participants, but also for herself when running. When Blohm isn't leading classes at Galter LifeCenter, she teaches and certifies fitness instructors in the Fluidity Barre methodology across the United States.

Erikka Blohm
Fitness Instructor - Galter LifeCenter 
5157 N. Francisco Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 878-9936
www.galterlifecenter.org


Erikka Blohm always strives to deliver a safe, challenging class to participants. People respond best to positive encouragement and motivation, which she consistently provides. “I enjoy watching members gain confidence through fitness, which translates into their everyday lives,” Erikka says. As you'll see, inspiring speed isn't all about the beats per minute but beats that propel your mind and body.

1. Unstoppable by Sia - Blohm calls it "upbeat and positive." With lyrics like, "I'm unstoppable / I'm a Porsche with no brakes / I'm invincible / Yeah, I win every single game," it's a great way to start off a run.

2. I Love It by Iconica Pop (clean version) - The "fast paced and exciting" tune by the Swedish DJ duo and British recording artist Charli XCX on vocals inspires ferocity.

3. Adventure of a Lifetime by Coldplay with Chris Martin warbling "Now I feel my heart beating/I feel my heart underneath my skin/And I feel my heart beating/Oh, you make me feel/Like I'm alive again/Alive again." The fitness expert says you'll feel like you've been "dropped into another world for a few minutes."

4. Sexy and I Know It by LMFAO is "confidence boosting" and will give you a reason to run faster. The song, off the duo's second studio album, tore up the charts in 2012.

5. OMG by Usher (featurig will.i.am)  "makes you want to move" Blohm says and when Usher sings, "this one something special, this one just like dynamite, Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh out of sight" - you have no choice but to kick it into high gear.

6. Sweet Nothing by Calvin Harris (featuring Florence Welch). The Scotsman has admitted that he was dying to work with Florence Welch (of Florence and the Machine) but she proved to be elusive and he had to chase her down. Even if you don't know the back story, Blohm says this tune is "fast and makes you want to keep going." 

7. Break Your Heart by Taio Cruz (feat. Ludacris) offers "great beat that keeps you on your feet." 

8. Free People by Paint The Muse (Steed Lord Remix) is "fun and catchy." And perf with fighting words like, "Make believe and sugar streets/Kickin' up dust out from my feet/ We can do anything we want Try and stop us, see what comes." 

9. Water Under the Bridge by Adele is simply "inspiring." 

10. Breathing Underwater by Metric has what a runner wants in song built for speed - "excellent pace and it makes you feel invincible."

Jacky Runice has been a columnist with the Daily Herald Chicago since grunge music and flannel was the new black. Her fingers and gray matter have been busy as travel editor of Reunions Magazine; penning a column that was syndicated around the nation via Tribune Media Services. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


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