Last night it occurred to me while updating my shuffle that I have certain songs I prefer strongly over others. When running I often look forward to these songs on my shuffle and I’ve come to fondly refer to them as my “Power Songs!” They give me a boost and I’ll push through for the song! For the sake of condensing this post I’ll keep it to my top 5, which is hard because I have about 150 purposely selected songs on my shuffle. Bottom line to me… I love some of my songs more than others.

So maybe I don’t love all the songs on my shuffle equally.

My first power song is kind of unexpected. I discovered it’s awesome cadence while running the Run for the Parks 10K last November. I ran one of my fastest 10K’s in recent history and since that moment it’s been a staple on all my running playlists. (And who doesn’t love some good country?) So for your listening pleasure: Brad Paisley – American Saturday Night

No one is proud to be a child of the 90s. If you say you are you’re lying. But I grew up in the late 90’s and early 00’s.There are few things I hold with esteem from the 90’s. This was a decade of grunge, plastic furniture, those weird little tiny buns, and so many butterfly clips! But I do love me some 90s club music. Did I ever go to a club in the 90s… No. I was 13. I didn’t even go to one of those Elk’s Club dances apparently they were too mature. But nonetheless I love this stuff and I blame the Spice Girls, Jock Jams and all the strange candy I consumed. Here goes Crush – Jellyhead. (I also think this song may be in the movie Clueless)

So this next one I probably like because it mixes 2 of my favorite running songs… It’s a MashUp!! But neither of the artists sing this version. This song is fantastic because during the chorus I always have the urge to pick up the pace a bit and it just makes me happy. I can’t help but smile when this song plays and sometimes I’ll pump my fist in the air. (what do you expect I grew up in NJ?) Click Below for Americano/Dance Again performed by Kate Hudson.

It wouldn’t be a proper power song list without a little Pitbull. Personally, I would say every Pitbull song could be considered a power song. This song has great rhythm and for a few minutes makes me feel like dancing instead of pounding the pavement. I also can’t help that I love me some K$sha. Here is Timber by Pitbull ft. K$sha.

Who’s ready for some girl power? I’m obsessed with the remix version of Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream. It’s the appropriate amount of fun beat and “young forever” mentality that I love. I can’t help but want to push it when I hear this song.

Okay so here’s where the Miami influence must really kick in. I am obsessed with the song. It really picks me up when I need. It’s also not 100% English. It’s Spanglish. Anyone remember when Ricky Martin was sooo popular that he did the World Cup’s official song. I do!! I also loved him. I think I still do. When I hear this song I imagine that I’m in the Olympics and if I just Go Go Go… America will win. Yeah I know, but whatever gets you through!

What are you power songs? What is your playlist must have? Do you craft elaborate fantasies in your head while running about certain songs or is that just me…?