Beating the Snooze Button: 11 Songs to Kickstart Your Morning Run
So that you don’t turn the car around and go back to bed
One of the hardest parts of going on a run is getting started.
When I used to run in my neighborhood, it was easier. I'd wake up, get dressed, walk out the door and go.
But running by myself + grueling hills = short runs that ended with silly excuses.
And so I started training with a friend.
When we first started running together, we trialed a lot of different paths until we found sparkle ✨the holy grail✨ of all running trails (seriously, we still exclusively run there).
The kicker? It was 10 minutes away.
So now I faced a new challenge: waking up earlier, getting in the car, and driving to my morning run.
When I was pregnant (and when Georgie refused to sleep through the night for the first 12 months of her life) waking up early was incredibly difficult. I was already someone who cherished her beauty sleep, but now my body craved even more. So mentally, letting go of those ten minutes felt like a huge sacrifice. There were many, many times that I would text Stephanie and bail. However, there were many more times that my will (and guilt) to not ditch my friends would win out.
On these days, I needed something to get me from sloth to cheetah more awake sloth:
An Alani
A Bar*
*more necessary while pregnant to keep the morning sickness away
A really, really good song choice for my drive over
Lucky for you, I'm going to share some of those bangers.
Drumroll please.
11 Songs to Immediately Wake You Up:
Good Day (Ft. Nappy Roots) by Greg Street Presents Nappy Roots
I feel like this is self explanatory.
Beautiful Things by Benson Boone
This song has a great build up, so it’s perfect to play first to ease into the energy.
Youngblood by 5 Seconds of Summer
I truly believe that 5 Seconds of Summer is slept on. They have incredibly catchy music and give One Direction vibes.
Victorious by Panic! At the Disco
Not to be confused with Victoria Justice.
Classic by MKTO
I used to do Zumba to this song, so I think my brain immediately puts me there when I hear it.
Mo Money Mo Problems by Notorious B.I.G.
K. Ignore the fact that Biggie sang with somebody not so great, because this song is a bop.
Come on Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners
Not only is this song high energy, it’s almost 5 minutes long. Which, for me, meant I didn’t have to choose more than one follow up.
Thunderstruck by AC/DC
I liked this song before it had it’s resurgence, okay?!?!
HOT TO GO! by Chappell Roan
Side note: did you know “Hot to Go” is a cheerleading cheer? Color me surprised when the song came out.
Electric Love By BØRNS
Why yes I do love watching this trend on TikTok
Lil Boo Thang by Paul Russell
tbh: I did not know about this song until recently and it has 100% become my go to
And there you have it. Awake yet?
I am a creature of habit, so I cycle through these songs pretty regularly. It works, though, because by the time I get to our running trail, I’m ready to go.
They also work perfectly for the drive home, when I want to keep that runner high flowing.
What songs do you use to pump you up? Comment below—I’d love to hear!
Happy Running!
xoxo, A
