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The Hult Center's Ultimate Running Playlist


I got into running just over 6 years ago, and I hate to admit it, but I am one of “those” runners that can’t stop talking about it. I LOVE RUNNING! I won’t bore you with the details, but over the years I became hooked. I moved to “Tracktown USA” four years ago and was so excited. (No, I didn’t move for the running, but getting to explore lots of new trails and paths was definitely a draw!). I love everything about the sport; the exercise, exploring new parts of the city, the amazing comradery/support you feel at a big race. But, one of the best aspects of running is the alone time when I can listen to music, podcasts, or nothing at all.

My running playlists are all over the place, but I think they are perfectly curated. I try to put together ones that have meaning and motivate me to keep going. Before a big race, I ask friends and family to send me contributions so that I will think of them when their song comes on during my race. When I put together a new playlist, I also always ask myself 1. Can I run to this? 2. Does it have a good beat/energy? 3. Does this remind me of a fun time or experience in my life? I know I’ve come up with something good when I feel energized and I’m smiling or laughing thinking about fun experiences.

Below is a shorter playlist that is good for a 10k- hope you enjoy! And please share some of your favorite running songs!

  1. Robot Rock/ Oh Yeah – Daft Punk Alive*
  2. Nobody Asked Me (If I Was Okay) – Sky Ferreira
  3. Best Friend (Feat. Doja Cat) – Saweetie, Doja Cat
  4. Dora – Tierra Whack
  5. Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels – Todrick Hall
  6. Plastic door// – KennyHoopla
  7. MYSTERY – Turnstile
  8. In the Meantime – Spacehog
  9. How Far I’ll Go – Auli”I Cravalho (Moana Soundtack)**
  10. Bulls on Parade – Rage Against the Machine
  11. 367 Equalizer – Guerilla Toss
  12. Rebel Girl – Bikini Kill
  13. Dancing on My Own – Robyn
  14. Hustle Bones– Death Grips***
  15. Bubble Butt- Remix – Major Lazer, Bruno Mars, 2 Chainz, Tyga, Mystic

*Robot Rock/ Oh Yeah – Daft Punk Alive: In 2020 at the start of covid, I was missing live shows so much. I started listening to the Daft Punk album, Alive, frequently on my longer runs. I would imagine myself at an amazing live show and daydream about getting to do that again. This album, front to back, is perfect for running!

**How Far I’ll Go – Auli”I Cravalho (Moana Soundtack): In 2017, I got to run the Disney half marathon with my best friend. This song reminds me of that race, and how incredible it was running through all of the empty parks.

***Hustle Bones– Death Grips: In 2013, I went to see Death Grips at the Bottom Lounge in Chicago. After getting the crowd all hyped up by playing a recording of their album, it slowly became apparent that the band was not there. We later learned that they never planned on showing up. This became one of my most memorable “live” shows just because of the absurdity of it all. It also reminds me of the countless amazing shows I saw when I lived in Chicago.


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