*Disclaimer* I have never had more fun compiling a blog post than this one. I am pretty glad our house isn’t visible from the street, otherwise, everyone would’ve gotten a free show.

Race season is almost upon us, folks. I could not be more excited. I am ready to test my physical limits and get back into my long runs. There are a few races I am considering locally, but haven’t committed to one yet. I wanted to sign up for the Michelob 13.1 in Brookhaven, but sadly, it is the same date as my high school reunion…and I WILL NOT miss that. But that is a story for another day. I completed my first half marathon in 2:09. I was pleasantly surprised by my finishing time. When I saw the number, it shattered my goal of 2:30. It made me want to get to work and get my time to 2:00 or…maybe break it by a minute or two.

Here are four of the races I am strongly considering…

• Sat, Oct 4: Atlanta 13.1 Marathon & 5K in Atlanta, GA (despite it being on the same date as my high school reunion, there is a chance I could run and then go up to my hometown…and it is so close to me)
• Sun, Oct 19: AthHalf Half Marathon in Athens, GA (Taking a trip to my Alma Mater on my birthday wouldn’t be too bad. A sub 2:00 marathon would be a great gift!)
• Sat, Nov 8: Rock & Roll Savannah Marathon & Half Marathon in Savannah, GA (I could go see my BFF and her family and enjoy one of the easiest courses in the state…)
• Thu, Nov 27: Atlanta Half Marathon, 5K & Fun Runs in Atlanta, GA (I have been known to do the Gobble Jog on Thanksgiving, which is hilly, but I can count on a good time)

Running is physically, mentally, and spiritually exhausting. It really helps to have a solid “pump me up” playlist. I am going to need one if I am going to keep the pace I would like to (average 9:09/mile). Thus, I created a playlist of 30 songs for 2 hours of running. If American and Spanish rap, rock, EDM, and pop music get your heart pumping, you may like my list.

This list, by the way, is not a list of songs I listen to in the car…all the time. Don’t judge me, but sometimes you need a little ‘Rage,’ ‘applause,’ and ‘go little bad girls,’ to help you dig through the pain…

1. “Let’s Go” Travis Barker feat. Busta Rhymes, Yellowlauf, and Twista
2. “Work” Britney Spears
3. “Bulls on Parade” Rage Against The Machine
4. “Limbo” Daddy Yankee
5. “Bon Bon” Pitbull
6. “We Run the Night” Pitbull
7. “Algo Me Gusta de Ti” Winsin & Yandel feat Chris Brown & T Pain
8. “Summer” Calvin Harris
9. “Call on Me” Eric Prydz
10. “Little Bad Girl” David Guetta feat Taio Cruz
11. “Paris (clean)” Jay Z and Kanye
12. “Clique (clean)” Jay Z and Big Sean
13. “Snap Backs and Tattoos (clean)” Driicky Graham
14. “Dark Horse” Katy Perry & Juicy J
15. “Feel So Close” Calvin Harris
16. “Wake Up” Rage Against the Machine
17. “Play Hard” David Guetta Ft. Ne-Yo and Akon\
18. “My Chick (Clean)” Luda ft. Niki Minaj
19. “Look At Me Now (Clean)” Chris Brown Ft. Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes
20. “Applause” Lady Gaga
21. “Go” Pearl Jam
22. “Misery Business” Paramore
23. “Sure Shot” Beastie Boys
24. “Sweetness” Jimmy Eat World
25. “Cute without the e” Taking Back Sunday
26. “Sexy Chick” David Guetta
27. “Where them girls at” David Guetta
28. “I can only imagine” David Guetta
29. “Scream and Shout” Will.i.am ft. Britney Spears
30. “Love Takes Over” David Guetta ft. Kelly Rowland

31. “All I do is Win” DJ Khaled (as a bonus celebratory track) Go, little bad girl. You just finished a half marathon.