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Kate Brannen Smith

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A Happy Medium

Thoughts on grace, pop culture,
& life as a 20-something girl.

Work it out.

February 29, 2012

Now that my legs are doing so much better, I've dusted off my old workout playlist and added some new songs in with my trusty faves. I want to keep adding, so if you have any faves, post them in the comments!

Warm-up/stretching: 

"Where the Streets Have No Name" by U2

The opening notes and lyrics of this song are perfect: "I want to run / I want to hide / I want to tear down the walls that hold me inside..." Sing it, Bono.

Getting started: 

"Trouble" by Pink

This song makes me feel like I'm about to wreak some havoc — in a good way. "If you see me comin' down the street, then you know it's time to go (go-o-o-o-o), 'cause here comes trouble..."

"Girl's Attractive" by Diamond Nights

I'm pretty sure I do not look attractive while working out, but this song makes me feel like I do. (And it makes me feel like I'm being watched, which is always good motivation to keep moving.)

"Obsession" by Sky Ferreira

This song describes an incredibly dysfunctional relationship in a ridiculously catchy and oddly appealing way.

Once you've hit your stride: 

"Downtown Girl" by Hot Chelle Rae

"Her lips are red, and those hips are turnin' heads..." Or at least I like to think so.

"New Shoes" by Paolo Nutini

This is like a sunny day in song form. Actually — better yet — it's like a sunny afternoon following a rainy morning in song form

"F.N.T." by Semisonic

"I'm surprised that you've never been told before that you're lovely and you're perfect and that somebody wants you." Sweetest lyrics ever? Check.

"Dog Days Are Over" by Florence and the Machine

This song makes you run like you're leaving something behind.

Once you start getting tired:

"Body Language" by Jesse McCartney feat. T-Pain

Sometimes when you get tired, you need just need somebody to remind you that, girl, that thing you got behind you is amazing. Also that you are banging like a speaker box.

"Supermassive Black Hole" by Muse

 I just like this song.

Once you feel like you're going to die:

"Stronger" by Britney Spears

Hear me out on this one. This is my all-time favorite workout song. The beat and the words are perfect. I always skip to this song when I see someone I know while working out and have to straighten up and press on.

"Gotta Get Through This" by Daniel Bedingfield

You know what's more painful than running? Unrequited love, y'all. And that's what this song is about. But it sounds like it's about running, so it's perfect for those moments when you could just collapse but aren't willing to give up.

"Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen

Queen will remind you that even when you think you hate running, you actually LOVE running!

"Holding Out for a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler

I've already written about my love for this song. Listening to it while working out takes it to a whole new level of awesome.

Final strides/cool-down:

"Chariots of Fire" by Vangelis

I DON'T CARE IF IT'S CLICHÉ. This is the absolute best song to listen to while finishing a run. It's also my ringtone.

What are your fave workout songs?

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In Running Tags music, running, legs
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I'm a rising grown-up, a recovering perfectionist, and an occasional blogger. Here I leave my overanalysis for your reading pleasure. More about me.

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The sweetest valentine, today and every day. ❤️
Happy Galentine’s Day to every one of these noble and poetic land mermaids and to all the other beautiful, glowing, sun goddesses I get to call besties. (I would’ve had all of you in this pic if I could have.) I ❤️ you more than Leslie loves Ann. #galentinesday
ATL-bound to see the wedding of my little French croissant, @marieclairedj — pictured here skipping around (or doing parkour?) in the Musée de l’Armée because of course she would. ❤️
Secret Santa 2018. ❤️ WE WILL NEVER STOP WITH THE CIRCLE PIC.
This house went on the market three and a half weeks ago, and we put an offer on it the same day. Today we closed. Such rapid decision-making goes against everything I stand for as an enneagram 6. But the living room, dining room, and kitchen are all one space — i.e. EVERYONE’S ALWAYS TOGETHER ALL THE TIME — which is everything my 6 heart is looking for. (I’d show you the outside, but then bad guys could burglarize us, so I’ll refrain.)
You do need editors. You also need a period. (Spotted inside the Aerie dressing room.)