Square Runners: The Playlist

By John Pilecki

Ever see a runner on the side of the road whose energy (and blissful smile) seems to flow from the pair of earbuds in his or her ears? Ever wonder what tune is providing this sonic fuel?

Square Running Club member Jackie Jones was inspired during a recent run to present this question to other club members: What is your favorite running song? In typical fashion, S.R.C. members were eager to share their thoughts:

Heather Adams: I listen to "A Day to Remember." Their music is pumped–up melodic metal with messages about thinking you can’t do things, and then doing them with a good beat.

Mala Shah: It isn’t super fast, but it is still awesome: Mandela by Chris Berry. 

Todd Hryckowian: I like the old Clash tune, Rudy Don’t Fail. 

Kira Puett: Wu Tang! Badass energy! And Manu Chao is a brilliant artist and very energizing!

William Reed Wingo: Candela by Buena Vista Social Club. 

Jaye Greenfield: Born to Run by The Boss. Also, the Queen/David Bowie collaboration, Under Pressure. 

Heather McGinnis: I find Lady Gaga has good beats, and Metallica, because it makes me feel badass. 

Heather Manzeo Mikulas : LMFAO, JT, MGMT. 

Karen Cieleska : Radiohead’s Jigsaw Falling Into Place  and Reckoner.  Gaga’s definitely fun, also Rodrigo y Gabriela. 

Jaye Greenfield : Vampire Weekend! Another great running song is Beautiful Day by U2. 

Jackie Jones : Neighborhood #1 by Arcade Fire provides a great beat for running through Squirrel Hill. A Punk by Vampire Weekend and Boy by Ra Ra Riot both provide quick sources of energy.

Renee Mangretta Craig : Incubus and Blue October songs keep the pace. Maroon 5, Spanic Boys and Timbuk 3 do the job as well. 

Bring your own tunes to the next weekly run on Thursday at 7 p.m. in front of the on South Braddock Avenue. Check out the Square Running Club group on Facebook for updates. The group is thinking of adding an early morning run … chime in with your ideas on the best time and day for this expansion.