Running Through the Hits

So, maybe it’s a little obvious, but what runner’s set list would really be complete without “Born to Run,” Bruce Springsteen’s epic musical monument to all things free and alive? There’s just something about the beauty of the classic track that inspires the runner in all of us, and there’s something in our Running Through the Hits Basics that keeps the creature on the go, whether it’s U2’s perfect description of the zone, “Where the Streets Have No Name,” or Jackson Browne’s hit-the-wall hit, “Running On Empty.” There’s nothing like a little music for motivation, distraction, reinforcement, or inspiration . . . but we have miles to go before we rest.

In our Next Steps, join Cake and see if your inner Usain Bolt can go “The Distance.”

Ke$ha may have a brain that’s delirious from being so serious in her dance-pop engine “We R Who We R,” but when it comes to running, we all know that the ecstasy comes from within, that there’s nothing like it when you’ve hit your pace and suddenly the ground flowing beneath your feet feels less like an earthbound path than a runway to liftoff. We want to help you get there, with the “don’t hold back” beats of the Chemical Brothers’ “Galvanize,” the freaky treat that is Kelis’ “Milkshake,” and the light-as-a-feather sensation of the Glee Cast’s take on ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.” And as you get ready for that final kick, crank up Journey’s arena-rockin’ anthem “Don’t Stop Believin’” for a quick shot of energy and encouragement.

Feels good, right? Well, keep up the pace in our Deep Cuts.

Every runner knows what it is to feel the engine running low — what separates the superstars from the also-rans is how you face the final stretch. So, settle in and let us help you to the finish line with musical motivators for maximum motion, including the glam-rock rev-up of David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel,” Kelly Rowland’s “Motivation (feat. Lil Wayne)” to inspire invincibility, and Justin Bieber’s “Never Say Never (feat. Jaden Smith)” to show that last mile exactly who’s in charge here. The longest journey begins with a single step, and there’s nothing we’d rather do than bring you the tunes that will keep those steps piling up until you’ve reached your goal. Marathon or sprint, gently jogging or flat-out flying, all you need is a little music — like what we’ve got right here — to spur you across the tape.

The beauty of running? No machines, no weights, no step-class drill sergeant barking out commands — it’s just you and your bod and the ground flying by. It’s the simple pleasure of finding your pace and letting it take the lead, of knowing that you’re strengthening your heart while your body fat melts away like so many miles behind you. It’s the endorphin high. And it’s the reason we created Running Through the Hits, with everything from Cee Lo Green’s outrageous tale of moving on (“Forget You”) to New Kids On the Block and the instructional boy-band pop of “Step By Step.” And when you hit a rough patch? We’ve got Jersey boys Bon Jovi on alert to help you “Runaway,” and ZZ Top with a classic-rock ode to your all-important runner’s tool, “Legs.”