Adventure Music

When people think about putting together a running playlist, most of the time they think of adding fast-paced techno, dubstep, or pop songs.  Remixes of songs can give them a higher tempo that pumps you up.  I enjoy songs like that for running too, but they work best for me when I’m lifting, sprinting, climbing a hill, or erging (indoor rowing).  That’s when I need something intense!

But if I’m going out for a long run to get a workout in while enjoying the sunshine, sometimes I switch on (or don’t skip past while on shuffle) songs from movie scores.  Movies with epic instrumentals.  My top picks are songs from the soundtrack for “The Lord of the Rings”, “Star Wars”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”.

The reason these work for me is due to their EPIC ADVENTURE tracks that really get me inspired to run like I’m a character in the story.  Even if you aren’t familiar with the movies, I still think the songs can get you moving.

Run like you are Legolas – he makes it seem so easy!

When I run in a wooded area, or even down the street in a neighborhood, songs like this inspire me to imagine I’m an elf and run along like it’s nothing!  Suddenly I’m heading towards adventure, not running just to check it off the to-do list.

I’m not saying that listening to this type of music while running will change your life, but I definitely recommend trying it out to see if you like it!

Here is a list of some of the songs from movie score that I have on my ipod currently:

• “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”
  • The Bridge of Khazad Dum – If this doesn’t get you running off towards adventure, I don’t know what will!
  • The Ring Goes South – Especially the part around 1:10
  • The Shadow of the Past
• “Star Wars”
  • Main Theme
  • Throne Room (Episode IV) – This is one of my favorite tracks from any movie score!
  • Duel of the Fates (Episode I) – Epic!
• “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”
  • Barbossa is Hungry
  • Skull and Crossbones
  • Bootstrap’s Bootstraps
  • He’s a Pirate
• “Jurassic Park”
  • Main Theme – The more intense music starts at 4:30, but the whole thing is great.
• “The Lion King”
  • Under the Stars – It’s quiet and peaceful in the beginning, but when it starts to build at 2:25… man!
• Tim Janis (composer) – His songs are not in a movie, but I always imagine this one could be!  I picture this song as the setting for a chase scene through the woods.
  • Penobscot Trail

There are most definitely other epic songs from the films listed and from other movies, so go explore what songs get you inspired for adventure!

What are your favorite epic songs from movies that get you inspired?  Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading!

-Rebecca