Study shows perfect playlist for marathon training
A new study has crafted the perfect playlist for those doing marathon training, based on the most favoured tunes people pick for when they are on a jog or a run – and Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill is the number one choice.
Many people are currently getting ready for upcoming races, with Google searches for “5k to marathon training plan” exploding by 400% in the US over the past 30 days, and participants will no doubt be in the process of crafting the perfect playlist to keep them motivated while running long distances.
Since music has the power to trigger dopamine release, playing the right music can be the difference between giving up early and achieving a personal best.
With this in mind, casino sweepstake comparison site Casinos Sweeps, used Spotify’s Playlist Miner tool to determine the top songs included in 1 400 “jogging” and “running” related playlists and provide some inspiration.
Running Up That Hill skyrocketed in popularity following its feature in Stranger Things, and it turns out many realised it was the perfect song to motivate them on a jog or run. The hit appeared on over a 10th (14%) of all the playlists scanned, found in 196 of the 1 400 included in the study.
According to a study in the International Review of Sport and Exercise, energy efficiency and work output can be improved during endurance exercise with the use of self-selected, motivational and stimulative music. This suggests that playing one of your favourite songs as you increase your heart rate can help you improve your performance with less effort.
I’m Good (Blue) by David Guetta ranks second as the next-best choice for keeping energy levels high. Its upbeat rhythm is no doubt to thank for the song’s 136 (9.7%) placements in jogging and running-related playlists.
In third with 124 mentions (8.9%) is The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights, with the fast beat ideal for encouraging a pickup in pace if you start to feel yourself giving up.
Prada by Cassö claims the fourth spot, featured 91 times (6.5%) – most likely for a similar reason as the other tracks on the list, as the electronic song is bound to keep you from slowing down.
It seems Miley Cyrus’ Flowers not only inspires female empowerment but also motivates people to get their steps in, with the song appearing 84 times (6%) across the playlists.
Following closely behind at 83 mentions (5.9%) is Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift, with the catchy lyrics making it a great option to pick up your mood when the jog or run is starting to get tough.
Tiësto, Eminem and Joel Corry share the title of ranking seventh, with their songs all appearing 82 times (5.9%).
The Motto by Tiësto and Head & Heart by Joel Corry add some recent music to the mix, while Eminem’s Till I Collapse throws it back to the early 2000s.
Tiësto has a second song to earn a place in the top songs for jogging or running, with The Business featured 81 times (5.8%).
At 80 mentions (5.7%), Pitbull’s Timber is the ninth favoured pick. The final spot in the top 10 is claimed by yet another song with a fast pace, with Belly Dancer by Imanbek appearing 78 times (5.6%).