A power song is a song with a strong motivational power. Hence the name ‘power song’!
So it only makes sense that a power song can come in quite useful during a run. If you’re using the Nike+ iPod Sensor you can even program a Power Song to start playing in your hour of need. You know, that moment when all you want to do is stop running? Your power song is only one push on a little button away. And if it’s a good power song, it will make you want to start moving again.
My favoriete power song
Mijn favorite power song is ‘Is this the way to Amarillo?’ But I also like Emmylou Harris’s song ‘I was born to run’. Whenever I hear it during a run, I feel I’m an embarassment to the song if I don’t run. You can’t be listening to ‘I was born to run’ and just wander about! So that always gets me running again.
My favourite part of this power song is: ‘I was born to be fast, I was born to run.’ I know the first few words are a big fat lie when it comes to my running prowess, but I don’t care. It makes me wanna run!
Power Song: use the power of music
The power of a power songs lies in the power of music. Research has shown that music has a powerful effect on running. Here are some of the results:
- Music makes you faster
- Running while listening to music is easier than running without music. Because music takes your mind off of your left brain’s messages: ‘Why are you running! Stop! For the love of God!’
- Happy music makes you feel better, and that makes running feel better. So don’t you go listening to Mozarts requiem during a run!
It wouldn’t be fair nót to admit running while listening to music also has some drawbacks. You’re less aware of your body and surroundings, while listening to music. So the great advantage of running with music, is also the big drawback. It all depends on your perspective.
Power Song: not every runner’s cup of tea
Power songs do not have a powerful effect on all runners! It depends on the kind of runner you are. Associative runners won’t benefit from a power song. They focus on their body. Music would only get in the way of that. But your average runner is a disassociative runner, and uses music to distract and motivate herself.
What’s your power song? What song compells you to move?!
