We can all agree that a run goes to waste when you need to pause every block to skip a song. Personally, it makes me feel invincible when my playlist perfectly complements my mood.

Imagining I’m in a music video distracts me from some of my least favorite aspects of running like shin splints, cramps, and the voice in the back of my mind constantly telling me to give up. Sometimes it can be challenging finding new music to match the mood, but there are a few universal go-tos that never get old: For the “Aggressive Runner” On days when you feel like putting your head (or someone else’s) through a wall, running is a therapeutic alternative. Rage Against the Machine is an excellent soundtrack for days when I imagine punching my lazy alter-ego. And just about every song by AC/DC will get you through these moods, but I find that "Thunderstruck" complements my first-place Olympic athlete fantasy the best. [caption id="attachment_7068" align="aligncenter" width="375"] Courtesy of giphy.com[/caption]

1. Thunderstruck (AC/DC)
2. Guerilla Radio (Rage Against the Machine)
3. Fake It (Seether)
4. Animal I Have Become (Three Days Grace)
5. Sabotage (Beastie Boys)

  For the “Inspired Runner” [caption id="attachment_7069" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Courtesy of giphy.com[/caption] We all need someone like this in our running crew, especially those of us just getting started. On days when you’re feeling this good, music is hardly necessary for an extra push. However, I don’t believe you can ever have too much motivation. At the very least, these songs provide an encouraging soundtrack to your tenacious attitude. And, really, is any running playlist complete without "Eye of The Tiger"?

1. Roar (Katy Perry)
2. Fight Song (Rachel Platten)
3. We Will Rock You (Queen)
4. On My Way (Lea Michele)
5. Eye of the Tiger (Savior)

For the “Un-inspired Runner” [caption id="attachment_7070" align="aligncenter" width="267"] Courtesy of giphy.com[/caption] This isn’t so much a "persona," but rather a state of mind we all succumb to every now and then. On days when I find myself reacting to a run the same way I react to having to clean my bathroom, I usually have to either a) guilt myself into it, or b) remind myself that I’m more than capable of accomplishing my goals -- I’m just searching for an excuse to be lazy. You’ll find that these songs are an amalgamation of those rationales.

1. Work B***h (Britney Spears)
2. Remember the Name (Fort Minor)
3. I Will Survive (Gloria Gaynor)
4. 'Til I Collapse (Enimem)
5. Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) [Kelly Clarkson]

For the “Party Runner” [caption id="attachment_7071" align="aligncenter" width="289"] Courtesy of giphy.com[/caption] Sometimes we have so much energy it’s pouring out of our ears, and we need an outlet. When you’re feeling yourself, you need the right music to carry that confidence directly to the finish line. Quite frankly, almost any Black Eyed Peas song is great for this particular mood, but it's always good to add a little variety to your playlist.

1. Sexy And I Know It (LMFAO)
2. Let’s Get It Started (Black Eyed Peas)
3. Five More Hours (Chris Brown)
4. Let’s Go (Tiesto/Icona Pop)
5. My Type (Saint Motel)

  What songs are on your running playlist? Where's your favorite place in D.C. to run? Tell us in the comments below!

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