The great Canadian playlist for runners

Get into shape by running to these tunes by Canada’s most famous rockers

The great Canadian playlist for runners

Source: Web exclusive, May 2011

A lot of great Canadian music has come from people who’ve simply wanted to stay indoors during the cold winter months. But that doesn’t mean you can’t crank the tunes when running outdoors. These five Can-Rockers are sure to get you moving’and singing as loud as you can.

Sloan, Money City Maniacs

One of the hardest parts of a workout is getting started. Fortunately, this excitable Sloan hit should help. The song starts out with a wailing siren that screams ‘get going already!’ and builds into a powerful guitar-filled rocker. It’s not too intense, but it’s upbeat and fun, just what you want to kick off a run.

BTO, Takin’ Care of Business

This ’70s classic has not only stood the test of time among music fans, but it’s made its way onto countless workout mixes over the years. And for good reason: there’s nothing like hearing Randy Bachman yell out ‘Takin’ care of business’ as you try and push yourself, while the rollicking riffs and steady 4/4 beat are guaranteed to keep your feet active.

Neil Young, Rockin’ In The Free World

This Neil Young song might seem cliché addition, but really listen to the driving guitar riffs and the Winnipeg-raised singer’s mighty pipes and it’s easy to see why this should be on your mix. It’s powerful and never slows down‘something you need to emulate when you’re running at full speed.

Bryan Adams, Run To You

No Can-Rock running mix can be complete without a song about’ running. This Bryan Adams classic is actually about running into the arms of a woman, but when you’re moving at a brisk pace it helps to have the Vancouver superstar’s gravelly voice encouraging you to keep it up.

Metric, IOU

"IOU" is one of Metric’s best tracks and it’s ideal for your run’s pre-cool down phase. The song’s brash, hummable chorus will keep you flying to the finish line, while the subdued verses should knock your adrenaline down a notch, but not enough to make you quit.

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