The Expedition Everest Challenge was this past weekend (along with May Fourth, but THAT is a whole other celebration) and people from all over the world came to Walt Disney World to run this 5K, complete the scavenger hunt and go through the obstacle course. Not only that, but, a lot of people are training for half-marathons, marathons or even the Dopey Challenge in January, which consists of running about 50 miles in 4 days. Many of these runners wear earbuds to use music to motivate them to keep going, or, for the serious athlete, just to pass the time until they reach the finish line. With these events in mind, I have decided to create a list of my favorite songs that I enjoy while running.
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I’ll Make a Man Out of You
I know what you might be thinking, why is this on here? Some of you might be nodding your head because you knew this HAD to be on the list. This song from Mulan might be the best workout song ever. It is upbeat and the lyrics are inspiring and can give you that extra kick for that final mile.
The Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Room
This one might come as a surprise to some of you, and I would understand why. This song was written by the Sherman Brothers and is still featured in The Enchanted Tiki Room at Walt Disney Word. It might not be a fast-paced song, but it is a good one to jog to (instead of dash during), or even a good song for when you are having a walking break.
I Just Can’t Wait to Be King
If you ever see me running, I am the one that is acting this song out. I roll my eyes and put my hands on my hips whenever Zazu says something and point left and right when they song says where everyone should look. I even position my hands like claws and roar when necessary! This tune is a great one to act out, and I always will.
I’ve Got a Dream
This Tangled song shows a key turning point in the play. It is right after this when Flynn Rider actually starts to like Rapunzel, and Mother Gothel finds out that Rapunzel has escaped her tower. This musical number is also an amazing running song. It is very fast and fun jingle to sing along to.
Touch the Sky
This tune from Pixar’s Brave is one of my favorites from a Disney movie. The song itself echoes the location of Brave-Scotland. I can just see the mountains in my head whenever this songs plays. It truly transports you to another place when you are running. It has a very different feel than the other songs on the list because of this.
Colors of the Wind
Pocahontas is trying to show John Smith that the world is an amazing place. This is a beautiful melody that illustrates everything from wolf cries and hidden pines trails in forests. The beginning and end have a fairly slow tempo so this could be a good starting or ending song for your workout.
Be Prepared
Scar’s signature song establishes his position in the pride and how everyone should get ready for him to take over everywhere the light touches. This tune has a lot of character and the lyrics are a lot of fun to act out also. The pace of the music goes back and forth between a medium level and faster level. It would be great to go back and forth between jogging and walking.
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All of these songs distract your mind from the fact that you are ACTUALLY running. That being said, these songs are also great for exercising in general. They may not be the best thing for yoga, however. I myself am training for a half marathon next year, so all of these recommendations are from personal experience, songs that have found a home in my iPod and motivate me to keep running. What Disney songs inspire you to push through another mile? Let me know so I can add them to my song list!
Congratulations to everyone who successfully completed the Expedition Everest Challenge! Special congrats to Justin Bird, member of the WDW Radio Running Team, for winning the 2013 Expedition Everest Challenge!
See ya REAL soon!
Quote of the Week: “Times and conditions change so rapidly that we must keep our aim constantly focused on the future.” ~Walt Disney
Makena is a 14 year old high school student who spends much of her free time researching Disney. She enjoys sharing Disney facts and even plans Walt Disney World vacations (including searches for secrets and Hidden Mickeys) for friends and family. Makena began blogging for WDW Radio in December 2011.
