To paraphrase Queen Bey: Girls run the world. And what better soundtrack to accompany a run or a race than a playlist composed exclusively of songs by women! Especially a women’s race—like ZOOMA Annapolis half-marathon.

So here you go. This playlist lasts about 2:35. The songs in the beginning start a bit slower, then build to a crescendo of driving beats and pour-it-on lyrics in the final third. If you think you’ll cross the finish line sooner than about 2:30, I suggest you cut out about 10 songs from the middle of the list. Take a bit longer to finish? Sprinkle in a few chick songs that rev your engine. I chose mostly newer songs, so maybe some Britney, Madonna, or Lady Gaga.

If you’re at ZOOMA, I hope to see you there: I’ll be workin’ the AMR booth at packet pickup, then emceeing the race. I hope these tunes propel you to a great race—but please consider taking out your earbuds in the final 100 or so yards so you can hear me giving you props as you finish!

Today, by the way, is also World Milk Day, which our friends at the Western Dairy Association are celebrating. You can join them by drinking in the goodness of this playlist (see what we did there?). Here’s link to the playlist on Motherrunner account on Spotify (minus “Conquerer” as it’s not on Spotify, so playlist is a bit shorter over there).

Spring 2017 All-Women’s Playlist 

Run: Delta Rae (Song title reminds you what you’re here to do!)
Dancing on the Sun: Bahari
Confident: Demi Lovato (While this title tells you how to feel—about your training, your abilities, your determination)
Can’t Bring This Down: Brigit Mendler
Side to Side: Ariana Grande (Catchy song, but remember forward motion is the order of the day!)
Conquerer: AURORA
Rise: Selena Gomez
Love Me Badder: Elliphant (One of my
Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself: Jess Glynne (The title of this catchy song is an important reminder during rough patches in a run or race.)
Move Like U Stole It: ZZ Ward (Perhaps a mantra when you need an extra boost?)
Dangerous Woman: Ariana Grande
Show Me How You Burlesque: Christina Aguilera
Rise Up: Andra Day
Love Myself: Hailee Steinfeld (Driving beat—and message.)
Made of Gold: Shenna
Breathe: Astrid S (Another title that offers great running advice!)
Beautiful: Betty Who
That’s My Girl: Fifth Harmony
Me Too: Meghan Trainor
Good Times: Ella Eyre
Never Give Up: Sia (Gotta do as Sia says!)
Set It All Free: Scarlett Johansson (Sure, it’s from a kids’ movie but, dang, this is a powerhouse tune!)
Celebrate: Ingrid Michaelson
Run away with Me: Carly Rae Jepsen
The Glow: Sylvan Esso
Just Like Fire: P!nk
Unstoppable: Sia (Sia just keeps the motivation pouring on!) 
Survivor: M.I.A.
Now or Never: Halsey (Subliminal “pass that runner you’ve been following since Mile 2” suggestion) 
Electric Love: BØRNS
Life Goes on: Fergie
Talking Body: Tove Lo
Burn: Ellie Goulding
Did It for the Fame: Sabina Ddumba
I’m a Lady: Meghan Trainor
Human Touch: Betty Who (Could have included like 20 of her songs…)
Bon Appétit: Katy Perry
Dancing on My Own: Robyn (One of the older songs on here, but I put it on repeat in final mile of a marathon cuz it’s that good.)
Don’t Kill My Vibe: Sigrid
Gold: Britt Nicole
Swag It out: Zendaya
Break Free: Ariana Grande (A soaring message by Ari to propel you toward your goal!) 
The Greatest: Sia (Greatest feeling: pride or relief?!)