Summer 2019 Running Playlist

Yes, I run a lot, but it is during the Summer months that I do my hardest training and running. My light schedule, the perfect Oregon weather, and upcoming Fall marathon makes these months the perfect time to run hard. Here is my summer 2019 running playlist:

 

Running in Oregon is ideal: beautiful non humid weather and incredible views on every twist and turn. Yesterday, on my long run, I had the privilege of running along the Willamette River….

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Beyond Yoga Velvet Workout Pants

I am loving velvet this season. Not sure if it is the major influence of the 90s or the holiday feel, but I love everything and anything velvet — especially when it is unexpected. So when I found velvet workout pants, I knew that I needed them. And not just normal velvet but CRINKLED PINK velvet workout pants.

 

I saw them folded on the table like this, but I knew immediately that I needed them. I love how they twinkle with the light — and just glow and are so happy.

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Fall 2018 Running Playlist

Is November Fall or Winter? Officially it is Fall, but with Christmas decorations in stores and freezing temperatures, it kind of feels like Winter.  Now that my two Fall marathons are done, I am resting and recuperating before starting to train for my April 2019 Boston marathon. That said, you always need good music for runs or workouts or inspiration! Here you go.

 

Last week in Central Park, I took this picture on a walk. Every day when I am in the park, I am thankful for its insane beauty and colors.

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Jump Rope

As a little girl, one of my favorite activities was to jump rope on my front steps with my brother. Since I grew up without a TV in the house, I had to create my own fun after school. To me, that meant climbing trees, playing with yoyos, creating secret gardens, and jumping rope. My brother, Giora, and I were very competitive with one another and we always tried to outperform each other. As a result, I became a pretty good jump roper (yeah, super proud of this #HumbleBrag). I love it — it is fun AND the best workout. And as you know, I love to have fun and love to exercise, so the two together is the perfect whammie. Recently inspired, I bought two new jump ropes for my summer of travels and adventure and I couldn’t be happier.

 

After a failed purchase on Amazon (too long, and expensive – 60 bucks!), I went store to store in NYC in search of the perfect jump rope.  I bought these two, which are similar (at least I can’t tell the difference between them).

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Summer 2018 Running Playlist

Summer has officially started and tonight I leave for a European adventure.  And yes, another summer, another marathon training season! Here is my newest playlist for running and training!

 

Summer running means hydrating and drinking a lot of water. On long runs, I always carry a water bottle and then whenever I find a refilling station, I fill my bottle up. Thank you, NYC!

 

Summer 2018 Running Playlist

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Nike Cropped Sweatshirt

Since I spend 40% of the time in workout gear (the other 40% is equally divided by Natori pajamas and day clothes i.e.jumpsuits and rompers), I was ecstatic to find a new silhouette of a sweatshirt — cropped and boxy. It is Nike and comes in multiple colors, and as soon as I saw it, I knew that I needed two immediately.

 

Cropped. Boxy. Petite. SWOOSH.

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September 2017 Running Playlist

Since my next marathon is 11 days away (but who is counting?), I am compiling motivational songs to help my runs and overall energy. Here is my latest running playlist. Enjoy!

 

Me running, or pretending to run. Looks like I am on Mars, but I am in Utah. We just returned from a short belated 10th Anniversary celebration.  Stay tuned for full details!

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Sore Muscle Healer

For whatever reason, my body always feels sore. Maybe it is because I am getting older…..or maybe it’s because I run marathons…. but my body more frequently has aches and pains. I have used a variety of remedies:  epsom salt baths, resting and massage, tiger balm etc….but I have finally found my go-to cure in this healing lotion.

 

A mixture of ingredients

A mixture of ingredients in the extra strength reliving body spray.

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September 2016 Work Out Playlist

One of Ken’s pet peeves is listening to me LISTEN to music to add to my playlists. Yes, it is a lot of stops and starts, but I need to in order to find good workout music! Since I am yet again running the NYC marathon and doing lots of long training runs, I am fired up for my newest running playlist.  Sorry, Babers! And yes, a reminder on why I run.

 

Hiking this summer. Yes, hiking is not running, and there is no ipod or music involved in hiking, but it is the closest photo I have of running.

Hiking this summer. Yes, hiking is not running, and there is no ipod or music involved in hiking, but it is the closest thing I have to a recent running photo

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January 2016 Playlist

We listen to music at our house nonstop — and believe it or not, most of the time, our Pandora station is set to “Bailando” — Spanish pop music… the kids love it. Go figure. With that in mind, here is my workout playlist for the month…with lots of dance beats, latino twists, and energy to get you moving. (Note: If I could, my whole playlist would just be Bieber. I would marry him if I could, you better be-bieb it). Enjoy!

 

If you run with this playlist, you will end up an elite runner like these athletes.

If you run with this playlist, you will end up an elite runner like these athletes (Chicago marathon, October 2015).

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End of Summer Workout Playlist

Here we are again….another workout playlist (you can’t have too many!) And yes, more music for yet another marathon….Enjoy!

 

Running with this playlist kinda makes me feel like I am a little kid chasing after a kite (picture from Early August 2015 of Cruzzie at the Oregon Coast).

Running with this playlist kinda makes me feel like I am a little kid chasing after a kite (picture from early August 2015 of Cruzzie at the Oregon Coast).

 

End of Summer 2015 Workout Playlist

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Tracksmith

I am always on the lookout for new workout gear as I spend a large portion of my existence schlepping around / working out / thinking about running. Bandier has mastered most of my workout closet, but I was still searching for the perfect short (vs legging). I have found that many things are wrong with workout shorts: too short, too tight, cotton inside (vs mesh), not flattering, generic, the list goes on and on. Until I came across Tracksmith. And now I am in love. They are expensive ($60) but worth every single cent. Seriously, they are the perfect short.

 

This past Saturday, at a 10K in Central Park, rocking it out in my tracksmith shorts and my proud Paris marathon finisher shirt.

This past Saturday, at a 10K in Central Park, rocking it out in my Tracksmith shorts and my proud Paris marathon finisher shirt.

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March 2015 Workout Playlist

"Stretching"

“Stretching”

 

Once again, I am running the Paris Marathon this year….YUP, I am totally and utterly insane. Third Paris Marathon in a row (See 2013 Paris Marathon and 2014 Paris Marathon)! And with this $#$#$@*$$ crazy cold winter, the training has been no joke. Enter explicit run on sentences here!!!! I have done long runs on treadmills, in the snow, with sub freezing temperatures, and as a result have cracked feet, red face, and a severe case of grumpiness! It has been SO UNFUN LADIES!!!!! The only thing keeping me going is my music. So here is my March 2015 Workout Playlist (because in 3 days, it is March….go figure with this insane weather).

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Martha Stewart/Holiday 2014 Workout Playlist

Happy Monday!  We are in Seattle with my brother, his family, my sisters and parents.  Basically my whole side of the family under one roof.  Couldn’t be happier.  Our cross-country travel was mostly without incident, unlike 2 years ago.  Regardless, Ken likes making fun of me when I travel (I can’t help myself).

 

Josie-Girl-Blog-Travel-Instagram

 

So, exciting news!

 

I am so excited to share that I have been asked to be a contributor to Martha Stewart’s website!    The site reached out to me and asked me to contribute posts as part of their effort to cultivate more original content.  My profile is here and first post on celebrating the holidays is here.

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Heidi Hat

YET AGAIN!!! Another fabulous friend with a fantastic fashion sense and ambition. (I like to think that if I surround myself with these beautiful and wildly successful women that I, too will become beautiful and successful). Ladies, Kelly of Heidi Hat! Heidi Hat is a legging and hat centered brand, with the most fun, vibrant, crazy, and unique prints for your workout needs. I can’t get enough of these hot-shorts (if I had the courage to wear them) and the ease and oomph of the leggings. LOVE!

 

Heidi Hat is an accessory based line from Aspen, Colorado.

Heidi Hat is a hat + yoga line from Aspen, Colorado. Its founders are a mother and daughter team, Heidi and Kelly (daughter). Kelly was born and raised in Aspen while her mother is from Manhattan! Together, they share a passion for urban, chic fashion statements in country settings.

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Currently Loving…

Happy last week of January. Can you believe we are almost 1/12 done with 2014? WHOA. Speaking of randomness, here is a random grouping of (random) items I am currently loving…..Enjoy!

 

600 Hours of Edward

I devoured this book over the weekend…highly recommend! It is heart wrenching, thoughtful and an enjoyable overall read.

600 hours

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January 2014 Playlist

Winter training in full effect! Back to the grind (or treadmill and pavement!) of long runs in preparation for the Paris Marathon. Therefore, it is CRUCIAL that I have good music to help guide me through the snow, rain, pain, drain. Here is my current workout playlist! Enjoy! And yes, I am a 14 year old girl in terms of my music selection. And proud of it!

Stretch! BURN!

Stretch! BURN!

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Fitness Guru Shaun Jenkins

ABS!

ABS!

Um, yes, HELLO! Look at that body!!! The definition! The tone! The HOLY CRAP HOW DO I LOOK LIKE THAT ASAP? Why hello, Shaun Jenkins. Shaun is (total cheese but oh-so-true) hands down, the most kick-ass, tough-loving, sweet-but-stern, beat-you-down, inspiring and motivating trainer and group fitness instructor at Equinox in NYC. If you ever want to feel good about your workout (and also want to barf at the end of it), then Shaun is your man. He is THE man. Continue Reading

Interview with Fitness Guru Sylwia

I love varying my workout routine to keep me energized, motivated, and on-my-toes. So on top of my rotation cycle of spinning, running, yoga, lifting, and stretching, I like to throw in Tonique. Tonique, founded by Sylwia Weisenberg, is the ultimate workout. A mixture of cardio, strength and endurance, the workout kicks your tush. Featured before in the Josie Girl Blog, Tonique and Sylwia know not only how to shape your body, but also to inspire, encourage, and motivate. Sylwia is a fitness buff and guru; an inspiration to thousands of women, and to all of us Josie Girls.

Screen Shot 2013-07-16 at 4.46.09 PM

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Spring 2013 Workout Playlist

Although it is still somewhat cold in NYC, it is actually Spring.  So, although I am not training for a marathon anymore, I still need music to keep me active and energized at the gym or on runs!

ALLEZ!!!!

ALLEZ!!!! (Sorry, still feeling overjoyed from the whole marathon-completion!)

Spring 2013 Workout Playlist

Fall Down (Miley Cyrus and will.i.am)
Midnight City (M83)
5 O’Clock (T-Pain)
The Fighter (Gym Class Heroes)
Beat It (Sean Kingston)
Sail (AWOLNATION)
#thatpower (Will.i.am)
Bugatti (Ace Hood)
Thrift Shop (Macklemore and Ryan Lewis)
Cruise (Florida Georgia Line)
Radioactive (Imagine Dragons)
I love it (Icona Pop)
Mirrors (Justin Timberlake)
Call it what you want (Foster the People)
Just Give me a Reason (Pink)

If you are on Spotify, you can click here to listen to the shared playlist (or click here for the Fall 2012 post/link). Unfortunately, Spotify doesn’t have rights to all of the songs, so some are missing, and some are covers.  Still a great mix!

And don't forget to stretch!

And don’t forget to stretch! (Something that I *HATE* doing….but it makes such a difference.)

Happy running! Happy exercising! Happy ripped muscles! Happy sweat! Happy week!

P.S. If anyone needs some first marathon tips, I feel like I have a long list of pointers, advice, mantras, that allowed me to complete my first marathon! And thanks so much to the many friends and strangers who gave me tips throughout the journey!

P.P.S NYC Marathon 2013 or 2014 anyone??? Trying to convince Ken to do it with me.  The more the merrier!

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

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Fall 2012 Workout Playlist

Summer is over, so it is now FALL which means it really is time to WORKOUT and get in shape!! So here is my Fall Workout playlist! If you have any favorites not listed below, let me in on your secret songs! Need some additions to motivate my tush into gear!

hot pink

Hot pink running shoes. I only buy Asics to run in (I am snobby about what running shoes I buy...).

Fall 2012 Workout Playlist

Feel So Close (Calvin Harris)
Whistle (Flo Rida)
Call Me Maybe (Carly Rae Jepsen)
Good Time (Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen)
Too Close (Alex Clare)
Let’s Go (Calvin Harris)
We Run the Night (Havana Brown)
Wild Ones (Flo Rida)
Don’t Wake Me Up (Chris Brown)
Boyfriend (Justin Bieber)
The Veldt (Deadmau5)
Black Republican (Nas featuring Jay Z)
Where Have You Been Extended Edition (Rhianna)
Lights (Ellie Goulding)
Fast Car (Taio Cruz)

If you are on Spotify, you can click here to access this entire playlist!: http://spoti.fi/RuBdSb

running picture

Okay, so I know I am a total dork, but this is seriously one of my running outfits. Hot pink shoes, an Olympics tee, and Josie Natori for Target snake skin leggings. I bet you think I look like I could outrun Usain Bolt dressed like this.

Run on, friends! And if you want to see all of my fitness related posts in one place, click here.

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

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Spring 2012 Workout Playlist

Music is key for my daily workout. I need to be inspired to run/push/pedal/row faster. And nothing motivates me more than a good tune or jam. Once a month, I log on to itunes, go to “Top Singles” and press away….ending up spending too much money on too many songs to create a new playlist. But let me tell you, it is worth every $1.29 per song….hours of fun for me. And then the music and the beats soak into my bones and free my muscles and joints to work harder. I swear.

Ipod

(Orange) Ipod. Absolutely, positively essential to my workout.

(Don’t judge me by my music taste. No, I don’t like Dave Matthews Band, but I do love some pop in my life. Like a lot of teeny bopper pop. But who doesn’t????)

Spring 2012 Workout Playlist

Somebody That I Used to know (Gotye)
Take Care (Drake)
4 Minutes (Madonna featuring Justin Timberlake)
Poker Face (LLG vs. GLG Radio mix)
I Can Only Imagine (David Guetta)
Promises (Skrillex & Nero Remix)
We Found Love (Rihanna)
Paradise (Coldplay)
Turn Up the Music (Chris Brown)
Starships (Nicki Minaj)
Part of Me (Katy Perry)
Give Me All Your Luvin’ (Madonna)
Stronger (Kelly Clarkson)
We Are Young (Fun)
Good Feeling (Flo Rida)
Till the Sky Falls Down (Dash Berlin)
One Time (The Roots)
Glad You Came (The Wanted)
Only Girl in the World (Rihanna)

As you can see — I love a mixture of music. But in general, anything that Rihanna sings, I am a sucker for. And Madonna. And Drake. And Flo Rida. Okay, enough embarrassment for myself…..what are your favorite songs to work out to? Please do share!

Asics

I pronate when I run/workout, so I only wear asics for running shoes. I rotate between pairs too -- one white and green, one black and turquoise. Do these black sneakers make me more hip? (doubt it).

essentials

Water, shoes, and ipod. GOOD TO GO!

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

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