What's on your playlist?

Sometimes I have discussions with people (or more frequently, myself) about what motivates me while I train. I'm not talking about the big things (helping others, being an example, etc.), I'm talking about the things that keep me going right at the moment, or more specifically what keeps me from being bored when I run or lift weights. Interestingly, it depends on what I am doing. When I lift, I need to have my iPod with me because I get bored in between sets otherwise. I don't wait too long, but just standing around is kinda lame, so at least listening to some tunes helps me enjoy the passing time. I've tried reading in between sets but it's counterproductive: I get interested in a magazine article and then suddenly I've been resting way too long and my workout takes forever.

In contrast, I can't run and listen to music. I don't know why...it's not that listening to something distracts me; I used to run and listen to NPR Podcasts (awesome, by the way), but for some reason I quit doing that, though I don't know what that reason is. I think I just got too lazy to download them. But I absolutely can't listen to music, and the reason is because it screws up my pace. When I get a song with a quick tempo it makes me pick up my pace subconsciously, which I guess is good, unless you are running 10 miles and you need to make sure that you have some energy coming home. Conversely, I just can't seem to pick it up once a slower song comes on. Also, a funny thing happens to me when I listen to music and run: the music "slows down." I have no idea what causes this; if it's the sweat getting onto my iPod and slowing its functioning, if sweat in my ears is impeding the transmission of sound waves, if maybe I'm just crazy, but I definitely perceive it, and it drives me nuts! Am I the only one for whom this happens? Hollaback!

Anyhow, I thought I would give you a peak at some things that are currently on my iPod workout playlist. Maybe you'll find something you like.

Basement Jaxx "Make Me Sweat." This song is apropos, I guess, but it's actually about dancing, not lifting weights (or anything else, for people with naughty minds). It's pretty techno-y and is very cool...even encouraging a multiculti approach to music--"Hip hop, soul, a little bit of crunk, a little bit of punk, a little bit of disco, drum and bass, a little bit of house, a little bit electro, all of that!"

Amy Winehouse, anything off her album "Back to Black." I think this woman is crazy, but I dig her beehive and her updated motown girl group sound. Plus she has a cool voice. If you like this album, you should check out Garbage's "Beautiful Garbage", which has a similar vibe but wasn't as appreciated

Jarvis Cocker, "Don't Let Him Waste Your Time." For anyone with a daughter or who might have one in the future, just play this song for her when she starts dating. Got a great beat, too. He was the lead singer of Pulp, for anyone who is familiar with the band.

Anything by Fergie (but mostly "Fergalicious" and "My Humps" which I know is actually Black Eyed Peas, but whatever). I know it's probably not cool to like her, but I can't help myself. Goes double for Gwen Stefani.

Gnarls Barkley, anything off their album "St. Elsewhere" but especially "Smiley Faces". If this song doesn't make you happy, nothing will.

What else should I be listening to to help me get ready for the Urbanathlon?