Feel the Burn

When I was in college one of the soundtracks that marked my senior year was a mix CD distributed by a local DJ auspiciously named DJ Toad. The Toad CD was perfect in its versatility. We put it on after class for drinks on the porch swing. The same tracks could then carry us through to getting ready and would be there waiting for us when we stumbled (or ran) home seeing double and speaking at unacceptable volume levels. One could argue that this is the preferred state to listen to J.Lo and Ja Rule duets.

I thought of the perfection and versatility of the Toad mix recently when trying to compile a new workout mix. Of course, now, a mix is really an iTunes playlist, but the same challenges remain. It has to be something that can fit a variety of occasions (the days you feel great about working out AND the days that it is a true battle to get yourself through the doors of the gym). It also needs to stand up to repeated playing without losing any of its potency. The perfect workout mix is up there with a great pair of jeans or a delicious wine under $20...essential and basic but really tough to come by.

So here is my latest incarnation:

This playlist will have to last me awhile...I just found out TI won't be making anymore hits for about 12 months while he serves out his jail term stemming from weapons violations...