From Sad Girl Energy to Spartan Mode: The Playlist That Got Us Ready

There’s something about music before a big event that changes the whole atmosphere. It becomes more than background noise; it becomes energy, mindset, confidence, and a little bit of armor. This past Saturday, as Amore and I got ready for the Spartan San Diego race, the music in the room felt just as important as lacing up our shoes. It set the tone before we ever stepped onto the course.

Amore usually loves that bad-girl country radio vibe, the kind of music that makes you stand taller and move with purpose. Think Miranda Lambert, Jessie Murph, and Maren Morris. Strong women, fearless lyrics, a little edge, and a whole lot of attitude. The kind of songs that make you feel like you can take on anything in front of you, mud pits, walls, ropes, hills, all of it.

But this Saturday morning, the algorithm clearly had other plans. Instead of gunpowder and lead, it was serving broken hearts and sad goodbyes. One slow song after another had us sounding more post-breakup than pre-race. I looked at Amore and said, “This is sad-girl energy. I need some bad bit*ch energy.”

Without missing a beat, Amore grabbed the phone and changed the station. Suddenly, the room shifted as GloRilla and Sexxy Red came through the speaker with WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME. And just like that, we were back. Confidence up. Shoulders back, Shoes tied tighter. Game faces on.

That was exactly the energy we needed to get ready for the 3.9 miles of dirt, rocks, walls, and cargo nets we were about to attack: The Playlist That Got Us Ready. Music has a funny way of shifting everything in an instant. One minute you’re in your feelings; the next minute you’re ready to dominate an obstacle course.

What I love most is how music becomes part of the memory. Now whenever I hear that song, I’ll think of race morning, laughter, adrenaline, and the two of us getting our minds right before doing something hard together.

Three triumphant women leap in joy after conquering the race, celebrating their victory with a synchronized jump. The Playlist That Got Us Ready

Before any big event, we all reach for something to steady us. Some people pray, some people sit in silence, some people visualize. And some of us turn up the volume. This past Saturday reminded me that the right playlist can do more than pump you up; it can remind you who you are before you go prove it. #Spartan Race San Diego 2026

And then of course, I write about it.https://www.iheart.com/favorites/290642521?app=listen