Music is the illegal aid every XC runner wishes was legal during races. Since you can’t wear headphones during the actual competition (USATF Rule 144.3), the playlist isn’t for the race itself—it is for the ritual . The warm-up jog. The dynamic stretches on the line. The two-mile cooldown where you replay the kick.

Put it at the 12-minute mark (if you run a 20-minute 5k) or the 18-minute mark (if you run a 30-minute 5k). That is the "Dead Zone"—where your brain is trying to quit. If your absolute favorite song drops right when you want to walk, you will keep running. That is the science of the XC playlist.

Now lace up, hit shuffle, and go find some mud.

A great XC playlist isn't just a collection of "hype" songs. It is a narrative arc. It mimics the terrain: the nervous start, the grinding middle miles, the muddy ascent, and the downhill sprint to the finish.

Cover for Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese

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Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese

Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese

Stephanie Giese is an indie author based in Florida. She writes stories about realistic problems with humor, heart, and sass. Her work has a strong focus on mental health and consent. Her North Bay small-town romance series is set for release in 2025.

Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese

1 month ago

I know it’s a small thing, but I believe small things can add up to big changes. my entire North Bay series, including Out of Left Field, Right as Rain, and Way Off Base, is free on Kindle from Jan. 30-Feb. 3. Please take the funds you might have spent on my books this week and reallocate them toward the areas in our country that need them the most. Follow creators like Dad Chats who can direct you toward practical needs local to them. I hope my quirky romcoms can bring you some comfort and joy during difficult times, and I hope together we can take small, practical steps toward big changes. ... See MoreSee Less

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Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese

1 month ago

I know there is an overall feeling of helplessness in our country right now. So many of us are at a loss for what to do beyond making phone calls and social media posts (which are still important, but can feel like not enough). I believe strongly in the power of small things adding up to big ones. As one person, I might not be able to do much, but what I CAN do is use my voice and my books to work toward the change I’d like to see. That’s why, for the next five days, from Jan. 30-Feb 3, I’m making the Kindle versions of my entire North Bay series (Out of Left Field, Right as Rain, and Way Off Base) completely free. Art has power, and I do hope these comedies can bring you some comfort and joy in difficult times, but most importantly, I also hope you’ll consider redirecting the funds you might’ve spent on my books and donating instead to one of the many charities working tirelessly in our cities right now. If you are located in an area like Minnesota or Portland, please use the space below to make people aware of the organizations in your area that need help. ... See MoreSee Less

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ALL I Never Knowed: The Book Is Here!

Xc Playlist !exclusive! May 2026

Music is the illegal aid every XC runner wishes was legal during races. Since you can’t wear headphones during the actual competition (USATF Rule 144.3), the playlist isn’t for the race itself—it is for the ritual . The warm-up jog. The dynamic stretches on the line. The two-mile cooldown where you replay the kick.

Put it at the 12-minute mark (if you run a 20-minute 5k) or the 18-minute mark (if you run a 30-minute 5k). That is the "Dead Zone"—where your brain is trying to quit. If your absolute favorite song drops right when you want to walk, you will keep running. That is the science of the XC playlist. xc playlist

Now lace up, hit shuffle, and go find some mud. Music is the illegal aid every XC runner

A great XC playlist isn't just a collection of "hype" songs. It is a narrative arc. It mimics the terrain: the nervous start, the grinding middle miles, the muddy ascent, and the downhill sprint to the finish. The dynamic stretches on the line

Save Money with Fetch

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I was excited to receive a box of products to try from Splendid Spoon this summer! They invited me to try their line of plant-based, ready-to-eat foods and delivered them right to my door. Check one in the pro column for convenience. I did receive these products free of charge in order to rate them […]