I recently acquired a bad ass treadmill as part of an effort to get back in shape (more on that later), and I went searching for some USMC cadence MP3s to listen to while I run. They were harder to find than I thought they would be, so I figured I would share them here in case anyone would like to hear them.
These work songs are sung while a platoon is running in formation and let me tell you – they are motivational. When you hear 80 sets of boots pounding the ground in unison while 80 Marines sing cadence it is a site to behold.
Cadence serves multiple purposes but the two most important are quite practical:
- Running long distances, over rough terrain, carrying a load of gear hurts. More than you think. In fact, it’s the reason I’m not in the Corps any more (I had 15 stress fractures in my shins from it). Calling cadence gives you something else to think about.
- Breathing rhythm is very important to long distance runners, and calling cadence requires you to breath properly. You alternate between taking in plenty of air, and expelling it while you sing at the top of your lungs. In fact, without actually singing you aren’t getting the benefits of cadence.
So, here are the best recordings I could find. If you know of other good ones please drop a note in the comments.
USMC Cadence Medley (Download)
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USMC Running Cadence (Download)
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USMC I Used to Sit at Home All Day… (Download)
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USMC Fired Up, Feels Good… (Download)
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USMC Mission Top Secret… (Download)
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Finally, if you’re interested in learning what it takes to actually become a US Marine, check out my article entitled “Corps Boot Camp: How to Make a US Marine“.
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I am looking for USMC cadences that I can download onto my IPOD for running. Any idea on where I can find them?
Randall,
I searched everywhere just to find the ones I have here, so I’m not sure where else to look. However I just realized that it is hard to download them with the flash player I have there.
So, I just zipped them and created download links so you can grab any of the ones I’ve got here. Just download and unzip them and they should work in your iPod.
Hoo-rah Devil Dog! ;-)
John
These are wonderful! Almost makes me want to get to the nearest base and join these guys on their training runs. Might also make for a good prank. Just play these on a good stereo system outside a friend’s door to wake them up. Just need to control the volume envelope to make it sound like they are passing by.
The Man, i cant tell you how long ive been looking for some Marine Corps candence.
ive been out of the Corps for about five years now, and have found running with out it makes for a harder run. ive been using these same once in my head, but found ive forgotten many of the words, just wanted to thank you devildog.
your fellow vet. Sgt Weges
Hoorah Sarge! I’m glad to be of assistance. Now just download them to your iPod or whatever and go get ya’ some PT!
Take care,
John
thank you devil dogs and leather necks my dad was a marine he still is in some respects any ways to the point every morning he wake me at 5 am (when i was with him on base) and make me run with the rest of i think its a platoon not sure and he wouldnt treat me like a son at all just another marine its been along time sence i heard any of these and love them to death wish i could find more
Ooorah! thanks for the cadences, just what i needed for some extra motivation. Semper Fi to all those past and present.
Heres one that brings back more than just memories. I can remember doing most of these at Camp Geiger.
Do a google for “Marine Cadence” or at Amazon for Marine Cadence
or
Semper Fi,
Bill
The system parsed out my URL :(
Marine Cadence
Sorry Bill. Wordpress sometimes has a mind of it’s own. :-)
I edited your post to create a direct link to the Amazon page you referenced.
John
John,
Thanks for the MP3
I’d say more but I gotta run now.
Semper Fi,
Frank
USMC 1966-1970
Vietnam Vet 68-69
They really help out, especially when I don’t want to get my 5K done. Also bring back memories of US, as I work overseas.
Hey, started running 2 months ago to do a 5k this Sat. found a couple of CD’s worth
of Cadence on I-tunes, but I still like yours better. Thanks and Semper-Fi
Bill,
Glad you enjoy them. And glad that you’re running. We should all get out and do more of this as it improves both our physical and mental conditions.
John
Looking for the Units cadance. I’m having trouble downloading it. Is there anyway you can email it to me as an attachment? Thanks
Morganna
Semper Fi !!!!
These are great. makes me want to start running again. I have been out for a while and just hearing these makes it seem like yesterday. Semper FI all
now i have something to run to for sls.
Finally, been looking for these for a while so I can get some good PT in away from my recruiter (leaving for basic in July, MCRD San Diego). Thanks.
Oh, and a quick word to William: My dad tells me this a lot, him being a Vietnam vet and all, “Once a Marine, ALWAYS a Marine.” Your dad is still a Marine in every respect, even if he’s gotten old or out of shape (or both in many cases).
Thanks, I have been looking for these for when I run.
All the USMC Poolee Functions got me hooked.
Semper Fi.
Thanks for these downloads…just what I need! Promised my son I’d keep up with him in a 3 mile run by the time he gets done with his MOS school.
“Ain’t nothin’ meaner than a Marine ‘cept his mama”
Semper Fi
AWESOME!!!!!!!! Once a Marine always a Marine…. HOORAH!!!!!!!
You can download a lot of USMC cadences off of limewire. Just search for “USMC cadence”.
Just wanted to congratulate all the marines that participated in OIF I and all the missions in Iraq in 2003 and to all my fellow marines outthere till today, ohhrahh devil dogs!!!
att. Sgt. J. Chavarria OIF I vet.
thanx 4 putting this up i hope that it transfers well to my ipod. Its hard to PT by just singing cadanses from full metal jacket in your head, hopefully with the extra motivation parris island wont kick my butt so much.
semper fi to all
thanks for the running cadence (especially). i run a lot and i ran out of running songs if you know what i mean… again, thanks a lot.
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