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)
USMC Running Cadence (Download)
USMC I Used to Sit at Home All Day… (Download)
USMC Fired Up, Feels Good… (Download)
USMC Mission Top Secret… (Download)
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“.
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