Were You ‘Born To Run’? Springsteen As Workout Motivator

Lately, Morning Edition has been asking people what songs help them move in the new year, in order to create “The Ultimate NPR Workout Mix.” We’ve heard from singer Olivia Newton John and L.A. Laker Matt Barnes — and, recently, we received an email from an old friend of the show.

Mark Sinnen is a Florida mailman who first crossed our path when Morning Edition spoke with people across the country about their expectations of President Obama during his first 100 days in office. Now, he’s written in to let us know what music helps him stay on track at work.

“I walk between eight and 10 miles each day on my mail route. I carry up to 35 pounds of magazine mail on my right shoulder and 5 pounds of letter mail in my left hand. I’ve been doing this for over 37 years,” Sinnen says. “I’ve never been a member of a health club or gym — as my job is so physical in nature, I haven’t needed to. On those occasions when I have needed motivation, nothing gets me moving like the music of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.”