Tuned In: Songs to match the Vibe of Your Run

Choosing the right song is key to ensuring your run is an absolute hit. Choose the wrong song, and you’ll come away feeling like a one- hit wonder.

As a competitive runner, I always get struck with “Alex, don’t you get bored running?”. I usually dismiss the question, shrug and say no. Yet recently, I was asked the more engaging question of “What do you actually think about when you’re running?” This got me thinking. How do I manage to persevere when my lungs are burning, and my mind is screaming “STOP” like a broken record- one almost as annoying as that 2019 “Dance Monkey” song. With some careful deliberation, I realised it's because I perfectly match the music I listen to, to the vibe of my run. Sadness, stress, hyperactivity, annoyance; these are all emotions which may be fuelling you. Therefore, it is imperative to (literally) tune into how you are feeling. Running is already a powerful tool for expressing emotion, but combine this with the perfect tunes, and you’ve got yourself the recipe for success.

St Andrews offers the most picturesque running routes (Source: revigorate.com)

The first type of run I’d like to identify is what I call a Rage Run- a personal favourite of mine, and one which is especially conducive to hitting personal bests. You’ll find nothing fuels you better than anger. Rage runs are (hopefully) less frequent than other runs, as they are saved for when you’re just in a bad mood. Yet, they are particularly powerful because they offer a healthy way to deal with an emotion that is otherwise perceived negatively. Like seriously, who enjoys sitting in a room feeling all pent up and snapping at someone? Nobody. So instead, I recommend you listen to “Breakin’ dishes” by Rihanna, “Lose yourself” by Eminem or “Believer” by Imagine Dragons whilst absolutely storming it down Market Street. These tracks provide the perfect avenue to dissipate anger because they speak about empowerment and overcoming adversity. As such, you’ll come away feeling euphoric and a lot less angry. Some might even say- a believer (get it).

The second type of run is the Stressed out Run, most frequently performed during the exam season. Importantly, the repetitive nature of running often helps combat and mediate the scattered and chaotic thoughts which stress can induce. The Stressed out Run requires a softer melody, and something with a relaxed aura to heal your nervous system. Contrasting the Rage Run, it’s not quite the PB seeking vibe, but more of a ‘I need to save my mental sanity’ type of run. For this reason, I recommend “Gypsy” by Fleetwood Mac, “I’m on fire” by Bruce Springsteen, or “Ok love you, bye” by Olivia Dean. The lyrics for the last song are especially potent, as they remind us to always put ourselves first- something which can easily be forgotten during the exam season. Similarly, there’s something especially comforting in hearing how even the legendary Springsteen sometimes feels like a “freight train runnin through the middle of my head”. This serves as a powerful reminder that stress, although an overwhelming feeling, is normal and can be conquered. How to do this? Get yourself out on a run!

The third type of run making the list is the Heartbroken Run. It may seem like a bit of a cliche to start running after a long-term relationship ends (“I’ll show him what he missed out on” mentality) but it happens left, right and centre. And understandably so, because running helps release endorphins which, in turn, act as natural mood-boosters. They say you can’t run away from your problems, but you definitely can run to help your problems. As such, it's important to properly feel, rather than avoid, all your emotions, and that’s why the songs I recommend for this type of run lean towards the more heart-wrenching side. Queue “12 to 12” by Sombr, “Who’s crying now” by Journey, and the classic “Too good at goodbyes” by Sam Smith. I’ve been known to shed a few tears on a run, and you shouldn’t be afraid to either. In light of the current Movember movement, remember to always reach out for help if you need it- eyeballs can sweat too, guys.

Source: cosmopolitan.com

However, once you’ve come out of your heartbroken era, you’ll probably feel much more inclined to participate in the 4th type of run, one which I’m calling the I feel alive Run. This is for when everything’s going your way in life, you’re bouncing off the walls with upbeat energy and honestly, you’re convinced that everyone you pass on your run is in love with you (word has it Strava is the new Tinder). What better than “Rock that body” by Black Eyed Peas, “Oblivion” by Grimes or “Delilah” by Fred Again? These songs all have such punchy rhythms, and the high BPM will have you flying. Don’t blame me when people accidentally mistake you for lightning, or that one major-rapid- turbo kid from The Incredibles film.

Along similar upbeat lines, I’m led onto my 5th type of run which is the Summer Run. It’s 8pm, absolutely boiling outside and the air smells like BBQs. There’s a pretty sunset, you open up Spotify and start playing “Young, Wild and Free” by Snoop Dog (because you are all three of the above), “Pain” by pink pantheresses (a guaranteed head bopper), and “Samba De Janeiro” by Bellini. This is the anthem which defined the 2014 FIFA World Cup, so it screams of both nostalgia and of summer. What better way to make you feel alive than remembering how crowds upon crowds of people would unite to sing this song? This is the happiness that you want to try and project whilst on your run. Hence, if you’ve never heard this banger before, I implore you to go listen because you’ll be hitting that sub 20 5k in no time. 

Source: mediaproxy.tvtropes.org

Unfortunately, it can’t always be sunny outside, but don’t fear, I’ve got you covered come rain or shine. Accordingly, my 6th type of run is the Torrential Downpour Run. People struggle to see the allure in running in the rain, but I am its number one advocate. There’s no easier way to dramatise your life and pretend you’re in a movie than this. Just think about Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams’ emotional, drenched kiss scene in The Notebook. Hollywood loves a bit of pathetic fallacy, as should you. The songs you need are the ones which have you feeling like Noah and Allie, and plunge you deep into reflective thought. Hence, I recommend “1973” by James Blunt, “No surprises” by Radiohead and “Somebody else” by The 1975. These songs are bound to get you in your feels, and remind you to feel the rain on your skin (big up Natasha Bedingfield). 

So to conclude, the first step in preparing for your run isn’t to put your trainers on, it’s to self-reflect and discover which emotion is the driving force behind your run. Once this has been realised, you can tune in (literally and metaphorically) to ensure each and every run is a certified banger. Catch me if you can.