Inspired by the fast-approaching Cambridge half marathon, I thought I’d share some of my favourite songs to run to. Admittedly, I must preface that I’m not running the half myself (a few of my far braver friends are) but I do occasionally go for a run. I’ve mainly convinced myself to like running because it’s a good excuse to be outside listening to music and say that you’ve still been productive!

I was once struggling mid-Parkrun when suddenly ‘This Charming Man’ came up on my shuffle and, just like that, I could keep going! Since then, I never run without music – I plan out the music I’m about to listen to more than the route I’m about to take. I don’t think a running playlist has to be full of upbeat songs (sometimes I just like to press play on an album, regardless of the varying tempos of its tracks, to focus on instead of how much my legs hurt) but the songs I’ve included here mostly have a nice pace to them:

“I was once struggling mid-Parkrun when suddenly ‘This Charming Man’ came up on my shuffle and just like that I could keep going”

‘Rebellion (Lies)’ – Arcade Fire

I thought this was a nice one to start with as a warm-up. It’s got a firm beat to it from the start and really builds in energy as more layers come in and you get into the run.

‘Starburster’ – Fontaines D.C.

‘Starburster’ is great to listen to not just whilst running but also whilst speed-walking to make your lecture on time (as I discovered on my first listen…). ‘Leader of the Pack’ by Wunderhorse has a similar vibe and is perhaps more suited for running than speed-walking!

‘Space and Time’ – Wolf Alice

I’ll never miss an opportunity to recommend Wolf Alice. ‘Space and Time’ is fast-paced and relatively short, really driven by the percussion. It subsides a little in the bridge, which suits me (I can use it to take a quick walk-break) but you can of course run through it!

‘People Watching’ – Sam Fender

Whenever I run to the Seventeen Going Under album I’m guaranteed to get a new PB on Strava. So, as of last month, I’ve been very happy to have a new Sam Fender album to run to – opening with this title track. This single is also just over five minutes so gets me through most of a kilometre (for some of you speedier runners, it’ll get you over the 1k mark!). I wanted to avoid any song too on the nose with running in the title – Bruce Springsteen ‘Born to Run,’ Kate Bush ‘Running up that Hill,’ A Flock of Seagulls ‘I Ran (So Far Away)’ – but subtly this song mentions “everybody on the treadmill running.” Admittedly this might be a metaphor, but you can still feel spurred on by the thought of the running community every time he sings that part of the chorus.

‘Stay for Something’ – CMAT

I feel I’m at risk of making these recommendations too ‘indie’-focused so I thought I’d include a couple of pop(-pier) songs, too. I don’t think Taylor Swift or Chappell Roan need me to mention them, although they are fun to run to! CMAT, though, is underrated. ‘Stay for Something’ might feel slower-paced than the rest of these but it really picks up as it goes on.

‘Ur Mum’ – Wet Leg

Wet Leg seem to be the most ‘Marmite’ band of the last few years, but I like them. We all know ‘Chaise Longue’ so I thought I’d go for a personal favourite here. ‘Angelica’ is also a good one to run to, but ‘Ur Mum’ continues the female angst channelled by CMAT – you can let any frustration experienced during your run out when Wet Leg start screaming in this song.

‘In Between Days’ – The Cure

The Cure are so good at writing gloomy songs, but also so good at writing really upbeat pop songs to distract you from the pain and self-torture of running. I’ve gone with ‘In Between Days’ but ‘Friday I’m in Love,’ ‘Just Like Heaven,’ and ‘Why Can’t I Be You? ’ also do the trick!

‘Life During Wartime’ - Talking Heads

Specifically the live version from Stop Making Sense. If you’ve ever watched the film you’ll know the band are running on the spot whilst performing this song (if you haven’t watched it, treat yourself post-run). If I’m struggling at the end of a run then I like to put this song on to remember if the band can run and play this well simultaneously, then surely I can run just a little bit further.

I hope this provides a couple of songs to add to your running playlist, all tried and tested by myself on my most recent little run along the Cam now the sun’s come out again! With any luck it gives anyone actually running the half-marathon on Sunday an extra boost of energy to get through the real thing – good luck and happy listening!

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