Curated Race Day Hype
Here's my musical playlist strategy for a 58-mile trail relay race I'm running on May 4th.
A different one this week, that’s for sure. I was asked to join a 5-person team for a 58-mile trail (super flat gravel trail) relay race — the Mt. Si Relay. Essentially how it works is the 58-mile course is split into 10 sections, meaning each team member runs 2 sections of the trail. Distances of each section range from about 3.8 miles to 8.3.
For this race, I took the two short legs (I know, I’m an overachiever). This means that I will be running my first section at 4.8 miles, and then later a second 4 mile section for close to 9 miles total on the day. Legs 3 and 8 are mine (highlighted in red in the image below).
9 miles, not too bad, right? Well, I’m not a fast guy. Never have been, never have wanted to be. However, I proactively told my team that I should take the two shortest legs for our best chance of running as fast as we can. This means that for each 4 mile section, I’m going to dig into the pain cave, settle down in there, and fight for the best time and pace I can output. I’m nervous, but also excited to see what my body and mind can output. For reference, here’s some of my best times on specific distances to date:
1 mile: 6:38
5k: 24:38
10k: 50:25
So, you have a picture of the race and the day. My strategy to get me through with the greatest performance possible? Hype. Here’s the playlist I’ve put together to get my quick and steady pace up and to feel as stoked as possible.
WARNING: Heavy music ahead. If you aren’t a fan of loud music that creates an internal atmosphere of chaos and immeasurable hype, ye be warned.
Here be dragons.
Out the Gate
Vibe 1: It all starts here. I need rage, max hype, something that MUST be played loud. This sets the stage. I want to hear the bass drum thump in my ears, something that makes my skin rise, that takes my focus from my breathing and surroundings to a beat that forces me to lose myself and just proceed forward without zero caution.
Song: Relapse
Artist: Wage War
Vibe 2: We must endure. Continue with the same head-pounding energy, not letting up. At this point, we’re going to push into and past mile 1. We’re in it baby. LFG.
Song: Weaponized
Artist: Make Them Suffer
The Battle of Midway
Vibe 3: We’re somewhere between mile 1 and 2, pushing. The trail math kicks in. We’re just about at mile 2 and that means we’re halfway through this leg. The pace feels tough, breathing is quicker than I’m used to. This next tune should wipe out the internal dialogue of wanting to slow. Give us chaos and brutality.
Song: Sucks 2 Suck
Artist: Alpha Wolf feat. Ice-T
Vibe 4: The push to and through mile 2 is here. We’re actually about half through now. I refrain my glancing at my watch pace, I have the rhythm now and I don’t want my view of my pace to move that forward or backward. It should be based on feeling — the reason I got into this sport in the first place. Go with how it feels. I need something to pull my focus off the small details and allow me to lose my mind.
Song: TRUST
Artist: NF feat. Tech N9ne
Deep in the Cave
Vibe 5: It’s getting tougher. I’m somewhere around 50%-65% complete with my section. I’ve been consistently running at a faster pace than I’m used to, and I’m starting to worry about how much longer I have. The watch checks occur too often, so I need my mind to be taken away. I need the energy back to get me through the start of this journey through a dark and painful cave. Let it rip.
Song: Bonfire
Artist: Childish Gambino
Vibe 6: It’s time to pull out the secret weapon. Most of what has been getting me through at this point is heavy intense metal/hardcore or whatever you want to call it. To dig in and keep my head looking forward, I need a blend of our last tune with that metal. What better than a Linkin Park/Jay-Z throwback. Give me smooth poetic rhymes with the distinct guitar tones from one of the greatest bands of our generation to get me through the depths.
Song: Jigga What/Faint
Artist: Linkin Park feat. Jay-Z
Close It
Vibe 7: There’s maybe a mile or less left. Stay consistent. I need something with the vibe of a circle pit. Only pop punk two step energy can fill this need. Quick drums and eclectic punk guitars with angsty unfiltered vocals sound through my headphones. I keep the cadence. The beginning of the close starts here.
Song: The Glass
Artist: The Story So Far
Vibe 8: Home stretch. The end is in sight, time to turn on the jets and secure a few extra seconds to get the short run of my life. I think about my teammates and wanting to perform to my best for them. Push through the pain and secure the handoff so my teammate can take the burden from here. Here we go!
Song: Dear Diary
Artist: Bring Me The Horizon
Breathe
Vibe 9: Section 1, complete. I just pushed and grinded my way through 4.8 miles, with the highest output I could give my team without going too far and screwing it up for the whole team. There’s a balance. You have to pick up the pace for your team, but not too much so that you have to quit and therefore the team is done. To go all out is to be selfish. To give it all in a controlled method is for the team. The miles are done…for now. Take a rest and reset the mind until we meet again in a few hours.
Song: My Wave
Artist: DENM
And there you have it. I’m through my first leg having completed 4.8 miles at a pace that’s beyond my comfort and usual scope…or at least I hope. Again, this race obviously hasn’t happened yet.
This is just a look into the mentality I’m prepared to go into this relay race with. I need energy, hype, good heavy vibes, loud music, quick music, fast drum beats and thick and dense guitar tones that bounce and push me forward. I need this music to help lose myself so I can give an output I’m not used to giving.
I hope you enjoyed this different type of post and this playlist. Now you know what I’ll be damaging my ears with come May 4th. Stoked to see how it goes.
Catch ya one the next one!
Ryan from Into the Wild