If you’re trying to get into running, the first thing you should know is it takes up a lot of time. That’s not to scare you away. In fact, contrary to popular belief, it almost feels like life slows down for a second. Being outside with the wind in your hair and no thoughts behind your eyes should be your first sign to get moving and grooving.

Now, the weather is changing and flowers are blooming, so instead of scrolling on TikTok, let’s bask in the sunlight and go for a stroll.

I’ve been listening to a range of artists, trying to find the new, perfect sound for a good pace. I don’t know if it’s because the sun was starting to come out or if I was still in a half-asleep dream state, but Magdalena Bay’s “Imaginal Disk” got me lost in the sauce. From the very beginning, “Imaginal Disk” takes you away with its synth-pop sound and meets you with your head in the clouds.

The Rundown:

I ran a couple of Liberty Park laps at about 6am on a Tuesday before classes. Not the most ideal, but a good time to go to beat the crowd as spring makes its entrance. Watching the sunrise while sweating through my jacket is ultimately the moment that kept me motivated. Along with the music, it felt as though I was in a coming-of-age film from Netflix. I fully embodied a depressed teenager trying to guide themself through a world of discourse and distractions. Today, Magdalena Bay proved themselves to be the soundtrack of a cured mindset. 

A few stand-out tracks from this morning’s run were “Killing Time,” “Tunnel Vision,” “That’s My Floor” and “The Ballad of Matt & Mica.” Each of these being of higher intensity, its no surprise my splits came in faster than usual for a morning run. I tried keeping my pace slower at about a 9min/mile time, but the music entered my bloodstream and got the zoomies running through me. My pace turned to an 8:30min/mile and stayed pretty consistent throughout. 

If that’s not enough to convince you, then I don’t know what will.

Along with my heart rate, the album has a raging BPM average of 132 with the highest at 180 and lowest at 90. Even the slower ballads coming through had me in a trance running around in circles. And I’m not even the biggest fan of that. So, next time you’re outside or debating a run, turn to Magdalena Bay’s “Imaginal Disk.” You won’t regret it.

Happy running!