Running can be lonely. In 2009, I trained for a marathon that I didn’t tell anyone about. I was pretty damn depressed, so I thought forced exercise would be the only prescription I could afford, but I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to finish it and wanted to spare myself embarrassment. I would drive to the Elk Refuge, leave my flip phone in the car, take my brick of an iPod and run cold, lonely miles out into dusk, listening to a running playlist I had curated in between four different odd-jobs.
Music is a huge part of my running because it’s always been a huge part of my life. A song can make or break a long run for me. (Case in point, I needed some inspiration at the end of a ten-miler the other day and listened to this pop ballad four times in a row.)
In early 2024, I signed up for my second marathon ever, not knowing I would be moving back to Jackson in July. It feels surreal to be logging hard miles out on the Elk Refuge again. So many things have felt the same (depression included), in this weird time warp, but the biggest difference is that I don’t feel alone anymore. Now, today, I feel connected to others and to music, because of KHOL.
Old Bill’s Fun Run is coming up, so KHOL runners came out of the woodwork. It was a dream come true for me — music lovers who are ALSO runners? Woohoo! Running to these curated playlists makes me feel more connected to the music, to these DJs and to this community. KnewJack’s playlist gave me the motivation to get up and get out there. Dante’s playlist made me smile a ton while running as it reminded me of all the nights in my early 20s in Jackson, listening to as much bluegrass and honkey-tonk music.
KHOL has two new Spotify Playlists for your consideration. Two more are coming next week for that last push before race day. Give them a try and remember us when you’re running Old Bill’s this year!
Cori Patrick’s Running Playlist
KHOL Show: Pickled Beats on Monday nights, 9–11 p.m. MT
Hometown: Hendersonville, NC
Favorite Artist: So hard to pick one: Phish, JJ Cale, The Talking Heads
Favorite Run in the Valley: Cache to Game
Why do you run? To clear my mind and see beautiful places
Why do you DJ? I love finding new music and sharing it with others!
Rachel Stevens’ Running Playlist
KHOL Show: None! From 2009 – 2011 I hosted a show called The Morning Scramble on Tuesdays, but now I’m KHOL’s Deputy Director
Hometown: Georgetown, Texas
Favorite Artist: Little Simz, LCD Soundsystem, Beyoncé, Tom Petty (The list could go on and on.)
Favorite Run in the Valley: It’s not the most enjoyable run, but The Elk Refuge holds so many memories for me. And Horseshoe Canyon in Driggs is amazing for trail running!
Why do you run? For my mental health. Also, running is where some of my best creative ideas happen.
Thanks for giving these playlists a spin! We hope to see you out at Old Bill’s, showing KHOL some love!
