Hey there! I’m Soleh Davids, known by my Instagram handle @runlikemayday. I’m a fun-loving member of the MLH Runcrew and the unofficial on-the-go party bus DJ within the crew. 😊
For those unfamiliar, a bus is a term for a group of people running together at the same pace. Bus drivers, as they’re known, are there to help you chug along, with sound of fellow passengers’ footsteps and comradery driving you forward. Add music to the mix and you have an incredible formula for success.
I absolutely love adding some music to my training runs and especially during the long slow distance runs on the weekends, keeping myself fuelled with electrolytes and pumping jams through my little JBL. (No need for 6x9 when you’re on a schedule for a 6 to 9 AM run most weekends with vibes and views second to none in Cape Town!).
So why music you ask? It all started around 2019/2020. I was doing a long run with a prominent Cape Town running club and someone in the group brought a speaker to help us tackle the ups and downs of the Constantia hills. I’m pretty sure we were close to being thrown out of the area bumping 50 cent’s In Da Club followed by JT’s Sexy Back at 6AM in the morning. I enjoyed myself that day with the group so much so that I decided I needed more of that in my life.
So now that I’ve bored you with the history lesson, let’s talk more about the music!
We all have our preferences when it comes to music and what works for us with the type of songs we chose for a run. Some prefer rocking it out to Blink 182 while others prefer the Hip-Hop vibes of 50 cent and Kendrick Lamar. Then there’s peeps who found their Uncle’s yaadt mix from the last years NYE party and then dala what they must. Listen, we’re all inclusive here.
As for me, I like to use music based on the mood – it’s all about the vibes! I do, however, prefer the electronic mix of Techno and House music. I also have a soft spot for 90s Hip-Hop music, you know the ones where there are words with the beat that I can actually hear? Okay that was mean and to be fair I do listen to trap and mumble rap music as well but they don’t make the cut when it comes to running. #SorryNotSorry. Hate it or love it just a lil bit. #SeeWhatIDidThere
Now, when it comes to these genres, the secret is to look for good mid bass and upbeat lyrics although don’t be surprised to find a catchy love song mixed in here and there. In some of my playlists I include songs to slow the tempo down and to speed things up. All of this is played through my JBL Flip 5 speaker which is waterproof because runners don’t fear the rain. All the music is streamed off Spotify and YouTube Music. #ProTip
All of this helps to keep the legs going by moving and grooving to the music on the road. That said, to keep things fresh and interesting I have created some collaborative playlists on both Youtube Music and Spotify for people to contribute towards. Shoutout to my friend and fellow crewmember Kamini for the idea! #CrewVibes. Links to my playlists are down below. Hope to see you on the road soon!
Also don’t forget to check out MustLoveHills on social media and DM if you’re keen for a run. We have places for all paces. 😊
Spotify
You Tube
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