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Sole Mates’ Aoibhinn Raleigh shares her feel-good running playlist
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We talk running playlists and go-to work outs with Aoibhinn Raleigh, the founder of Dublin beginners run club Sole Mates.
When 26-year-old Aoibhinn Raleigh launched Dublin run club Sole Mates in April this year she could never have expected the popularity it has garnered, and in such a short space of time too. “I started Sole Mates as I was struggling to find a run club that really was beginner-friendly and would accommodate breaks or a bit of a walk,” says Aoibhinn. “I know fitness, in general, can be such a scary space, especially for women because we can feel very self-conscious about starting out in the gym or running with someone for fear of judgement. I wanted to break that barrier.”
Break that barrier it did and within six months Aoibhinn has up to 100 beginners, slow runners, and everything in between, showing up in a different weekend location. The average pace is 7-9 minutes per km, and there’s a walking group at the back so that no one is ever left behind.
On her favourite running playlist are tunes by everyone from Beyoncé and Britney, to Justin and the Black Eyed Peas. “My running playlist is everything I need on a run – it’s got a strong beat when you are running for tempo in there but also some fun stuff to keep you motivated,” she says.
“There are moments in a run when you start to struggle and this is where you need your playlist. For me, I am cruising with a good beat until I start struggling and then I know it is time for a little bit of fun (‘Untouched’ or Hannah Montana are my guilty pleasures for this one). Then to finish out the run you need a good motivator in there which for me is usually ‘Run Boy Run’. This playlist covers all of those bases.”
You can take a look at Aoibhinn’s playlist HERE.
Aoibhinn says the genre of music she likes varies depending on the workout. “When I am running it can be anything from pop to house to instrumental – what’s important is it has a good tempo similar to what I am pacing,” she says. “In the gym is a little bit more down the rap side of things. I want something that’s just earphones in, world out – gets me out of my head and focused on my lifts.”
Asked what her favourite workout is Aoibhinn says she loves exercise in any way shape or form, but that running is always her go-to.
“I can find it really hard to switch off but running is one space where I can go to quiet my thoughts and just do,” she says. “Not only that, but I feel running has genuinely changed my life this year. On a more personal note, it has helped me so much mentally but it also gave me the space to create the club which is the most beautiful and rewarding thing I have ever done. I love that running brings people from all walks of life together to form a community that is inclusive, kind, supportive and love to get a run in together every week, have coffee and a sweet treat and just be a part of something amazing.”
Aside from running, Aoibhinn loves the gym and is currently training for the Dublin marathon as well as Hyrox Dublin. “It’s intense but definitely keeping me active. I also LOVE a good spin class and if you know me, you know I am obsessed with steps so I tend to be out walking with my mini dachshund on the daily.”
Alongside physical fitness, Aoibhinn says she looks after her mental health with sea swimming and meditation as well as regular journaling. “I am a big fan of the sea although I can barely swim so perhaps it is more of a paddle or any kind of cold water because it is amazing for your nervous system especially if you are someone who struggles with anxiety,” she says.” I also try to get to a yoga class when I can but if not I meditate quite regularly before bed to help switch off.
“Spending time with my family and friends is important to me and I also like keeping a gratitude journal,” she says. “You wouldn’t believe how many little things there are to be grateful for every single day once you take the time to notice them and it can shift your entire perspective.”
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