The sun is setting earlier this time of year and temperatures are dropping. But that just means you’re starting your training runs with more layers. The old workout sweatshirt is finally coming out of the closet.

You’ve been training for this: The Twin Cities Marathon races kick off on Saturday, October 1, with the 26.2-mile main event on Sunday, October 2. Beginning in Minneapolis, runners will circle four lakes, coast on the side of the Mississippi River, then journey along Summit Avenue in St. Paul to arrive at the Minnesota State Capitol. 

Maybe these songs will bring inspiration as you finish up your training. Or, if you don’t run, perhaps this will help you consider the idea. Imagining a marathon is fun, too. The following chronologically breaks up the playlist by stages of whatever run you may be on. 

Phase 1: “Minneapolis” → “Runner”

The ‘90s bop “Minneapolis” from that dog. leads the way as you start your run. Another throwback, the Chicks’ “Ready to Run,” sets the stage for an uplifting day. And what could be more inspiring than Sheryl Crow covering Post Malone’s “Circles.” This is going to be fun. Like dad sports says, you’re “out 4 a breather.” 

Phase 2: “Army of Me” → “Kill Me” 

You’ve hit your pace, and it’s starting to feel like a workout. Björk is just the artist you need to pump you up with her stomping “Army of Me.” Settle into the adventure with The Mountain Goats’ rocking, upbeat “Training Montage,” and Parquet Courts’ groovy “Marathon of Anger.” 

Phase 3: “Body Move” → “Self-Immolate” 

If you’ve never experienced a phase like this, congrats! Feel free to skip these tracks. But for those who need music to escape a bit of pain and overcome exhaustion, here are a few bangers for you. Minneapolis’ own Killusonline bring the heavy track “INSIDE OUT,” which should keep your legs in motion. Another local artist, Tysm!, delivers distorted vocals and intense, pounding verses on “HOT WALK.” Don’t forget, you can walk if you need to! Of course we can’t forget about Beyoncé’s bouncy “ENERGY” from the recently released Renaissance album. Songs with titles in all caps pack a punch. 

Phase 4: “The Middle” → “You Lose!”

That runner’s high is starting to come on (hopefully). It might be easy-breezy from now on — kinda fun even. Like Jimmy Eat World’s James Christopher Adkins says, “It just takes some time… Everything, everything’ll be alright.” Crown the King’s “Running on Empty” is the joyful pop-punk you need right now. Then the nine-minute shoegaze track, “Kick the Tragedy,” from Drop Nineteens should feel perfectly fitting if you’ve reached a relaxing state of euphoria. 

Phase 5: “Luxe” → “Tubthumping” 

You’re on the final leg, and nothing pushes you to the limit like Charli XCX on “Vroom Vroom.” Maybe it’s hurting again, so let’s listen to Georgia’s slightly amped up version of “Running Up That Hill.” When you’ve reached your end goal, whatever that may be, Elton John is right, you are still standing. If there’s anything you need to hear after a run, it’s Chumbawama singing “I get knocked down, but I get up again / You’re never gonna keep me down” on the ‘90s hit, “Tubthumping.”

This feature is part of The Current’s 89 Days series, helping you enjoy the best of the season with weekly guides to events, entertainment, and recreation in the Twin Cities.