diff --git a/features/run_control/key.feature b/features/run_control/key.feature
index 5731935..ec6408e 100644
--- a/features/run_control/key.feature
+++ b/features/run_control/key.feature
@@ -1,28 +1,25 @@
 Feature: `key' run control keyword
 
   Scenario: defines code to run when given key is pressed
-    Given a run control file with:
+    Given uhwm is running with this run control file:
       """
       key(:f) { puts 'trigger f key code' }
       """
-    And uhwm is running
     When I press the alt+f keys
     Then the output must contain "trigger f key code"
 
   Scenario: translates common key names to their X equivalent
-    Given a run control file with:
+    Given uhwm is running with this run control file:
       """
       key(:enter) { puts 'trigger return key code' }
       """
-    And uhwm is running
     When I press the alt+Return keys
     Then the output must contain "trigger return key code"
 
   Scenario: translates upcased key names to combination with shift key
-    Given a run control file with:
+    Given uhwm is running with this run control file:
       """
       key(:F) { puts 'trigger shift+f key code' }
       """
-    And uhwm is running
     When I press the alt+shift+f keys
     Then the output must contain "trigger shift+f key code"
diff --git a/features/steps/run_steps.rb b/features/steps/run_steps.rb
index 3470126..5e25604 100644
--- a/features/steps/run_steps.rb
+++ b/features/steps/run_steps.rb
@@ -6,6 +6,11 @@ Given /^uhwm is running$/ do
   uhwm_run_wait_ready
 end
 
+Given /^uhwm is running with this run control file:$/ do |rc|
+  write_file '.uhwmrc.rb', rc
+  uhwm_run_wait_ready
+end
+
 When /^I start uhwm$/ do
   uhwm_run
 end