There are times I run with music, and times I don't. Lately the non-music runs have been the majority of my runs. I know some people can't run a step without music in their heads. Others feel it's a horror to think about doing. I am somewhere in the middle.
Here is what I like about taking the iPod along. There are times I want company. This can be music, it can be a podcast, or even an audiobook. Longer runs usually are the times I put on the headphones and go.
A good portion of the time I like running without anything. I like hearing my breathing, thinking about my form, focusing on the run. I feel music distracts me from those things. From a safety standpoint, I think it's better not to have music playing. You can hear the bikes, cars and other runners.
Another problem with music is pacing. Different tunes affect my pace, and that can be a problem if I am trying to keep an even pace. I find it difficult to find music for an even paced run. So I do a couple slower songs, then a fast one or two songs, and so forth.
In marathons I take the iPod. There are times though during the race, I just want to rip the thing off and toss it to the side of the road. It just gets too much, and then I am left trying to carry it, or stuff it into the little pocket in the shorts.
A co-worker of mine tells me if she didn't have music, she couldn't run. I find that a curious statement. She finds running boring at times. I asked her what about the music makes running more interesting to her. It doesn't. It just makes it less boring. I suggested another sport, but then she told me she likes running too much. Huh???? Maybe that's a topic for a different post.
So while running with or without music is not the great running debate, there are sure loyal fans to each side of the question.
What do you do?
Charlie
4 comments:
I ran with music throughout C25K, b/c I needed the iPod for walking/running cues. I picked music that got me in a "can do" mindset, and that helped, too.
But one day the iPod battery was dead, so I headed out for a run without it. I liked that I wasn't distracted by headphones falling out of my ears, lol!. And I liked that I could just head out for a run withoutt having to think about whether I should change up my playlist, etc. I get mired in details like that, and it becomes a barrier to just getting out there.
Now, I never run with music. I like hearing the birds, and my footfalls, etc. and I like keeping things simple.
I have a friend who runs with music. One day, her headphones failed her, and she had an emotional breakdown right there in the middle of a run. She learned how to solve her technical problem, and still runs with tunes. For me, though, it's an example of why I don't want to rely on technology too much.
I never run with music. Not quite true. I had two solo 20 milers last fall where I needed help (I haven't run with anyone in almost a year and really miss my club). But here in kyoto I run on paths by the river for 80-90% of the way so it's ok.
At home, too many cars and crazy people out there. I've been hit by cars at least 2 or 3 times. I need to hear them coming.
On the treadmill, different story. Can't. run. on. the. treadmill. without. iPod.
Long runs on the treadmill? Almost always. Runs on a closed trail? Sometimes. On the road? Never. I haven't been hit, but it doesn't take many close calls to convince me. Besides, I run to connect to the world, not to escape from it. I really enjoy the music of a run. And it annoys me a little when I offer another runner a big smile and a "Good Morning," and they don't respond because they didn't hear me.
As much as I love music, the only time I run with it is when I'm running indoors. The only way I can get through a session on the Dreadmill is with my music in my ears! When I'm outdoors, I like connecting with the world around me...hearing the birds chirp....the wind blow....my breathing and footfalls.....the cars about to hit me....and I'm with Pennsy on those who can't hear you. I always smile and wave at those I see, but the people with earbuds in don't usually acknowledge....so sad!
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