Music and running
Over the last year I have been slowly getting back into shape. In addition, during the same time period, I called a truce on my long standing War On Music.
Many years ago, I was pretty disgusted with music in general and decided that it was a waste of time to listen to it. Periodically I would hear a song I liked or listen to it with friends, but on the whole I didn’t spend time buying or listening to music. I decided that was lame and that I was missing out on some great music. The nice part about getting back into music after a long lay off is that there are a billion songs that you missed, just waiting to be listened to.
Todays favorites:
The Killers - Mr. Brightside, Somebody Told Me
Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Follow You Into the Dark
Now, this brings me to a conundrum. Namely, should I listen to music while I run? It seems like a natural fit, and it could help pass the time on some of the more lonesome long distance runs. I see two downsides though. The first and more trivial one, is that I suppose I should run with ear buds, and they might drive me crazy if they fall out. The second and more serious of the two, is that I use that long distance to think, and settle the contents of my head. The current title “Running is therapy” isn’t an accident.
I don’t know. I suppose I should just try it.
See, I have the same issue with listening to something while I walk, and so I don’t listen to music while walking alone (and obviously not while walking with the work ladies…). I also like hearing what’s around me. As a guy moving fast, I suppose you have one less reason than me, but the being able to just think or not think or whichever is a part I’d miss.
Maggie,
That is another thing I hadn’t thought of. Recently I have been running on the roads instead of the trails and getting hit by a car is certainly something I have to be weary of.
I think you are right. The thinking is crucial to my well-being. I am not sure it would be a good idea to mess with that.
I think I will try it to see what it’s like, but ultimately, I will probably eschew it in favor of silence.
Ah, silence. And not letting the cars hit you. ;)
One thing i have noticed is that when listening to a song with a pretty defined beat it messes up my pace. My mind just wants to make my feet hitting the pavement match the beat of the song.
I have always found the opposite of what Don has mentioned. If you find some music that matches your running style, it has always helped me with my biking and I will use the same theory now that I am going to start running. I found that techno music works well as there is no words to concentrate on so your mind is free to wonder.
As far as earphones, instead of plain ear buds, find ones that “wrap” around your ear. That will help them stay in better.