Very often I get this question…“do you run with music?” And my answer is always the same: “YES, YES I do!!!” And just look around, in any running race or running path, you see more runners wearing headphones than who do not. But it is a fair question, because there are runners that do not like to run with music, and it’s ok (boring but don’t tell them I said so). For me music makes everything better, I know people who say that everything taste better with bacon, I say the same thing with music, and I can’t imaging taking a single step without my iPod. And let me tell you we are a growing community now.
Running with music makes running feel easier in a way. I read an article that music reduces the perception of how hard you are running by ten percent. Blocking some stimulus that are connected to the brain, such as “I’m tired”, “my legs hurts”, “I can’t do this” etc. By blocking those messages, you can just run faster and farther, unless you are an elite runner, then you do not need music ha! For me music elevates my mood, I’m always excited to just hit play and hit the roads.
On the other hand, running without music will keep you focused on your surroundings, like breathing, foot strikes that are essential cues when you are training. So when I’m training I only use one headphone, that way I can still enjoy my music and focus on the other stuff. Sometimes runners can become dependent to music, so I do some of my running with no music.
The author of the Born to Run book, Christopher McDougall said, “If you can’t find the answer to your problems after a four hours run you aint getting them” (totally agreed). People say that running clear their heads so running with music can mess that up, for me it just enhances the “flow state” I’m in during my runs and music become part of the experience.
This is one of my favorite playlist:
1. Red Lights
2. Alive
3. Reload
4. On my Way
5. Burn
6. You are my Diamond
7. Calling
8. Levels
9. Dancing in my Head
10. Don’t you worry Child
My cousin called me last week to say he was doing the Corporate Run, so excited for his first 5k! And asked me if I could make a playlist for him and I am sure you all know what my answer was, right? But of course!!! It was easy for me, because we both share the same taste on music, so I added some music that would keep him motivated all the way. He called me the next day telling me: “Wow Mary awesome playlist, I’m ready for my next one!!!” And he did a great time too.
Here is the playlist I sent him:
1. Crash 2.0
2. Stole the Show
3. Sun is shining
4. Another You
5. In the Morning Light
6. Dynamite
7. Firestone
8 Cinematic
9. Bang my Head
10.Beautiful Now
As you can see, I like Electronic music a lot. But there are some days or runs that I just want to sing, enjoy the view and even do a little dance while I run… for that here are a few songs I play:
1. Cruise
2. Finally found you
3. Starships
4. Sky full of Stars
5. In the Morning Light
6. I knew you were Trouble
7. Blessed be your Name
8. Stuck like glue
9. Total Eclipse of the Heart
10.Geronimo
And remember just hit PLAY or don’t but always go for a run…
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