There are many times in a workout when running with music is the only thing that seems to keep me going– especially a power song from my playlist. Music has an unbelievable ability to motivate you to pick up the pace (and if you choose songs with 180 bpm, it will also help your cadence!).
Although music can be a key part of a run or cross-training workout, there are times when running with music is not a good idea. For example, I only listen to music on my iPod when I am running during daylight hours in a very familiar area or in the gym. Even then, I keep the volume low enough that I can hear someone calling out to me. It’s important to keep this in mind, especially if you run in an area with high traffic. You need to be able to hear a biker calling out “On your left!” before it’s too late. I have seen quite a few people on our local bike path who are completely startled by someone coming up behind them on foot or on bike. Awareness of your surroundings is key to staying safe on the run.
There are also times I choose to go without the headphones. For example, I have started racing without headphones (many races actually ban them for safety reasons). As a result, I have started to really enjoy the whole racing experience. I feel like I miss a lot if I get caught up in my playlist– the scenery, the cheering, the whole race atmosphere. If I am headphone-free, I can also listen to my breathing. I feel more connected to how I am doing on the course at any given moment. I also never run with headphones in areas with heavy traffic congestion, in the early morning or evening, or in remote areas.
So the burning question: what’s on my playlist? Just kidding! I will share some of my favorites, and I would love for you to leave a comment with some of your favorite running songs!
- Pride (In the Name of Love) by U2
- In God’s Country by U2
- Magnificent by U2
- Stronger by Kanye West
- Fighter by Christina Aguilera
- Bittersweet Symphony by the Verve
- Lose Yourself by Eminem
- I’m Shipping Up to Boston by the Dropkick Murphys
- Pressure by Billy Joel
- Stayin’ Alive by the BeeGees
My music is always with me for regeneration or long runs, but I leave it at home for interval or tempo training since I find it distracting when I need to concentrate. And I never use it in races! Some of my favorite picks include: Sweat by David Guetta, Grenade from Bruno Mars, Drops of Jupiter from Train, Glow from Madcon and Galway Girl by Steve Earle. I’m always looking for something new so I’d love to hear favorites from some other people!
I am going to check out some of your tunes too Holly–totally with you on the no headphones with speed work either. It takes enough effort for me to focus on that, let alone anything else!
I always listen to music. When I run with my husband, I use one headphone. But I need it. If I think too much about running I overthink it. I need the music to distract me from what I’m doing. I’m not a runner, I hate doing it, I’d rather be doing something else. So the music gives me an escape from my reality and helps me take that next step.
When my husband and I run I swear he’s one beat away from starting to call his old Marine cadences on me to help me keep up. NO THANK YOU!
I love the one headphone idea–I am totally stealing it! 🙂
Fighter is definitely on my playlist, too! I find there are days I need fast-paced music (rap, rock)… and days I need something a bit softer and slower.
It’s funny, I don’t really listen to much Christina Aguilera, but I love that song! Have you ever tried podcasts for longer runs? I have found some good ones that keep me at a slower, relaxed pace, but are fun to listen to as well.
I like to listen to the Black Eyed Peas, Michael Jackson, Beastie Boys, Nicki Minaj… up beat tempos to keep me going. I’ve started to download some podcasts to listen to but have found they slow me down. Music helps me clear my head better and escape a bit while I run.
I started running by doing the couch to 5k program on my ipod. Loved it. Does anyone know if they have a something for those ready for a longer distance, like a 10k?
I definitely need to get some Black Eyed Peas on my lists! I did find an app here for a Bridge to 10k: http://blog.c25kapp.com/about-bridge-to-10k/
thanks for the link Jess! It will be nice to have a new goal to work towards.
Super Bass- Nicki Minaj
My Body – Young the Giant
Pumped up Kicks – Foster the People
The Beautiful People – Marilyn Manson
Help I’m Alive – Metric
Sabatoge – Beastie Boys
These are my power songs located on my “speedwork” playlist. I use it only when on the Treadmill because I prefer these tunes to be loud and screaming. Something about angry, loud music helps me with my speed intervals.
Thanks for more recommendations Jody! I love that you have a speedwork list–I need to make one of those for the TM!