I don’t often run with music. If I am running on my own I like to be alone with my thoughts. My mind wanders to some extremely random and often entertaining places while I run. When I run with other people (usually Barry or my friend Kim) I never bring music. But every once in awhile the mood strikes and I decide I’d like to rock out during my run. Wish I had his skills:
I’ll be facing some of the longest long runs I have ever done as I work my way through my marathon training plan. I’m sure there will be at least a few runs that I bring along my music, for no other reason than a little company while I’m out on the trail. With that being said, I thought I’d share a few songs I’m currently enjoying as well as my favorites.
Songs I’m currently digging (not necessarily current top hits, but mostly):
All time favorite songs to run to:
Since we’re talking about music, I’m going to touch on my opinion on the safety of running with music real quick. I never run with music when I am running on roads, because I don’t want any distractions that may keep me from hearing an oncoming car or more often than not a loose dog in hot pursuit.
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| A friendly loose dog who used to run with me, but I haven’t seen him in a long time. |
When I run on a designated bike/hike/horseback riding trail with music, I always keep my left ear bud out. This allows me to hear what’s around me, including approaching cyclists. Sometimes I do zone out and get startled, but I always stay to the far right of the trail and look over my shoulder before passing anyone. Just my two cents.
Do you listen to music while working out?
What are some of your current favorite songs to workout to? All time favorites?
Anything to add on listening to music while running?
Turkey Runner 
I haven’t run with music since my iPod Shuffle broke, and even then, I rarely ran with it. I prefer listening to the birds singing and squirrels chattering. In the gym, I always listen to music when I’m working out though!
Aww RIP iPod Shuffle. I used to run with music all of the time, but lately I like listening to the sounds around me.
I’m not a huge music listener while I run. I like to just take in nature around me and listen to my own ramblings 🙂
Same here. I think my mind wanders more when I run without music than when I run with it. I’m pretty good at entertaining myself when I’m out on a solo long run 🙂
I listen to podcasts, rarely music. Podcasts hold my attention better. I too keep one earbud out when I want to be alert. I am thinking of inventing a one-earbud thing for my ipod. I’ll get rich right? LOL
Sounds like a good invention to me! Let me know when that hits the market so that I can buy a pair!
I do not listen to music now, but I used to. I found that hearing the same songs (no matter how long my playlist was!) drove me crazy. I also one time ran into a swarm of bees (did not get stung) but had been warned by people standing by. I was too wrapped up in my music to hear them. It totally freaked me out.
Yikes, that would have freaked me out too! I’m glad you didn’t get stung.
I workout to music at the gym, where I don’t have a choice (or in spin/pump classes, where the choreography goes with the music). I’m currently quite attached to some of the recent RPM spin songs (‘Numb’ by Usher is a current fave, as is ‘Sitting at Home’ by Hunger Parrish, which is really a cool-down song).But I do sometimes run with audiobooks. In fact, I restrain my Audiobook listening TO running, and cleaning. Thus, if I want to listen to more of the book, I’d better be doing something productive!
Numb is a good one! I use audiobooks a lot while driving for work. I bet I would enjoy them on long runs… except my mind wanders so much it would probably have to be a favorite book that I’ve read before. That way when I zone in and out I wouldn’t be lost on what was going on in the book.
Music when I ride, but to keep from getting bored I listen to the radio. And there are few nature sounds in Fairfax anymore. Just traffic noise and all those cat calls I get!LUD.
So sad there aren’t many nature sounds anymore… things sure have changed. Don’t turn your radio up too loud or you may not hear those cat calls!