Whew I am bit behind getting around to things this evening. The good news Wes and I had a great time tonight celebrating his birthday, and that is what most important!
The day started off with an easy 6 miles. This run felt much better than Sunday, but that is to be expected.
6 miles with an average pace of 9:07. I think I was supposed to aim for a 9:01, but that was close enough. I am not too concerned about it.
Today during my run I did something very different for me. Normally I am a slave to routine when it comes to my running. Get up, get dressed, put on the Garmin, hook up my iPod and out the door I go.
Today about 3 miles into the run I just got sick of listening to my music. Maybe it was the fact that I haven’t updated my music in a month, but I just got sick of the same songs. At that point, I completely turned off my music.
This may seem so simple to some, but looking back on it I realized that this is something I hadn’t done in forever. I hadn’t just ran without music and listed to all that was around me. Aside from the hustle and bustle of the traffic going by me, it was also so nice to just listen to the sound of my feet and breathing and relax.
Running unplugged can be very calming and relaxing for the body. I know there are some of you who never run with music, and while I don’t think I am quite at that point yet I do know that I need to make this more of a habit.
What I love running without music:
You can process everything.
I’ve always said that running is one of my biggest stress relievers. It is. However, sometimes when you are training you get caught up in what you need to get done for the day that you forget to just relax. If you can’t relax and enjoy running then for me I am doing something wrong. Taking out my headphones and just running allows me to sort through things in my head. I can think, de-stress and just enjoy running for the JOY it brings.
Increase Mental Strength
Running is 80% mental. No matter how good you are at some point during the race you are going to be required to dig deep and getting mentally tough. One of the things about ditching the music is that it helps you learn to be mentally tough without any help. Music sometimes can push me through, but since I don’t run with music during the marathon itself it enables me to really hone in on my mental strength.
Enjoy Some Time with Others
While most of my workouts and training runs are done alone, on warm ups and cool downs I sometimes will run with others. Taking out the music allows me to talk and enjoy the time running. You can meet some of the most amazing people through running, and sometimes when you are hiding behind headphones you miss out on these opportunities.
From here on out at least 1 run each week is going to be without music. It is time to go back to remembering what it’s like to just enjoying a run for the simplicity of it. No matter how far I get into training, that is something I never want to lose!
Also, check out this article from The Active Times which I was interviewed for about running safety.
Do you run with or without music?
Do you race with or without music?
Currently I don’t run with music and usually only use music or podcasts during long runs over 12 miles. I really enjoy just relaxing and thinking on my shorter runs. When I do listen to music on long runs I never put the volume high because I do get nervous about safety. I like to be aware of what’s going on around me especially when it’s dark in the morning. I’ve never raced with music. I always imagine it would be distracting and annoying.
I guess I forgot how awesome and relaxing it is when you don’t use any music. I am planning on another musicless easy run tomorrow 🙂 When I do run with music I too keep it low so that I can still hear what is going on around me.
I don’t race with music because I like to take it all the fun and excitement of the race!
Also – any recommendations on pod casts? I have been looking for some!
I never run with music anymore. Mostly for safety purposes, but I also think it helps me to enjoy the run more and focus more on how I feel and what I am doing. Its nice now because I don’t even miss it!
So true Lisa! I look forward to more runs without music!
I have said it ad nauseum … 25 years, no music.
My push since blogging for no-music run (and I love reading Michele and Lisa not using music) has been safety, but I bet there is more at play … I love hearing nature, but this morning I was listening to my breathing, hearing my footfalls, and so on – connected with myself in a way that literally isn’t possible when you are ‘plugged in’.
So true! Yes safety is a big point especially early in the morning. I try and keep my music low so that I can hear what is going on around me when I do use it. I find myself relaxing a lot more too surprisingly, just not sure I can get rid of it for the long runs!
I usually run with music but I really love an outdoor run sometimes, where I can just think!
So true! It’s awesome.
A few years back I tried running with music once or twice and hated it. Sweat, sunglasses and earbuds made for a distraction I just couldn’t deal with, so I never tried it again. I have run most of my life and love just thinking when I am running. Sometimes I think about work/life/etc, but most of the time I think about running and being present in what I am doing in the moment, how I am feeling, breathing, form, etc.
-Run with joy!
I have just always had music but I am really enjoying being able to go out and just THINK. Not sure I could do my long runs without music though!
I usually have music in but don’t listen to it. I only ever have one earphone in. I mostly just like that it drowns out my breathing sounds but for me running is my thinking time. I went without music on my run yesterday and didn’t miss it at all.
Yes I am going to try it again tomorrow morning and see how it goes.
I never workout with music. I find dangling iPod cords to be really distracting and I don’t want to be rude to companions or get run over by cars I can’t hear. Sometimes I wish I had some ‘pump up music’ but overall I don’t miss it. A lot of USAT triathlons don’t allow it, so it is better to train how I’m going to race!
Yes I don’t run races without music but I have always used it for training. I forgot how relaxing and enjoyable it can be in silence 🙂
I typically always train with music unless running with someone else and then I don’t. I have been incorporating at least some smaller races and some training runs without music lately to get ready for some bigger non-music races. I’m at the point where it’s not as “acceptable” to race with music (not a bad thing) so I am working on getting more comfortable without it. Last year I did some triathlons and it didn’t bother me not having music so I am hoping that same mentality kicks in for my goal races this fall without the tunes!
There is something about racing that makes it easier to run without music! the excitement, focus and people make it easier. I too am trying to get into the practice of running without it.
Without music unless I’m inside on a treadmill. I love to be alone with my thoughts. Plus no music allowed in races so you gotta get comfortable with being alone with yourself (:
I normally run with music unless I am with a friend/group.
I never run with music – partly for safety reasons and party because I don’t want to dish out the big bucks for headphones that will actually stay in my ears. Either way it’s a great time to think and process what I’m going through each week. And every time I finish feeling better about my circumstances. Hope you can enjoy running unplugged more in the future!
Yes I have really enjoyed my few runs without music this week, but I don’t think I can completely ditch it for long runs and workouts 🙂
I never run with music, as much as I love it. I distracts me from how I feel. I love hearing my feet and making sure my breathing matches the rhythm of them. However, when classes start up I’m going to record lectures and listen to them on my runs of 45 minutes or more. You’ve got to love multitasking!
That is a great idea! Wish I had thought about that when I was in school 🙂