Monday, October 1, 2012

Please Don’t Stop the Music

I’ve got a new favorite song – I saw it performed on the VMAs from the sanctity (I said “titty”) of my living room and have loved it ever since. It’s on my “Beth’s Long Run” playlist now (Feel Again by One Republic).

Lately I’m sensing that some runners are frowning on other runners who run with music. It’s as if running with music either makes running too easy, or takes too much away from the authentic form of running.  Somehow running with music makes one “less” of a runner. Huh?

While I completely get that music is not for everyone – some people love the sounds of nature, don’t wear headphones for safety reasons, or simply feel they cannot be in the “real” running zone with music – I don’t think it’s fair to judge others for listening to music.

I, for one, love music while I run. I don’t use it every time, but I use it often. I’m a talk radio girl, so I don’t listen to music in the car. And, if my kids are in the car, it’s always 80s on 8, which I love but it’s not my first choice. That’s partly why I enjoy listening to my music while I run – because it’s the only time I really do it. I like how it makes me feel. I love the energy of an upbeat song and I love how a slower, more thoughtful song will make me nostalgic. It kind of brightens things for me, especially on days when I could use some brightening.

That said, there can be safety issues with ear buds.  I don’t wear them on the trails. And, I don’t wear them in the dark (because I never run in the dark). I also don’t wear them if I am training for an event that doesn’t allow them. I like to train specifically for the conditions I’ll be racing under. I guess it goes without saying I don’t wear ear buds when I’m running with other people.

My point is, whether you run with music or not, it doesn’t matter. You are running. Who cares how you do it? Does it make you any less of a runner if you watch the news while running on the treadmill?

I do find it interesting how some judge others for how “real” a runner they are. I mean, seriously, why do you have to run certain distances or races or use or not use certain types of gear to be “real?” Who are others to critique anyway? As far as I’m concerned, if you are out there doing it – any speed, any distance, wearing any type of clothing or shoes, with or without music – you are a runner.

Do you run with music? Why or why not?

Got a new favorite song on your playlist to share?

SUAR

113 comments:

  1. I run with music. Almost always.

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    1. AC/DC and ZZ Top are great for tempo runs. For long runs (three hours or more), try any opera by Verdi.

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    2. I do too. It's my only chance to indulge my shameful love of hip-hop, teen pop, and club music without experiencing non-stop ridicule from my kids. I truly do not care if other people run with or without music. Music makes my runs more enjoyable and that's all I care about. And in the vein of shamefully enjoyable teen pop songs, I heard two songs during a spin class that I've added to my running playlist: Demi Lovato "Give Your Heart a Break" and "Feel So Close" by Calvin Harris.

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  2. I am a music nerd. I have a degree in music education and pay the bills by teaching music. I have been studying music in one form or the other (piano, clarinet, voice, and others) since I was 7 years old (I am now 34).

    Run without music? Yeah, take my left leg, too, why doncha.

    Only in daylight, though, in my safe-enough neighborhood, and I keep the volume under control so I can keep aware of what's going on around me. At running club on Saturdays, I don't use the iPod, but talk to the people I'm running with. :)

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  3. I don't run with music, simply because I don't really like wearing headphones. I really love listening to music, and sometimes wish I could make some rockin' playlists to keep me motivated.

    I don't get why listening to music would make you any less of a runner though, so I agree with you.

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  4. Hypercrush Werk Me is my newest playlist fave

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    1. I Love them. My husband mixed their last album and it was one of my faves to run to!

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  5. Guuurl, PREACH! I run 10 minute miles and I don't care what any running jackwad says. Me and my big ole booty is a RUNNER. shizzam.

    Love your blog. Have a good one!

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  6. I run with music (and one earbud) unless I'm running with friends. When I started running, one minute at a time, it kept me sane. Now, those songs pump me up by reminding me of how I started out and how far I've come. Also, like you, I almost never listen to music otherwise.

    It's weird to think that anyone would care. In all other ways, I think runners are the most supportive, least judgy (at least about running) people you could meet!

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  7. I use music on the treadmill, because it is WAY to boring otherwise. I do about half of my running on the treadmill.

    When I am outside, I just enjoy being outside. Where I used to live, there were lots of parks and stuff where traffic wasn't an issue, but I always got all tangled in my wires, so I didn't really like it. Also, I know this isn't the safest, but I usually run out the door with only my roadid and a housekey. No phone or anything. Now, where I live there is lots of traffic. I run on a 55mph road, so I don't think it is safe to run with music, even if I wanted to do it.

    It is not cool to judge people. If you are out there and running, then awesome. It doesn't matter if you are fast, slow, skinny, fat- if you are out there on a regular basis doing your thing running or jogging, you are a runner. There is no reason to hate on anyone.

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  8. Thanks for the post. I didn't realize people judge others who run with music. I run with music and I'm not about to stop. It's what keeps me going. I think I'd just mentally lose it if I didn't have it.

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  9. I never ran with music until my running partner decided to take a trip to Hawaii and I had to run a half marathon without her. I still prefer my partner runs, but sometimes running to music is a fun change of pace.

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  10. I love running with music. For me it adds to the enjoyment of running, I feel like it is engaging all my senses... Why the judgers?! If you don't like running with music than don't do it and stop judging! I don't however run with earbuds when I need my spidey sense ,like on a trail or if I am running in a city,town that is not familiar.

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  11. Running with music makes me feel like I'm in a music video. It pushes me when I feel like I'm done. I have a hard time running without it.

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  12. I love to run with music! If my iPod dies, it's a sad run, indeed. I am SO obsessed with Feel Again - I just downloaded it specifically yesterday morning right before my half. :) it's a great song. I also love Some Nights by FUN, Shake it Out by Florence and the Machine, anything by LMFAO, Ke$ha, I could go on and on. I love your blog, btw. ;)

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  13. Usually run with music!
    Just put out a request on FB for songs for a new play list.
    This song you posted kind of reminds me of Florence + the Machine's 'Dog Days' - check it out - it's a very runny song!

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  14. I stopped caring what others thought a long time ago. I run with music...because I love it. I wear my weird socks, skirts & bright colors because that's just me. The only time I don't take music is on the trail....but then I'm with my trail buddy & my phone is getting a workout keeping us not-lost! I am a runner.

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  15. I love running to Christian music...it is motivating and reminds me how blessed I am to be out doing what I love. TobyMac has some good running songs--try Ignition, Get Back Up, and Tonight. Also, The Proof of Your Love by King & Country, Move by MercyMe, and Save Your Life by Newsboys.

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    1. Most of what I run to is Christian, too. There are a bunch of oldies that are great - "Long Distance Runner" by DeGarmo & Key, "Runnin' to Win" by Sweet Comfort Band, and "Press On" by Billy Sprague.

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    2. I have a weird mix of hip hop, Christian, and DISNEY (yeah, really) music that I listen to. I'm a bit new to the Christian music scene, so I can't wait to check out your suggestions (I do love "Move" by MercyMe, though!). Thanks for commenting!

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    3. Glad I'm not the only one with Disney (and Nick for that matter) stars on my playlist. I like some songs from the Victorious, Lemonade Mouth and Starstruck soundtracks plus I have a few Demi Lavato and Selena Gomez songs. I think that bubblegum pop type music is just fun to run to.

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  16. Almost always run with music - it helps keep me motivated over long distances and it just adds a wicked soundtrack for those epic runs. It's kind of like making running into a multi-media experience and I love that.

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  17. Although I like running with music, I prefer to run listening to talk radio (so pumped when you said you liked talk radio too! I'm not alone!) or a football game or something. I get lost in the show as opposed to getting lost in my crazy, probably not so productive, breathing style...

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  18. If I did not run with music, I would probably die. I have a couple of playlists that I cycle through: One is called ridiculous bass music and that's all my rap and hip hop stuff, one is an entire they might be giants playlist and another one is all aussie ska. It makes my life so much better.

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  19. I absolutely love running with music. Unless my daughter is biking next to me, I use it. It is just a way to get me amped up and in the zone. I do want to try and do some runs without in the near future. Just something I personally want to conquer.

    I think my favorite running song right now is "To be loved" by Papa Roach and "Sing" by Chemical Romance.

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  20. I used to be addicted to the Shuffle, but over the past few months have weened myself off of it. I like to keep it for runs I know are going to be tough. Britney helps me push through.

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  21. Always run with music when I am by myself and during a race. Never when I am on a trail or with someone. Two favorite new songs, Shake it out by Florence and the Machine and Till I collapse by Eminem.

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    1. Till I Collapse was on repeat for the last couple miles of my first half :) Seemed appropriate!
      Sarah

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  22. I'm a music guy. I do run with only one ear bud when I run at night though... it's a safety thing for me.

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  23. I always run with music. I don't like to listen to myself gasping for air and breathing like a phone-stalker.

    My running playlists cover pretty much every genre but I always, always, always use "The Race is On" to end my run - I love the beat and it makes me GO. Just what I need for that last kick to the finish, whether it's home or a race.

    Great topic. I see the same judgement in the backpacking world. Tech vs non-tech in the backcountry, I suppose. I don't use my iPod while hiking/bp'ing though. I prefer the sounds of nature in that case.

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  24. Oddly enough I don't run with music. But I don't at all think that makes me any more of a runner than a music listener! Do what makes you feel good!

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  25. I run with music only on long runs. That seems to help a lot. My mix is all over the place, I keep it on shuffle and love when I heard "Rubber Biscuit" by the Blues Brothers. Instant smile, no matter how steep the hill!

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  26. I am lost without music on my runs. My playlists always start with Eminem's "Lose Yourself".

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  27. Yes! I always run with music! I don't run in the dark either. And when on trail runs I keep my music very low or even pop an ear bud out.

    New favorite song is "A Team" by Ed Sheeran. It's not very up beat though. I usually listen to old school No Doubt, Sublime, GNFR, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana- I'm a total 90's kid.

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    1. * and LOTS of Cold Play. If you ever get the chance to see them live, DO IT. You will not be sorry!

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  28. I never run with music, and really, it's just personal preference. That and I run with others many times and having headphones in just kind of defeats the purpose.

    My one comment on whether or not people are real runners when they use music--the only time I'll argue that point is if someone absolutely cannot run without music. In those cases, in my mind, they've found the wrong activity. If you need distraction to get through the workout, you just don't like it. It's why you'll never find me on an elliptical or other equipment by choice. I'd HAVE to have headphones to distract.

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    1. I was just about to make the same comment! It's one thing to have music enhance the running experience, but another to use it as a crutch.

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    2. Kinda not feeling real loved here-- I really don't like running, never really have. (Please don't throw me out yet! Let me finish!) however I do know it is the best form of exercise for me. I first started to run to lose weight, and now I know I need to continue in order to maintain and really feel healthy. I still do not like running and the only thing that gets me through is the music. Am I not a real runner? I've done a half marathon so I have done some longer distances. Can't I be called a runner, even if I don't love it? --sure wish I loved it though!
      Btw, I love Beth's blog too, it's another thing that keeps me inspired to get out and run...perhaps I'm using that as a crutch?

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    3. Jennifer - I say do what you have to do to help you feel inspired to run and to get through it. Bottom line is that running has helped you in many ways and if it takes music to get you out the door, so be it. Who cares if it's a "crutch!?"

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    4. I think that as long as people are being active, it's not my place to judge what they use to "distract" them. At least they are doing something. I'm also fairly certain that anyone who laces up and runs is a "real runner" no matter the motivation, the distance, the pace OR the "crutch".

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  29. I'm a new runner and need music, sunglasses, gum, and my basic Garmin. I only use one ear bud (mostly so i can hear the axe murderer running up behind me) and can still hear what is going on around me. I have an iPhone with the free Pandora app so I change up my station to match my mood. I love the 80s Alternative station... takes me back to my formative years and distracts me from the long miles. U2 radio and REM radio are other favs (plays those bands and any others that sound like them from the past 20ish years). My husband NEVER runs with music (or gum) and says that he can't "hear" his pace with it. I'm doing a 1/2 marathon in Disney next month and while music is not banned, they do say that you need to be able to hear announcements, etc. I'm going with my one earbud plan there and am hoping that there is so much to see and distract me during that race I won't need it anyway!

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  30. I mostly run with music to 1. Drown out the sound of my heavy breathing. If I hear myself breathing hard, then I convince myself I'm tired. 2. When I get tired, I pretend I'm in a dance club. When I was in college I would NEVER stop just cause I was tired. Dance on moms....dance on.

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    1. This is a GREAT analogy! I would NEVER stop either, even though I am just about the most white-girl no-rhythm dancer you will ever meet!!

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  31. I usually do not run with music, although I have a favorite playlist of running-themed songs my half marathon coach gave me and I love that! I usually run without anything, but if I'm going to have ear buds in I generally prefer to listen to audiobooks ("What I Talk about When I Talk about Running" was a recent favorite!)

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  32. I listen to podcasts or music if I'm on the treadmill, but hardly ever when I'm outside though. I really do NOT like people wearing headphones when in races though. I actually was thinking about this today when someone mentioned their marathon play list - and this is for a big marathon, with tons of other runners and spectators. I think that a lot of the fun of the marathon is talking to other runners, soaking up energy from the crowd and whatever music is being played on the course, and just being present. I had an experience where I caught up to someone during a race, and was trying to talk to her a little, encourage her, and see if we could work together to catch the person in front of us...and she couldn't hear me at all because of her music.

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  33. I run with music all the time and I'm not about to stop! Of course, safety first! This has happened to me: mile 11-12 in a half marathon when you realize you went out too fast at the beginning and you're losing steam, nutrition feels off, legs feel like they hate me and some other odd injury is kicking in. THEN. I hear a great song...something I really love...maybe from the Black Keys. Maybe it's Stevie Wonder's "Superstitious." Or maybe it's some other lovely gem that gives me the extra mental kick in the butt to push through those last miles.

    Yeah. I notice runners judging other runners all the time..."Oh, you only run 11 min miles." (insert snarky face) or "Real runners don't run with music...it's a distraction." Meh! I like to run with music and no...I don't run as fast as a lot of people, but I'm improving every day and I still put in the time, effort, training, blood/sweat and tears as everyone else does...so HELL YEA I'm a runner!!!!

    Ohhh and that's great a song by One Republic! :)))

    Thanks for posting about this!

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  34. I can see running on the treadmill... but outside, it's a matter of not hearing what's going on around you. Very rarely when I ride up by a runner do the hear me hitting my bell and shouting "ON YOUR RIGHT!" It seems dangerous. I've seen little fanny pack type things with speakers... it seems safer.

    And never, ever, ever on a bike... get the little portable speakers for your handle bars.

    You HAVE to be able to hear traffic. You aren't allowed to wear headphones driving a car, so I think the rules should be the same.

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    1. I feel like I should add here that I LOVE music, listen all day long at work, in the car, in the gym... but outside, no way. Too scary. I don't want to get run over by a sneaky bike/car/faster runner.

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    2. Leauxra, After reading your post, I thought this story was fitting. The other day I was on the bike path and I passed a guy going the other way with one of those little bikes hooked to the back of his bike. Although there wasn't a kid on it. That seemed strange. Then about 1/2 mile up I come upon a child on the path crying with no adult around. I immediately realized what happened. The kid fell off and the Dad didn't hear anything as he had headphones on!!! I did flip around and pedaled like crazy to catch up to the Dad to tell him his son fell off. This Dad needs ditch his music!!

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    3. AHHH! That's crazy! Poor kid!

      Is it OK that your story made me laugh a little?

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  35. I run with music all of the time. I keep the volume low enough so that I can hear bikers when they alert that they are about to pass me. (But sadly, most bikers in my area don't announce themselves, but that's a discussion for another time.
    As for whether or not wearing music makes me a "real runner," I could care less what other people think.

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  36. Pretty much anything by the Foo Fighters gets me through a run. The rest is just background noise...

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  37. i run with music! it gets me pumped when i need the extra motivation! my new favorite right now is numb by usher- gets me motivated!

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  38. amen, sister. youre a runnner if you run.period. doesnt matter how fast you are, how serious you take it, if you run a marathon or a fun mile.

    i dont run with music much and it took awhile to get to that point. it helps that my ipod is broken :) but i do feel safer wo music too.

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  39. If I didn't run with music, it'd still be playing in my head. But it would be the same eight bars of a song over and over again.

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  40. I completely agree with this post. I hate the judgmental attitudes of some people and their view points of who is a "real" runner. I've found that a lot of my friends that run just occasionally or have just gotten into it don't call themselves real runners because they don't run like so and so. I really try to pull them away from that way of thinking.

    Anyway, I run with music about half the time. If I'm by myself, I almost always have music. Half the time I have a running partner and we go without it.

    I love downloading mixes from RockMyRun.com. They keep me motivated and I like that I can get one free every few months.

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  41. I do but I ought not to- I run barefoot and running with music makes me heel strike and go too fast :s Whoops! I also listen to a lot of talk radio and podcasts when I'm running which is a slightly better idea for me than music for the reasons outlined above. That said, I teach group fitness classes, so when I'm running (and exercising for me), I do class prep work by listening to my class mixes. *shrug*

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  42. Your out there running, what difference does it make. I take out my earphones on my cooldown. The music keeps me going when I want to walk. What I think is worse is other runners judging you because you only run 3-4 miles instead of 10+. I'm sorry I didn't realize there was a mileage requirement to be called a runner is what I want to say to them.

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  43. I really got out of the habit of music when my husband returned my recalled ipod. I was without an ipod for several weeks, then I didn't like the replacement version. I rarely run with music now, because we eventually settled on an old ipod that is janky and never works, but when I do I enjoy it. And I absolutely run marathons with music. Sometimes you need to zone out to focus!

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  44. I've just gotten back running and I listen to music so I can't hear myself panting.

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  45. I try not to run with anything at all because I find that without distractions, it's just me and the run. I actually end up enjoying it more because I am in the moment. However, since I've been running a lot more due to marathon training, I'm listening to a lot of podcasts now. I save music for those really desperate times, like the trail half marathon that I almost quit 5 million times. That's when my playlist saved me.

    I don't care if others listen to music or not. To each his/her own. But I do think it's valuable to put away the music every once in a while and just quiet your mind... even if it's for 60 seconds.

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  46. I kinda sorta hafta run with music, always. It can save a shitty run, or make a great one even greater.
    My favorite artists to listen to while running: Neko Case, My Morning Jacket, Wilco, Lady Gaga. Oh yes.

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  47. I LOVE music but I just don't feel safe running with it. My runs are almost always early morning(barely light), trail or with a jogging stroller. I also road bike and have had a few occasions where runners haven't heard me and then jump in front of me. But I would never suggest they weren't real runners. Low volume or one ear bud seems smart.

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  48. when I run I never use tunes.
    people always insist Id love the run if I used music.

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  49. I have always run with music unless I am in a Triathlon, just to short of a distance to bother. I have always kept my volume low, but still have found that I wasn't hearing all the noise around me. I recently swapped my ear buds for a pair of AfterShokz. These are headphones geared for runners that sit in front of the ear, where the music is transmitted through your cheekbones. This allows your ears to remain open and hear noises around you. I LOVE them. I hear cars sooner, dogs, animals in the brush, etc. I feel much safer now with these.

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  50. I used to run with music but stopped last spring due to safety reasons. I am planning to bring my ipod to my race,it should totally help pump me up on race day.

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  51. Oh my word, I totally hear you...I hardly listen to the radio in the car so I like to listen to it on my runs. That said, I always keep it super low and usually only plug in one earphone so I can hear anything and everything around me.

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  52. I have always run with music. In fact, I felt like I could NOT run without it - as in, could.not.run. That small fact made me feel like I truly wasn't a REAL runner. Then one sunny afternoon, I ran with my boys for a couple of miles. No tunes. And I RAN (granted, at THEIR pace - they are 7 and 9, but still). It somehow gave me a confidence AS a runner that I didn't have before - just knowing I can do it. Now when I run outside, I usually go without (treadmill = music because otherwise I have to listen to the Mickey Mouse "Hot Dog" song. Ever try running to THAT?) Thanks for this post, though.

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  53. I run with music all the time. When I try to run without music or even listening to talk radio my runs are horrible.

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  54. Just did my 3rd half marathon 2 weekends ago. I think I would have had a PB if it weren't for my iPod dying before the race started! Sometimes music just helps me get past the low points in the race... Especially when my IT band was acting up and I had to walk :(. BTW I'm a SLOW runner; does that mean I'm not really a runner?

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  55. I don't think music has anything to do with being a real runner.

    I do think it can be irritating to have someone running with music in their ears be oblivious when you are trying to get by them on a trail, or pass them on a bike. Sometimes you can't see that someone has earphones in when you're behind them. Aside from not hearing you when you call out "on your left" they tend to be in another world - one where they forget to look before making sudden moves, and that can be really dangerous.

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  56. I run outside with music, and race with music (except trail races where I don't use music). I don't race all distances with music though (5 and 10K's no music). My marathons are just under 4 hours, that's a long time to be running, I'd get bored....

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  57. I love this post. I need to move you from my "fitness" folder to my "blogger friends" folder (and I still want to make you that safety graphic ... totally got moved to my backburner :/ ) that way I read you more often because every time I'm here, I'm like, damn, that lady has my same loud and unapologetic opinions.

    Yes, I run with music. And I hate those looks. Eff off, I like running with my tunes. I pick music that has similar pacing because it helps me keep my pace. So I've got slower paced stuff for days where I'm not trying to bust my ass.

    So, pretty much all my favorite running playlist songs have been featured on my "sweet tunes thursday", but this week I'm featuring an album that helped me cut a minute off my avg. mile pace. "Are you Dead Yet?" by Children of Bodom.

    Also, my fast running playlist is called "boner jamz".

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  58. LOL, I didn't think I was a "Real" runner because I don't run with music.

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  59. Outside, I run with no music most of the time, because I'm usually running with someone else or in a race where I need to be aware of what's going on around me. On the treadmill, though, PLEASE give me my music. It doesn't matter whether you run fast, slow, often, once in awhile, with music or without; if you run, you're a runner. Anyone who wants to look down on people who choose to do things differently than them can take a hike as far as I'm concerned.

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  60. Because I haven't seen the country genre mentioned - I've got "Rockin' the Beer Gut" "My Kinda Party" Jason Aldean "C'Mon" Keith Anderson "I Could Kick Your A$$" Justin Moore on my Run the Country playlist!

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    1. I've got "Life is a Highway" Rascal Flatts (finished my very first race to this, so it's a go-to song), "Mr. Mom" Lonestar (makes me smile) and "Knee Deep" Zac Brown Band/Buffet. I'm a country fan but man, not a lot of songs are run-worthy!

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  61. I love running with music! I haven't broken out of not running with it, but maybe on shorter runs/races like a 5K I could go without with it, but I love the way it makes me feel when I run!

    I don't think that it makes me any less of a runner, but I do think that that mindset is a little "old fashioned". When I ran my first race (5K) back in March my Dad, who was a runner for 20 years, said "Why would you ever run with music? You want to hear the sounds of a race when you're running it", well sorry Dad, I need music haha!

    For now, I'm sticking with it and I don't think there is anything wrong with that!

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  62. I don't run with music when running outside because of safety reasons. But, I NEED music to run when on the treadmill. I will also run with music if I feel like I need the motivation during a race. It just all depends on the circumstances and the day.

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  63. I'm very new to running [this year basically] and I'm a running blog junkie now. I've come across a lot of weird things that have made me feel like I'm less of a runner, and listening to music is one of them. I love that it gives me that extra boost I need in the last couple miles of my long run and hate that I feel judged when I pop in the buds.
    I mean, does doing a 10k without music make you better than me? I doubt it, last time I looked we both just ran the same distance. 1 mile = 1 mile. Am I right?

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  64. Love this post! I used to always run with music. I HAD to. I hated hearing myself panting. My husband has inspired me to run without. He's been running with me and my daughter has started to ride her bike while I run. So that has helped wean me off. Sometimes I listen to audio books, Pandora Comedy is perfect and some music. My last 2 races I haven't listened at all. I brought it and then just enjoyed the crowds, views, other runners. I never felt I wasn't a REAL runner because of the music, I thought I wasn't a real runner cause I'm so dang slow! Lol! ;)

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  65. I love this post! I run with music on the treadmill (because it helps my hate for treadmills) and without on the road (because thats my time to talk to my husband).

    I've had so many ups and downs with my health that have caused ups and downs with my running. If I defined my status as a runner by some external things like distance, time, or accessories - I would've had to relinquish my title as "runner" again and again. Instead I lace up with each injury or set back and re-climb that mountain with one foot in front of the other.... usually its to the song "Bad Girls" by M.I.A.

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  66. I have recently discovered Trombone Shorty and have been listening to him on my runs. He is awesome!

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  67. I love my music when I run, just not on the trail or with friends. I definitely need it for a half marathon and don't really give a rat's ass if the really fast people think it's lame to use music.I don't use it in a tri since it's not allowed and probably wouldn't anyways because there is so much to keep me occupied. I just dislike the judgemental runner types!

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  68. I don't run with music unless I am on a treadmill (which is very rare). Not listening to music is really a safety thing for me. I think it's great that others listen to music on their runs. The main point is that we are all getting out there!! Although, the other day I told a fellow runner that her shoe was untied, she just looked at me funny. I then realized she probably didn't hear me as she had ear buds in.

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    Replies
    1. I do love that song, Feel Again. Thanks for sharing!

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  69. Reminds me of my first playgroup...lots of judging on who was doing the mothering thing correctly. Gak! I hated that playgroup!

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  70. I don't run with music because I hate figuring out how I will 'carry' it, and also earbuds always fall out of my ears. when I mention to people that I don't run with music they immediately think I'm a very serious runner....which I am not

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  71. I love running. I love music. I love being able to combine the two together. Doesn't make me less of a runner, period.

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  72. Amen sister. I'm a music teacher. Like you, sometimes i run with music and other times not. I also gave up marathons fifteen years ago but still enjoy halfs and shorter distances. I love hearing about friends' longer pursuits and love running with other friends on their first 5ks. We are all runners. All shapes all sizes all ages all distances music or not. :)

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  73. just tell them to shut up.

    http://www.shilohstaste.com

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  74. Hey Beth, would love to know what other songs are on your playlist/s. Good luck by Basement Jaxx and Stop the Rock by Apollo 440 are standards on my lists.

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  75. Hey Beth, would love to know what other songs are on your playlist/s. Good luck by Basement Jaxx and Stop the Rock by Apollo 440 are standards on my lists.

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  76. I have definitely talked to some runners who are all "judgy" about runners who listen to music. I think that's ridiculous! Live and let live! If I'm racing, then I forego music so I can really tune into my body. However, after a 10 hour work day, I need something to entertain me as I tiredly run 8 miles at night (in the dark). Don't lecture me!

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  77. I just got back from a run. I ran right past an ambulance that was carting away a runner with a broken leg. Apparently the girl was listening to music, thought she was justified in running through the don't walk sign and didn't hear the car honking at her. This was on the intersections of Speer and Downing for anyone who is wondering where.

    I don't think listening to music makes you less of a runner but getting hit by a car sure will.

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    1. If the car had the time to honk at her, it should have stopped before hitting her.

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  78. I actually usually run with podcasts. Everything from NPR to Jillian Michaels to Two Gomers Run for their Lives (look it up on iTunes. Great running-related podcast). Tonight, though, I listened to old school N'Sync. It was awesome.

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  79. Lately, I've been running my shorter runs and psrt of my long runs without music. We have this really big bridge that we sometimes run and I know it's mental, but I feel like I need my music for the bridge. I only put one earbud in though, and it's never loud.

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  80. When I first began running I always had music. I felt that it distracted me from the pain/monotony/whatever. Later on I realized it was distracting me from listening to my body and really improving and enjoying the experience of running. I realized that I really love just being outside an being alone with my thoughts and being able to work hard. That being said, if I am having a very difficult time with my run for whatever reason, I will turn on my iPhone (i use it to track my runs) to play music thru speaker in the hopes that it motivates me to suck it up and get thru it. And it often works :-)

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  81. I always run with music, it helps me get into the zone of running and get moving. But running is completely my time, for me and nobody else, so I don't care if the other runners are judging me for listening to music.

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