Running with Music: Finding your rhythm while being in tune!

Let me start out with by saying: it's ok to run with music. But there are some things to consider. The safety component (if you're running outside) is one, of course. This blog post will look a closer look at what music can do to your run specifically.

I sometimes run with music (as you can see in the picture below). And I know that I am not alone, many runners do. I am a musician on the side, so music is an integral part of my life! I have a playlist for just about every type of run: Tempo Run, Easy Run, Long Run, Hard intervals,... 80s themed, Rock themed, HipHop through the decades. You name it, I have a playlist for it!

Music can be a tool to help motivate runners to get in their miles, it can also be a tool to (ironically) help them unplug from the world around them. For me personally, music is more of a backdrop. I have it at a low volume, can tune into it when I choose to, or not.

Music and Running Intensity

Different people run for different reasons. Some run to compete. Some run for social reasons, or weightloss. Others enjoy the escapism from every day life that running offers them. Some people want feel every aspect of their run. Others want to detach from the run and their day by using music.

No matter what your reason is, and whether you like to be in the present or escape it (with the help of music), all reasons are equally valid.

One of the dangers of running with music is that we can lose track of the intensity of our run. About 80% of our weekly mileage needs to be spent in at an easy conversational pace, in our Endurance Zone. Music can be a fantastic motivator but it can also drive our pace. Sometimes this means that a runner is pushing much harder on an easy run than they should which can increase the risk of injury.

Strategies for running with music

There are some strategies you can use to ensure that you can enjoy your music and run at the right intensity:

1. Simply pick slower music. Yes, I am talking 80s power ballads (one of my personal favorites is "I remember you" by Skid Row, or "Sister Christian" by Night Ranger). Or slow country, classical music, whatever slower music you like!

2. Turn down the volume

3. Consider switching to an audiobook on your easy runs, such as Deena Kastor's "Let your mind run", or a Podcast!

4. Only put one earbud in. Especially, when you're running outside this will also allow you to be more aware of your surroundings and stay safe

5. Consider running with a Heartrate Monitor to keep an eye on your effort. I would highly recommend a chest strap over using a wrist heartrate monitor. Wrist monitors are less accurate.

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My Playlists

Here's a list of some of my favorites, don't judge too harshly!

Slower Running Songs

• I remember you (Skid Row)

• Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin)

• Let it go (Frozen)

• This is hell (Elvis Costello)

• Wait for it (Hamilton)

• I don't like Mondays (Boomtown Rats)

• Lost on you (LP)

• Moonlight Shadow (Mike Oldfield)

• Gypsy, or The Chain (Fleetwood Mac)

• Africa (Toto)

Faster Songs

• Rainbow in the dark (Dio)

• Paradise City (Guns n Roses)

• Gives you hell (All American Rejects)

• Runaway Train (Cam)

• Survivor (Destiny's Child)

• Take on me (a-ha)

• Rock you like a hurricane (Scorpions)

• Start me Up (Rolling Stones)

• Take me or leave me (Rent)

• Wake me up before you go go (Wham!)

• Eye of the Tiger (Survivor)

Audiobooks

• Let your mind run, Deena Kastor

• Becoming, Michelle Obama

• Eat & Run, Scott Jurek

• Untamed, Glendon Doyle

• Educated, Tara Westover

• The Silent Patient, Alex Michaelides

• Unfu*k yourself, Gary John Bishop

• Bossypants, Tina Fey

• Born to Run, Christopher McDougal

• Marathon Man, Dean Karnazas

Podcasts

• My favorite Murder (don't listen to this by yourself on the trail....)

• My Dad wrote a Porno

• No meat athlete

• The Danny Bonaduce

• 10 Junk Miles

• Trail Runner Nation

Thanks for reading! Happy listening, and (as always) happy running!