The only time I don’t go running with music or podcasts is when I run with someone. As much as I love running, I still need a good podcast episode to keep me motivated for the long haul on those long runs. Or a “beast mode” playlist to help me tame that “beast” of a speed workout. There are many days when I’m not motivated to run. But, knowing I can take my mind off the task of running and get lost in a good discussion or a memorable verse with an up-tempo beat to help pass the miles is all I need to pass through my front door.
Running with music
We must look so cool to everyone we see while running. At least, we think we do. How could we not? We’re dressed to the nines in our most fashionable running gear, listening to our favorite Taylor Swift breakup song—oh, look, she just dropped another one—or the new banger from Beyonce, or whatever garbage “top” male artists churn out. Surely, everyone we see must be fawning over our outfit and praising our great taste in music. It’s probably a good thing no one hears what questionable playlists or podcasts we choose to flood our ears with.
In reality, drivers blast their own wildly different tunes from their cars for everyone to hear while judging our short shorts, arm and leg sleeves, and wacky shoe colorways, to name a few.
When I first started running, music was the only thing that got me out the door. I’d stay at home on the couch before I’d run without music. Over the years, as I started to actually enjoy running, I no longer needed music. Except for the days I didn’t feel like exercising and needed a boost from a catchy chorus and a dreamy melody.
Today, I only press play on a Spotify playlist for a lactate threshold, VO2 max workout, or on race day. Studies show, not only can running with music make you faster but it can increase stamina and improve mood. And here I thought I felt invincible after a speed workout because of endorphins from the runner’s high. Turns out, listening to “pleasing” music can potentially lead to higher levels of serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone.
“I have a podcast”
What better way to pass time during a run than by distracting yourself with the conversations of complete strangers? Plus, there’s evidence that people become more open to new information and more creative while running, according to Chris Friesen, an author, clinical psychologist who specializes in sport and performance psychology. The Director of Friesen Sport & Performance Psychology in Ontario says, “When you run, you create space in your brain for processing ideas, either your own or the ideas of others.”
Whether your topic of choice is running, true crime, news, pop culture or, well, anything, there’s a podcast for you.
I like to educate myself about things I should already know with Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History. I don’t do a great job of following the news (Can you blame me?) but I stay updated on the latest headlines and trends with The Ringer’s Plain English podcast. And somedays, ok, most days, I just want to be entertained while I’m engaged in the repetitive act of running. Fortunately, I have Crime Junkie for “full body chills.” And Armchair Expert for insightful, funny interviews with an actor, psychologist, doctor, author, or any other interesting figure. When it comes to favorite running podcasts, well, that warrants its own blog post down the road.
But, be advised: “There’s only one stress system for physical stress and psychological stress,” explains Jennifer Heisz. The cognitive psychologist and professor of kinesiology at McMaster University warns, “If you listen to a stressful news podcast while exercising, your stress will compound. It can be counterproductive.” Hmm, maybe it’s time to listen to more cheerful podcasts that don’t involve unsolved murders or the world’s divisive state.
Silence is golden?
Look, can we be honest? Every mile I run solo without a pair of earbuds feels longer, less interesting, and more difficult. Even with AirPods plugging my ears, I can hear you say, “Running without distractions is safer!” I ask you, how loud do you think my volume is?! I can still hear approaching cars, bicyclists calling out that they’re on my left, right, and center, and every other annoying obstacle that’s either in my way or about to be.
Friesen notes repetitive movements such as running can put your mind into a meditative state. Instead of running with music, podcasts or audiobooks, “You can use running as a chance to practice mindfulness.”
No thanks—I’m all set. I never want to be alone with my mundane thoughts, especially while I’m engaged in a thrilling activity like running. Half the reason I run is to escape my overactive mind that’s always busy thinking about something.
In his book Deep Work, Georgetown professor Cal Newport writes about the benefits of “Productive Meditation.” It involves trying to solve a specific problem in your mind while taking a walk or going for a run. Sounds productive, but didn’t I just get done saying running is the time to escape my problems?!
Of course, nature has its own soundtrack to tune into. You’ve got the track list of birds tweeting (RIP Twitter), cars honking, dogs barking at every human and squirrel that’s within 100 feet of them, and the thump, thump, thump of your feet stomping the pavement. Yeah, you’re not missing much. It’s a rather dull album and it flops each time you give it a spin.
Getting out the door
Even if you enjoy running, headphones help keep your workout feeling fresh, even if your legs don’t. So, how do you soundtrack your runs? With the pitter patter of your footsteps and the sound of nature’s (not-so-silent) silence? Maybe it’s with the endless musings and insights from your favorite podcast host? Or perhaps it’s with bass drops, guitar riffs, bar spitting, or sounds from keyboards and synthesizers?
However you choose to run, the important part isn’t what motivates you to get out the door. Rather, what matters is that it’s motivating you to put one foot in front of the other after you take the first step outside your door. The rest is all downhill after that.
