Many runners love and depend on listening to music whilst running. I grew to depend on it myself when I started running as a distraction tactic. It wasn’t until I began heading out on social and club runs that I realised that I didn’t need it.

For those who are still on the fence, how can running help or hinder our runs?

How music can help with running

Pacing

• I started parkrun listening to the same playlist every week. Knowing what song was coming up next it helped me know how I was doing and if I needed to pick up the pace or not without checking my watch 700 times!
• It can also help with pacing on those longer runs. Building up a running rhythm along to the music can help drive focus. 1,2,3,4 – 1,2,3,4 and so on… til you reach that hill!

Boredom and motivation

• Running can be boring sometimes, especially when you’re lacking the motivation. Putting on an upbeat playlist can help you enjoy the run a little more, by singing to your favourite tracks as you plod along.
• Sometimes listening to lyrics can help with motivation, especially on those runs where you feel like you’re running through treacle… lyrics to encourage you to keep on moving can help you focus on other things like form or what you’re having for tea!

Race anxiety

• We all get a little nervous before a race. Those who say otherwise are either lying or a machine! 😉 Sometimes we let the nerves overwhelm us. A good playlist can help calm those nerves.
• Music helped me at last years Abbey Dash, as a few months before I had a disastrous race during the Leeds 10k. Listening to music helped me control my breathing and reminded me to enjoy the race, which I did. I smashed it, knocking minutes off my PB!

How running without music can help

Social running

• Social runs can help distract us from the struggles we feel when we run alone. Things like running up hills, lacking motivation and the stress we put on ourselves to push on.
• Social runs can also help prepare for those races that ban audio devices and remind you to enjoy your surroundings more!

Safety

• This is obvious, but a big one. When you’re out running it’s important to be aware of your surroundings.
• Having music on, even if it is turned down can be a distraction. It’s not just cars to be wary of, there are other risks such as unwanted company…

Focus on form without the distraction!

• Yes, when I first started running I hated being able to hear myself breathe but having music drown it out doesn’t help in the long term! If you’re new to running and you’re gasping for air – slow down! This article from Runner’s World helps explain this in more detail.
• Not having music to guide you, there’s more time to ease in to the run and focus on your form and find a comfortable and strong pace.

I think a healthy mix of running with and without music is helping me become a versatile runner. What do you prefer?

Here is one of my playlists, showing the wide range of music I like to listen to whilst running!