The Great Debate: With Music or Without?

Among runners, there are generally two polarized schools of thought regarding running with music. There is the school of thought that is very anti-earphones, and the school of thought that goes something more like I-could-never-run-a-single-mile-without-my-music-I'd-get-so-bored.

I fall somewhere in between. There was a time in my life when I logged purely music-less miles. Not because I was on an anti-earphone kick; just because I wanted to listen to the sounds around me--the birds, the breeze, even the traffic. There have been other times in my life when I have been tempted not to take my run at all if I suspect my iPod battery might die before I've finished my last mile.

But for the last several years, I have been running with or without music as the mood strikes me. I have run a ten-miler without a single tune to keep me trotting, and I have run a two-miler during which I might have stopped after ten steps had it not been for the motivation of my iPod's musical selections (I always use the "shuffle" option; I like the next song to be a surprise).

Here's some insight into both schools of thought.

The Tuneless Trot: Reasons to Stride in Silence

1. Safety. When runners have the volume turned up too loud, they may not become aware of potential hazards in time to protect themselves. Think: oncoming car, lose dog, faster runner attempting to pass on the left, cyclist, etc.

2. Peace. Many runners choose to run without earphones because they use their run as a way to unplug. For many, the time spent out for a run may be the only solitary time they get in their day, and they want it to be peaceful and meditative.

3. Appreciation. When a runner runs with earphones in and music on, she misses the peaceful soundtrack of a good run--the sound of her own feet tapping against the pavement, the quiet rustle of the breeze through the trees, the soft tapping of rain or snow on the ground, the songs of birds on a warm afternoon, her neighbors' greetings as she whizzes by, the trickle of water in a stream...

4. Think Time. Many runners choose to run without music because they use their run as a way to think. They may reflect on their day, attempt to solve an issue or problem that has been nagging at them, try to come up with ideas for their next project at work or at home, etc. In fact, the idea for this blog post came to me in two parts. The first was last night while I was reading Bruce Matson's The Race Before Us. The second was while I was out for a morning four-miler. I wasn't listening to any music--just my own thoughts.
 
The Musical Miles: Reasons to Rock Out While you Run

1. Inspiration and Motivation.  Many runners opt to run to music because doing so helps combat boredom. The music gives them something to focus on aside from how much farther they have to go or how tired they may feel. I can attest to the fact that music can serve as a miraculous mid-run motivator. There have been many times when I have found myself lagging and then one of my favorite songs starts to play and I find I can pick up the pace--effortlessly. The music seems to have infused me with new energy.

2. Escape. Sometimes, you just want to get away. Losing yourself in your music during a run can be a great escape. You can tune out your crowded thoughts, turn down the stresses of the day, mute the sounds around you, and run away.

3. Rhythm. If you know how to choose songs with the right beat, running to music can actually help you maintain a consistent pace throughout your run.

Safety First
As you might imagine, one of the biggest arguments against running with music is safety. In fact, there was a period of time during which The United States Track and Field Association prohibited the use of earphones during any and all of its events. If you are going to run with music, here are two ways you can make doing so a little safer.

1. Volume. Keep the volume down. Make sure you have the volume set to a level at which you can still hear your own footfalls, traffic, and birds. If you can hear these three things, you will be more likely to be able to hear any potential hazards.

2. The Power of One. Instead of using both earphones, just use one. Allow the other earphone to dangle inside the front or back of your shirt. This tactic allows you to listen to your music, but also leaves one ear completely open to an awareness of your surroundings.