Today I’m thrilled to have a guest post from a fellow runner and music aficionado (my words not his), Gerard Pescatore aka The Music of Running. I’ve mentioned Gerard in my Thank You Note To My Fitness Inspirations. Gerard has great taste in music and has helped me with expanding my musical horizons and has been a cheerleader of my sporadic running through injury rehab. Gerard and his wife are both avid runners. Gerard is strong, fast and knows his running stuff – he’s currently training for his 16th marathon! Today this avid music lover brings up a controversial subject in the running world in his post today – music while running.
The following question comes up once in a while on Facebook or Twitter:
“What is on your running playlist?”
People join in with their choices, from Hip Hop to Heavy Metal, Electronica to Alternative, and yes, the Rocky theme. In addition, someone inevitably chimes in with:
“DONT RUN WITH MUSIC!!!!!! You miss too much around you”
or
“You’re less of a runner if you listen to music while running.”
I laugh at the prospect that listening to music during runs makes someone less of a runner. If I wear Under Armour or gloves in the winter, am I less of a runner? Heck, if I wear running sneakers, am I relying on the cushioning too much? If I take “Gu” during a race, am I cheating? Does a Garmin give someone an unfair advantage?
I respect those who don’t use music while running, but to insinuate that one is not a true runner if they use music is silly. I understand that on social media platforms, this will usually be mentioned (just like “running is bad for your knees” usually gets mentioned. This was recently discussed in a Runner’s World piece).
Personally, I only run once per week to music. Yes, sometimes the quiet is better. Sometimes the sounds of nature are a good soundtrack to our runs; however, if the mood is right, the combination of running with music can be very rewarding.
Some say there is the possibility of becoming “over-reliant” on using MP3 players, iPods, etc. Use of such devices is even banned from some races, despite the fact that many of these events boast of the number of live acts or bands along the race course. These same races have “pump up” music at the start and finish areas. Hey, isn’t the most popular ‘brand’ of race the “Rock n Roll Series?”
Countless times, I’ve heard “Running with music takes away from your experience.” What does this even mean? Many of us run five or six times per week. This means we get five or six chances per week to have “an experience.” I contend that running with music can often ”enhance” the running experience. It motivates. It helps with our cadence. It occupies us.
Others worry about safety (not hearing traffic, other runners or potential predators). These are legitimate concerns, but, no, listening to music while running does not make us less pure as runners.
At the end of the day, it’s about the run. So, let’s lighten up and enjoy it (and enjoy the music if you choose to use it!)
For those of you listening, here are a few of my early front-runners for “Running Songs of the Summer 2013” …
1. Spark by Fitz & the Tantrums
2. Give Life Back to Music by Daft Punk
3. Heavy Feet by Local Natives
4. My Number by Foals
5. Wanna Feel It by The Olms
Gerard can be found at The Music of Running on Tumblr and @gpescatore on Twitter. His all time favorite running song is “Everlong” by Foo Fighters.
What’s your favorite running song of all time? Mine varies but “Hold Back The Rain” by Duran Duran is one of them.
Hahahahaah! Who has THAT much time to judge other runners and rate them lower for running with music? Jeez. I’d be more concerned with the people who don’t bring enough water with them.
My current running playlist includes:
N in Paris – JayZ and Kanye West
Pain – Jimmy Eat World
Big Pimpin – JayZ
F the Police – NWA
Carried Away – Passion PIt
Supermassive Black Hole – Muse
Army – Ben Folds Five
Spark – Fitz & The Tantrums
The Walker – Fitz & The Tantrums
I always say that whatever it takes to get you off the couch is great. If that is music, listen to it.
I do have to comment on the cadence note in the article. Unless you have some type of pitch control and pre-record your music, I doubt you can have a steady set of songs with the same cadence. Musical beats effect cadence. Good luck finding 8 – 50 songs at the same tempo that is in between 170-190 or 85-95 on one foot.
Personally I never run with music because I try to zone in and focus on my running, my form and what is going on around me. I think it is very difficult to do that with music. In fact, many people listen to music to zone out to music because it helps them get through a run.
There is a safety issue too. There are stories of women being attacked while running with headphones on. I’m sure women without headphones have been attacked too, but it is always better if you can hear someone coming.
I am not judging, whatever gets you out but it’s just not for me. If I need music, I’ll sing while I run with a smile on my face.
I’m not really a runner so I don’t care if it is considered cheating if I listen to music when I do run! I am going to check out that Daft Punk song. Totally obsessed with their new one so thinking I’m going to like this one. Thanks!
I’m with you in that sometimes I run with music and sometimes I really enjoy the silence. And in the end, like you said, it’s about getting out there and having fun!
I don’t see what the big deal is either. MOST of the time I run with music and sometimes I don’t. I would never judge anyone one way or another. I love when runners share their playlists b/c I’m a spin instructor as well and always looking for new music – thank you!!
People judge no matter what, right? Need to acquaint myself with F&TT. Have heard great things. Many that know me would be very surprised that I have 99 Problems on my playlist. I’ll have to check some of your suggestions out.
Steve, I agree that there is a safety issue and you’re also right that it is likely hard to find cadence for many songs in a row but my thought is if it helps you keep yourself active, it’s good. I run with music but do keep it at a level that I can hear around me (I can be oblivious without music so I know it’s a priority).
Thank you for stopping by and commenting and congrats on coming in #1 in one of your recent races. I hope to be out there really running again soon. This L4/L5 injury has had me down for the count for way too long!
Brittany, definitely take Gerard’s advice. He knows his stuff.
I wish that I could run without music sometimes but other times, it’s the only space in the day when I can listen to music. I can’t write while listening to music.
You should definitely go and check out Gerard’s Tumblr! He has an amazing list of songs buried in an old post there that would be fabulous fodder for your spin playlists!