Saturday, February 1, 2014

I've got the music in me...

Anyone remember this?

I guess I've always run with music. When I first started running, I ran around a track at the local health club. Eight times around was a mile. Which I guess isn't too bad...but the walls were painted gray and it was pretty boring. To help pass the time and shut out the grunts of the muscleheads in the weight room, I used to listen to cassette tapes on my Sports Walkman. It had a nifty handle on the back, or I could wear the neoprene waist pouch. Can't believe I still have it! EBay lists it as "vintage". Yikes! Outdoor runs were music free, though.

Once my son was born, I stopped going to the health club to run. I wanted to avoid the health club day care. Germs. I bought a treadmill and set up a mini stereo, which was an upgrade from my cassette player to a CD player.  The downfall with the CDs and cassettes was that you had to listen to an entire album. First world problem, I know...

Then I received one of the first iPods for a birthday present. And suddenly, I could make playlists to match my running mood! I began using my iPod for running full time. I found that if I didn't have to listen to my breathing, I could go farther and faster.

It still works!

The iPods got smaller and the playlists grew. I got an iPhone and found Spotify. What I like about Spotify is that for $10/month (which is less than I used to spend at iTunes, sadly), I have unlimited access to music. I can make playlists and change them at will. If I don't like a song, it's gone. This is a great feature if you want to try a song out and you find that it doesn't work for your needs. 

One thing I don't like about Spotify is that some of the songs cut out/stop playing, unless you have the playlist in the "offline mode". The offline mode allows those songs to be available on your device, even if you aren't connected to WiFi. You need adequate storage space--a potential problem. 

Overall, for me, Spotify has been a great fit! As you can see by the playlist below, I have pretty eclectic taste in music. Don't judge me..I won't apologize for any of the wackier songs...anything that gets me moving is fair game. If it is a really great song or a really great run, you might catch me singing...






Finally, if you need proof that music can help your running to feel effortless, click here for some research to back you up. Just remember to stay safe, stay aware..you know the drill.

Do you listen to music when you run? Why or why not? And if you do, what songs are on your go to playlist?

10 comments :

  1. I need music!! I have gotten better and do some runs sans music (usually if I am running with someone else), but I like to have time to just bounce along to the beat. Making my playlists and losing myself for a little bit is one of my favourite parts of my solo runs

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    1. I'm finding that I really need it this time of year, whether I'm running inside or out!

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  2. I love music, but I don't run with it, ever. I really enjoy having all my senses about me when I'm out there--part of the experience for me. But, I do get how people love having their tunes along!

    Vintage…makes me feel old!

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    1. Well, all the music I used to listen to in high school is on the "oldies" stations! I never thought that would happen!! :)

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  3. Yay! Here you are! I did not run to music initially. In fact I resisted it, choosing instead to be 'one with nature'. That changed when I tried the Caveman's MP3 player. Loved it and never looked back. I had a Sony 'Sport' Discman that was bright yellow and I'd listen to it in my cubicle at work. I see nothing at all odd about your music. I have the Bee Gees on mine....

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    1. Yay Marcia! You've inspired me! Love this blogging community!

      And when we train to do CPR at work, they tell us to sing Stayin' Alive during chest compressions to keep the right timing. Such a multipurpose song, really!

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  4. I always listen to music unless I'm running with someone. Although when I was training for both Ironman's I didn't bother because you weren't allowed to use any sort of listening device on the course.
    When I started running, I used the EXACT same Sony Walkman! I used to carry it in my hand, ha ha ha. Wow. How far we have come!!!

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    1. 2 IMs! Are you going to do any others? Wish I liked to swim...

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  5. I use to have a discman that always skipped when I tried to do anything other than walk. It sucked! Love the iPhone! I love listening to music when I am alone. I have everything from Footloose to Metallica. Fine Young Cannibal's to Mumford and Sons. Just NO country. You are a great blogger, my friend.:)

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