A runner’s conundrum: podcast or music?

[CBDB]

Quick 30 min run this morning, using a podcast to keep me slow and low intensity.

And I realised something.

For the first 3 years of running, I was a music-only running gal. But lately I have been running to podcasts, and I think it has actually helped me to keep running in a lower heart rate zone. I have a feeling that I need music when I need to push myself, and also, at times when any speed is an effort, music helps me get through a run.

However, being now a slightly more seasoned runner (still slow), I can tell apart different paces, I can adjust my effort. So I can relax into a run without the crutches (?) of a music-beat, and it’s just a relaxing run listening to a book or podcast.

At least I think that’s what it is. And I know I look forward to a slow, solitary half hour listening to a podcast whilst joggling along. It’s almost like cuddling up in that corner leather chair with a blanket and a good book … ok … almost as good. 😊

So does anyone else find they can relax into a run better with a podcast or audiobook, rather than music?

(picture credit: perchance.org)

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

That's my nail too that you've hit on the head there CBDB

Spoken word to keep going, music if I need to get going. Mostly just me and the birds though!

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

Lol! Love that phrase: “Spoken word to keep going, music if I need to get going. ” 👏🙏👍🏽

[Fionamags Graduate10]

I run with music. When I get back to longer runs it might be worth thinking about podcasts though. Good tip!

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Fionamags]

👍🏽

[Archerygoddess 60minGraduate]

I do think that you tend to run to the beat of the music. Depending which tracks I play it's not always a good idea!

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Archerygoddess]

Lol … yeah… I have actually playlists for different speeds, as I felt exactly the same. 👍🏽

[David_G]

Hi CBDB I too have come to the conclusion that I should listen to a podcast on ‘slower’ runs (I’m currently listening to a series about murders of the centuries) and use music for ‘faster’ runs (I usually like to listen to The Beautiful South).

The podcasts take my mind off the running, while music helps me concentrate on it!

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to David_G]

That is so interesting (The podcasts take my mind off the running, while music helps me concentrate on it!) Yup, I think that’s it!

[damienair Administrator]

I don't like to carry my phone with me anymore whilst running. It is my time. I relax, contemplate, think things over, day dream or soak in nature around me. I also usually have a Cocker Spaniel to keep me company. Sometimes if I'm going on a longer run I'll take my phone and then I listen to podcasts. Last year I was running and listening to a Podcast, I had to stop and almost collapsed from laughing. I won't be listening to Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant again whilst out for a long run, that's for sure. 😀

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

🤣🤣

[GoogleMe Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

A spaniel will keep you busy that's for sure! (My runs and walks are peppered with "That's where she...")

[damienair Administrator in reply to GoogleMe]

Me too. I love to run along a river track which is very safe, off road, quiet and just runners and walkers. She can be off lead and I love watching her set and explore. But I always scanning looking for her.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

Awwwhhhh (someday I’ll get a dog!)

[nowster Graduate10]

I listened to music whilst doing C25K then switched to podcasts when I graduated.

It's mostly light comedy or documentaries. One of the podcasts is music-related.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

👍🏽😁 podcast with a bit of music might be a compromise, but there are far and few of them due to licensing.

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

The one I listen to is "The Listening Service" from BBC Radio 3. It's not always about classical music.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

👍🏽

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

Sometimes I consider running to a podcast but I don't think it'd work for me. I've been doing a lot of guided runs recently for the 10k plan and it's bad enough when the coach interrupts my music. If I was listening to something where detail was important it would just annoy me.

I don't react well to being asked to think while I run, ask my poor husband who occasionally makes the mistake of asking me a question that requires coherent thought (while we run I mean, I'm usually ok when I'm sitting on the sofa 😂)

I do vary my music according to how fast I'm planning to go - current favourite is Sophie Ellis-Bextor's kitchen disco for slower runs and drum'n'bass for the speed runs (both on BBC Sounds).

Podcasts suit me best when I'm ironing or doing repetitive housework. I don't need to think too hard about what I'm doing and can concentrate on what's being said.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

That’s interesting! I cannot talk very intelligently when running! 🤣🤣🤣 I always thought running should help blood circulation to the brain, but now think my body needs all the energy for running, that nothing is left for the brain!

😏😵🥴🫨🫣😉😀

[Tessie66 Graduate10]

I like a mixture of both depending how I feel

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Tessie66]

I’m beginning to like both, as well! 🙃😊😄👍🏽

[Doris8 Graduate10]

I am now a podcaster. Since I am doing walking it’s podcasts but when it was jogging it was music. I think with music I tried to jog in time with the tempo of music I had.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Doris8]

I also like walking to podcasts!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

I like podcasts for chilled runs, or sometimes music which isn’t drum and bass (that’s exclusively for speed runs because I cannot be trusted not to get too excited and speed up). I’ll usually opt for music for ones with a bit more effort (mental or physical). Sometimes my chilled runs turn into tempo runs and somehow talking podcasts can still work when you’re pushing yourself as well. I don’t think they work so well with guided runs with a lot of commentary.

The short version of all that waffle is “it depends”!

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I’m learning that! 🤣🤣🤣 it’s great to be able to pull our stops out that little bit more with just a bit of music!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

I tried a podcast once, it was either listen or concentrate, kerbs, roads people, I went back to music, I hadn't listened but better than to listen and trip over a kerb through lack of concentration, but I know they really work for lots of people.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

🫣😀🏃🏼‍♀️👍🏽

[Folkylass Graduate10]

I only listen to music. I might need to listen to a podcast🧐🧐x

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Folkylass]

I was like that for 3 years! Even having tried podcasts but not finding it working for me.

But recently…. I have completely reversed. Love listening to podcasts now and may try audio books.

Aren’t we humans strange and wonderful!

🤣😊😉😀🙃

[Folkylass Graduate10]

I love that! Indeed we are🤣🤣xx

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate10]

Most definitely! Love a podcast occasionally music but definitely alters pace.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Wavy-chick28]

Yup! 👍🏽🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🎧

[Lumaca0112 60minGraduate]

An interesting reflection CBDB! I've only been 'running' for 18 months, first to the C25k programme then to a music playlist. That isn't always successful as I'm so slow but can't always keep up to the rhythm of a faster song. Maybe I'll try listening to a podcast instead! Thanks for the tip 😉👍

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Lumaca0112]

Would love to hear your experience with podcasts!

I have actually a list of slower songs that fit my pace of ca 145 to 155 beats, which is quite slow. But here it is, just in case it’s of use for future runs: open.spotify.com/playlist/4...

[Lumaca0112 60minGraduate in reply to CBDB]

Thanks CBDB! I'll definitely check out out your playlist 👍😉😊

[Gthants 60minGraduate]

I guess I hadn't specifically thought of running more slowly (which I will try to do more of as my distance increases) through the medium of podcast. I listen sometimes to a curated classical playlist, but even then I need louder or faster music to hear it over traffic. I'm not conscious of running to the beat or running faster to certain songs, but most of my playlists are upbeat and so this may a subliminal effect. I need to start running in new places which will be away from roads and that may make it easier to listen to audiobooks & podcasts to a quieter background.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Gthants]

Yeah, I’m quite lucky with my off-road routes. 👍🏽

[PDIGC Graduate10]

It's podcasts for me all the time now. There are various ones I listen to - some foodie based such as 'Dish' with Angela Hartnett and Nick Grimshaw and Funny ones that I embarrass myself by laughing out loud such as 'Help I've Sexted My Boss' with etiquette expert William Hanson and DJ and TV Presenter Jordan North who offer their advice to listeners dilemma's. It can get a little risque at times so might not be to everyone's taste.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to PDIGC]

🤣🤣 LOL, I can imagine! 😂😂

[Week7 Graduate10]

If I listen to music and it isn't the right speed for my run I get my feet muddled up and that is never going to end well! 🙃Comedy podcasts are my go to for long runs, however, I do tend to run around giggling away to myself-nit a good look but so enjoyable.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Week7]

🤣🤣

[Freecloud Graduate10]

I went back to listening to audiobooks last year, and am now midway through 10 Charles Dickens books I got for 1 credit on an Amazon trial. I find them great for my long runs. I've just finished "Nicholas Nickleby" and now started "Our Mutual Friend". I used to listen to audiobooks when I was driving from call to call when I was working as a service engineer in England.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Freecloud]

I might yet try audiobooks, but don’t have a subscription and my library (through BorrowBox) has only a limited collection fitting my taste. So I’ll probably have to resort to classics, as well! 🤓📚

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate10]

Audiobook for me. I don’t get time to read these days so a run with a book is a real treat, especially when the story is a good one and it’s getting towards the end. Guaranteed to keep me running a bit longer. Add a bit of sunshine and I’m in heaven 👍🏻

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Frizzbomb67]

sounds just the thing! Mmmhhhh 😋😄🎧

[Tallismorley]

interesting thread. I’ve also experimented with spoken word v music and like others, find music helps me to go faster. But spoken word can take my mind off the running (admission: I don’t generally actually love running 🙄) and I’ve got into the gentler Radio 4 mysteries or comedy shows to keep me occupied (and they’re free on BBC Sounds). They also tend to be just under 30 mins which is about right.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Tallismorley]

nice, yes. I am slowly coming to the pattern of using spoken word/narratives for long runs, and music for all others.

Additionally, I do love putting specific music playlists together for specific situations around running (e.g. rainy weather, cold and wet, halloweeney themed music, etc). The specific themes give me extra motivation to get out there for a run, cause sometimes we need that little extra nudge to get out the door. 😅