Music or not?

[CarrieM67]

I am currently on week 7 run 1 and have been running with my earphones so I can hear Michael Johnson’s directions. I’m now running 25 mins but am finding that I’m thinking too much on the run about all the distance I have to cover. Would listening to music take my mind off that? I would like to hear what others think.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

You can play music on your phone alongside the app, Michael will just interrupt the music when he gives instructions. Music is a great help, the podcasts have music, but the app lets you play your own.

Most of us listen to music, some podcasts, some talking books..it all helps to take your mind off the time..

Good luck with the rest of Week 7.😊x

[mrrun Graduate]

If you wanted to listen to music when running, you'd know without asking. It can help you, but it can also annoy you very much.

Two choices:

a) You only listen to what YOU want to hear, ignoring the usual 'listen to this' advise

b) Run without music and listen to your surroundings (or nothing) or audio books, radio or whatever else gets you going

The point is, you run and enjoy yourself, everything else is accessory!

[MickGJ Graduate]

I find music a great help and inspiration. Like most things C25k. It's best not to overthink things, just give it a go. I've been listening to a random selection of music and it's really surprising what works.

[Lordi Graduate]

I've tried listening to music, but for me it "measures" out time more than being lost in your own thoughts. At least my own runtime seem to pass more quickly without the aid of music. Others seem to be the opposite.

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

I mix it up, sometimes podcast only or podcast and music, I play both on iPhone.

Now I've graduated I might even run without tech (shock horror) on runs out to countryside.

I have Christmas music now but mostly run with film music I particularly like Indiana jones or superman! 😂

Just be careful if running on busy roads that you can still hear traffic, including cyclists, if crossing roads. I usually only have one earphone in.

[CarrieM67 in reply to Cornet-Carolyn]

I will be careful about that thanks.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

What you need is a distraction. Whether that is music is up to you.

Many people listen to podcasts or audiobooks, or your phone may have a built in radio.

I listen to music less frequently these days and normally have a commentary of my run going on in my head, including drafting any writings I am working on. Running time is really valuable to me for this time away from other distractions, which is why I listen less frequently.

[CarrieM67 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you. I hadn’t thought of audio books. I think also that when I’m more comfortable with my running I will want to run without distractions too.

[CarrieM67]

Thank you for your replies. In the early weeks it’s so mixed up with running and walking but now with just the running - which I enjoy very much - a little voice says ‘it’s a long way isn’t it?’ I thought listening to something would help so I will.

[Hidden]

I use Spotify for my music, there are plenty of running playlists available if you don't want to make your own compilation . I started with my own "mix" but started to associate my favourite music with pain so just downloaded a running playlist from the library.

[CarrieM67 in reply to Hidden]

That’s useful to know about ‘running ‘ play lists. Thank you.

[Getfitok Graduate]

Music definitely helps me. I now have a collection of my 60 all time favourites which play randomly. I often find myself singing along to them & it takes my mind off how hard the run might be. I started using this after I graduated to listen to instead of Laura.

[lardofale Graduate]

I listened to one particular album on my phone for the whole 9 weeks of the programme, 'Volume' by Skindred (an acquired taste for most!). That was purely to take my mind off the task at hand so as to prevent me from giving up! Since graduation I've mixed it up with random music, audiobooks (Sherlock Holmes read by Stephen Fry is perfect!) or the Ashes cricket on my radio app though that has been far less enjoyable!

Having said that the confidence you gain from running regularly will focus your mind to such an extent that you can do away with music etc entirely from time to time. I've been out a few times with no headphones and found it to be quite a liberating experience especially as I run in the wee hours when the dawn is breaking. Birdsong and no cars are quite something.......!

Good luck with whatever you do and good luck for the rest of the programme ;0)

[CarrieM67 in reply to lardofale]

I appreciate that. I do like running and in time as I get more comfortable will hopefully feel that way too. Thank you.

[secksy34 Graduate]

i like listening to music it drowns out the sound of my breathing lol , but i also like running listening to nothing sometimes too , dependant on mood , it does kee your mind off the time etc so maybe worth a try x best of luck with your runs

[misswobble Graduate]

I would listen to Michael. Deffo!

[Razouski]

I love running with music in my one functioning ear. It helps drown out the sound of my tinnitus in my deaf ear. 🤓

[Piglet7969 Graduate]

i listen to audio books something i run without earphones at all, depends how i feel, lately i've been running more without, i found i try to regulate my breathing more if i can hear how bad it sounds.

i also found counting to 4 each time my left foot hit the ground helps me as well.