Does music make a difference. Week 2 run 2 - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Does music make a difference. Week 2 run 2

Sarahk84 profile image
12 Replies

Hey. So did my week 2 run 2 today! I know it's early on but I really can't tell. You how proud I am of myself. Now I'm not trying to bighead or anything but seriously before I would give up any exercise within a week!

Today was easier. I hate to say it just incase the running monster will eat me on my next run, but it was! I youtubed a running mix this time instead of my 70s rock mix. So my question to you is... Do you find certain music is better for running? Ie does it come Easier for example. Love to hear what you think.

Ps weigh day tommorrow wish me luck.

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Sarahk84 profile image
Sarahk84
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12 Replies
MickGJ profile image
MickGJGraduate

In my experience music makes a huge difference. When I started out I was anxious not to run too fast so chose slow relaxing tracks.

Then I started playing random mixes of songs (from my Spotify playlists) and found that some songs really helped while others seemed to make me tired and sluggish. It's worth experimenting as it's surprising what works. I have a couple of Joy Division songs and some Fall in the mix.

Oh, and you should definitely feel proud of yourself.

Lordi profile image
LordiGraduate in reply to MickGJ

Don't use the earphones as a rule, but did the other day. The Fall have some good driving beat stuff. Fantastic life is one of my faves.

Lordi profile image
LordiGraduate in reply to MickGJ

RIP M.E.S...Got some serious earworms on the go at the moment after a Fall binge over the last few days...One of a kind...

MickGJ profile image
MickGJGraduate in reply to Lordi

3 years my senior...makes you think.

Lordi profile image
LordiGraduate in reply to MickGJ

5 mine...It really does.

The programme is amazing and so are you. Well done. Remember that progress will not be in a straight line; good runs are often followed by tricky ones- but that doesn't mean that the next one won't be fabulous. It's part of what makes running 'interesting'...

Music can definitely affect your cadence and there are loads of music mixes at various BPMs to speed you up or slow you down. I did the programme with Laura's weird music (of which I have strangely fond memories) now I usually listen to audio books for long runs (i get bored and like multitasking as I am busy!) If I'm doing speed work something with a good beat and inspirational lyrics can drive you on. Good luck :)

Brilliant! Well done for smashing another week! Keep on going!

I have to say I think music is one of the key factors for me. When I am listening to music I love, it energises me, literally feels like I am turbo charged, i get into a groove and genuinely enjoy the run. As soon as a song comes on that I'm not passionate about I feel every second of the running like a dreadful chore, i even feel more aches and pains and more out of breath.

So yes get the music right and you will find running a complete joy! Though it sounds like you are already enjoying!

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate

I liked using the podcasts because it was all there as a package. I recently heard a clip from the first week on the radio and boy did it take me back powerfully. I kvetched to myself and a good friend a good deal before starting C25K because I wanted to listen to the birds, talk to my dog etc etc. But given that I have hearing in both ears, I could pop an earphone in one.

I am really glad I did it this way (not that there was any other choice for NHS C25K at the time) Firstly, it covers up all the noise... the breathing, the feet. Second, it showed me there's a difference between 'music I listen to for enjoyment' and 'music I listen to for running' (although running has given me a new appreciation of other genres of music) Third, it was motivation on occasion to complete the run to avoid having to hear a particular tune an extra time. Fourth, it creates a special bond with others who've done the podcasts. Fifth, no faffing with playlists. Sixth, a carrot/reward for graduation. Seventh, it was an obvious next step for the post-grad runs, experimenting with audio.

That said, podcasts are brilliant, although I don't recommend Gardener's Question Time for when you are trying to up the pace. I also very strongly recommend Ouch the BBCs disability podcast.

Well done on getting it done! Music for me is a critical component and I love making playlists of silly themed music, for instance yesterday I ran to a Weather oriented list. Interestingly my pace stays about the same regardless of tempo of the music. But the benefit of a really good tune to lift you up is priceless...

Look at Spotify for retro runners and you’ll find some lists there, that I’ve created in honour of C25Kers

Sarahk84 profile image
Sarahk84

Thanks everyone. Really helpful! Xx

mellieone profile image
mellieone

Hi sarahk84, firstly you really should be proud of yourself - well done you!

MrsPsycho profile image
MrsPsychoGraduate

Music totally makes a difference. Personally I like a combo of modern, 80s, disco hits, motown (I LOVE Jackie Wilson) and RuPaul's greatest hits. If it makes you feel the need to dance as you go along, all the better.

I used to use 'I'm Too Sexy' by Right Said Fred too

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