Listening while running

[jimbop]

Started C25K a year ago but stopped at Wk7 due to tendonitis. Started again recently and I've realised that for me its much better to listen to something other than my favourite music whilst running. If I listen to something that I know well it seems to make things worse, whereas if I listen to something like current affairs or a podcast where I don't know how it ends the time flies. Any one else relate?

[AerynSun Graduate]

Totally. I was struggling with motivation when my partner and I managed to get Locked-down in different countries! But, I switched to streaming BBC Radio2 back in April and, while it's not effortless, a mental switch has flipped and I'm not fighting with myself anymore. It's not "if I can do it", it's "when will I next do it" now!

And it's fantastic to feel connected to home.

[Newbie59 Graduate]

That's a good suggestion. I agree if you use the same music playlist for every run your brain gets used to it, a bit like wallpaper! I listen to podcasts in the car so will maybe try one on a run for a change.

[Cath075 Graduate]

The radio or podcasts are great

[jimbop]

thanks for the replies. Thinking about it I’m aware this is the furthest I’ve got so far and there’s a subliminal fear of something going wrong again. I also hate running during the day when people can see how slow and shuffly I am. As an example, my 9 year old pointed out to me that she can walk faster than my ‘run’ 😂. Whatever, my plan is to get to the end then once I know I can do it I’ll work on my stride etc. 😊

[Fiadh79 Graduate in reply to jimbop]

I think you've replied on the wrong thread? I saw your other thread though.

It's very common to worry about going too slow, and about people judging you. But most people aren't (9 year olds are a law unto themselves). But running slowly is the best thing you can do for yourself!

Worrying about injury is also easy to do. Do you do any strength and flexibility work alongside running? It will vastly reduce the chances of injury. That and keeping your pace nice and slow!

You're so close to finishing, so keep it up!

[jimbop in reply to Fiadh79]

Thanks Fiadh- good advice 🙂