In about three weeks I will run my second full marathon (Shamrock in Virginia Beach). I’ve been going back and forth on if I was going to run with music. I haven’t been running with music on my long runs this cycle and even on most of my shorter runs I’ve been sans tunes. Essentially, I’ve run with music on the treadmill and that’s about it. I used to be extremely beholden to running long with music — if you would have told me five months ago that I’d run for hours with no music I would’ve called you crazy. However, I’ve learned to listen to my surroundings, my feet on the pavement and my breath. I’ve discovered that you can miss so much when you can’t hear what’s happening around you.
So when thinking about the marathon, I was thinking about if I was going to use music and I’ve decided that I’m not going to run with music. I will bring my iphone and if things get really really bad, I’ll have it as a backup, but I’m not planning on using it. If my 21 mile run last Saturday taught me anything, it’s that I’m mentally strong enough to do this without music.
Do you run with music? Why or why not?
Brave decision! I generally run with music if I’m running on my own. I’ve never run without either music or the running group because I feel like I need the distraction. But I have noticed that there are sometimes I’m running with the group but running on my own for some time just because of pacing differences and I have enjoyed those moments of quiet contemplation. Maybe in the future I’ll try a run with my music handy but not turning it on for a while.
Chaitali recently posted…Cauliflower and Pasta Gratin
That’s exactly how I started running without music — I’d be “with” the group but on my own (like last weekend’s run where I was solo for over 15 miles). Now I’ve started to appreciate it!
Right now, I don’t think I’m at a place mentally to run without music. When I get flustered during a run, especially a long one that isn’t necessarily going well, I find that music not only distracts my mind from talking me out of finishing the run but also helps calm me down. But my husband usually prefers to not run with music. Its certainly a matter of personal preference.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Its The Little Things
It definitely is preference — I was forced to through my training group but now I really enjoy it! Plus, I can’t hear my Garmin beep mile splits when I am listening to music!
GO GIRL! this is such a brave move in my opinion. i tried running a mile this past weekend without music trying to take in the disney atmosphere and i really started to lose steam. but i would love if i ever run new york marathon or another super energetic spectator course one day to be able to do it without music so i can really soak up the atmosphere. proud you’re doing this!
nevie recently posted…Race Recap: Inaugural runDisney Enchanted 10K
Thanks! I’ll see how it goes, but honestly, I feel good about it because it’s just like a training run — except with bands and supporters at parts 🙂
I ditched the music in prep for Rock ‘n’ Roll and I couldn’t be happier! I agree- the beat of my feet beats playing around with a playlist trying to find the music to keep me at the pace I’m at. I’m faster and happier on long runs, and I even find that they go more quickly (who knew?!). Anyway- I’m totally with you on no music. Good luck to you!
CK recently posted…Skyline Chili
Thanks for the well wishes — I agree that once you get used to the idea, it’s great to run with no music!!
I am so impressed you are running a marathon without music! I can do 13 miles without music but since I am not the speediest of runners I just can’t do a marathon without my music! I get a little bored when I’m out there for so long. I really do love running without music so I’m working on being ok with it for longer distances.
Michelle @Baby Blues to Running Shoes recently posted…Colton’s race
Well, I’ve never run that long without music either — but after doing 21 miles (4 hours) w/no music, I think I can get through the last 5 miles without it. Or at least I hope I can 🙂
I absolutely run with music or an audio book or BBC documentaries. I need the distraction! You are pretty focused if you can do a marathon without.
Wendy@BlushandBarbells recently posted…Love Tour – Bridal Boutique
I’ve never tried running to audio books — I bet that’d be fun!
Goodluck with your 2nd marathon! 🙂 DO what you think is best for you! 🙂 I used to run with music but now I realized I am more focused on my breathing and steps without it. 🙂
Ja @Ja-ontheRUN.com recently posted…20 Weeks! Halfway There!
I only do music on the ‘mill. I like to be aware of my surroundings (partly for safety!) because the trails I run on are really amazing. I don’t wanna miss out!
Lindsey recently posted…Weeks 16 and 17: Getting Closer!
I agree 100%
I use to be a no music runner (since I was part of a training group), but now I find myself using music if I am running by myself or the trendmill. For longer races, I try to save it for the last few miles as a pick me up!
Jennifer recently posted…Tasty Thursday: Turkey Zucchini Lasagna
I never thought I could run without music but I just did my first half marathon without any music besides what was playing on the course! It helps when you are running with someone!
Honestly I used to be beholden to music on my runs outdoors. I then ran an experiment and weened myself off of music. First I had earbuds. Then I played the music out of my iPhone without earbuds so it was basically background noise. Then I just didn’t play music at all and simply used my iPhone for the running apps and tracking. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be and I was able to enjoy my surroundings that much better. We don’t need music unless we want to be distracted. You can do the marathon without music – I have faith in you.
Diatta recently posted…Zooma March Photo-A-Day Challenge
Thank you — I love how you weaned yourself off of using music. You are right — it’s just background. Honestly, after a few hours running, I’m not really listening to the music anyway — it’s just background.
I am totally co-dependent on music! I live with it! But every once in a while, I’ll run without it and I enjoy the silence. I do have a rule that I won’t run with music when it’s dark so I can pay better attention to cars and my surroundings.
Hope to meet you at Shamrock! I’m running the half and hope to cheer in all the marathoners! 🙂 Best of luck in your first 26.2!!! 🙂
Christine @ We Run Disney recently posted…Inaugural Princess Enchanted 10k – meeting a 2014 goal!
I really hope we can meet at Shamrock as well (it’s my second marathon though :))! You are smart to be safe when running at night — being able to hear (and not appearing distracted) is important!