Does listening to your mp3 player help when you’re running?
Does it help you improve your running times? Or just keep you motivated to keep going?
Let us know by leaving us a comment below.
Oh it so does. I’d be bored to death on long runs without my Ipod. However, having said that it also does lead to rather embarrassing situations when you start singing along or running in the rhythm of the song. I had Manamana (Muppet Show) on once and started singing along not noticing the guy running behind me for quite a while enjoying the view of me jumping up and down and singing. *blush*
But yes, Ipod very important…
I find it invaluable, but not for music. I listen to podcasts as I find that I ‘concentrate’ on whats being said on it, whereas with music you can just have it on.
I also find that music influences my pace too much and listening to stuff like The Prodigy ends up making you sprint!!
Either way, I’d much rather have that problem over nothing. I can’t stand the sound of my breathing and my feet on the track for more than 5 minutes at a time!!
I much prefer running with something to listen to, be it training or races. I have a playlist with quicker and slower songs on, and shuffle through to songs that are suited to my intended pace. I think I associated some of the songs with running now, and this seems to be helpful. I could certainly manage without one, and I know they’re officially banned at some races, but I definitely prefer running with one.
I’ve found I run better without it personally but do like the appeal on midweek mileage runs (you know the boring 6 or 10 you have put in to bulk up the total ;))
It drives me mad when people use it for races - they cant hear you when you say excuse me then and its just unecessary!
“It drives me mad when people use it for races - they cant hear you when you say excuse me then and its just unecessary!”
I will definitely leave mine at home when it comes to the Bristol Half Marathon. I think that as you said, I’ll just get in peoples way, plus the crowd and atmosphere will drive me along I’m sure.
Oh no no no no! I love just getting out on the road and countryside with nothing but my over active mind!
Running is the best way to clear my head and compose my thoughts.
A few friends find their ipod very useful for keeping them going, getting a rhythm but running is my escapism, I just want to be on my own.
That said, I love my music and don’t get enough time to just listen to new albums so I might try it for company on some longer runs and see how I get on.
I always take my MP3 player, for any length of run. It particularly helps when I’m doing some running where the odd burst of energy is required - then I switch it to something a bit more high-tempo than usual. Really helps get the muscles going!
I never use my MP3 player at official races though. I think the atmosphere of race day is enough to keep me going - and there’s the case for safety, not being able to hear announcements, for example.