Poll: Music while working out

I usually run with music, but have run a few times without (usually because my MP3 player dies/freaks out) and it's quite nice too.  During races I tend not to even hear it, or remember hearing it.  I ran my last two races without music, the Half when my MP3 just died at the start (WTF!) and a 5K, and PR'd both.  :) 

Music on a race is seeming to be a waste for me... and definitely a different experience.  Running a Half without music, unplanned, opened me up to a very different race experience.  I took notice of the beauty of the course, talked to fellow runners, engaged with the spectators and just cleared my head.

I'll probably still have music with me... but more like a security blanket. And I'll do a lot of training with it, except when I run with my boyfriend.  Even if we don't chat a lot when we run together, we never wear headphones.

Cool thoughts/experiences on what its like to do a race w/o music.  I think I am going to try it this Saturday--just curious to find out what its like!

I don't own an ipod, so it's just me and my thoughts. LOL Actually, I find myself great company, though I enjoy having my dog or someone else along to talk to.

When I do my elliptical at home, I put on a dvd to watch.
Jan

I have to listen to music. Otherwise I am aware of every breath, every noise, every time my foot hits the ground, I start counting, I think 3 minutes have passed and its been 30 seconds.....you get the drift.

My hubby, on the other hand, can run a 6 minute mile without breaking a sweat and he prefers silence.

Always run with ipod.  I find that if I cannot hear myself breathing I don't realize how out of wind I am! 

LOL - totally true.  I found this out when I started running with my boyfriend, which meant I didn't use headphones.  His breathing totally psyched me out.  Made me realize how hard we were working!

Most of the time I don't even hear the music when it's on.
All I can think of is am I done yet?

My best runs come when I can let myself daydream about something esle, then I don't notice myself huffing and puffing or getting tired.  Before I know it the run is almost over with.

However when running on the treadmill I prefer to watch TV or listen to something.  The treadmill is just so boring I have to have something to pass the time.


Scott

I listen to a mix on my ipod but I am thinking about learning Spanish as I have a mission to Nicaragua next year and thought it might help me since I spend so much time on the road anyway. I just might have to loop a few lessons together.

I go through phases and right now is a no music phase.

The USATF had a rule against ear phones for a while so anyone who might win USATF santioned races risked disqualification by running with them. Over the last year or so the stance has softened to a recommendation that people not wear them. Many people at the front have too much to think about and the music is a distraction.

I find I prefer running with my thoughts. I do sometimes sing to myself.