What am I missing with the running/music thing?
Made it out for a run today, despite the subzero temperatures here in NYC. Decided I’d throw together a “running mix” and take my iPhone along for some musical accompaniment, just to see how it went.
As you know if you read my post last week, I’m a “leave the music at home” kinda girl when I run. I’ve always felt that it’s worth sacrificing some music-induced motivational moments for the peace of just focusing on my body. Well, today I proved my own point (for me and my running, anyway): 2 miles into what was supposed to be at least a 5.5 mile run, my knee – which I’ve had problems with for some time – started to feel a bit tight, courtesy of my chronically tight IT band and hip flexors. By mile 2.5, I was in pretty serious pain, but the music caused me to push through it until about mile 3.5.
Not such a bad thing, right? For some people, those “pushing through it” moments are precisely why they run with music. Totally get it…I get an energy boost from good music too (obviously). The problem with it for me is that music causes me a) not to pace myself (my tightening IT band/knee was so painful by mile 3.5 that I was forced to walk/run the last mile…and obviously didn’t make it to my goal of 5.5 miles) and b) to “push through” situations that, unfortunately, cause me more pain later or even cause me not to be able to run for a few days. Not to mention that I definitely don’t feel as refreshed when I come back from a run with music vs. one without. Strange but true…and reminds me why I stopped bringing music in the first place.
So I’m curious. Do any of you have similar issues when running/working out with music? Or am I just crazy not to harness the motivational power of music to push myself as an athlete?
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Lara Dalch holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Virginia. She is a Certified Pilates Instructor – with certifications from both Core Pilates NYC and Power Pilates – and received her training to practice health coaching via the State University of New York and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
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January 31st, 2010
I love to run to music! I LOVE music in general…it inspires me, gives me added motivation and sometimes helps me to zone out when I’m trying to complete a tough race. The times I’ve run through pain, some of which lead to injury, I would say my mind made me do it, not the music. If you are trying to pace yourself better, try creating a mix that has music for warm up, pace, and cool down; or try using Nike or something like it to help keep you on track. Thats my two cents;).
I give you props for running in the cold temps! You rock:)
February 1st, 2010
I just learned about a week ago that listening to music makes for a most unenjoyable workout. I have just gotten back into the gym after a 3-year hiatus and I was all excited to use my new hand-me-down iPod while working out. I am not a runner, but I am able to run some on the treadmill when I want to. I have gotten “side stitch” from running for as long as I can remember (I was always last in line when running “the mile” in PE class). It turns out this problem is caused by poor breathing technique. When I concentrate on my breathing I can keep it under control, but when I listen to music while running or even fast walking I can’t hear myself breathe and the side-stitch is crippling. Since I have very little alone time in my day I relish those moments while exercising where I don’t have to talk or listen to anyone!
February 1st, 2010
I was on the Crew team (rowing) when I was in college, and my coach refused to let us listen to music while working out…Not during lifting, while on the ergs (indoor rowing machine), rowing in the boat, or running. He said that listening to music allows you to get lost in your head, and disconnects you from the workout that you are putting your body through. And, as an athlete, you want your head to be very much in tune with your body…To be familiar with what your body is experiencing during the course of the workout, and to be aware of when you are approaching your pain/exhaustion threshold so that you can push yourself to push through it. I have to say, it worked for me…And although I am almost constantly listening to music throughout the day, I’ve never listened to music while working out since then.
P.S. – My coach went on to become the head coach for the U.S. national women’s crew team, and his women’s eights boat won the silver medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens and the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. So, I guess he knows a thing or two ;)
February 2nd, 2010
I can get by without music if I am running outside, but if I am on the treadmill, I have to have music. Not that that means I don’t run with music outside, just it seems easier for me to run without music when I am outside.
February 3rd, 2010
Austin,
Interesting advice from your coach and is kind of how I’ve always felt about running with music. Not far into my run on Sunday, I noticed that my breathing was much shallower than usual and that I was a little short of breath, which never happens to me without music. Guessing that your coach would say it was because I was completely disconnected from my body…and I tend to agree.
Kelly, Sounds like you have a similar experience when you run with music.
Dave and Jill, More power to you if music helps you keep moving! Guess it just doesn’t work for everyone. :)
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