Benefits of Running With Music

It has been a long-running debate among runners whether or not it is good to listen to music while running. So let us set aside this debate and really ask the question, “What is it about music?”

Running purists argue that listening to music while running can distract the runner from his or her surroundings: oncoming traffic, other runners, animals, or uneven ground or obstacles. But then, sometimes it’s those “distractions” that make music so appealing while running. Would you rather be in tune with all those or in tune with an up-beat track?

If you are one of those non-“hard core” runners; who just runs for health and fitness and not really for competitive training but are also concerned with safety issues of outdoor running, then a good alternative for you would be setting up a treadmill and installing an in-ceiling radio in your home. This way you can enjoy the benefits of running while enjoying your favorite tunes.

But if you are a competitive runner, having music while running can help take your mind off the fact that you’ve been running for two hours and you’ve still got an hour to go. Marathon training involves long and often tedious runs, so anything that helps you pass those hours, decreasing the mental pressure, is a good thing.

Music can also serve as a great motivator. There are people who put together running playlists customized to their trail and/or running routine. They arrange the songs in such a way that certain songs “kick in” at specific points during the run. A more technical choice would be to select tracks by their beats per minute (BPM); the idea is you’d want faster tracks to help you pick up your pace, which is ideal for short-distance runs. While slower tracks are recommended for marathons, where you need to sustain a steady pace for a few hours.

Although music has many benefits it is also important not to get too wrapped up in the “music video moments” that running with your favorite playlist creates. Runners still shouldn’t neglect the fact that they are running through an intersection or past wildlife preservation area. We are all primarily responsible for our own well-being.