tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post5295517990482624916..comments2023-05-11T02:40:19.932-06:00Comments on The Chronic Runner: Distracting Ourselves to Death: Running and MusicCaolan MacMahonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371711289185833824noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-13681985320866588542012-11-10T11:01:43.937-07:002012-11-10T11:01:43.937-07:00Thank you Caolan and all the other commenters...as...Thank you Caolan and all the other commenters...as someone who only recently ran today with an iPod (one I bought in 2011 and never used until now!) I am thankful for all the places it seems appropriate: drown out the other 'noise' when on the 'dreadmill', when working out in the gym otherwise, when training in a 'safe route' perhaps. I love what you wrote at 1) that running is a community activity and not just a solo pursuit when in a race. In the half marathon I did earlier in the year I heard that one runner suffered one of those dramatic injuries and fell and others almost ran over her because they were distracted by their tunes. I have seen runners running with their eyes closed sometimes to tune in more. YIKES. I am further concerned about the safety issues and try to stay as far away as possible from runners who insist on using iPods or similar devices while running. At least I can hear them. <br />Today I ran with one earpiece just to try the combination. I hear better in one ear than the other so if I am to use this again in a race I will be torn which ear to wear the earpiece in if at all. As an earlier commenter I love hearing the sounds of nature as I run and am frequently glad to hear a car honk or as it approaches me as commuters start out super early to get to work in the Washington DC area. Thanks for your thoughts!Carolnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-60061275180651751242012-04-05T20:00:45.596-06:002012-04-05T20:00:45.596-06:00I rarely run with music -- usually just indoors fo...I rarely run with music -- usually just indoors for obvious reasons -- it's deathly boring being on a treadmill or being on an indoor track.<br /><br />As for racing I'm guilty of using music on two occasions: 1) The last six miles of the marathon when I'm in pain and looking for distraction from it; and 2) When I've run fast 5Ks -- again pushing pain threshold and wanting distraction. Also, to give perspective, I used music to listen to when I was in labor when my two kids and it allowed me to give birth naturally (no drugs or epidurals).<br /><br />OK, that said, I think you are on to something about how our society distracts itself and entertains itself to death. <br /><br />I think running with music can be dangerous, especially if you get distracted and aren't paying attention to your surroundings.Danicahttp://www.bostonorbotox.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-79305776690562076572012-04-03T18:20:31.020-06:002012-04-03T18:20:31.020-06:00Working on the playlist! I'm a real novice a t...Working on the playlist! I'm a real novice a this stuff ;)Caolan MacMahonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10371711289185833824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-71788178130345569132012-04-03T17:06:45.571-06:002012-04-03T17:06:45.571-06:00Re: #1: I'm just beginning year 3 of running, ...Re: #1: I'm just beginning year 3 of running, so my knowledge of "the way we were" (sing it, Barbara!) is really limited. I used to run to music, but haven't in almost a year now. In a limited way due to your #2 comment, but mostly because of #3. Life is too noisy, too busy, we can't even hear ourselves think let alone hear what might be whispering to us from our hearts. <br /><br />But yes, on the way to races (if alone) I also blast all kinds of music to get me in the mood. So, enjoy your pre-race tunes! Have any favorites lined up? Do share!Kenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06963345927230099065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-81493760700448149442012-04-03T12:39:48.807-06:002012-04-03T12:39:48.807-06:00Any distraction on gym equipment seems fair enough...Any distraction on gym equipment seems fair enough. I'd rather run 4 hours outside rather than bike one inside!Caolan MacMahonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10371711289185833824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-79313302795042113602012-04-03T12:28:55.963-06:002012-04-03T12:28:55.963-06:00I began running alone, sans music. I tired quickl...I began running alone, sans music. I tired quickly when I listened to my body get out of breath or seem to struggle as I started in the sport. Eventually, I gave in and loaded music on my iPod Touch and took it with me. I no longer felt as tired as quickly, and didn't focus on every little bit of my form or stride, rather I let my mind do other things and found running a bit easier.<br />Then I joined a team and started running with groups, and lost the music. I don't do my regular runs with tunes any longer, but I do race with it. With the group, I talk to the others and we run together. In a race, I am not running 'with' anyone, I tend to be on my own unless I find pace with another racer. Then I hear myself, I focus on minute details that don't help me in the race. <br />Another thing I like about having tunes on board is that I've renewed my love of music. The only other time I hear music is in the car, usually with the kids, and with that I get a kid channel or a kid CD. I don't hear adult music, or "my" music, unless it's on my terms, and for me, that's when I'm running. <br />Running helped get me back to enjoying music, and expanding my listening genres.<br />I also listen to podcasts. I love the RLAM podcasts, among others. I am not the type of person who can sit through a book on tape or a podcast while at home. I don't sit for long enough, and there's too much going on at my house to allow me to hear it anyway.<br />I only use one earbud when I'm out running alone, and try to keep the volume reasonable in a race so I can hear others, and the sounds around me well enough to stay safe and respectful. I think I would go nuts if I didn't have something to listen to in a race, though.JAMRhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10699891999225058121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-76335087393914582972012-04-03T11:18:37.563-06:002012-04-03T11:18:37.563-06:00I go back and forth on music. I like it for short ...I go back and forth on music. I like it for short races where the beat helps me push my pace, and for the end of longer races where it gives me a late boost (and therefore helps me either keep or push the pace, depending on how I'm feeling). When I ran the Houston Marathon in January, I turned it on at Mile 18 and was glad to have it. Before that, I just soaked up the vibe, chatted with other runners--and I agree with you that it made me more aware of my surroundings in the inevitable crowd at the beginning of a big race.<br /><br />Right now, since I can't run and am allowed by my PTs to do my only cardio on a recumbent bike at the gym, the music is absolutely crucial (hate to say it--maybe I'm just a gigantic wimp!). It helps me push those pedals faster. It helps me visualize the day I can run (hopefully faster than pre-injury). It takes me out of the deadly dull view of the other cardio machines and the gym floor and lets me pretend I'm Desiree Davila. I guess it performs the same function it did when I was a teen dancing alone in front of my mirror to Duran Duran, pretending to be anywhere other than where I was. You don't always want (or need) to be in the moment.<br /><br />Good post.Terzahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10617301871875902162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-60859321312960455332012-04-02T20:13:52.539-06:002012-04-02T20:13:52.539-06:00I tried using my iPod when I started running last ...I tried using my iPod when I started running last year... it worked a bit, but I primarily used it when running around a track. Even then though, I didn't like being able to hear what's going on around me. <br /><br />I later discovered trail running, and never put the ear buds in again. There is just too much to experience to drown it out with music. Not to say I don't often have a tune running in my head.. earworms can be a curse :-). But I am certain I won't ever run with music.. just seems too distracting.. I do some of my best thinking when running on the trail and taking in all it has to offer.Jeff Galluphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10218695593361254227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-72392801403911265542012-04-02T18:11:13.646-06:002012-04-02T18:11:13.646-06:00I have three sons: I run for peace and quiet. I ne...I have three sons: I run for peace and quiet. I never run with my i pod outside. I enjoy the scenerey, the birds chirping and scary enough, my own thoughts. I love the action of running and feeling my own body. If I get a song in my head and it carries me through a race or run, then good.I can write off anyone at a race with music as not in contention for a medal. I am also there at a race for the comraderie of talking to a fellow runner. I love running so why do I need music.<br /><br />Oh right I need my i pod when I am stuck running on my Y's indoor track and the areobics class has their techno rave music on and I need it to drown out their "music."<br /><br />One last thing: a few years back a woman was running in a safe park in Philedelphia with her music. She did not hear a tree branch crack or people yell. It fell on her. I remembered this when I heard a crashing from a tree. I ran away out of the way just narrowly missing a squirrel that could have fallen on me.<br /><br />This society is too oriented to "multi - tasking" and just running is too boring.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-68247060104229845502012-04-02T17:47:28.961-06:002012-04-02T17:47:28.961-06:00I was sooo impressed that you mentioned Mill's...I was sooo impressed that you mentioned Mill's On Liberty, and then I remembered what you teach! <br /><br />I'm really torn on the ipod issue. Having been run into physically by an older sweaty guy using an ipod during a turkey trot (he was distracted by his music.) I used to really hate them. <br /><br />Then when I started doing really long runs on my own (15-20 miles is really long to me!) i found about an hour in, plugging into my shuffle sort of broke it up. I listen to Beethoven symphony or Grateful Dead's Terrapin station...not loud and not your normal "Black Eyed Peas- which I also like! After about another hour of music, I want to turn it off.<br /> <br />I carried my ipod for my last half. Used it for about 5 miles at the turn around...but really low, because I didnt want ot be the sweaty lady running into anyone! <br /><br />one thing I totally agree with you on: the folks who carry these portable radios- no headphones. Totally annoying and very invasive. <br /><br />I recently ran a 10K that was tough for me. I did it without music, and chatted with tons of folks all the way through...So yes it was tough music might have helped, but....so did the camraderie of others who were also having a bit of a tough time with the race!<br /><br />I am excited about your Boston Experience!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-61901095279108632572012-04-02T16:12:59.434-06:002012-04-02T16:12:59.434-06:00I too go back and forth. I had a Shuffle that I u...I too go back and forth. I had a Shuffle that I use often for running, but it depends on the time and place. <br /><br />I never run with music if I am running with friends. I don't understand that at all! I take that time to enjoy the conversation or even the respected silence between us! And I never run with music if I am running in the wee hours of the morning when it is pitch black out. <br /><br />If running long distances alone, I will take music with me. And often, when racing alone, I will listen to music; but this is if it's a half marathon or longer.The Blondehttp://theblonderuns.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-66743208840711137902012-04-02T15:40:30.732-06:002012-04-02T15:40:30.732-06:00I've gone back and forth on this several times...I've gone back and forth on this several times. I started running w/o mp3 player, but at the time I was doing most of my training on an indoor track, and it was crushingly boring w/o music. For two years I ran almost every race and training run w/my Shuffle, doing most of my training with loops around a local park. My iPod made running more fun and relaxing, it helped me turn my brain off and not think about work.<br /><br />Then, I started training for a half marathon on a route w/winding roads, hills, narrow shoulders, and no sidewalks. As this became my usual long run route, I left the shuffle behind for every run on that route and most of them, in general.<br /><br />Over two years, I ran two half marathons, a ten miler, countless 5Ks and training runs of varying lengths with no music. But when I was hitting the wall at my first marathon, I thought, "I sure wish I could turn on the music now."<br /><br />I started using it again this past summer when my long runs were run mostly on the local rail trail, a very safe and, after the first time or two on this stretch, boring, straight route. It also was helpful during hot, humid weather long runs to help me concentrate on something other than "It's so gross..."<br /><br />I did use it in my second marathon. So much went wrong for me that I can't really say that it helped, but I've continued to use it for most training runs and races. <br /><br />I've sort of settled on not using at a 5K, 8K, or 5-miler, which are the distances where I feel that I pass more people than I'm passed by and end up running "aggressively" (closely watching the field and looking for opportunities to pass), but probably will continue to use it at 10K, half or especially marathon distances, in which my concentration needs to be on pacing myself, not passing others.<br /><br />Have a great time and a great race in Boston!Brianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02814804554194390618noreply@blogger.com