It would be nice to run along to the catchy tune of “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Just where the crescendo sets in after the “Scaramouche, Scaramouche” bit, you accelerate your pace and whiz along blissfully.
About 15 years ago I was given an iPod by work colleagues, and I was delighted. I downloaded “Hollaback Girl” and the Pussycat Dolls and set out for a run with music.
About 5 minutes into my run, I realized that I wasn’t listening to Gwen. Or the Pussycat Dolls. Not even the Spice Girls. I was deep in thought about something else. Probably about whether I should buy Trader Joe’s Butter Toffee Coated Virginia Peanuts or not.
“Of course that doesn’t work”, a running expert at work told me. “Your heart rate should match the music rhythm”. Oh, ok then. Apparently, something between 120 and 140 bpm should do the trick. Out with the girls, in with Queen and Maroon 5.
Same thing. Not even Freddie’s “Another One Bites the Dust” got my attention. My running brain was out in its own zen zone doing its own thing.
So I gave up the music thing.
The other day I was out running and saw an elderly lady with her poodle ahead of me. I warned her from afar that I was coming from behind. The poodle heard me, the lady didn’t. She was wearing earbuds. I scared her out of her skin when I passed. Still in a state of shock, she breathlessly suggested that I should “announce myself”. Fortunately for her, I was still a) in the zen zone and b) inspired by a book on Stoicism. Both successfully stopped me from having a screaming fit and pointing out the obvious flaw in her line of reasoning.
This little incident reminded me of all the benefits of running earbud-free: I can hear joggers, cars and bikes coming up from behind. I can enjoy the birds in the forest. I can listen to the ocean waves hitting the shore. I can respond to a passing greeting. I can take in the cheering of the crowds during a race.
In fact, I can hear everything. Just not the Bohemian Rhapsody.
How about you? Do you like running with music?
I am linking up with Kookyrunner and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.
I do run with music, but I keep the volume very low so that I’m still aware of my surroundings. That story about the lady telling you to “announce yourself” is all too common unfortunately. I see so many people running and walking with their music blasting – it’s so unsafe!
Yes, I see that too, even people on bikes with earphones, maybe even looking down at their phones at the same time. As runners, at least we can stop easily!
Sometimes I run with music in the morning. I know I shouldn’t because it is already dark and I am putting myself more of a risk by doing that. Anyway, that is besides the point. 🙂 However, I don’t run as much with it anymore. Years ago I used to on every race and run. Then I gradually stopped doing it. It isn’t that horrible and you do get used to it. Now I can “hear” my thoughts on my run.
Happy Holidays and thank you for linking up with us!
Haha, yes, “hearing your thoughts” is a good expression! I find it very relaxing to run without music.
The good thing is if you’re listening to music in the early morning there are not that many cars, so perhaps you’re quite safe.
Thanks for hosting the weekly link-up and enjoy the days with your family!
I started out running to music, but I gave it up quite a few years ago. I would actually listen to it, and sometimes I think about going back to it, but I never do.
I probably wouldn’t have been so zen with the little old lady, but glad you were!
Haha! She was so shocked, I really felt sorry for her. Her little dog was spot on, though. 😉
So you don’t run with music either – you get used to it, over time, don’t you?
Have a good week – I hope it’s proving to be easier than you anticipated.
Yes, you definitely get used to running without music. Well, you can — some people can’t stand it!
I like the idea of running with music, but the reality is that I don’t run with it. It’s not safe to wear ear buds in the dark, which is when I run, and I have been leaving them out for races, just because it’s one more thing I don’t have to carry.
Oh yes, that’s true, I didn’t think of the additional weight! Every little bit counts 🙂
What a shame you usually have to run in the dark – but it’s better than NOT running and in the summer it is cooler. Have a great week!
I do like running with music and yes, I lose myself in the zone! But I also run without music, especially shorter distances. The long distances just beg for music or some sort of distraction!
That’s actually a good point. I have never tried running my long distances with music. Perhaps after an hour or two, the brain starts to tune in to what it’s hearing. It’s worth a try!
Liebe Catrina,
nein, Musik hören, während eines Laufs, ist nix für mich! Einmal wollte ich von Anfang an möglichst alles mitbekommen, was um mich geschieht und dann stört es mich doch auch irgendwie. Ich hab es ein paar Mal im Urlaub mit Earbuds versucht, habe Musik oder auch Hörbücher ausprobiert, aber ich habe es eher als unangenehm empfunden, obwohl ich “Rhythmus unabhängig” laufen könnte.
Heute bin ich dankbar, dass ich es mir nie angewöhnt habe! So bin auch nicht so Unfall gefährdet, hoffe ich wenigstens! 😉
LG Manfred
Lieber Manfred
Ich bin auch froh, dass ich mir das nie angewöhnt habe! Hörbücher wären ja praktisch, dann würde man beim Laufen noch etwas dazulernen… aber das stört auch zu sehr. So hängen wir beide unseren Gedanken nach und achten etwas mehr auf die Umwelt um uns herum!
Ich wünsche dir einen schönen Stefanstag… du gehst ja heute auswärts essen 😉
Liebe Grüsse!
Liebe Catrina, NEVER NEVER NEVER …………….ich habe es auch nie versucht, weil mir das Leben rundherum vieeeeeeeeeeel wichtiger ist, als in der Natur mich auch noch zuzuträllern – Nein Danke. Bin auch noch nie auf die Idee gekommen, was würde ich alles nur verpassen ? Das Zwitschern der Vögel, das Kreischen der Möwen, der Krähen, das wilde Rauschen der See, das leise vor sich Hinsäuseln an ruhigen Tagen, das Knistern im Wald, Kommentare von lieben oder weniger netten Mitmenschen und und und – nein – das Fühlen, Sehen, Riechen, Hören gehört für mich dazu……………..
Pass gut auf dich auf, ich bin langsam wieder am Kommen !! Laaaaaaaaaaangsam !! 😉
Liebe Margitta
GENAU!!! Siehst du, du warst wenigstens schlau genug, das ganze Musik-Gedöns links liegen zu lassen und gar nicht erst zu probieren. Man verpasst so viel! Die Natur hat so viel zu bieten, was soll man da sich künstlich die Ohren zudröhnen? Und wenn man mal nicht in der Natur laufen sollte, ist es zu gefährlich, mit “geschlossenen” Ohren durch die Gegend zu rennen.
YAAAAAYYYY! Ich habe gerade von deiner Genesung gelesen – das freut mich SEHR!!! Langsam, aber sicher gibst du dein Comeback!
Ganz liebe Grüsse und erhole dich gut!
Liebe Catrina,
ich persönlich kann gar nicht mit Musik auf den Ohren Laufen. Ich würde die Geräusche des Waldes und meiner Umgebung vermissen. Außerdem bin ich sehr schreckhaft und würde mich wohl die 10 Mal im Jahr, wo mir jemand im Wald begegnet, zu Tode erschrecken 😯
Beim Radfahren auf der Straße versteht es sich von selbst, das ich keine Musik höre: es ist wohl sehr viel gesünder, auf den Verkehr zu achten 🙂
Wenn ich in den Wald laufen oder radfahren gehe, dann genieße ich die Ruhe, das Zwitschern der Vögel, das Rauschen des Windes in den Bäumen, das Knacken der Äste wenn Tiere durch den Wald huschen und all das, was einen so runter holt: runter vom Stress, runter von den ganzen lauten Tönen unserer Welt. 🙂
Und wenn ich Bohemian Rhapsody hören will, dann laut, zu Hause, und dann kann ich auch das ganz und gar genießen .
Liebe Grüße
Helge
Liebe Helge
Ich stelle fest, dass wir alle ähnlich getaktet sind: wir laufen in der Natur, weil wir genau die Ruhe und Stille suchen und nur die Geräusche der Natur hören wollen. Das beschreibst du sehr schön in deinem Kommentar. Ich denke auch, dass es ungesund ist, sich ständig den Kopf mit Lärm zuzudröhnen.
Machst du das auch mit Bohemian Rhapsody?! Immer ganz laut zu Hause 😉
Ich wünsche dir ein geruhsames Wochenende!
Years ago when I ran by myself I ran with an old ipod as well. Now all of my runs are w my group so no music needed. I also worry about safety w ear pods. I have called out to runners (while on my bike) and sometimes they just don’t hear me at all. Not the safest move I think. While on vacation this week, I did use my music and it was a nice change
Running in a group is my favorite kind of running! It’s great when you have a tribe!😊
Ah,yes, I have had to deal ear-podded runners/pedestrians while on my bike. I once rode into a young girl – she just walked out into the street to catch the bus. She didn’t hear or see me coming on my bike 😬
I was slow to adapt to running with music as I enjoy the sounds of nature very much. That said, now I mostly run with music but rarely race with it, especially marathons where I love to tune into the crowds. I am amazed how loudly people will listen to it though. It’s a safety hazard and what that lady said to you is maddening.
I couldn’t imagine racing with music either! It’s so energizing to hear the crowds cheering for you. I think you’re right, it makes a difference how loudly people listen to their music. Sometimes I can hear it as I pass them (or they pass me!😊)
Hello Catrina,
“I can hear joggers, cars and bikes coming up from behind. I can enjoy the birds in the forest. I can listen to the ocean waves hitting the shore. I can respond to a passing greeting.” You gave all the reasons I don t like to run with earbuds too 😀 I only miss the ocean waves 😉
But even without earbuds I often scare about bicycles comiung up from behind, when I run with headwind 🙂
All day we have every kind of noise all around us, so I really enjoy the calm when i m running!
Greetings from Oldenburg
Volker
Hi Volker!
Ah, it seems many of us are non-music runners for the same reasons! 😊 Well, you will hopefully catch some ocean waves on your next vacation.
Wind makes a big difference, too. I guess you get more wind than we do.
I always have noise around me (often the Swiss radio) so it’s good to have some quiet time during a run! 😊
Enjoy a great weekend!
I definitely run with music, but I keep the volume down so I can hear cars, people, etc. Lately I’ve enjoyed listening to podcasts on long runs — I get lost in the stories and the miles tick by.
Hi Coco! You see, that’s exactly what I’m missing out on!😊 How awesome if you can run AND learn something or be entertained at the same time!
To get the same effect, I have to drag a running buddy along! 😃
Sorry, I’m just seeing this now….I used to be a die-hard music runner ALL.THE.TIME. Then my iPod died a couple months ago, and I realized I’m just fine without it. If I can run 26.2 miles without it (in the pouring rain, none the less), I can do most anything LOL
Haha, Kim, running a marathon in the pouring rain! YES!! Then you can definitely do anything without music. All the best for the 2020 running year!
Oh my, that happens to me all the time that I “scare” people on the sidewalks because they don’t hear me apporaching because they have TWO earbuds in.
I used to run with music (and still do sometimes), but often listen to a podcast (only one ear bud in, ALWAYS) or no entertainment at all, because I am like you: I do my best thinking – about mundane and important things – on my runs 🙂
Ah, now that’s an idea, only to use one ear bud! That would make everything so much safer if everyone did that.
The best thinking happens when running – that is so true!