Are Beats Good for Going the Distance? The Other Side of the Story
Life Time Run - June 26, 2012
To run or not to run with music? Everyone has an opinion about listening to music while running. Since the heyday of the Sony Walkman to the ubiquity of the ever-popular iPod, people are running to and with music. On the treadmill or on the road, runners are moving to the beat – literally.
Life Time Run presents the second article in a two-part series on running with music. We interviewed two Life Time team members, asking them about their views on the safety and value of running with music.
Today we speak with Rebekah Mayer, Life Time Run National Training Manager based in Chanhassen, Minn., who sees both the benefits and hazards when running to the beat. She said, “I think there are times where music is very beneficial, and times where a runner should ‘tune in’ to their own body and their surroundings, meaning run without music.”
Mayer said listening to music is a personal choice for every runner and, sometimes, comes down to a question about motivation. What motivates you to run?
“I find that music is helpful for runners to maintain focus while running on a treadmill. Without the change of scenery, treadmill running is much more mentally challenging for most runners than outdoor running . If having music can make it easier to complete your workout, go for it!” said Mayer, who rarely steps on a treadmill without music or her headphones tuned into a TV show.
However, Mayer cautioned, listening to music at all times can distract runners from breath-work and other cues to effort level, such as exhaustion or aches that may become troublesome during future runs. She said, “There are benefits to tuning into your body, so you really know what you are capable of and how you’re working at any time. “
Though it’s important to understand and listen to internal cues when running, technology can motivate and monitor performance. Devices like MOTOACTV, which is sold at Life Time, allow you to listen to your music – as well as monitor your heart rate and pace – on one device.
Are there any times when Mayer suggests that one absolutely not listen to music? “I do not recommend listening to music while running outdoors, especially for women. It unfortunately can signal to a predator that you are not fully aware of your surroundings.”
When it comes to running in a group, use common sense: be social and engage with your fellow runners. Though music is never banned during a Life Time Run event, few runners choose to wear them, Mayer said. Instead, runners enjoy the camaraderie and team spirit built having conversations, checking in with each other and monitoring performance minus the music.
Now, for the big question on many a runner’s mind: To run or not to run with music during your next race.
Mayer said, “I don’t recommend wearing headphones in races, as I like for runners to experience all of the sounds along the course. Although headphones are no longer banned in most races, there is still a risk because runners may not hear a race official or an ambulance on the course.”
Mayer has seen runners oblivious to the race environment and, as a result, could have been run down by an ambulance or a wheelchair athlete flying down the course. “For the safety of everyone on the course, I would prefer for runners not to wear headphones while racing. If you do choose to wear them, please keep the volume down so you can still hear surrounding noise.”
Talk with your local Life Time Run Coordinator for motivational tips or advice about what “to do” or “not to do” while running.