The stereotype has your average runner slipping on a pair of earbuds before heading out for a run, ready to crank up the perfect playlist of inspirational running songs. But, oh, if it were that simple.
Some runners prefer the sounds of silence. They disdain streaming music as an intrusion to the peaceful allure of an outdoor run. They prefer the birds chirping, lawnmowers revving, or the muffled sounds of their own breathing. Others prefer quiet conversation and the ability to see and hear what dangers may lurk in the shadows or crosswalks.
Still others want it both ways, having one earbud dangling on the side of their heads, the second inside their ears, listening to the mono sounds of the latest pop classic.
I come down on the side of no music. Part of the reason is the tangled earbud wires — and no matter what you do, they will get tangled. Another reason is that I have a poor music ear, unable to distinguish rhythm and melody. The beat of most any song plays havoc with my running tempo.
I am not alone in my desire to run without musical accompaniment.
“I’ve never run with headphones, never will,” said Chris Dennermann, who runs with the Pain By Numbers running group. “There is just way too much in the world to listen to. Sure, it helps keep me safe hearing the cars approaching, but really it’s because I enjoy the bird songs and calls, the sound of the breeze, the sound of the moving water, or kids playing in the park.”
For some, it’s not an either/or question.
Steve Stevens is the former president of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. He now lives, works, and runs in Spokane, Washington, where he is president and CEO of Greater Spokane Incorporated, the local chamber of commerce. A born politician, he comes down on both sides of the question.
“I just ran 18 miles this morning,” he said Saturday, “mostly along the scenic Spokane River, listening to a variety of music, but mainly because I was alone. Never with running mates because conversation is important — and never during races.”
Others agree it depends on who they are with and how they are feeling. Many spurn closing off the outside sounds — which is why they’ll choose to use just one earbud — for safety reasons. If they are alone, they’ll bring along the music. If they’re in a group, they’ll leave it home.
But some enjoy closing out the sounds of the outside world.
“I don’t like to talk when I run, and music motivates me,” said Kendra McCardle, a public defender in Boone County. “I recently have been giving some thought to running while listening to a podcast or an audiobook. I need help passing the time.”
Heck, even my daughters can’t agree on this. Erin Long, a freshman at Morehead State University, who runs inside on a track in her gym, said she needs her music to “keep me motivated, especially if I’m having a hard time finishing. It also helps block out the other sounds of the gym, which I find annoying.”
But Corey Long, who lives and runs in Louisville, said she enjoys the peaceful solitude on her outdoor runs.
“When I initially started running, I felt like the rest of my life was very loud and chaotic, and running was my time to Zen out,” said Corey, who is training for her first marathon at the Derby Marathon on April 25. “I felt that listening to music would have added to that noise. Now, while I’m substantially less stressed most of the time, I still enjoy running as my quiet time to enjoy my surroundings and appreciate what’s around me.”
Some have changed their tune, so to speak.
When Tony McCormack of Union began running, he would insist on having an iPod along. He said he originally listened to music for the distraction. But on the morning of his second Flying Pig Marathon in 2013, he decided not to bring his tunes.
“I haven’t listened to music since,” he said. “The experience running with that many people, the ability to talk with the ‘streakers’ and to hear the stories of their running all (at the time) 15 Flying Pig Marathons was invaluable and frankly helped pass the time better than music ever could.”
Still, some insist on their music. It passes the time. It keeps them motivated. It distracts from the drudgery of long runs, and helps them get past the tough spots.
“I find that my bad thoughts start when I can hear myself struggling, and music keeps me from hearing that, so I can keep trudging on,” said Emily Cahill, who works at the Campbell County School District. “I also use it as a metronome to keep my pace — I have music set to a certain beats per minute so I can stay consistent and motivated, even when tired.”
Some would have it no other way.
“Music always,” said Paul Dierig, who lives in Union and works for the Administrative Office of the Courts in Newport. “Any other way else is boring. Led Zeppelin is my choice.”
Others clearly have given the matter — and the choice of music styles — a great deal of thought.
Kevin McHugh is a friend of mine who lives in Lisnaskea, Northern Ireland. In addition to being a runner, he is a very, very good artist, and a musician. In his band, he plays punk music. But he said it’s not a good genre to listen to on the run.
“I started off running to the Clash, but with the short, sharp songs I found I ran too fast and tired myself out quickly,” he said. “Once I ran to Rage Against The Machine and it nearly killed me.” So he slowed the music down a bit, nixed the shorter punk songs, and discovered a rock and roller from New Jersey.
“I find Bruce Springsteen is more or less perfect,” Kevin said. “[Springsteen’s] live albums in particular (are good) as the songs are long and go through many ups and downs. On a long extended musical interlude my mind can wander and I can cover ground almost without knowing it. With live versions, they’re familiar enough to enjoy but fresh enough to surprise me from time to time and bring my attention back.”
Paul Long writes weekly for the NKyTribune about running and runners. For his daily running stories, follow him at dailymile.com or on Twitter @Pogue57