Confessions of a former iPod hating runner (Part II)
Posted January 27th, 2007 at 9:30 AM by Paul Petersen
Section: Running & Training, Motivation, Music, Training Tips
Update time. In Part 1 I outlined my initial aversion to the fusion of mp3 players and running, and how I eventually decided to give it a fair shake. Here are the results of my experiment with adding “flavor” to my running via music & podcasts.
To be honest, I got off to a rocky start. I had issues with cords getting in my way, unsecured, jiggly earbuds, and equipment malfunctions. I expect this with anything new, and I soon summitted the learning curve by making some necessary modifications and adjustments. After a couple days of tinkering, cutting, taping, and adjusting, I had improved (but not perfected) the rig and was trotting merrily to my downloaded concerts and podcasts.
I noticed during my very first run that as the workout drew to a close … I wanted to keep running! It was an otherwise mundane Sunday run, but as my mind wrapped around the music, I felt like I should extend my run just to hear the next track… and the next…and the next. This is in contrast to the boredom that sets during the late stages of many of my typical runs; I just want to finish and take a shower. Well, jiggly earbuds aside, anything that encourages increases in training volume must have it merits!
One of my earlier fears was that using an mp3 player would preoccupy my mind, causing me to lose focus and run at a slower pace. To my surprise, this did not happen; if anything, I ran faster. It’s not because I was being pumped up by fast-pace music (Al Gore being interviewed about global warming on Living on Earth is the opposite of pump-up music!), but my mind was focused on an external stimulus rather than how my feet hurt or how the excessive chill of the January air.
Yet another fear (common among non-mp3 runners) was that I would be unable to hear traffic and get hit by a diesel F350 truck at every intersection. I will dispel that myth right here and now: I was able to hear every single person and vehicle in my proximity at all times. I do note that I did not blare the volume either. Safety is a conscious choice, and can be easily made while using an mp3 player.
The only time I was really annoyed with the mp3 setup was when I was attempting a tempo run workout. This is an important part of my weekly training in which I typically run about 45 seconds per mile faster than my normal pace for several miles. Technology failed me on this particular run, and my right earbud stopped working, which was very distracting. In addition, the feel and movement of the player itself on my armband was irritating me at that much faster pace. It was not an issue at my easy pace. After having to stop several times for adjustments, I decided then that I would not wear the mp3 player during speedwork or races.
I recognized that part of my problem was that I bought the cheapest unit available, and you get what you pay for! An iPod Nano or Shuffle or similar-quality device would have solved my discomfort with the player itself, and a good set of ear-clip headphones would have solved my earbud glitches. Bluetooth headphones would have mitigated my cord dangling issues.
So in other words, all of the problems I experienced with mp3-running could have been remedied with better purchasing choices and a greater gear investment. I may not be currently ready to sink money into these kinds of rig upgrades, but I despite my cheap player I discovered what I was seeking: I enjoyed the act of running with music. I enjoyed absorbing the information of podcasts during my daily workout ritual. I now understand the pull of the iPod.
I still think that runners wearing headphones need to be safe by keeping the volume down and leaving an ear open to surroundings. I still think that race participants should abide to all race rules, including those pertaining to mp3 players. But my attitude is what has changed. I will not longer scowl at headphone-clad runners, because I have donned the headphones myself…and will continue to do so! Probably not every run, probably not during races or big workouts, but for me the audio engagement that the mp3 player provides will help me float along without growing weary on those “mundane” Sunday runs.
***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***
Tags: al gore, apple, audio, audio device, bluetooth, experiment, global warming, motivation, mp3, mp3 player, music, nano, NPR, podcast, podcasts, pump up, running to music, running with music, safety, shuffle, training
Like what you see? Subscribe to our feed!
The Final Sprint
[…] Read the full article at The Final Sprint! « The Final Sprint: “Confessions of a former iPod-hating runner” […]
January 28th, 2007 at 11:48 amThis is good information about the value of music/podcasts on a run. I am a reluctant, out of shape walker who has learned to enjoy a nightly walk with podbats. They make my 45-60 minutes fly by!
Thanks for the good advice!
January 28th, 2007 at 4:33 pmDescribes my experience to a tee. I too shunned the headphones for similar reasons. I wanted to hear that Rottweiler closing the gap on me, or the cars, etc. I had tried listening to music once back in the stoneage with cassettes/Sony Walkman. Couldn’t stand toting that weight. I recently bought an iPod Shuffle and some super headphones. Talk about small footprint - it looks like a Chicklet clipped to my pocket. So far I’ve only done track work but I’ve had the same exact experience. My workouts tend to last longer because my mind is off of my own discomfort and on the music! I do notice that my pace picks up if a real rocker is playing but it’s been a revelation for me and my running career.
January 29th, 2007 at 7:27 amHating your ipod is normal. You are not alone. Telling us about your hate will make you feel better. Join us and spread the ipod hate around the world!
September 27th, 2007 at 3:08 pm