Running with Music

Solo running has become the norm for many over the past six months. Some people are happy to be accompanied by their own thoughts whilst they clock up the miles; others however are keen for an audible distraction.

There are pros and cons to filling one’s lugholes whilst exercising.

Louise Damen of realbuzz.com cites that, whilst music cannot affect your physical performance, it can lift your mental state, distract you from sensations of fatigue and the sensation of effort and encourage a rhythm which leads to more efficiency.

On the flip side, listening to music can prevent you from tuning into the sounds of your breathing and foot strike. Whether you’re consciously aware of it or not, these sounds help you to gauge your effort levels. Also many use a run as a distraction from technology, and to unplug oneself from a (phone) screen for an hour is in itself a rare treat.

Nowadays we are able to listen to pretty much anything on demand. Music, podcasts and audio books are all at our fingertips now, so curating the perfect playlist has never been easier.

It goes without saying that you shouldn’t have your music too loud - for obvious safety reasons if you are running on the roads. Also here is a cautionary tale as to why you should never have your headphones turned up too high in the gym. A friend admitted once that, whilst on the treadmill, he was listening to his music and realised that he needed to, ahem, pass gas. He let out the botty cough and thought that he’d got away with it, before realising that it was only his ears which were filled with the sound of music – all the other gym goers were training in relative silence, and the looks he got suggested that his Trump didn’t go unnoticed!

Shuffler Recommendations

Songs

Titanium by Sia – makes you feel invincible.

The Frog Song (We all stand together) by Paul McCartney – a good song to help keep a steady pace and also I think you’ll find it is impossible not to sing along to.

Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf – this has a solid beat to get your feet in time to.

Ride on Time by Blackbox – one to carry you over the line.

Feel it Still by Portugal. The Man – very upbeat.

Podcasts

The Adam Buxton Podcast – sometimes funny, sometimes serious and fantastic guests.

Sh**ged. Married. Annoyed by Chris & Rosemary Ramsey

Grounded with Louis Theroux – a short series of ten interviews with absolutely fascinating guests.

That Peter Crouch Podcast – one of the most popular podcasts in the UK!

Caro Dalton