Until a few months ago, I did not believe in racing with music. I felt that I needed to concentrate on my own body, and be one with the run. That did not go too bad. I did do all my training runs with music, but I chose the same music I typically listen to at home: Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams, David Gray, The Jayhawks, etc, etc. Yes, this kind of music is not conducive to fast running. After listening to some wisdom from the blogosphere (yes, you), I got for some hip-hop, rap, 80s type music, and made a few playlists. Wow! I believe these playlists deserve at least 1/2 the credit for my PRs in the half-marathon and marathon. And 3 Black Eyed Peas songs got me the PR in a recent 5K.
It's pretty amazing how fast music gets legs moving faster. Take today, for example. I was dragging my speedwork at the wee hours this morning. I work from home on Mondays but I like to get the run done at 7am or so, so that I can focus on work the rest of the day. The track is covered in snow. The bike path, the only flat-ish part of my town (Arlington HEIGHTS) is covered with packed snow and ice. Arhhh!!! A new playlist got me out of the house and excited about running fast. I used "Rhythm is a dancer" (those of you in your 20s have no idea what I am talking about) for 4 of my 5 intervals! I killed them all (1200 @ 5:59 pace, 1000m @ 6:05, 800m@6:05, 600m@ 6:04, 400m @ 6:00) in spite of running them on mild rolling hills!
The only problem with depending on music for runs is that playlists get old fast. I bet by next week I won't be able to stand listening to "Rhythm is a dancer" (though I am not a user and discarder in real life:). So, any suggestions for good running music? What do you listen to when you want to run fast???? And if you are not using music for your runs, try it out, you'll love it!
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18 comments:
I absolutely love the Black Eyed Peas which it sounds like you have found...and then Lady Gaga, Akon, throw in a little Madonna, Oh and I love Don't Stop Believin by Journey... I am so surprised with myself...not my typical music, but like you said it really gets those legs moving! I also like you have issues finding new music just because for real how many times can you listen to some things! So if you find any good ones send them my way!
i am not a great runner but i really like bond (classical music done with a modern twist), music from the matrix soundtracks, jay-z, rihanna, pink, and especially linkin park
green day - holiday is a great one, lady gaga, i have more i can't think of them right now,
oh, misery by paramour - EXCELLENT....
music is a most for me in training just not for races.
I used to think music while running was for wimps. But it does help with some of the runs. I'm embarrassed to say what songs I listen too though.
I'm with you on the music. I've raced both with and without it. During the marathon I turned it on at mile 18. According to my Garmin my last 6 miles were my fastest and I think that is due to the music! During my hill workout on Wed. I listened to "Evacuate the Dancefloor" by Cascada. It really kept me going. I also have a bunch of Lady Gaga, the Veronicas, and the Peas! I'm constantly changing what I listen to! Still deciding whether I should bring the IPOD to Boston...
I think it's fun to run with your mind some days...and then really let the music move you other days! I like to break up really long runs with audio books too, they make me think
I can be a bit odd when it comes to running music. In college, I listened to the Evita soundtrack before all my meets. For some reason I like listening to musicals while I run. Like I said...odd. I also listen to Green Day. American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown are good albums. Another group I like when running is My Chemical Romance (The Black Parade album). I selectively listen to Eminem (some of his songs can be offensive). I love Ani Difranco's old music. Her old music is so angry. Angry can good when running.
I don't always run marathons with music but when I do, it really helps! I've used some compiltations for marathons from the Running Skirt girls. They have them posted on their website and I've downloaded all of them. I definitely need fast and repetitive songs so I can get in a good groove...sometimes even more emotional songs keep me going.
Wow, fast intervals there girl!
Music, I can't even run a mile without it, if I have to listen to my wheezing breathing then it's all over! I like anything fast and upbeat. Mostly current songs from the radio but a lot of old ones from teh 80's are fun, too. I can send you more specific if you want. Just holler.
Impressive times there. You must be pleased with how it is all coming along. Well done. Paul :-)
I am a big fan of rap for running fast - Eminem is good for running fast, especially the theme song from 8 Mile and there is a song by Lupe Fiasco called "Superstar" that is great for running fast. And you can't go wrong with the Black Eyed Peas which you've discovered. I also like The Killers "Soldier" song from the Nike ad. Cake's "The Distance" is also good.
There's something really cool about running in a beautiful place while listening to music you love.
I don't do music a lot but when I do I usually enjoy it. Some of my top picks right now are:
Remember the Name - Fort Minor
All These Things That I've Done - The Killers
Have a Little Faith - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Southern Cross - Jimmy Buffett
A Little Bit Of Riddim - Michael Franti & Spearhead
For you - barenaked ladies
soooo true!!! good music is key for me on fast runs :) thats why i only listen to the key songs on those runs because i dont want them to die!
i was wondering if you were ever going to spice up your podcasts ;) i personally don't know how you listen to people droning on while running... i'd probably stop and walk home!
i don't listen to music while running much, but it is a nice boost every now and then (especially on the treadmill!)
I was great to get to know you a little better while reading your 2000-2010. You have had a truly amazing life and done some amazing running as well.
Best of luck in 2010 and beyond.
BTW, I listen to just about everything from rap to classic rock and country.
I like to run to all types of music...but really haven't tried racing with music. Speedwork tunes are a must! Haha!
I love Lady Gaga, U2 (very inspirational songs), Tool and AFI.
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