by Hal Higdon  Many new runners train while wearing iPods and feel that without this musical diversion they could not, or would not, run. But some races discourage iPods, because of safety considerations. I ride my bike wearing an iPod, but somehow have never taken to wearing it while running. Maybe it is because I love the act of running and do not want to be distracted by music.

The only time I tired listening to music while running was in 1965. I had a little transistor radio with an ear plug. This was before iPods. After about a mile I took it out. It was just taking too much away from my run. On the other hand, I do like running the Rock n Roll races with music every mile or to run the Bay To Breakers with music at spots along the way. BUT I just don't like it every minute in my ear. Never have and never well. How about you?
Bob Anderson 6/26/12 9:53 am

Not for me. I enjoy the sounds of nature - particularly in the morning workouts - and the greetings and encouragement from other runners on the trails.
Barry Anderson 6/27/12 11:35 am

I don't listen to music when exercise, though I can see how it might help when indoors on a tread mill or exercise bike. It is safer then anyway. There have been various studies that indicate that listening to music, esp. "synchronous" (in tempo with the exercise, up-beat, etc.) can improve performance by as much as 15% for a non-elite athlete. Google for the paper "The Psychological, Psychophysical, and Ergorenic Effects of Music in Sport: A Review and Synthesis" by Costas I. Karageorghis
Gary Funck 6/27/12 10:41 pm

Costas Karageorghis and Peter Terry have also authored a book, "Inside Sport Psychology", which got some play a while back. It is mentioned in this blog: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/apr/22/does-music-help-you-run-faster
Gary Funck 6/27/12 10:50 pm

I have never been able to listen to music while I run. I think for the most part its because I dont like to cary anthing bigger then my watch with me. I also dont want to get used to it because we are not allowed to take the PT test with music so I figure its best to just get used to running silently.
Steven Richardson 6/28/12 5:54 am

I don't listen to music when I run outside. I run with my dogs, and even though they are very well behaved, I like to hear if any traffic is coming - I would be very devastated if one of them got run over. I also like to be able to hear where the dogs are and to be alert to any wildlife that I might run into. But really, how can you enjoy the great outdoors and the wonder of mother nature if you are plugged in? I will admit to listening to music or watching a movie while on the treadmill for extended periods of time....
Shari Mernett 7/15/12 9:22 pm

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by Ujena Fit Club Coach Barry Anderson  Scribble it down with your own shorthand in a spiral notebook. Note it carefully in your neatly columned runners log books—including resting heart rate, body weight, and other pertinent details of the day. Or, use the Ujena Fitness Log to enter it to share with other members and for weekly prizes. What ever your do…keep it, your workout results, in a workout log of some type.

One of the important things related to a successful fitness program is to maintain a reliable way to record your daily workouts or activities. The workout log can also be used for noting other activities like a round of golf—with a notation of walked or rode. Keep the information you enter concerning your running in some detail, particularly if your plans include running as one of your primary forms of exercise and/or are intending to run races.

The information you enter can be used to plan your future training schedule and to establish or evaluate short and long-term goals. When you race well, your training log information can help you review your running in the weeks prior to the race and provide insight for future race preparation. Finally, when you have the misfortune to experience an injury or excessive soreness, your first source of information about possible causes should be your training log.

I have been keeping a diary for years. It has really helped me get through injuries (knowing what I did before) and to plan for races. I also now post deaily on the Ujena Fit Club. I know I have run a lot of extra good miles because I want to reach the next level of points. How about you?
Bob Anderson 6/26/12 9:55 am

I have been using my garmin to keep track of logs and its really helped me keep my motivation levels up along with preparing for my races. I used to run without loging my runs and in every case I would quit after a few months. I think its very important to keep track of your progress in order to keep going with your workouts.
Steven Richardson 6/27/12 11:00 am

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