Lose the tunes.

Distance: 6 miles.

Time: 36:30

Pace: 6:05







While most days I thoroughly enjoy my runs, today was not the case. It was cloudy, hot and muggy. Basically, it was gross. So while I did not enjoy my run, I still had plenty to think about. Most of them regarding something that is always missing from my workouts.

Music.

There's a few reasons that I don't run with music and why I don't think most people should either.

1) Safety. Especially when you're running in the city or the suburbs, your ability to hear what's going on around you can keep you out of a lot of bad situations. The first and most obvious thing that is important to keep out an ear for is cars. Duh. But another thing that is far less obvious is what I've encountered numerous times. Dogs.
While out for runs in the past I've been approached by friendly and some not-so-friendly pooches. Usually, the only hint you have that a dog is coming is either their paws on the pavement or else the jingle of their collar. Neither of which are exactly 'loud.' If you're jamming to your latest tunes while you're out and about, you'll miss what are possibly your only chances of dodging an ignorant driver or evading a hungry hound. So turn pull out the ear buds and pay attention to what's going on around you.

2) Preparation. If you're planning on legitimately competing a race, most races do not permit listening to music during the race. If you're used to training with an endless list of tunes for your workouts, the sounds of running without the iPod (your foot strikes and breathing) is going to be a harsh contrast to your everyday routine.

3) Unwind. From the moment we wake up to when we go to bed, our lives are full of noise. It begins with an alarm clock, proceeds to the radio, on to phone calls and co workers, and then finish out the day with some sort of television show. So why should we fill our run with even more noise, sound, music, or whatever you want to call it. So on your next run, lose the tunes and give your ears a break.