Let me be the first to tell you (unless my boyfriend already has) that I am the worst person ever when it comes to keeping headphones. Pretty sure I’ve gone through at least five pairs in the last year alone. The last three have been sacrificed to the dog. The others end up lost of broken somehow or another.
This leaves me running without music quite frequently, and today was one such occasion. In the middle of my 25 minute run, I started thinking about the ways that running without headphones makes for a totally different experience than running with music. While I definitely still enjoy running with music, here are four reasons why running without headphones can be a really positive experience:
- You can hear yourself breathe. Getting the rhythm of your breathe in sync with the rhythm of your pace can be beneficial for your running. Breathing super important to keep your cardiovascular system and your muscles working properly. When I listen to music, I find myself breathing more with the rhythm of the music, than with my body. The best breath pattern for me seems to be exhaling for two footfalls, then inhaling for two footfalls, although I’m sure it’s a little different for everyone. I know that if my breathing is off for some reason, it can throw off my whole run.
- You can pay more attention to your surroundings. If I’m running in a beautiful location, even the park that I run in everyday, I’m constantly trying to take in the scenery during my run. You’ll be more likely to absorb the beauty around you, plus you’ll also be more attentive to any dangers that may be lurking, such as upcoming obstacles, or cars or bad guys coming up behind you. You can also hear other runners or bikers coming up, trying to pass you, so you can let them through.
- You can listen to you body more easily. When I run with music, I tend to use the pace of the music to help pace my run. This might mean that I’m exhausted, but a fast-paced chorus comes on, so I push myself harder. Without music, you’re more likely to run at a pace that your body is comfortable with, so you’re less likely to injure yourself. You can also put more focus on your running form, again, helping you to prevent injury.
- You can get inside your head. Running can be quite meditative if you let it be. Once you’re warm and you find your rhythm, you can let your mind wander. I find that my thinking is clearer when I’m running, and ideas will just start flowing into my mind. You can use your run to plan you day or week, to come up with solutions to a problem in your life, set goals, or just to day dream about that cute boy (or girl) you like (or love).
My post-run breakfast was a bowl of Panda Puffs with almond milk and blueberries.
Healthy Tipping Point has been featuring Panda Puffs quite a bit later, so when I ran into them at the grocery store the other day, with all the cute panda pictures and all, I had to get some. Didn’t hurt that they were almost half the price of the Barbara’s PB Puffins that I’ve been buying! I guess the reason that I didn’t notice them before was that they were hiding away in the gluten-free section, which I usually don’t spend a ton of time perusing.
The second half of my breakfast was a green smoothie that didn’t get photographed, because I drank it while driving to work. Keenan, Arlo and I walked down to the ferry terminal this afternoon, to discover that my ferry was going to be an hour late. We immediately turned around and got the car. I thought I was going to be late, and even called the hospital to warn them, but traffic ended up being heavenly, and I made it in time!
My lunch at work was a salad.
Mixed greens, spinach, cucumber, bell pepper, tomato, carrot, chickpeas, sunflower seeds, and Annie’s Goddess dressing.
My dinner was Keenan’s vegan chili mac, this time with the addition of fresh jalapenos!
Three Good Things That Happened Today:
1. I discovered the awesome-ness of Panda Puffs! They donate to help save the pandas AND they’re gluten free, so you should buy some too!
2. I have had the song Money by The Drums stuck in my head ALL day! Good thing I like the song!
3. I thought I left my Blackberry in the car when Keenan dropped me off at work, but three hours later, I discovered it in the pocket of my backpack! I was sure glad to have my lifesource back! 
Do you prefer working out with or without music? Why?
I hope your weekend was awesome! I have the day off tomorrow! Woo!
<3 Lindsay
I like running without music to help myself become grounded in my running, but I find myself concentrating a little too much on my breathing, causing me to get out of breath faster. I guess that’s something I need to work on!
That’s strange that it causes you to run out of breath faster. I find that when I concentrate on my breath more that I end up forcing myself to inhale more deeply, which helps me to keep my breath regulated. Breathing while running seems to be one crazy, complicated subject!