Running with Music – The Benefits of Turning Up the Volume!

Regardless of the specific genre you prefer, everyone enjoys some form of music. Music touches us deeply and can trigger a number of powerful emotions. And at the same time, music entertains us and allows us to connect to others. Therefore, it’s no surprise that running with music is quite popular. Listening to music while running offers many benefits and can actually enhance your running performance. Whether training for a marathon or half marathon or simply going on an evening jog, listening to music while you run is something you might want to consider.

Music Is a Mood Enhancer

Many runners prefer listening to music while running because it lightens their mood. If you’ve had a stressful day or have problems weighing on your mind, running with music can help improve your perspective in these instances. In the process, your running experience will be much more enjoyable and pleasant. And by the time your run is over, your stress and worries will likely be much less.

Music Is a Powerful Motivator

In addition to enhancing your mood, listening to music while running can also boost your motivation. Some days, you may simply not feel like going for a run. Or perhaps, the heat and humidity make you less than enthusiastic about pounding the pavement. In these situations, listening to music while running can energize you and help you overcome these barriers. The familiar sound of your favorite song can help you overcome any inertia that might be holding you back. If you’re struggling to get going, music can be a great solution.

Music Provides a Pleasant Distraction

While not every run is tough, there are some that are more challenging than others. Aches and pains may occur, and pushing yourself to improve your performance can be uncomfortable. Listening to music while running can provide a distraction to these discomforts and allow you to perform at your best. If you’re able to get into a song, you will pay less attention to the physical difficulties you might be experiencing. This is why many people find running with music an excellent tool to help them with their training.

Music Can Be Your Metronome

If you’re like many runners, there are certain songs to which you love to run. The song provides the perfect beat and energy to really make the experience awesome. It’s therefore not surprising that many runners enjoy listening to music while running to help improve their pace. By running with music at the right cadence, you can more easily push yourself to achieve better results. It might take some trial and error in order to find songs with your preferred beat. But a well-selected playlist can do wonders for your running results. 

Running with Music Is Simply Fun!

There are many benefits to listening to music while running. But by far, the most obvious one is that running with music is simply fun. Music offers many things to many people, but at its core, it’s a form of pleasant entertainment. If you’re planning to meditate during your runs, you may prefer not to have earbuds in place. The same may apply if practicing mindfulness. But in many other situations, music is a fun and wonderful accessory to your run. So, create a playlist, lace up your running shoes, and turn up the volume. And let music enhance your mood and your overall running experience!

Author Note: We asked some of our Virtual Women’s Half Marathon FB followers for their favorite songs to run to. Here are a few: Sweet Emotion by Aerosmith, Let’s Go Crazy by Prince, 1 2 3 Slam by Guttermouth, Catch My Breath by Kelly Clarkson, Fight Song by Rachel Platten, Natural by Imagine Dragons and Till I Collapse by Eminem.