I don’t listen to music or podcasts on every run or during every workout. But when I do, I listen to something for every different type of workout I do. Easy runs, tempo runs, long runs — they all have a different effort and feel, and what I listen to reflects that effort. Since I recently reviewed the AfterShokz Trekz Titanium headphones, I’ve got audio entertainment on the brain. Today I want to share what I listen to — and when!
Music and Podcasts for 5 Types of Running {and Training}
Long Runs
We’ll start with the most obvious — the long run. When I run long, I almost always listen to podcasts. They help me zone out, get into a comfortable rhythm, and occupy my mind for a couple hours. Podcasts are particularly helpful if it’s a familiar route and I need some sort of new stimuli to keep things interesting. When I run long in new territory, I don’t need as much of a distraction since my brain is busy feasting on the new sights and sounds around me.
Favorite podcasts to listen to for long runs: S-Town, Beautiful/Anonymous.
Easy Runs
If I’m listening to something during an easy run, it really doesn’t matter what it is — anything goes in this case! I find myself gravitating toward news or music for easy running. If an easy run is longer than 6 miles sometimes I turn on a podcast.
Favorite music to listen to for easy runs: depends on my mood! Genres include Grateful Dead, RHCP, Tears for Fears; Songs include Can’t Stop the Feeling by JT, Connected by Stereo MCs, Break Free by Ariana Grande, Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO.
Tempo Runs
Tempo runs almost always call for music. And not just any music. It’s either music I can sing to OR techno. You may not be a techno-believer, but when it comes to tempo runs and keeping up intensity for a set amount of time (or miles in my case), techno music really helps me stay focused. It’s also great because depending on the style of techno, it will assist in maintaining a faster cadence than most other types of music.
Favorite music to listen to for tempo runs: Electronic Cardio radio on Pandora.
Speed work (400m, 800m, 1000m repeats)
When I’m on the track, I rarely listen to anything. Sometimes I start off listening to some tunes during my warm-up which is one or two miles depending on the workout. But during the repeats, I turn off the music and ditch the headphones. Not listening to music in this case helps me stay focused. It’s a rare day when I can’t hit my paces during track work, and I attribute some of that to not being distracted.
Favorite things to listen to for speed work: n/a
Strength Work
Similar to tempo-style running, I listen to techno during strength work. Techno encourages me to work harder than if I listened to nothing or something I could sing to. I also listen to rap or even “nu metal” like Linkin Park (though not the newest songs because the style isn’t the same as their older releases).
Favorite music to listen to for strength work: Bone Thugs (don’t judge), deadmau5, Eric Prydz, Swedish House Mafia, Linkin Park, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, etc.
I have an eclectic taste in music — I can listen to anything from jazz and classical to jam bands and bluegrass and all the way to metal and rap. When I run I almost always gravitate toward electronic/techno because it has a great beat.
Looking for podcasts to listen to during training? Check out this list of a few of my faves!
Have a super weekend!
xo
TALK TO ME!
What’s YOUR favorite music style when you sweat?
Do you enjoy audio books or podcasts?
Loading InLinkz ...
