"To iPod or Not to iPod?" That is the question. I recently read this article about the prolific use of MP3 players. The author, Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillvray, made me smile because I often feel the same way he does--alone in the sea of iPod-clad runners. He went out for a run one morning and noticed almost every single runner that he encountered (55 out of 62) had some form of MP3 player coming out of his or her ears. This is not to say that I never run with music. I even own one of those little iPod Shuffles--although I've only used it on a run a handful of times. Occasionally I feel like going out with it, but most of the time I run in silence. I like the quiet peace of being out on the road or trail. I think running is a great time to just think and enjoy the beauty of our world (see my earlier post "Why I Run.")
With that said, I admit that I do have a "Running" playlist in my iTunes. I don't know how most people select songs for their own playlists, but I have read about choosing songs with exactly the right tempos and ordered in such a way to have the songs coincide with the warm-up, work out and cool-down portions of their run. That sounds like a lot of work, and more of a hassle than I want to worry about. I have a much less scientific method of adding songs. I just chose some songs that don't annoy me (right now they are in alphabetical order). So, here are a few of the songs I like to listen to on those rare occasions that I run with my iPod:
All These Things That I've Done - The Killers
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
Chariots of Fire - Vangelis
Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
Feel Good Inc - Gorrilaz
Hook - Blues Traveler
Impression that I Get - Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Send Me on My Way - Rusted Root
Upside Down - Jack Johnson
Yellow - Cold Play
My actual playlist is much longer than this, but these are some of my favorites. Feel free to comment on my list or suggest some of your favorites. I like to see what keeps other runners going.
7 comments:
do you allow music at practice? I bet some kids say it's the only way they can run. Of course, many adults do.
I told the kids "No iPods" for safety reasons. And, I want them to listen to their coaches, not their tunes.
I do love my iPod but I don't use it on races just because there are too many people around and I need to hear what's going on...
Good list going to have to check some of those out. Bohemian Rhapsody, good idea. (My blod today has a list if you are looking for new ideas.)
N.
For whatever reason, your post is the one that's made me want to try running more often without music. I could probably use more contemplation time sans music.
I have The Killers on my playlist too!
"All These Things That I've Done" is my power song!
I have all three of my Killers cds compiled into a single playlist for my long runs. They're the perfect tempo to keep me going. And I'm always finding interesting cultural commentary in the songs too.
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