Okay, I have no ode-writing skills whatsoever, but I liked the title so I’m sticking with it, even though this post is ode-free. If I could write an ode, though, it would certainly be to my iPod. I’ve been training and racing sans tunes for over six days now and I am so sick of hearing my own breathing!!
Last Thursday was a bike ride day and I never, ever wear my iPod for biking. The mean streets are dangerous enough when I CAN hear cars around me, I sure don’t need to make myself any more vulnerable. Friday was a day of rest before Saturday’s race. I chose to race on Saturday without my iPod and I definitely regret that decision, since I might have been able to muster up a little more ooomph with Gwen Stefani rocking my earbuds. (I’m over it. Really. I just keep thinking about it, is all.) Sunday I biked again, and Monday I swam. I know there are waterproof mp3 players, but I haven’t forked over the money for one, so swimming is a (relatively) quiet activity, too. Yesterday I did a short bike-run brick, and knowing that I can’t wear an iPod at my tri under penalty of DQ, I went about it tunelessly.
I couldn’t wait to lace up my shoes this morning and pop that iPod into my arm strap. Woo hoo, sing it to me B.o.B.! Let’s go Black-Eyed Peas! Your music is my drug Ke$ha! 3.1 miles later I had rocked a 7:42 pace.
40% of the responders to a poll on runnersworld.com say they’re most dependent on their iPods to get through a run, and I would definitely put myself in that category. How about you: does music make you move it??
Rad Runner says
It most certinly makes me move. A long race, with no music (ipods are not allowed in some races I hear) sounds like a night mare…
I can do it, I have tried it. But I like it, I want it, The slow songs litteraly make me slow down, the fast songs, pick my butt up off the ground.
Dear Pink Ipod, I love you.
Aimee (I Tri To Be Me) says
I would say that I definitely have used my iPod to get me through a run. On my long runs I love to have my iPod with me, but sometimes on shorter runs, I just like to go without.
Average A says
I’m about 50/50 with music. I train with it, but I don’t really listen to it. It’s more like … uhhh … a distraction from how much pain I’m in, ha! During races, I generally don’t have it on at all. I like paying attention to what’s going on around me and taking in the sites and sounds of the crowds. Sometimes I’ll put them in if I’m feeling sluggish, but most of the time the earbuds will be in with nothing playing. It’s pretty weird, I know. 😛
AM-GoalsfortheWeek! says
Hi! Thanks for the comment.
and funny, w/all my training, i haven’t ran w/music for probably almost 1 yr. isn’t that funnY? I’m actually now so used to focusing on my breathing/cadence etc, that the music would mess it up for me.
i think i’m in the minority though w/this…;-)
Johann says
I never run with music and don’t have an iPod. Yes, you get people like that!
Heather says
I’ve never run with music either…guess I don’t know what I’m missing and I’m used to it by now.
Char says
I did a half marathon once without music but I had one song playing on an endless loop in my head. Pity I only knew four lines of the song.
Chelsea says
I don’t always have my music with me – but when I need it, I NEED IT! I also usually end up listening to the FM Radio on my Nano instead of music I download. I don’t know why – but I like the chatter of the DJs to keep me company.