Occasionally, I’ll get a question or a comment asking what sort of music I listen to when I’m running.
The answer is usually: nothing–I like the sound of my own crazy thoughts. I sit at a computer or have my iPhone attached to me all day, so I spend too much of the day indoors, attached to technology. I like to run outside with no music, because it’s the closest to a bit of (free) serenity that I’ll get in New York City.
But when I’m marathon training and have covered every inch of the West Side Highway and a lot of the East River path multiple times, sometimes I need some music to tune out the “this is so hard” and “I don’t want to do this” thoughts.
Especially when my plan calls for 9 miles, 5 of them at tempo pace.
That calls for some music.
But I hate making playlists, because I get sick of them so quickly, so I rely on the Genius function in iTunes to make me a playlist.
Last year, I was really into Chicken Fried, so I asked iTunes to base a playlist off of that.
Yes, there are at least three Christmas songs on this playlist.
Yes, I lip-synced most of these songs while I was running. It was like running karaoke.
And yes, I NAILED that tempo.
9 miles, 1 hour, 23 minutes.
Tempo miles: 8:28, 8:12, 8:27, 8:42, 8:25.
And no, I will probably never share one of my terrible playlists with you ever again.
Related to my love of Apple, I can’t wait for my new iPhone to come. Maybe I won’t run with it, and maybe the home button will actually work. My phone has been operating really slowly for at least the past year, so I will probably tackle the UPS man tomorrow for my new baby.
How it made it from Korea to Louisville faster than from Louisville to New York, I’ll never know.
I’ve usually gotten the new iPhones as soon as they’ve come out (except the 3GS/4S because those were obviously just holdover models between major releases) because I’ve always been able to sell the old one on Craigslist and either break even or only come out having paid somewhere around $30-40.
One of my coworkers told me recently about Gazelle.com. They buy back your iPhone and send you money for it!
Well, okay!
There’s no fancy referral link up there, and Gazelle’s not paying me to say nice things.
This is just freaking awesome, is all.
So: music or no music while running? And did you order the new iPhone?
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Have my new iPhone, I'm enjoying it! I sometimes listen to music, I'm SUPER bummed I lost my favorite headphones on some flight I think, so I haven't been listening to music recently. I love Gazelle for a lot of stuff, but I hold on to my old phones and usually end up giving them to friends who can't afford to buy/ replace their's. It's always good to have at least one back up in the house, I think our last one went to my father-in-law! (also, don't be embarrassed of your playlist, embrace it, mine is hilarious too!)
Ok - I must confess, I totally have a ton of those songs on my iPod and by ton, I mean MOST! I usually have music on my runs unless I am running with other people. I am totally jealous of the new iPhone. I still have a few months left on mine!
1. Your playlist is awesome. LOVE it.
2. iPhone 5 envy. I can upgrade in November and I'm counting the days.
3. Come November, I am totally selling my current phone on Gazelle. Thanks for that.
4. The end.
@mindy @ just a one girl revolution.: I <3 the numbered comments. Totally my style.
Where Are You Christmas!!! That's one of my favorite Christmas songs, and I totally listen to it year round! Also, I'm sure people appreciate your lip sync running much more than my sing really loud and don't care who hears it running. I don't know how I even still have running buddies....
@Ari @ Ari's Menu: Do you sing and run? that's awesome!
Love the top photo on this post, it's gorgeous! I really want the iphone 5 but I think I'll wait until its available on my free upgrade. always have to listen to music, can't get motivated without it. Although I did once run a half without any music and just enjoyed the noise of the crowd.
@Charlie (The Runner Beans): Thanks! Go Instagram. I think I've run all of my long races without music--I love listening to the crowds or eavesdropping on other runners :)
Music is SO important! I am always adding songs to my workout playlist and have downloaded a few playlist-mixes from rockmyrun.com.
I have the new iPhone. I love it! I was very surprised that I got it on the day it was released b/c I was told by my carrier that I'd have to wait until October.
I am particularly amused by the inclusion of Christmas songs on the playlist. While it seems too early, I've seen Christmas wares out at the department stores so it seems your on trend! I rarely listen to anything (pushing stroller + music = not safe) and lately, if I do, it's Toddler Pandora to keep my, well, toddler entertained. On my own, it's podcasts. Because I'm not even cool enough to like music.
P.S. Your training schedule terrifies me. I'm in the last month of marathon training, and I haven't done near the work you have.
Love your playlist ESP Chicken Fried! As a triathlete I'm always looking for a a good playlist especially when swimming. I tunes is always throwing in a Christmas song or two.
Yes to music while running. I walk to work and lately have been catching up on NRP podcasts on my way in but walking home, I use it as time to decompress.
I wasn't going to order the new iPhone but now I might have to...thanks for sharing the info on the buy-back.
I actually gasped when I saw your playlist. Recently I have made it a habit to start every single one of my workouts with "Chicken Fried" playing in my ears. And I don't even like country music! But there's something about this song that really puts me in a good mood and makes me want to workout hard.