Run Faster

Tips for improving your running

Should you run with or without headphones?

October 22, 2007 By: kch Category: General Training

I never used to run with headphones, primarily for safety reasons.

Then I bought an iPod Nano, and that all changed. I ran with it almost all the time, except during track workouts. In fact, most of my long runs this summer and last were with my Nano and headphones.

Running with music is great, sometimes. It does help you get through a run when you might not otherwise have the motivation to do so. And some people do feel that up-tempo music can help you run faster, which can be true - sometimes, and for some people. But for me, not so much.

The couple of long runs I did this summer without headphones were my fastest. Why, I’m not exactly sure, but I think when I run without headphones, I concentrate more on my effort and my form which allows me to pick up the pace. This may or may not be true for you, but if you always run with headphones, you might try going without to see how it changes your run.

Here’s another good reason to run without headphones - the U.S. Track and Field Association has banned headphones in races it sanctions. Although this rule has apparently been left up to race directors to enforce, it seems that some major races are indeed enforcing the ban. So, if you are planning to run a race that doesn’t allow headphones, you probably should trying running without few times prior to the race to get used to not having music as a distraction. And, when you do run with headphones, please do it safely.

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5 Responses to “ Should you run with or without headphones? ”

# 1 crossn81 Says:
October 23rd, 2007 at 7:04 am
I think anytime you are running with other people you should avoid using headphones. Running is both an individual and group sport. It is kind of annoying in a race or group run for others around you to have their headphones on.

I never listen to mine when I’m at the local state park, too much natural beauty!
# 2 kch Says:
October 23rd, 2007 at 7:35 am
I agree, especially about not wearing headphones when running with other people. Seems sort of like going out to eat with someone and talking on your cellphone the entire time - it’s just plain rude!
# 3 jazzyjo Says:
October 23rd, 2007 at 10:48 am
I’ve never really been one to run with headphones mainly because the rhythm of the music messes with my foot cadence. When my main running buddy moved away last month, I didn’t have anyone to listen or talk to, so I’ve been taking Harry Potter on audio book with me on long runs. I’m still not crazy about being unable to hear what’s going on around me, but I like getting caught up in a book rather than having my (negative) thoughts take over my otherwise great run.
# 4 kch Says:
October 23rd, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Yes, I agree, the wrong music tempo can definitely mess with your pace.

I sometimes listen to podcast rather than music, but haven’t tried audio books yet. Long runs would be a great time to get into books that you wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to read!
# 5 Run Faster | Another Running Playlist Says:
January 30th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
[...] I’ve said before, I don’t always run with headphones, but I do like to run to music at least occasionally, and actually more often than not when [...]