RUNNING INFORMATION ARTICLES

Running with Music

Music can definitely provide a dose of dynamism to an otherwise boring run. Listening to upbeat tunes will surely motivate you more to keep going. Your feet will fall into a rhythm that will make the run more enjoyable and the time spent seem less. Moreover, it will help you optimize your performance.

This assumption is actually backed by the results of research studies that focused on the effects of music on athletic performance. According to results, music works on the alpha waves of the brain, which facilitate better visualization, improved concentration, and enhanced perception.

By plugging your ear phones on, you shut the noise in the environment, enabling focus and relaxation. This will also dispel stress, making you emotionally calmer and mentally clearer. However, this is a reason of concern for runners as there are risks involved.

As you are oblivious to the noise around you, you may not sense that there are oncoming runners, trail users, or vehicles. This is especially probable in urban areas. Another risk involved when running with music, albeit on a lighter scale, is ear injury, which happens if the music is always set in high volume.

You may find yourself asking what tool you would use if you want to listen to music. Well, there are different music tools you can choose from, and these include portable media players, Discmans, walkmans, or mini disc players.

Portable media players allow storage of hundreds or even thousands of mp3 files. Some of these even have dynamic features that include radio and voice recorder. Portable media players not only allow you to listen to music. You can also listen to radio broadcasts and downloaded podcasts.

Portable media players are easy to transport and convenient to use. Small and lightweight, these can easily fit in pockets and are not bulky to lug around unlike, for example, a walkman or a Discman. Walkmans, Discmans, and mini disc players, however, cost less than portable media players.

Whatever music tool you choose, it all depends upon the music of your choice to liven up your run. You can freely add any song to your mp3 files, whether it’s energetic rock or bouncy pop, or feed any compact disc, cassette, or mini disc of any artist to your Discman, walkman, or mini disc player.

Running with music or the absence of it still boils down to personal preference. Some runners may find a lot of benefits listening to music, but there are also others who would not want to miss the noise in the natural environment or pass a chance talking to other runners or trail users. In the end, it’s your choice.

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