There is a debate out there in the running world as to whether or not it is better to listen to music while you run. Some people need the beats to keep them going. Others actually feel that the music can make you go faster. I even found an app in the App Store that suggests a play list based on the speed you are hoping to run. And there are the group of runners that believe that you cannot achieve "flow" while listening to music. Me? I'm a waffler. I do not take a firm stance either way. I have run with and without music and I've had good runs (and bad runs) while doing both. I usually make the decision whether or not to turn on my play list at the last minute, or even after a mile or two. As a general rule I try to do my long runs without because most races strongly discourage or prohibit running with headphones. Today was a super cold and windy day so I decided to use the beats to keep me moving. Last weekend I had the privilege of running with my brother, Mark. It was by far the best run I've had during this training program. It's because of this I feel compelled to make a confession about my own play list.
I realize I give my brother a hard time about a lot of things. His shoes are dorky, his high school summer job was absolutely adorable, etc. But last weekend I did something so wrong I must make amends. While we were running and even after our run I teased Mark relentlessly for his play list. Here's the truth. Even though I laughed that we ran (and danced) to Party in the USA I must admit that I can counter him with MMMBop. I might even say that The Power of Love is a better choice than John Denver's Thank God I'm a Country Boy (or Country Girl...which is how I like to sing it).
I try to hide behind the likes of TV on the Radio and The Black Keys but the truth is I'm a dork too. But the great thing is I'm totally ok with this fact. As my friend Alliree says "Dorks are cool!" I'm willing to bet that some of my readers out there are dorks too. I can't imagine a hipster ever having any interest in my blog. The running play list is about getting you moving and keeping you moving. Hanson accomplishes that goals for me and if Miley Cyrus does it for Mark than that is awesome. So I'm wondering what's on your play list? What is your secret guilty pleasure that gets your butt moving? What is your MMMBop? I might be tempted to add it to my play list.
I'm a dork and I love it.
And so is my little brother!
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2 comments:
First of all, I don't run, but I have been working out and trying to do cardio at least 3 times a week. I hate cardio with a passion and music very much helps me get through it. I have my different playlists such as my cd101 songs, dance/workout playlist, but sometimes I just shuffle... Today somehow I got stuck on George Michael and it was fun listening to him (newer GM not old GM, not that it matters). I have a wide variety of tastes, and I like what I like. I even have Ke$ha on my ipod, so I say it's hip to be square!
I love the post Laura! You are too hard on yourself! We are not dorks, we just know how to motivate ourselves like you said. Just because we don't listen to the hip and coolest music doesn't make us any less motivated. I appreciate the apology, but you know it's not needed!! Lol, I love you sis!
One thing I have found is that my running playlist is extremely vast, everything from Miley to Mozart. Mostly, the music I run to has a good tempo or rhythm to keep me going like you mentioned, but some of the songs evoke emotions or thoughts that have a more dramatic affect on my mind and focus... like a song that reminds me of Dad. Everyone uses different ways to motivate themselves, dorky or not. I say, if "MMMBop" is the way you keep your feet moving, then by all means, keep the Hanson Brother's rocking!
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