It's called Running Naked
NOT this kind of naked running
you know what gadgets I mean, the iPod or the Garmin
running without one of these things is called running half naked
99.9% of the time, I am running with my ipod and my Garmin or Polar HRM
(I don't like my Garmin for running on the TM).
I find that music really compliments my running!
-if I am doing speedwork, I make sure the playlist is loaded with rock, some "angry" music or songs that really stoke up that internal fire
-for long, endurance runs I like to listen to a bit of softer music or pop stuff-Ke$ha and P!nk certainly have a way of bringing out my "dancy" side when I am out there a long time. I have been known to bust out some sic dance moves while running.
-podcasts are a relatively new addition to my iPod--there are so many quality programs to listen to and these are also great "company" on those long runs and even long rides on the trainer. Of course, most of my podcasts are about triathlon and there are several local triathletes that are on my subscribe list.
When I run road races, I do run with my iPod and create race pace playlists that are well thought out. I have my goal time in mind when I create the playlist and will put two power songs at the end. So cliche, but the Rocky Theme (Gonna Fly Now) is usually one of those last songs. Something about that song tells me it's GO TIME!
Or there is the even present Right Now by Van Halen or Lose Yourself by Eminem that are a guaranteed push for me.
Triathlon, enter stage left.
I often wonder how this rule came into play and I am certain it is a safety issue.
I have no problems running 3.1 miles without music and have raced just fine without it.
Heck, even 6.2 miles should not be that much of a challenge for me to race sans music.
BUT
Now that I am going to tackle half-iron distance it's time for me to get half-naked with my running and start training my brain to run without my friends Eminem and Van Halen
and
still be able dig deep to push on thru and hit GO when need be.
Brain Training 101
Monday's afternoon run outside was just that-my first Brain Training run with no music. It was actually quite nice. I focused on my form. I thought about my breathing. I listened to the sounds of gravel crunching under my Fastwitches. I heard the strong winds blowing right through me.
But I was still able to run my run, I was still able to hit those negative splits (8:31, 8:25, 8:21, 7:56, 7:13) with just the sounds of nature and my mind to guide me.
Granted, this was only a short run and the real tests will come later on in my training-those long runs and bricks but I am sure I will be just fine. I think I will also take advantage of finding more training partners to run and bike my days away.
I would love to hear from those of you who are logging the miles without music!
Tell me what keeps you company when you are out on the road all alone?
For those of you who prefer musical motivation, what's rockin' your playlist right now??
You entered my RoadID giveaway, right?
I'd rather be running totally naked than out running or biking without it!
