
Article ·
Running with music is one of the most common habits among today's runners. For many, going out to train without headphones is almost unthinkable, while others prefer total silence. Is it really convenient to listen to music while running? Let's reflect on this topic together.
Benefits of running with music
It's proven that music has a positive impact on our physical and mental performance. Some of the main benefits are:
- Reduction of perceived effort
Listening to music can make a tough workout feel more manageable, helping us to overcome long distances or intense sessions.
- Regulating pace
Songs with an appropriate rhythm can act like a metronome, helping us maintain a constant cadence during training.
- Increased enjoyment
Music can transform a running session into a pleasurable experience, especially if we enjoy a motivating playlist or one filled with our favorite tracks.
Risks of running with music
Despite the benefits, there are situations where headphones can become a problem:
- Danger in urban environments
When running in the city, it is vital to stay alert to traffic and pedestrians. Music can distract us and reduce our ability to react to unexpected situations.
- Disconnection from the body
In very intense workouts, listening to music can make us ignore the signals our body sends, like shortness of breath or extreme fatigue.
- Isolation in group training
If we train in a group, using headphones can break social connection, losing the valuable motivating component and camaraderie that training with others brings.
When is it a good idea to run with music?
Not all training sessions are the same, and music can be an excellent ally in certain circumstances. For example:
- Long and low-intensity runs
For relaxed sessions in controlled environments, like the countryside or a treadmill, music can help us avoid monotony and enjoy the time.
- Solo training
If you don't have company, a good playlist can make a workout less tedious and more entertaining.
And in competitions?
In some organized races, using headphones is prohibited for safety reasons. But beyond regulations, running without music during a competition allows us to:
- Experience the race atmosphere
The encouragement of the crowd, the sounds of collective footsteps, and shared enthusiasm are an essential part of the experience.
- Listen to our body
Without external distractions, we can focus on our breathing, pace, and physical sensations, adjusting our strategy in real-time.
If you're someone who needs music even in competitions, a trick could be to keep the headphones stored as an "emergency resource." If you reach a critical point, a motivating song can be the push needed to finish successfully.
Conclusion
Running with music can be an ally in certain training sessions, but it also has its risks and limitations. The ideal is to know when to use it and when it's better to disconnect and fully focus on the environment, our body, or the company.
As runners, our goal is to find the balance that allows us to enjoy and improve in each session. Music is a powerful tool, but it shouldn't be a crutch. Sometimes, leaving the headphones at home can be the best gift we give to our mind and body.
And you, do you run with music or prefer silence?