The Running Thread - 2019

[FFigawi]

@Bree hope you recover quickly

 

[camaker]

This question's been asked before, but I'll ask it again: Do you listen to anything while you run, or are you alone with your thoughts?

It depends on why I’m running.

During training runs I listen to audio books. They help occupy my mind while the body clicks off the miles. I do use Aftershokz headphones so I’m not isolated from the environment for safety purposes.

During races I don’t listen to anything. I want to be able to focus on the task at hand and be very aware of the feedback I’m getting from my body, the course and the runners around me. One exception to this was at the end of the 50 miler I ran recently. I carried the headphones with me and put them on for a much needed burst of energy from my favorite music the last few miles of the race. It was nice to have that to fall back on, if needed.

 

[huskies90]

This question's been asked before, but I'll ask it again: Do you listen to anything while you run, or are you alone with your thoughts?

I have a 50+ hour playlist that I always stream on my Apple Watch to my Jaybird X3 Bluetooth headphones. I love not having to carry a phone and having no headphone cord. The fit and and sound on the X3’s are amazing when u wear them with the memory foam tips. They expand in your ears and make the headphones “noise isolating” which is not quite noise canceling but make it very hard to hear anything even with them turned all the way down. Probably not the safest situation when running on busy roads but I love them and love getting lost in the music while running.

 

[rteetz]

Do you listen to anything while you run, or are you alone with your thoughts?

Yes almost always except for runDisney races. Training it is always podcasts or music. rD races I don't because so much is going on.

 

[JulieODC]

I avoid injury by cross and strength training, and wearing the right sneakers, and changing them out when needed.

I always listen to podcasts -but I switched to aftershokz headphones, so I can still hear everything going on around me (cars, people, animals).

 

[Waiting2goback]

I seem to have acquired some sort of injury to my heel (I suspect plantar fasciitis as symptoms seem to fit this - worse on initial movement, goes away with more movement)! I tried to ban myself from running, but this ban didn't last long and I just went out for an easy 1.5 mile run today - fingers crossed it doesn't get worse.

This is putting a bit of a damper on things though - had been planning to do a half in June and maybe Wine&Dine in November (this would be my first runDisney in the US), but now I'm having doubts about being able to do these if my heel keeps hurting...

Anyway, kind of related to QOTD - I've never run on roads - as have only lived in cities where sidewalks are everywhere! Though currently I find myself dodging cyclists a lot during my runs (not quite the same as dodging cars I'd imagine)...

GET IT CHECKED OUT BEFORE IT GETS WORSE! if it is plantar fasciitis it could be an easy fix. I had it in 2015. I ran with it all summer until I couldn't take it anymore. I finally went to the doctor and found out that's what I had. And all I needed to do to fix it was rest and stretch my calves. Had I know that all summer I could have saved myself some painful miles. It hasn't come back since.

QOTD: What do you believe is key to preventing injury as related to running?

ATTQOTD: I think and I say this with little to no scientific reason to support it, that easing into running and making slow progress may be the safest way to prevent injury.

There is a way to prevent injuries and nobody told me this? Seriously though, in my case my doctor said there is nothing I could have done. It's the way my ankles are made. The tendon just keeps slipping out of place on both ankles and the rubbing on the bone caused the tears. Having said that, I have begun adding in strength training and I did my first yoga last weekend. My goal is to strengthen everything I can to make my tendons less of the load carrier. And now I will be running with braces on both ankles once I start back running.

This question's been asked before, but I'll ask it again: Do you listen to anything while you run, or are you alone with your thoughts?

So far I've almost always listened to music on my runs, and I have a few playlists for the purpose (including a custom Disney playlist). I've tried podcasts and struggled with them because they take up too much of my attention...and because it's hard to run and laugh at the same time. Once or twice now I've tried a relatively short run music-free (the last was a 3 mile run in January because I forgot my phone at home and didn't want to drive back from the park to get it). It wasn't as stressful as I thought it might be to lack the distraction, but I wonder if the fact that I pushed myself too hard on that run has anything to do with not having a distraction and/or wanting to get the run over with. In general I'm someone who usually has something going on to occupy my brain, but I'm not sure if that's an argument to keep doing the music thing since it's what's normal for me, or if it's an argument to unplug and take my runs as time to be alone in my head. I'm also thinking ahead to races--the last 5K I ran, I ran with music but kept the volume very low so I would hear any conversation around me. I'm not sure if a silent half marathon is something to strive for in June or if music would help me with what will probably be a difficult race. I do think I will need to start training without music more often if I want to go without it for a race.

What's everyone else's audio habit? Is it different when you're training versus when you're racing?

I listen to podcasts while training and music while running. Podcasts keep me slower during training and music pushes me more during a race.

 

[Waiting2goback]

 

[AntimonyER]

ATTQOTD: I have focused a bit more on avoiding injuries since my first injury over christmas. Right now I am retiring a pair of shoes with 5 runs on them because I have decided they are too small. (Thankfully not going to waste, my son is quite quickly catching me in shoe size, they will go in his closet and in a year or two will be his I am sure.

In regards to music - If I am running on a dedicated running path or on the treadmill, I like to listen to music or audiobooks. But for street running, I like to stay fully aware of my surroundings.

 

[TheHamm]

QOTD: What do you believe is key to preventing injury as related to running?

ATTQOTD: I think and I say this with little to no scientific reason to support it, that easing into running and making slow progress may be the safest way to prevent injury.

(1) Being aware of my body and pulling back or taking a day off
(2) Good Shoes
(3) Yoga and a bit of strength training- snow shoveling works this time of year for core and upper body
(4) Sleep

This question's been asked before, but I'll ask it again: Do you listen to anything while you run, or are you alone with your thoughts?
What's everyone else's audio habit? Is it different when you're training versus when you're racing?

I do not wear headphones when running in my neighborhood because I think it is better to hear things coming for me.

I sometimes wear headphones when running on a closed track. We have a track at work and there is a lot of wildlife around to listen to- birds, squirrels, frogs, and deer. This is my normal run. I like to listen to Another Mother Runner because I am fine if I miss 10 seconds and it makes me laugh some but not as much as say a comedy podcast. It is helpful to laugh or smile a bit but too much and I have to stop. If I am really dragging toward the end of a run I will switch to music. I looked like a total crazy person belting out Feliz Navidad running around in December, and I do not care. Also, the earbud cuts down on wind in my ear canal, so I tend to wear them more during winter and should probably find better gear if this is a real problem.

I wear headphones when on a treadmill. I had a hard time with watching Netfilx as so many other do, but I have found that I can wear headphones and watch fluff

I have generic ear buds that need to be replaced because one side does not work. As garmin replaced my defective VA3 with the VA3 Music (if your altimeter is off and it is still under warranty call them! They know it is a problem and they told me the sensor is different on the music and replacing the non-music with the same product would probably end up with the same problem. Probably they should redesign this?) I am considering some aftershokz but I cannot bring myself to pull the trigger.

 

[jmasgat]

Injuries: I think they just happen regardless of how much one tries to train smartly. I have had injuries even after "doing things right", i.e. training at the proper volume and progression, yoga, strength training. I'm sure I'll have more going forward. Just need to deal with it.

No music for me.....except the songs I sing in my head. The other day it was Moana music, since the movie was on over the weekend, along with Harry Nilsson, since I just finished watching Russian Doll and his song Gotta Get Up was the main theme.

 

[PrincessV]

Well, I have a diagnosis and it's not good, but it could be much worse.

I'm so sorry you're sidelined for a while, but glad you got a solid diagnosis and plan for recovery! Hang in there.

This question's been asked before, but I'll ask it again: Do you listen to anything while you run, or are you alone with your thoughts?

Both! I'm a HUGE music fan and in my younger days with fewer life obligations, I spent plenty of time doing nothing but listening to music. I don't have time for that luxury anymore, so I listen while running. But that doesn't diminish my ability to let my mind flow freely! I'm a writer and often do my best work while listening to music, and listening while running frequently allows new ideas to surface and get rolled around a bit.

 

[camaker]

I am considering some aftershokz but I cannot bring myself to pull the trigger.

Aftershokz are great! Pull the trigger! I’m very finicky about my equipment. I don’t like the feel of earbuds shoved into my ear canal, I constantly yank corded headphones out of my ears one way or another, and I like being able to hear what is going on around me. Aftershokz solved all of these issues for me.

 

[Neon Cactus]

This question's been asked before, but I'll ask it again: Do you listen to anything while you run, or are you alone with your thoughts?

I listen to music when I run. I got wireless earbuds last year and they are much better and they allow me to hear more of what's around me. I've listened to it during the marathon as well but keep it turned low to make sure I can hear other runners around me and both times I've run it, I've turned the music off once I get to EPCOT to really take in that last part of the marathon.

As far as preventing injuries, I just try to build up my running distance and time and not try to do too much too fast. And I feel a lot of it has been luck with me. For my first marathon in 2016, I didn't have any issues. I did the same level of training for the LA Marathon the following year and had IT band issues. Fortunately, I have two daughters in dance and they had the foam rollers and other things to help that got me through that marathon. And for this last one, again, no issues. I think consistency in training and keeping my fingers crossed will hopefully get me through this next year with no issues.

 

[PkbaughAR]

Aftershokz are great! Pull the trigger! I’m very finicky about my equipment. I don’t like the feel of earbuds shoved into my ear canal, I constantly yank corded headphones out of my ears one way or another, and I like being able to hear what is going on around me. Aftershokz solved all of these issues for me.

I totally agree! The money I spent on different headphones/earbuds before I found Aftershokz was a lot more. I tried everything from corded headphones which always fell out, over the ear models like beats, and the suction in your ear kind which felt weird and made feel uncomfortable that I couldn’t hear things around me. I bought my Aftershokz at the Wine & Dine expo in 2017 and they are still going strong. The battery life is great, and they are comfortable for me to wear with sunglasses and a hat. I did buy the smaller size so if you are thinking about buying some, it might be good idea to see which size is most comfortable for you. I really want a pair of the new air model but can’t justify it when my originals are still so great!

By this is I guess you can tell I’m always listening to something while I run-music, podcasts or audio books. I run a closed loop in my neighborhood, so hardly any traffic to worry about.

ATTQOTD: I’ve only been running less than 2 years, W&D 2017 was my first race, and I am still learning how to listen to my body to avoid injury. Thankfully, I’ve not had issues, but since I started running later in life (48), I still have a lot to learn!

 

[sky13]

Want to ask - has anyone here tried Oofos? Are they as good as they seem to be for reducing feet pain after a run?

Anyway - went out for another run today. Since I now have this annoying pain in my left heel (which I suspect is plantar fasciitis) I was very conscious of trying to land mid/forefoot rather than on my heel - interestingly this has led to a much faster cadence/run and my first ever 10 minute mile pace (for 2 miles)! Maybe this is a better form for me?

This question's been asked before, but I'll ask it again: Do you listen to anything while you run, or are you alone with your thoughts?

I always listen to music - these days it's one of the local radio stations. I find it helps distract me from how difficult my run might be. Occasionally my music cuts out due to signal issues and then I get very aware of how hard the run is...

I have a pair of Plantronics Backbeat Fit that have lasted me almost 3 years and I love them! They don't create a full seal so I still get some background noise - handy for listening out for cyclists and dodging cyclists on my running paths...

 

[Miranda]

I always listen to something, unless I forgot to charge my earbuds. I have some Jaybird BlueBuds X, although mine died and now I'm using SO's and they're nearing 4 years old so I don't know how much life they have left in them. Considering some Aftershokz, but I also pair with my laptop/iPad for coffee shop working or traveling, and would prefer earbuds for that.

Shorter runs, I listen to music. Generally EDM, pop/dance, hip hop stuff... no set playlists, I just have an Apple Music station that is seeded with a David Guetta song and let it go from there.

Longer runs, I listen to podcasts.

 

[MissLiss279]

Want to ask - has anyone here tried Oofos? Are they as good as they seem to be for reducing feet pain after a run?

I love Oofos! I have had several pairs, and I think they feel great after a long run. If you may be having planter fasciitis pain, then I think they would be very good for you since they offer support for your feet.

 

[camaker]

Want to ask - has anyone here tried Oofos? Are they as good as they seem to be for reducing feet pain after a run?

Anyway - went out for another run today. Since I now have this annoying pain in my left heel (which I suspect is plantar fasciitis) I was very conscious of trying to land mid/forefoot rather than on my heel - interestingly this has led to a much faster cadence/run and my first ever 10 minute mile pace (for 2 miles)! Maybe this is a better form for me?



I always listen to music - these days it's one of the local radio stations. I find it helps distract me from how difficult my run might be. Occasionally my music cuts out due to signal issues and then I get very aware of how hard the run is...

I have a pair of Plantronics Backbeat Fit that have lasted me almost 3 years and I love them! They don't create a full seal so I still get some background noise - handy for listening out for cyclists and dodging cyclists on my running paths...

Oofos have a fanatical following. They seem to be one of those things that you either love or hate. Personally, I find the arch to be way too high on them for comfort. It feels like I’m walking on a teeter totter. I prefer the Hoka Ora recovery slides. You may love them, though. My advice is to be sure to try them on before buying, just in case.

 

[YawningDodo]

I podcast 99% of the time. Need that voice in my ear to keep my mind focused. Tried a 15k in November without it as I was doing the race with DH and really struggled to stay focused and on pace. For the marathon in January, in addition to the podcasts, I had 5 hours of high tempo music loaded in case I needed it - a nice drum beat helps when exhausted - and was thankful for it since I needed it the last few miles.

It depends on why I’m running.

During training runs I listen to audio books. They help occupy my mind while the body clicks off the miles. I do use Aftershokz headphones so I’m not isolated from the environment for safety purposes.

During races I don’t listen to anything. I want to be able to focus on the task at hand and be very aware of the feedback I’m getting from my body, the course and the runners around me. One exception to this was at the end of the 50 miler I ran recently. I carried the headphones with me and put them on for a much needed burst of energy from my favorite music the last few miles of the race. It was nice to have that to fall back on, if needed.

I suppose my concern is that I'd kind of like to run races with no headphones/earbuds so I can fully engage with the race...but I'm worried that over a long distance I would get bored/too aware of the run and feel worn out by it if I'm not used to running without music. Maybe I'll plan on no headphones for the half marathon in June, but load some music on my phone (not going to count on getting reception to stream on a Montana highway) and bring the earbuds in case I need the boost. But then, I was surprised on my last "silent" run how much I liked hearing the birds at the park. Maybe I'll start doing some with and some without; my weekday runs (when! I! can! do! them!) are in my neighborhood, and especially with winter I should be more aware of my surroundings since cars generally can't stop quickly even if they see you. Did enjoy my Disney tunes on the rower this morning, at least.

Hearing a lot of great things about Aftershokz in this thread! I'll have to keep an eye out for them and see if I get a chance to try before buying at the local sporting goods store or a run expo down the line, since that's a lot of money to spend on something without knowing if it will fit well.

 

[LSUlakes]

QOTD: What is your favorite season of the year to go for a run and why?

ATTQOTD: I am going to go with early spring. My long runs arent as long and it's still cool early in the morning.