Music as doping

After a fabulous summerly weekend followed by a less summerly, but quie active week. I had a break from running on Sunday, continuing on Monday and Tuesday, did 2 hours Aqua sports on Thursday night. Here are my trackings:

Monday, 23.10.12:

http://runkeeper.com/user/Quissel/activity/126832291

Tuesday, 24.10.12:

http://runkeeper.com/user/Quissel/activity/126832665

But what I’d like to write about today is music and running. Why’s that?

When I started my run on Tuesday and wanted to switch on my ipod, I had to assess that I forgot to recharge my battery. “Oh no”, I thought, “running alone and no music is not my favourite thing to do.” Well on one hand it can be nice from time to time, because you concentrate more on your breath, running style and body. Besides, you pay more attention to the surroundings, the track, the nature, you hear the birds, the traffic – and the ringing cyclists I miss hearing due to the music in my ears, oops ;-)

Well, on the other hand without music a run can be long, veeeryy loooong. Especially on days when you are not in the best running mood anyway. Fortunately I was highly motivated on Tuesday and it was a lovely afternoon, the leaves shining golden in the sun.

But there’s more to music than just being a driving factor: Running experts and sports physicians did find out that the rhythm and the sound of a song can influence your training effects. Depending on your training goals, a rather aggressive or techno-ish song brings you to high performance, whereas a more slow and calm song is perfect for a regenerative run or on days when you feel like taking things easy.

I found a quite interesting article on runnersworld.de (it’s in German), which deals with the best music for running. They quote Kostas Karageorghis, psychology professor at the Brunel University in London: “When runners listen to the right music, they can improve their running performance.” 
There are many discussions throughout the running scene searching for the perfect playlist. In my opinion it’s a very individual thing, but it’s good to keep in mind that the rhythm and the speed of sound may influence your performance - and you may experience it yourself!

I prefer slower songs at the beginning of my run. At the final spurt, according to the increasing speed, I need something more rocking :-P

These are songs that keep me going…

….on the first metres:

Triggerfinger – I Follow Rivers

The Nakes & Famous – Young Blood

The Fray – How To Safe A Life & Over My Head

Bag Raiders – Way Back Home

….on the final spurt: 

Powderfinger – Baby I’ve got you on my mind

Keane – Spiralling

The Ian Carey Project – Bet Shaky

The Dandy Warhols – Bohemian Like You

White Stripes – Seven Nation Army

Korn – Word Up

Well, maybe you’ll try one of these songs and experience which effect they have on your pace and feel when running. Enjoy!

Preview: Now that the temperatures have dropped, I’ll write about running in winter next week as there are a few important things to consider!

Enjoy your weekend,

Kristin