Sound vs Silence

Hi guys

We've teamed up with Nike to host a month-long debate into the pros and cons of running with music, and want to hear what you think.

Does listening to your favourite tunes help you stay fired up and focused? Maybe you have different playlists for different sessions? Or perhaps you wouldn't dream of adding a soundtrack to your daily run?

Whatever your thoughts, we'd love you to share your experiences right here on this thread.

Feel free to post comments and questions for our two intrepid journalists too, and let us know if you have any questions you'd like us to pose to the experts.

Happy running! 

silence?

Maybe Catherine means runners who wear earmuffs

 looks like an eco friendly iPod

Catherine,

 if we all put down are mad thoughts on this issue will we all get free trainers? or a free kk restraining order by any chance?

Shut your Cakehole!

(Did you see what I did there? )

No, I've deleted my message. I can't bear going through all this crap again.

Nevermind iPods - I can't get my nike+ sportband to work properly!

I don't have an iPod/MP3 because I'm technologically incompetent (and don't have a computer at home for that reason).

I can't understand why it winds people up so much!  Is it because people who run without them feel ignored by those who do?

I've even seen marshals posting that they don't call out encouragement to racers who're wearing them.  How mean-minded it that?

I love my music whilst running.  I see absolutely no reason why one should not have the choice of running with or without music.

Catherine RW - yes I have different playlists for different sessions with high tempo for speed and some funky/chilled for longer runs. It does take your mind off the pain and if you are unlucky enough to have to run on the roads (lone female runner) then it can also drown out the constant noise of cars, white van men beeping and idiots shouting silly things like "get those knees up".

I never used to run with any music playing because a) I couldn't find decent earplugs that would stay in and b) I thought it was for 'joggers' so no serious runner should entertain the idea.

 Now you can get hold of some really good sports head-sets I run with music in when I am on my own and without music when running in a group. I find music helps to stem the boredom when I am out on my own so I tend to stay out a bit longer, but seriously doubt whether it improves your running - only running with better runners does that in my opinion.  

 I say, run with music when on your own if you like, but if you really want to improve then join a club!

You could always try the search function you know ....

From a security point of view, I feel far happier running without music. 

Athletes who tune into how they feel while they run are less likely to find music a helpful distraction while, for those who prefer to externalise their thoughts, plugging themselves into an MP3 player is just one of the ways they can get the most from their training

I often 'externalise my thoughts' if that's what you want to call it but don't need an i-pod to help with that....  though if Nike have any going free  so I can trial this theory as well....  

Catherine

In what sense have you "teamed up" with Nike? Might a little bias creep in somewhere??

lol Joddly. I'm sure Nike is going to be super happy to hear more forumites prefer silence than music unless it can give them some more marketing tips... here's the current vote:

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/news/article.asp?sp=&v=6&uan=3479

When I was a slower runner I used to do longer runs with an MP3 player, however, now I find them a serious distraction... I now just have "arguments", "smack my boss" and all sorts in my mind now  as I'm running and by the time I get back home... I'm fresh, not angry and chilled for the rest of the day!

 I think people can become a little dependant on them... just go out into the hills, and run... and chill... and hear the sound of silence, it's fantastic in some places

Cheers Pug