Why I Don’t Run with Music and Never well

Many runners today plug into playlists, podcasts, or beats to help get them through a run. For some, it’s motivation. For others, it’s a way to pass the time. I get it—and I even enjoy hearing music at races. It adds energy and lifts the atmosphere. But for me personally, I don’t run with music—and I haven’t since 1965.

(The second photo is definitely not me because i don't wear headphones running.   The third photo is me after finishing 10.7 miles today at our Anderson Manor Retreat in Monforte da Beira Portugal and with nothing in my ears.)

I did try it once, back in high school. I had a little transistor radio and some simple earplugs. I ran with it one time. That was my only experience with music playing in my ears during a run. It didn’t click with me. I’ve never tried it again.

To be honest, having music constantly in my ears made me feel uptight. I didn’t feel free. Running has always been my way to unplug from the world and truly relax. When I run, I don’t want to be distracted. My focus is on the movement, the breath, the effort. I don’t want to drown it out with my favorite songs. Let me listen to those before or after a run—or even externally, like when I hear a band playing as I charge up Hayes Street Hill during Bay to Breakers. That kind of energy adds to the experience. But during a solo run, I prefer to keep things quiet.

Now, I absolutely enjoy music in other settings. On a plane, for instance, I always use good headphones to drown out engine noise. Music becomes part of the escape in that environment. But during a run, I don’t want to escape. I want to be present—with my body, my stride, my breathing, and everything around me.

Whether it’s one mile, ten miles, or 26.2, I don’t need to take my mind off of running. Running itself is the high.

For others, music is part of the journey. For me, running is best experienced unplugged.

posted Thursday June 12th
by Bob Anderson (Founder My Best Runs and Runner’s World)