Running News Daily

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.  

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.