Does music Influence your run?

How does Music Influence your Run?
So as I went for a relaxing run today, I was inspired to write more about running, because it truly is my passion. The topic of the day is with or without music? So I was wondering, how much does music influence your run? When I took a long distance running course from a Big Ten University, my instructor told us that running with music is not a good idea. I could see the instructor’s point, as I am sure you can also. Which would be that the rhythm of the music may slow you down, disrupt your own rhythm or that you could possible become too dependent on it during a race. However, I still do it till this day.

What about when you run for the pure enjoyment of it, do you think it takes away from the experience? As you can tell I’m not a famous runner, so I can disregard this valuable advice. Unfortunately I have this habit of not running if my mp3 player is not charged, which is not a good excuse at all. This may not effect you competitive runners and kudos to you. But what I really wanted this article to be about is what music brings to the running experience. Today, I started my run with a song that got me going which was Open Road Song by Eve 6. I know everyone has different tastes in music, but think of song you like to hear to get you moving. Then, I thought I was tired until my playlist changed and I was listening to a faster tempo song again. I surprised myself and really picked up the pace. Do you ever think about how you run to that beat and do the slower songs ever change your pace? I’m sure you are all thinking well of course I know that.

I recall a time when I was satisfied with my own thoughts as I ran. We all know that running by your self is enjoyable, because it gives you time to your self and so much more. I felt the runners high for the first time when I was in a relay and did not even know that it had a name. I had a good kick on the last 100 meters and gave it my all. I knew I left everything on the track that day, especially because things go dark as I was handing the baton off. You would think that I would be in agony for forcing my body to go beyond its means, but it was the total opposite. Oh, that runners high!

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Running Shoes?

Running Shoes?
I thought I would discuss this topic because it is essential for every runner to have shoes. If you’re a beginner, then using tennis shoes is basic and a good way to start. But if you’ve ran a few miles by now or even less you may already feel the wear and tear on these from the use they have been through. I know and at this point it is a better idea to consider a longer lasting shoe from a brand that is well known. The reason I suggest this is because the staying power of a really good pair of shoes will save you money in the long run, rather than having to keep replacing a cheaper pair of shoes. I do not mean that a $200 pair of shoes will last you a lifetime. Nor do I mean that you even have to buy a $200 pair of shoes. I just mean that a brand name shoe that may be a little more will be a better idea than a generic brand in the long run.

Now as far as the brand I have two favorites, and they may be obvious, Nike and New Balance.

Ready... set... "Just Do it"
Originally uploaded by TuTuWoN

Of course I will tell you why I prefer Nike. Well besides Nike being very popular while I was growing up, their credibility is what makes them stand out to me. I do not think there is anyone more credible about a pair of running shoes than Steve Prefontaine. His coach was Bill Bowerman one of the co-founders of Nike and Prefontaine used them himself.

And then there is New Balance. I did not use a pair until I was college because I just considered them a more of a walking shoe. And oh how comfortable these are, I think they are a little more pricey, but they feel good. I purchased a pair of running shoes and they lasted a really long time. And they felt as comfortable as the walking ones.

Even if you can not afford either of these brands I recommend that you at least get one of the other brands like Asics, Addidas and Reebok that have cheaper prices, instead of a generic brand. You will be thanking yourself later.

I also think that it is important to do research before you make any purchase involving athletic gear. Runner's World has an entire article on reviewing running shoes Runner's World Running Shoe Review. They also have a shoe finder to get you started in the right direction. Runner's World Shoe finder

Note: If you are interested in reading more about work out gear try Chatterbox!

References.

Nike, Inc.. 2 Aug. 2008. Wilkepedia. 2 Aug. 2008 .

Hooked on running?

Need a guide to running?
Are you an avid runner?
How long have you been running what are your tips.
This is the place for long distance runners who love to feel that runners high.
I haven’t posted any tips yet but they are coming soon stay tuned.
But here is my story I began to love running since the 5th grade when we had our field day and I got a huge rush after finishing the longest race they had. I did not win, but I was hooked.