Should You Run Listening To Music? | Can Music Make You Faster?

[@filipemonteiro8255]

When I started running and participating in events, I listened to music all the time for self-motivation. Now, I only use it in treadmill runs to suppress the loud sound of the conveyor belt. On outside runs, I enjoy the peacefulness and listening to the sounds of nature and I always find the motivation to run within myself, without the use of crutches (=music).

[@sbyrstall]

Same here. The music, to me, is a distraction.

[@mr.games5883]

I felt like I ran faster with music but during races when I had no music I went faster

[@tanushbhatt1419]

Yeah I've noticed on the treadmill, hearing the conveyor belt sound just makes me more tired knowing it's all fake

[@Joel_Junior_cantor]

@@mr.games5883 I don’t know if im faster while listening to an upbeat music, but I know for sure that i do less effort if im listening to a slow/sad song, then when the song ends im like “why am i so slow?”

[@elephantom12]

No music, I just listen to the voices in my head

[@hjackbull]

I used to listen to music when I started running because I needed something to drown out the sound of my intense breathing but as I kept going with it, I started getting bored with music and started listening to poodcasts/audiobooks etc. Eventually, that got kind of boring too so now I just run without anything but my phone so I can keep track of distance and time. I'm thinking of buying a fitwatch or something so that I can ditch my phone too and just run freely. It's been quite the evolution haha

[@pleaseenteraname9414]

You should definitely invest in a watch - 100% worth it in my opinion I recommend the Garmin Forerunner 35 - very cheap, extremely functionable watch that does everything you need it to do (and a bit more) for less than £100

[@zfjames]

Second the recommendation on the 35. If you can afford a better watch, highly recommend the 245 for the training features.

[@patrick7228]

I can't imagine going back to anything else after using Aftershokz. Also, I dare anyone to run a 5k without music and then run one with your favorite music and see if you don't beat your time. Especially if the songs inspire you. Eminem Lose Yourself and Whitney Houston One Moment in Time always makes me finish strong on race day.

[@NamiseSports]

I find Godzilla by Eminem a great track to finish a workout, you should try it

[@patrick7228]

@@NamiseSports Not quite for me when running, but fire song. Appreciate it.

[@tanushbhatt1419]

Eminem Lose Yourself FOR SURE! I purposely put it near the end of my run to get that last big boost

[@tytan9139]

I run with Shook headphone all the times. The route I run is around my neighbourhood and I have no problem interacting with people walking or running passed.

[@peterdebondt2823]

When I go for longer jogs I will consider music. When I run hard it messes with my rhythm.

[@SamMartinPeakPerformance]

same here!

[@alan_oz]

I use Aftershokz headphones, Can hear the outside world while still listening to tunes. Works great.

[@bullfrogisageek]

I do as well! I'm a fan of them!

[@doom4067]

I use them mainly because they have the best bluetooth connection of any headphones I've tried.

[@MegaMagicbeans]

I wouldn't go back to any other headphone for anything after getting a pair. Fantastic bits of kit.

[@Dinckelburg]

Is this an ad?

[@elephantom12]

@@Dinckelburg lol I'm wondering the same thing

[@wolfethered7776]

I rather exercise without music or with just background music (if I'm at the gym for instance), I feel like I can get into the 'zone' easier when I can listen to my breath or my footsteps.

[@scottgibson474]

Starting off running I think music is great to help people get into it. But now I’m training a lot more often I never listen to music anymore. I’m addicted to that “mid race mental battle” feeling and I want to get used to it when I train!

[@jameschandler_]

I just came back from a run without listening to music and I really enjoyed it. My mind and ran was more concentrated and at peace

[@almorrison2040]

Amazed at no mention of bone conduction earphones. Come on Heather, try some Aftershokz.

[@ezrajordan9020]

I trained for Ironman races using music on all my swims, rides and runs. I have no problem racing well without music on race day. I conclude it is better to use the music to get the work done than to not get the work done.

[@dainerduff-dings]

That's encouraging to hear! I was worried about that because I only run on my own with music but would like to do some official long runs and I know that alot dont allow music

[@DP-sh3nk]

I agree Ezra, especially for intervals. Doing a VO2Max without intense music...Argh!!! ;)

[@jaredfink5146]

I agree. Train hard so you can be ready for whatever you're preparing for.

[@laurastadler5331]

I'm glad, you shared that, thank you

[@lucasgauci]

Best running earphones are Plantronics Backbeat FIT. They are in-ear with large and comfortable ear-hooks that hook over your ears without interfering with glasses etc. They are waterproof so you can wash the sweat off and they don't form a proper seal in your ear so you can still hear the world around out. I highly recommend them. I also connect them to my Garmin Forerunner 645 music so I don't need to carry a phone.

[@fa1coner]

Definitely aftershokz for the win. They negate all the negatives that Heather lists. Get all the benefits of listening to music and still hear everything around you and be able to carry on a conversation too. There's a reason they are the only headphones approved by the London Marathon!

[@almorrison2040]

Bang on. They are awesome.

[@Apex820]

I find running with music passes the time better. My earbuds recently died on me so I’ve been running with out till I get a new pair. 🏃🏻‍♂️

[@fuminocchi4533]

I love jogging with music to relax or just to enjoy, when I do sprints I also love listening to music music really follows me everywhere, running without it doesn't make me really too slower but my mood goes down. :)

[@christianalmanza3514]

It’s best to run at music with the bpm matching your stride. Like 175bpm 180bpm. You can adjust the tempo of a song on GarageBand.

[@AussieDad79]

I never exercise with music because it’s the one time I know my self talk is positive. I like how I think about myself when exercising. Sure, there are times when I feel like shit while training but afterwards I feel good about having done it. Even the wanting to stop dialogue isn’t self-deprecating.

[@AntonioCarlos-cd9hu]

Great job talking about music! I always do my cycling indoor sessions and gym workouts learning English with videos of GTN! (If I wrote something wrong, please tell me)

[@LSoccer_]

Your english is amazing! Maybe the sentence would sound better if instead of "Great job talking about music", maybe "Great job explaining how music can affect running!". Also, maybe instead of "cycling indoor sessions", it would sound better as "indoor cycling sessions". But these are just some nit-picky things, your english is outstanding!

[@Rudoculus]

I know about listening to music during running causing tinnitus because it happened to me unfortunately, after pushing my headphones into my ears and then going for a run, when I got home I had high pitched ringing in my right ear around an 8 tinnitus. I’ve slowly recovered now to around a 0.5 when I drink caffeine it goes up to around 1 oh and it’s also moved to my left ear! I now never listen to music when I run and I think this is also helping me recover from tinnitus. I love music. I love running! Be safe when doing both . . .

[@mvrck24]

I will also mention aftershokz. You don’t feel them, they might be fully waterproof and I still want to have my phone with me as I am solo runner/rider. The most important is that there’s no impact to your awareness of the surroundings. From time to time though I still like to run with my steps and breathing rhythm only.

[@ma1ist]

Running without music helps you stay focused on your form and breathing. The brief times I ran outside with music, id suddenly run quick paces because of the tempo of the songs and my form would also be all over the place. Only time I might consider bringing music is if I'm gonna do some 2 hr run.

[@jeremiehernandez2563]

That’s the same here. I tend to run faster and burn myself quick into my run. Running without music I focus strictly on my running.

[@evanmacdougall9715]

I started out running in high school track and cross-country in the early 1990's and the only way to listen to music while running was a walkman - but it wasn't allowed, anyway. I did, however, listen to music on the bus on the way to races and events and I always picked something to pump me up before a race and to play inside my head during the race. When I got back into running as an adult, over 10 years later, mp3 players were starting to become popular, but ipods didn't exist yet. It was easier to run without music. And then when I did get an mp3 player, I could never use earbuds because they always fall out of my ears when they bounce or my ears start to get sweaty. When I started to run regularly indoors at the gym either on a treadmill or the indoor track, that's when I first started to listen to music while running, but I had to find headphone with straps over my head or ears that wouldn't fall out. Even then, bouncing cords were always a real pain. Now, I finally have a pair of bluetooth over-ear headphones that I use while riding my bike trainer in the garage. I've run a few races while wearing different styles of bluetooth headphones, but I can't stand most of them. Instead I prefer to run without them. So when I do all my training, I never use music unless it's at the gym on the indoor track. And even then I forget to bring my headphones half the time and listen to whatever music the gym is playing. But, the majority of the time I run outside with no music because 1) safety, 2) I prefer to run without music, 3) it's easier to run without music. And then I'm prepared for my races - especially triathlons - where listening to music is not allowed. In March I ran the LA Marathon without headphones. And at no point did I ever wish I had them.

[@Mr22Auke]

I use AirPods Pro and mostly listen to Podcasts while running

[@colin7898]

Aftershock bone conducting headphones. They’re light, and the sound is great and almost on a par with in ear phones without all the negatives. Can still hear everything around you so no safety issues.

[@Robin-ie3ns]

Interesting stuff. I used to commute across central London at night with dance music at full volume, it made the whole thing feel quite extreme - but fun - with sprinting to dodge cars etc. :) However, as a general rule I find no music + listening to my breathing is better for pacing myself.

[@SamMartinPeakPerformance]

amen to that

[@Kid_ofthefuture]

OMG, I can’t do any running without running I have used it for years of training and while running music is the tool that I use to transcend on every training session. It’s going to be hard for me getting use to it. But the reason why I can hear is because I was worried about if I was going to be able to use it on my first Marathon event, Great Video Thank you.

[@cccccc499]

Music for sprinting to help with short bursts of high energy… talking/podcasts for long distance running to help keep pace

[@ytpxp83]

I listen to an audiobook to zone out. Yes, I always run alone. My headset still allows me to hear my environment, so I feel it is quite safe.

[@justalurkr]

Situational awareness is the only reason I walk without music.

[@Susanna75-r5h]

I often run with music on. When I run with someone else I obviously do not listen to music! When I run while listening to music and I meet other runners or anyone I know, I wave with my hand. Since I run in a suburb area, I make sure that music is never too loud as I want to hear traffic and I always, check for any vehicle before I need to cross the road. I definitely prefer running with my favourite music on!

[@red2lucas]

Bellbottoms got me under 25 min 5k. Best running song of all time.

[@esdraslopez508]

Thanks GTN for all this useful information! I use music every time I run or workout! But now I will consider specific sessions to use it, thanks again!!

[@youiyoui9942]

Thank you very much for making this video. You really do go above and beyond for your viewers ❤️

[@richardfauvel5978]

I have recently gone back to using music during Z1/Z2 recovery runs only for company as I usually run alone and I find those type of runs more enjoyable with music.

[@lelandquintal7184]

I love what was said about synchronizing with music. Pandora is my training partner. I will be more be watching more during hiit training, as those both running and cycling are done with high bpm music, usually twerk, house, dubstep, when i am going further distances i slow down the pace to around 120 like was stated. I usually go for pretty much all 80s music here. Long slow days i will be weening myself off of music, as i am sad to hear some races dont allow music. Oh and people who swim with music are wild. I tried it a couple times but the water that was stuck in my head was not worth it. Not sure if I was doing it wrong but underwater headphones are a hard pass for me. Great video!!!

[@haroldhdknoxstreet-glide5331]

Awesome all comments or answers and explanations from the Professor were great...lot’s of of good knowledge in one video. Big thanks 🙏

[@niravbhanot7422]

From few days you are posting the videos of my query.Earlier you posted for shin splints and now you posted this on music. 2 days back I thoughtof buying one bluetooth earphones for running but I dropped that idea because it may impactthe concentration. Now I think your next video would be on fitness band and the qualities which one band should have in it. Thanks and love from India. 👍🏻

[@johnnyb1897]

I hold my 6min/km at 120bpm music. Disco remixes are best. Staying Alive baby! ✌️🇨🇦✌️

[@amberfickes9102]

I run with music. When I started going to the track there’s people coming and going and I was really self conscious. Music helped my close them out and focus on myself. I’m more confident now but I still need something to help me relax when strangers are around. (Obviously, I’m a recreational runner and could never handle the mental stress of a race)

[@mikedav13s]

Each to their own but I’ve always run with music, not excessively loud but I do find with the Apple AirPod Pro’s they can be set to amplify ambient noise so hearing traffic is actually enhanced in this mode which is good. Podcasts are great for slow long runs too as they tend to slow you down. What is interesting is that I have a handful of favorites songs that I tend to listen to whilst running or listen to before a race. When I hear them on the radio when not exercising I have an emotional reaction and often it makes me want to go for a run.

[@HS99876]

Music sometimes when running easy, slow jogging, maybe trails! Regular runs , no music!!! Specially on hard surfaces!!! Every step needs concentration, without concentration, there is high risk of injury, knees, ankles, back,….! Every time I feel the pain in my knees while running is when my mind is not focused!!!😂👍🏻🏃🏽‍♂️☕️🥚👏🫀

[@Hansmartin25]

Try out the air pods pro combined with the Garmin Venu Smartwatch you can listen Spotify with the watch and the air pods pro are never falling out of your ears even when you are turning your had quickly An other Advantage is that you can track your runs with the watch and you can synchronize the date after the run with apps like adidas running on your phone so you don’t need to carry your phone around while running

[@aphiwemagaya3279]

I think one needs to find balance running with or without music so that in either of the cases your running does not get affected.

[@quitefar03]

how fast are your running speeds are heather? and how many years did you take to get here? just a huge admirer of your form and posture. plus full marks to the person shooting these videos especially the B roll which make you look god-like while running

[@raphaeldosson4749]

Awesome!! Thank you so much! Love it 👍

[@joerig96]

*EUROBEAT* !!! is my fav track when running, their constant beat and rhythm always help my stride, since i just a casual runner 😎

[@askingwhy123]

Audiobooks, all the time.

[@rjac001]

Sennheiser momentum, with some good psytrance, always look twice when crossing roads ;-)

[@ianpovey6331]

have to in zone 2 or i might fall asleep

[@KoenMiseur]

I listen to podcasts, I figured out very quickly that I run faster if I don't hear my breathing, also concentrating on something else also helps against the pain xD! I don't use a phone, music on garmin gps and bluetooth earphones (Jaybird Vista, don't use ipods, they suck for running) are so much better!

[@andrewtaylor5249]

Try Aftershokz bone conduction headphones. it allows for your ears to still be open so you can hear your surroundings. The new areo model is amazing, extremely light weight, wireless, bluetooth connection.

[@jsbtbplayer]

being a dream theater fan makes this difficult since i can only do it on my long runs and sometimes the time sig changes can make me fall over.

[@SaBlackRah]

I use sports headphones on my run: not worried about losing them and stay well in place. I almost always run with music unless I'm in a group / along a road where I need to be fully aware of my surroundings / feel like not having any noise for a bit (on long runs, I usually stop / start music several times). I train a lot on my own and when I need to go for long and easy runs, I do tend to find it all gets pretty boring after a while otherwise. :p

[@RenatoStuparic]

You can try Mpow Flame 2 headphones. They are brilliant for sport, you won't lose them, and their battery last for 13 hours

[@henrikrudehvid3067]

I use an Apple Watch with music on it and only one Apple earpod (have never lost it). That way, I both have music and a running watch in one, while still being able to hear cars coming etc..

[@jantan6411]

Same withe me, no need to bring phone

[@buffdraven8824]

The best Headphones for Running are the ones musicians use on stage they never fall out of your ear and are very comfortable.

[@ΠετροςΡουσσος-ε5ξ]

Wow a fellow Greek :) great info!

[@daaknait]

That's pretty interesting. I usually get a boost from upbeat music when running, but I still prefer to run without music. I'll have to try listening some beats before a run, see how that works.

[@tatjanakueth5278]

On the cons: nowadays you don‘t need your phone for music anymore. Most people already have streaming enabled wearables. For the headphones: after some research I found the Jabra Elite 75t which are amazing. They are sweat proof, sit perfectly in the ear and have a hear-through function allowing you to hear traffic or anything around you should you be running on busier roads of paths. I swear on them. I used to have the first gen airpods which started to run out of battery after 20 minutes. Really disappointing. Maybe the new ones improved....

[@doom4067]

I use a Garmin 645 music, so I don't carry anything extra. I use treks air headphones, so I can hear sounds around me. If I was in a group I wouldn't use headphones. I'm never going to be an elite runner, so I don't worry that music might negatively affect my performance.

[@theunknown21329]

I have never tried running with music because of safety reasons. It may work well but not worth the risk for me. Also, without music I can focus more on my form, breathing, surroundings and not run faster than my zone. My friend can't comprehend how I run without music and he gets bored really quickly without any lol. Each to their own I guess.

[@hurricane7800]

I honestly love both with and without music and have even started a run with music, switched it off for a bit, turned it back on.... When I'm in the forest, I go without to take everything in. Most often I'm running along a paved path by the Rhein so I use music as a tool for cadence, since I'm trying to work back up into the 175-180 range (somehow I dropped down to 160s...!) and having used a metronome to play instruments and hated it I refuse to run with one >.

[@LosEagle]

I wish the guy said more about the permanent hearing damage in long distance runs. That's like the most important part of this video for me. Does it need to be very loud to cause permanent damage? Are we bound to get permanent hearing damage when using it often on half-marathons and marathons no matter how loud or quiet the music is?

[@zyghom]

wireless in-ear-buds connected to your watch and we are talking 10-15g of excess - probably not measurable at all I would never use music on 5km race but I would probably not leave my house without music on steady/endurance 1-2h run for fun (or easy workout). Even on fast 10-15km run as well. But I would NEVER EVER NEVER take over the ears headphones as you showed in this video at 00:26 and/or the phone that is 120-150g ;-)

[@GregStew]

Very insightful!! Thanks for sharing. I’ve started running again and using Guided Runs from Nike Run Club. Also I’ve tested the Airpods and they hold up very well, especially when inserted then rotated a bit towards the mouth.

[@briannjungethairu7957]

epic, i love to use music to increase distances. Thanks good episode

[@manueltoloza6007]

Personally as a recreational runner I cannot run without music, well i could but my performance would be considerably affected, i've tried it and for what its worth musicless runs tend to be the most stable paced for me, also the most boring ones, also as someone with clinical depression working up the energy and motivation is pretty damn hard, i've tried many thing but nothing gives me more energy than loud and fast hard techno/trance or even eurobeat, and there's planty of fast pace running playlists on spotify to choose from

[@najibali2133]

I used to run with music but then my pacing was really bad so I began running with a metronome app.

[@Ocer.]

I'll just listen to this while running

[@TaitoSeanOkamoto]

Great info! Thank you 🙏

[@haroldhdknoxstreet-glide5331]

You can use Your watch to listen to music and always use earphones on that You can here Your surrounding cars bikes and so on foe safety

[@valeriag9443]

I don’t listen to music much while running but i do listen to podcasts. I feel like with music I don’t get hyped up enough or I find myself waiting for the chorus and with podcasts I just feel like there’s people around me talking

[@tim2oo6]

Garmin Music Editions or Apple Watch + Bluetooth In Ears offer all the benefits without needing extra devices or cables

[@GeraghtyB]

I almost always run to music unless I'm running with friend's.

[@leeadams2413]

No out on the streets I want to be mentaly aware of my surrondings. Maybe on the track I could give it a try. Some interesting points thou which I was'nt aware of . Well done GTN

[@gtn]

Glad you found it interesting 🙂

[@kellanstevens]

I have an Apple Watch and AirPods so I don’t need to bring my phone when I run with music

[@pleaseenteraname9414]

Lucky lucky

[@Ben-fq4wp]

Subtle flex (I joke).

[@zfjames]

Pity you can’t get good run analysis out of an Apple Watch. I have one and gave it up for my Garmin.

[@LosEagle]

Yes and quality is shit because watches can only use the worst-quality codec there is unlike phone that will always use the best supported codec by your headphones.

[@kellanstevens]

LosEagle that’s not true with the Apple Watch. It uses the sand codec on the watch as it does on the phone. Every other smart watch uses crappy codecs

[@Hunterthepunter126]

He is a scientist dj

[@Anonymous-pp8fc]

I'm a negative person and I recently started classes where we need to run a 3k on every friday / Tuesday. Because I have a negative mindset I always say "I can do it , I can do it .... i cant do it" and then start to slow down . Now today i just ran with kpop music and I aldready found myself more confident . I wasnt thinking , I was honestly having fun and my time improved . I might use it for 2 more runs or 3 more runs and boost my confidence and then stop because it messes my beat but since I'm new to running I find music helpful because whenever I'm tired or my legs start hurting I make the volume higher and lose myself to running / jogging . To think of it , I used it while skipping too and now I'm a good skipper Edit : also I used kpop so I it's the standard 8 beats so It didn't mess my beat too much

[@rudgore]

Music makes me have an inconsistent pace from the tempo of the music. Stopped listening and really leveled out my pace and now can hear cars and cyclists better.

[@jamiefuhrman403]

@GTN could you do a video on music during swimming? Would love to get recommendations on waterproof options!

[@SBoots29]

a good point is when it is Raceday the music is gone. I guess I'll have to wean myself off of it.

[@sunbros1807]

Used to hear music while running, but earbuds keep falling off. Ditched music and phone altogether. I now run with only my watch, focusing on my breathing and pace.

[@profeseurbrain6020]

I love exercise with music using an IEM. However recently my ear wax dried up. Even though I cleaned every 2-3 days. Doctor say using an ear bud is the caused.

[@ayushmishra8748]

U can buy I ball glint headphones if you don't want to carry your phone, this headphone has a sd card slot. They are durable

[@josephthompson5839]

I'm a track runner every day I run wit music it's my life skill

[@Colonel_Flanders]

I always run with headphones, but I think that's because when I started running I was using the couch to 5k app and needed them. I only ever use them with one ear bud in though. I try to keep the ear closest to the road open.

[@aaroiseverything]

I listen to GTN while running :)

[@sandralaganworth7614]

No you should not run to music. One should always be aware of their surroundings. There was a time when I didn't think I could drive somewhere or go running without music... until I tried it.

[@lukebridgwater6288]

Use to run without listening to music, did eventually get earphones for it so it can drown out the noise of other people running but after you listen to your playlists regularly it gets a bit boring so I'm considering switching to no music

[@kevinresponse8174]

I did my dissertation on this subject

[@Boost00130]

I just got a pair of bone conducting headphones that have a built in mp3 player.... so no phone needed. and at only 30g aren't adding any weight.

[@chfilms7651]

If i train alone i always listen to music. But I listen to metal, which pushes a lot. In a group I do not feel like it is necessary.

[@user-yl7lz1hm6r]

Powerbeats Pro - just like Apple AirPods but with the ear hooks to eliminate any worry they will fall out.

[@DurrtyGato]

Flip Belt for phone and car key, music Power Beats Pro. 👍

[@Dinckelburg]

Life is full of noise, the last thing I need when running is to stuff my ears with more of it.

[@Nessunego]

No music for me. I need to hear sounds from the enviroment and to listen to my body to taper my pace. I found that music distracts me from my ideal cadence, too. Just my experience, though.

[@kevinc1315]

Unless it is a dedicated race with runners only then don't listen to music while training outdoors. You NEED to be able to hear what is going on around you! It is a SAFETY issue! I am a cyclist and I pass runners all the time and often. Not being able to hear signals from others is DANGEROUS! Yes, you've probably done it for 200 years and never had a problem but I've had some very close calls with runners who couldn't hear their surroundings and signals from cyclists due to loud music. Please be considerate of others!

[@here_detty]

I tried running with music once and it went horribly. It’s hard for me to keep my tempo

[@patricialin7217]

I don’t run with music. It’s an issue of safety, unfortunately there’s too many examples where female runners have been assaulted or otherwise harrassed, and also when running in green area or trail a desire to enjoy nature. And I also have to say I consider it a crutch. I personally think motivation should come from within.

[@lofotenbajas]

Realy interesting stuff!