Music for the Mind

Music when I run is a necessity. The strong, pounding beat starts to have an effect on my feet while I run, right, left, right, left. Anything with a fast, upbeat tempo keeps me motivated. I like Pod Runner's mixes to run to, a solid beat with a mixture of songs keeps me pumped throughout my run. The iPod is a great way to carry your music with you on youre trek, but the iPod shuffle I feel is made athletes during their workout; you would never know you're carrying an mp3 player it's so light (.55 oz. to be exact). In fact, a recent study found that running with rock or pop music increased endurance by 15%. I don't know about you, but for me that 15% is the home stretch of my 10-mile run, the moment I want to just stop and walk or the last 100 yard sprint of my recent 10k.

Some need running partners or groups (which I have never tried), but music is my motivation. If groups are your thing then this website locates a running group in your area to find others who are in your situation. I have found that when I run with others my competitive streak kicks in high gear, my times are usually faster and I find I am distracted from the physical and emotional reasons that I could stop. Next time you get in a rut with your running, try switching it up with music or groups. I promise you'll enjoy the change.