[rEdShawks]

Does running without music give you some type of mental toughness, and is somehow better for you? I run l5k's and 10k's and some triathlons, so if i train with music will i be at a disadvantage when i run my triathlon where music is not allowed, are there any other disadvantages to music?

[Rocked]

Music really can help, just keep you going, but one disadvantage that you may have with training, is that your form will change from carrying the your music, to when your not. I never train with music now because I have a partner to train with and there is no need to put music on as we run together. The disadvantage is really a mental one as you don't have something pushing you.

[Ian Coe]

I think for really short work (say sub 1 min) music has no place because it throws you off too much.

If you're going to go for something long (say 20 min +) if you pick some music with an appropriate tempo it can keep you going beyond what is comfortable

[Revok]

Music has it's uses, but it can affect your pacing if you let it. Most serious runners will go without it during important runs in order to really focus 100% on what their body is doing.

[JinKazama]

yea it def helps but can be a hindrance if u trained with it and then u can use it for comp

[UrbanSavage]

For me I found that for the best results with running, I have to concentrate on how I'm running and my breathing and I just can't do that if I have headphones on. If I can get a stereo system or something though, while I'm working out in one room then that's beneficial. I think that for some reason, the headphones mess with my senses and I can't run at my best. If mental toughness or quitting is an issue, though, music can help you to weather the storm and continue past the point of fatigue.

[stu3ufc]

i have gone with and without-- i currently run to music-- and far more enjoy my running with music, its just more fun and can put u in a better state

if you want good concentration and mental toughness --really go without-- but u gotta be in ur own head --telling urself to run faster, harder, longer

music blocks out those crappy thoughts of "oh lets stop" "im bored, i cant be bothered lets cut it short"

i cud never lift weights without music tho--one day i forgot my music and the radio was broken --so the gym was silent except for grunts and groans---

[stu3ufc]

Originally Posted by JinKazama

yea it def helps but can be a hindrance if u trained with it and then u can use it for comp

for the fight game no

but for marathons maybe

[SnowMongoose]

maybe I missed it, but why would race organizers disallow ipods/etc for their competitors?

that being said, I have a damn hard time running, or doing most any cardio without some tunes...
I blame my ADD, but I just can't keep going without it.
(and I was diagnosed ADD before it became popular, so that's not just me making excuses for being a spazz)

exceptions being when I'm mountain biking, music only helps then on the way up, on the way down, totally don't need it then

[Biggiebrother]

i dont run with music

I let my mind wander when i run