Something I’ve been trying to do more of this year is listen to voices I haven’t before — new music, new podcasts, new audio books — because I so often find myself listening to the same ones, over and over.
The question, of course, is where do you go to find them? The internet is like walking into the world’s biggest library but all the books are on the floor. Where do I start?
So I thought I’d ask you, because this is such a supportive and helpful community we’ve created together — what do you like to listen to when you run? Whether it’s on a treadmill to help you pass the time, or what you listen to when you’re outside.
I usually only listen to music if I'm on the treadmill (then I don't have to listen to the stuff at the gym). The AI over at YouTube always puts together mixes for me: usually from dystopian movies and French pop. It also throws in some fun new (to me) finds too. When I do long walks, I listen to Spotify French Pop 2022 or podcasts.
My perfect listen is nature and my own footsteps (there should be done) and breathing. I'm one of those who takes a minimal on my run--phone (to keep my daughter satisfied as to where I might be on the trail!), house keys, and sometimes water depending on the length of the run. That's it.
No recommends on audio books except Janet Evanovich and her Stephanie Plum series. Detective stories, but so funny that you may not be able to run because you are laughing so much!
I vary between music (Pandora, SiriusXM), Peloton app, and listening to Joel Osteen (spiritual) and then there are those occasions when I forget my earbuds or phone and run in the natural 😊. At first I’m frustrated that I’ve got nothing to listen to but then I remember it’s refreshing to just run to sounds if your body. You create your own noise by the rhythm of your feet hitting the ground or your breathing etc and I can get lost in my thoughts. And of course it allows you to take in everything around you. Happy running.
I have different music playlists, downloaded from Apple, for the various runs I want to have. I have a fast paced list of songs for when I run a race and slow mellow songs when I grab my shoes and tell my wife I'm going out on a slow loop around the downtown to see what's going on... On my early Sunday morning long run... I have a playlist of my favorite songs from the 70's, 80's and 90's. I sing along in my head and and just enjoy being able to run at my age without any pain on a beautiful Florida morning...
I use the daily mixes that Spotify creates for me. It usually offers a good variety of genres to choose from and songs from artists that I listen to that may be new or all time favorites. It's always nice to find something that fits my mood and maybe find a new band along the way.
When I don’t listen to music, I am a true crime Junky!!! Must be that my father was a police officer and this stuff just wraps me up. Obviously not for everyone! Have some great suggestions if anyone else is interested….
i like to run with a training app like the aaptiv app or peloton app- you can choose trainers that you vibe with and whose music you enjoy and it sort of passes the time with good music and good running tips and reminders
I never heard of that before... I have a Peloton and listen to music instead of paying the $40 a month fee for instructors .. been spinning for over 10 years..
You have a Peloton bike and just use it to spin? You don’t follow along with an instructor? Peloton offers a 60 day free trial to the app. I’m not sure the rate of just the app. I subscribe to Peloton ($40) and I enjoy ALL the workouts it offers including going outside for a run with the instructor in my ear and music in the background too. Peloton offers so much more than just a bike workout. Happy running.
I use the free version of Pandora, on purpose. I've got a group of 5 stations that I rotate through, rock groups from the late 80's - early 90's. I actually "like" the commercials, I've learned their approximate time lengths so it allows me to feel the run time better.
When I run outside I don’t wear earbuds, but at the gym I enjoy the podcast WTF by Marc Maron or Smartless. Smartless makes me laugh. The three of them are such clowns.
Much to my surprise I’ve been enjoying audiobooks. Most of my running life I’ve listened to music, but lately I found that I’m bored with music. I never thought I would be someone who would listen to audiobooks but it turns out when I find really compelling ones I get lost in the story which means the miles just go by, and I don’t allow myself to listen to the story unless I’m running so it’s motivation to get out there.
Ironically the ones that I love the most are true crime which makes me laugh at the irony of i’m doing while I’m listening. I’m usually running alone on a trail which is the sinister background for many of the stories. Lol that delights my brain to no end however
I thought I was the only one who listens to audio books when I run in quirt area... I download them from Chirp on my phone... But, running on the street, I listen to one of a dozen playlists to keep me moving...
I'm starting to like audiobooks more and more. I have one about the Wright Brothers, by David McCullough -- I could listen to him read the phone book, to be honest!
I used to listen to only music and thought that I would never be able to run without it. Now, it varies. I still listen to music sometimes, and at times, nothing, but mostly, I listen to books and that is thanks to this newsletter. My first audio book was Running with Sherman. Just finished listening to What I Talk About When I Talk About Running which I heard about through this newsletter. So, what I'm saying is that I have no suggestions except to ask you to keep making suggestions!
I'm one of those who don't listen to anything while I run. Just want to be aware of what's going on around me. Maybe actually hear that rare bicyclist who actually lets me know they're coming. For new voices I go to book reviews and especially love when I find favorite authors of my favorite authors.
I only listen to music on my long Saturday runs. I need music that motivates me on a spiritual or emotional level or I have good memories with. On my list is everything from the Rocky theme to Boston to Christian music to Country. If it doesn’t motivate me, I remove it. My hubby saw my list once & was surprised. He needs a faster beat & likes louder music. It’s weird, but it works for me, even for races! 😊
Good morning! The Bugle and its shorter (but arguably even funnier) spin-off, The Gargle, are informative yet extremely witty, occasionally risqué podcasts on politics worldwide (with a focus on the UK, Australia, and the US) and a few pokes at corporate media. The hosts and guests are left of center, though, so it won't appeal to everyone.
I've never listened to any music/audio books during my runs. I enjoy being with my own thoughts and "solving the worlds problems" when on the trails. I can let my mind wander which helps me ease in to the day.
I'm the same way on the trails, but I don't always have the time or inclination to drive to them, or there aren't any in an area I'm visiting. In the city, where the vibe is less conducive to the brain (or my brain, at least) being able to have an uninterrupted thought, I'm always relieved if I remember my earbud (just the one, so I can hear the next thing that seems to be trying to run me over). Ideally, whatever I'm listening to in city traffic is interesting yet not so absorbing that I stop paying attention to my surroundings.
Whenever I hear a good song, I Shazam it and add it to my Running playlist. The song has to have a strong, faster beat in order to make the cut. I also do audiobooks that are library loans during training sessions. I play them back at 1.25 speed.
The Shazam trick is a great idea! If my media player's algorithm ever actually figured out my tastes, building a playlist of heretofore unknown songs from its recommendations would work, too.
Do not listen to music or any device. Running for me is meditation. I am always aware of being out in the world of nature and its beauty and sounds.
Running podcasts mostly... The morning shakeout, The Running Anthropologist, C Tolle Run
I run without music or podcasts.
I usually listen to Conversations with Tyler (by the Mercatus Centre) or Ezra Klein's podcast
I usually only listen to music if I'm on the treadmill (then I don't have to listen to the stuff at the gym). The AI over at YouTube always puts together mixes for me: usually from dystopian movies and French pop. It also throws in some fun new (to me) finds too. When I do long walks, I listen to Spotify French Pop 2022 or podcasts.
My perfect listen is nature and my own footsteps (there should be done) and breathing. I'm one of those who takes a minimal on my run--phone (to keep my daughter satisfied as to where I might be on the trail!), house keys, and sometimes water depending on the length of the run. That's it.
No recommends on audio books except Janet Evanovich and her Stephanie Plum series. Detective stories, but so funny that you may not be able to run because you are laughing so much!
I vary between music (Pandora, SiriusXM), Peloton app, and listening to Joel Osteen (spiritual) and then there are those occasions when I forget my earbuds or phone and run in the natural 😊. At first I’m frustrated that I’ve got nothing to listen to but then I remember it’s refreshing to just run to sounds if your body. You create your own noise by the rhythm of your feet hitting the ground or your breathing etc and I can get lost in my thoughts. And of course it allows you to take in everything around you. Happy running.
E
I have different music playlists, downloaded from Apple, for the various runs I want to have. I have a fast paced list of songs for when I run a race and slow mellow songs when I grab my shoes and tell my wife I'm going out on a slow loop around the downtown to see what's going on... On my early Sunday morning long run... I have a playlist of my favorite songs from the 70's, 80's and 90's. I sing along in my head and and just enjoy being able to run at my age without any pain on a beautiful Florida morning...
I use the daily mixes that Spotify creates for me. It usually offers a good variety of genres to choose from and songs from artists that I listen to that may be new or all time favorites. It's always nice to find something that fits my mood and maybe find a new band along the way.
I like older Foo Fighters, 1st wave alternative like Depeche Mode, psychedelic furs, new order, etc.
Chili peppers
I like Zac brown.
I love Disco!
Old Lenny Kravitz
New alternative: Hippo Campus, Tame Impalas, Glass Animals, Foster the People., Rex Orange County.
When I don’t listen to music, I am a true crime Junky!!! Must be that my father was a police officer and this stuff just wraps me up. Obviously not for everyone! Have some great suggestions if anyone else is interested….
Trail Runner Nation is an enjoyable podcast. The hosts are relatable and funny.
i like to run with a training app like the aaptiv app or peloton app- you can choose trainers that you vibe with and whose music you enjoy and it sort of passes the time with good music and good running tips and reminders
I never heard of that before... I have a Peloton and listen to music instead of paying the $40 a month fee for instructors .. been spinning for over 10 years..
You have a Peloton bike and just use it to spin? You don’t follow along with an instructor? Peloton offers a 60 day free trial to the app. I’m not sure the rate of just the app. I subscribe to Peloton ($40) and I enjoy ALL the workouts it offers including going outside for a run with the instructor in my ear and music in the background too. Peloton offers so much more than just a bike workout. Happy running.
E
Good topic. I am in need of something fresh to listen to. Thanks brother.
I use spotify because I can start with my favs and they will give me suggestions. Plus I can group the songs how I like
I use the free version of Pandora, on purpose. I've got a group of 5 stations that I rotate through, rock groups from the late 80's - early 90's. I actually "like" the commercials, I've learned their approximate time lengths so it allows me to feel the run time better.
Love it!!!
When I run outside I don’t wear earbuds, but at the gym I enjoy the podcast WTF by Marc Maron or Smartless. Smartless makes me laugh. The three of them are such clowns.
Is Smartless the one with Jason Bateman and Will Arnett?
Yup and Sean Hayes. They are crazy together.
Much to my surprise I’ve been enjoying audiobooks. Most of my running life I’ve listened to music, but lately I found that I’m bored with music. I never thought I would be someone who would listen to audiobooks but it turns out when I find really compelling ones I get lost in the story which means the miles just go by, and I don’t allow myself to listen to the story unless I’m running so it’s motivation to get out there.
Ironically the ones that I love the most are true crime which makes me laugh at the irony of i’m doing while I’m listening. I’m usually running alone on a trail which is the sinister background for many of the stories. Lol that delights my brain to no end however
Getting bored with my running playlist is one of the reasons I started to listen to audiobooks too!
I just wish I could download my audio books onto my Apple watch... hate running with my phone...
I thought I was the only one who listens to audio books when I run in quirt area... I download them from Chirp on my phone... But, running on the street, I listen to one of a dozen playlists to keep me moving...
I'm starting to like audiobooks more and more. I have one about the Wright Brothers, by David McCullough -- I could listen to him read the phone book, to be honest!
LOVE David McCullough.
I used to listen to only music and thought that I would never be able to run without it. Now, it varies. I still listen to music sometimes, and at times, nothing, but mostly, I listen to books and that is thanks to this newsletter. My first audio book was Running with Sherman. Just finished listening to What I Talk About When I Talk About Running which I heard about through this newsletter. So, what I'm saying is that I have no suggestions except to ask you to keep making suggestions!
Love that, Maria!! :)
I'm one of those who don't listen to anything while I run. Just want to be aware of what's going on around me. Maybe actually hear that rare bicyclist who actually lets me know they're coming. For new voices I go to book reviews and especially love when I find favorite authors of my favorite authors.
I have Asthma... the last thing I want to hear when I run is me sucking air!!! A fast music playlist propels me to go faster...
I only listen to music on my long Saturday runs. I need music that motivates me on a spiritual or emotional level or I have good memories with. On my list is everything from the Rocky theme to Boston to Christian music to Country. If it doesn’t motivate me, I remove it. My hubby saw my list once & was surprised. He needs a faster beat & likes louder music. It’s weird, but it works for me, even for races! 😊
Good morning! The Bugle and its shorter (but arguably even funnier) spin-off, The Gargle, are informative yet extremely witty, occasionally risqué podcasts on politics worldwide (with a focus on the UK, Australia, and the US) and a few pokes at corporate media. The hosts and guests are left of center, though, so it won't appeal to everyone.
Whatever you all enjoy, happy running. :)
Risqué... I like that sound of that! 😉
Ha!
I've never listened to any music/audio books during my runs. I enjoy being with my own thoughts and "solving the worlds problems" when on the trails. I can let my mind wander which helps me ease in to the day.
I'm the same way on the trails, but I don't always have the time or inclination to drive to them, or there aren't any in an area I'm visiting. In the city, where the vibe is less conducive to the brain (or my brain, at least) being able to have an uninterrupted thought, I'm always relieved if I remember my earbud (just the one, so I can hear the next thing that seems to be trying to run me over). Ideally, whatever I'm listening to in city traffic is interesting yet not so absorbing that I stop paying attention to my surroundings.
Whenever I hear a good song, I Shazam it and add it to my Running playlist. The song has to have a strong, faster beat in order to make the cut. I also do audiobooks that are library loans during training sessions. I play them back at 1.25 speed.
The Shazam trick is a great idea! If my media player's algorithm ever actually figured out my tastes, building a playlist of heretofore unknown songs from its recommendations would work, too.
Do you use the Libby app for borrowing from the library?
Our library is supported by Hoopla. We are fortunate to have a nationally recognized library system in southern Indiana.
If you like podcasts in the mode of “Serial,” there’s a great one that came out last year called “Stay Away From Matthew Magill”
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stay-away-from-matthew-magill/id1559774614
The Drive podcast by PeterAttiamd
I've gotta check that out!
Bruce.
Which album?
Bits from all that have a good beat or message, most of Born to Run.