I Can’t Run Without Music

Having no music is going to be a problem

Running is an activity I always look forward to. I look forward to my heart rate rising, the breeze as I move past the wind, and, most of all — the music.

Music and I have a deeper connection than movies and TV shows. Through music, I heal my wounds. I internalize the beautiful words and beats that lift my mood.

If you’re like me, then running with music is almost as much of a requirement as owning a pair of running shoes.

There are so many beautiful sounds, don’t get me wrong, but the music blasting sends wavelengths of happiness throughout my body as I go.

Given a choice to run with music for the rest of my life, nine times ten times out of ten, I would take the music any day. Music is fuel. Music is life.

I Look Forward to My Music

As an avid EDM (electronic dance music) listener, I love an upbeat tempo to start my days with energetic vibes. When I tie my running shoes and grab my cold bottle of water before heading out the door, I grab my phone and insert my headphones.

As with any type of pre-game I had in high school sports, music has always had a special place in my heart.

My buddies and I would bond through motivational words from Eminem’s Till I Collapse, or ease tension with a classic Party in the USA by Miley Cryus.

When the music hits your eardrums, you escape the current world you live in and enter an ultra-universe of eternal bliss.

I feel like a brand new person with my music. Oftentimes, I’ll catch myself moving my hands and head-bobbing to my music as if I’m at a live show jamming.

Having noise-canceling headphones is a huge advantage. I hear my music without the distractions of cars driving by, or my intense breathing that signals me to slow down.

We Ran Without Music During Cross Country

When I ran cross country competitively in college, headphones weren’t allowed on race day.

As with any competitive sport, I practice l play. Since our 8k races in college had to be headphone-free, I adapted. The feeling wasn’t terrible.

I was able to focus more on my breathing without headphones. Also, I consumed the lovely sounds of birds chirping and my feet hitting the elements.

It’s not all that bad running without headphones because your hands are free, and you’re able to focus on a more aerodynamic form.

My coaches didn’t mind when I practiced with music, but when it came to race day, I’d unplug and use my heightened sense of sound to my advantage.

Running is a spiritual journey I look forward to each day because of the feeling and listening to music. I escape to the world I want to live in and run with inspiration. It’s the same thing when I write. I get into my zone and feel as though I can’t be phased.

If you feel like running without headphones, go for it. Music isn’t for every runner. Some irritations include holding a phone in your hand or having a sweaty phone-sleeve sliding up and down your arm.

Without music, I wouldn’t have as much to look forward to.

Runs would be a lot quieter, which I personally don’t like. We can all have our respective music tastes and be in equally good moods as we run side by side.

Someone driving down the road would believe we’re all listening to the same song and running in stride because of music. There is complete beauty running to different beats for different days.

Some days, its hip hop with motivational words that get me going. But most times, it’s my EDM that allows me to reminisce on the many music festivals I attended. Great memories linked to music make for more positive outlooks on life.

If you ever go running with me, just know that we will have to turn around if I forget without my headphones.