Summary

The article discusses the preferences of runners regarding what they listen to during their runs, revealing a surprising diversity of choices.

Abstract

A recent survey conducted among running groups and forums indicates a variety of auditory preferences among runners. Contrary to the author's initial assumption that most runners listen to podcasts or music, the results showed that a significant portion (42.8%) prefer to run without listening to anything, embracing the sounds of nature or the environment. Music was the second most popular choice (28.6%), followed by a mix of audio depending on mood (21.4%), and a smaller percentage (7.1%) opting for podcasts or audiobooks. The author, a podcast enthusiast, found the prevalence of runners who prefer silence to be unexpected and, after experimenting, concluded that personal preference plays a crucial role in the choice of running accompaniment. The article also touches on practical considerations such as safety concerns, the challenge of finding suitable headphones, and the potential impact of audio on running pace.

Opinions

The author is surprised by the survey results, having assumed that most runners listen to something while running.
The author personally prefers podcasts for the distraction and engagement they provide, which helps make runs easier and more enjoyable.
Some runners choose not to listen to anything to enjoy the peace and quiet or for safety reasons, to remain aware of their surroundings.
The choice of headphones is a significant factor, with different types working for different individuals, and finding the right pair can be a costly process of trial and error.
Audiobooks are suggested as a good option for longer runs, providing an incentive to run by linking the activity with the desire to continue listening to a book.
Music is noted for its ability to affect running pace, with some runners finding it helpful for pacing and others avoiding it to prevent running

What Type of Distraction Do You Run With?

A recent study throws an interesting light on what people listen to

A couple of months ago I joined a great local running group. One consistent topic is around listening to something on your run. Are you a music person, do you prefer listening to nature, or something else? I surveyed a couple of groups and forums, the results and comments surprised me.

I am 90% a podcast guy. I love the distraction, I focus on what people are saying and the run goes much easier. Occasionally I will turn to music as it can give me a lift when I’m flagging, particularly towards the end of a run. Naturally, I assumed everyone else was similar and listened to something. Turns out I was wrong.

The Results

These are the cumulative results from the survey across a couple of running forums and groups:

Don’t listen to anything — 42.8%
Listen to music — 28.6%
Mixture - depends on the mood — 21.4%
Listen to podcasts or audiobooks — 7.1%

It appears I’m in the minority! I could fit into either of the bottom categories, but not the top two. I was shocked by the number of people that don’t listen to anything when they run, it’s an alien concept to me.

As a result of the poll, I decided to give running without anything on a try. The results were pretty conclusive — I didn’t like it. I am a guy that likes the distraction of something going on. So it got me thinking about what the differences are between the options and why they work for others.

The Argument for Mother Nature

So what is the attraction to my new running friends about no distractions at all? It would appear the chief reason is peace and quiet. Getting away from the grind of work, lockdown and just letting the sounds of nature be their muse as they run. It makes sense, I love the fresh air and the freedom of running, so combining that with listening to the sound of nature is logical.

I suppose because too many of my routes are in built-up areas with a lot of traffic, I find the noise around me isn’t great. I do prefer getting off-road, but even then I still prefer listening to something.

Another reason that I do understand, is the paranoid feeling of getting run over because you cannot hear what’s going on around you. This isn’t just when crossing roads, but other runners coming past, cyclists or even motorised wheelchairs (this has genuinely happened to me).

Equipment Failure

One final reason people often give for not listening to anything on a run is finding headphones that work for them. This is a problem I have spent years trying to get right. And no one answer works for everyone.

From a personal perspective, it is only when I got AirPods three years ago that I finally found something that worked for me. I had tried overhead headphones, in-ear, wireless etc… but they were either uncomfortable or consistently fell out.

In our group, there appears to be big love for Aftershokz bone conduction headphones. I know others that swear by Beats. Unfortunately, the answer appears to be finding the one that works for you and that can be an expensive trial and error process. I know it was for me.

The Case For Audiobooks

Audiobooks are not something I had ever considered for my running but once someone suggested it, I was surprised I’d never tried it. For longer distance training, it’s something that can keep you engaged. I love an audiobook on a long trip, so, logically, it can work for running.

A great idea that someone raised was only allowing yourself to listen to the audiobook when you go running. It’s a real incentive to get out on the days you are struggling because you know that’s the only way you get to listen to your book.

Of course, this does rely on you finding a good book that you want to listen to. Having not yet tried an audiobook on a run, I’m not sure what particular type of book is better. I imagine a good comedy would be enjoyable but then maybe a thriller would be a greater distraction — if you are a fan of running with audiobooks, please do leave suggestions for people in the comments.

Music Makes the World Go Round — Or at Least My Legs

I expected listening to music to be the most popular choice. Whilst I only listen occasionally, I thought it would be most people’s answer. I’ve always liked the lift it gives me, so I prefer stuff that I can play loudly.

Interestingly, a few people in the survey have commented on how music is good for pacing. In the past, others have told me they stopped listening to music because they found it made them go too fast. This ties nicely with one of my favourite comments in the group…

“I very rarely listen to music. When I do run with music I usually run faster!”

I decided to trace a few of my longer runs from the last month and indeed I do seem to have faster split times when I’m listening to music as opposed to Podcasts, so maybe there is something in it!

My Personal Choice

As I said at the start, I’m generally a Podcast guy. And whilst not many others seem to agree, as it’s my article, I get to make the case.

I like the physical effort of running. I love the freedom and fresh air. But I can get bored. I am big enough to admit that, which is where Podcasts come in for me. You have people talking about subjects I’m a fan of, which is an ideal distraction for me. The trick with Podcasts is feeling like you are in the studio with the hosts.

For me, this takes you away from the occasional boredom of running for several hours. I can become engrossed in conversations, like I was in the pub with friends, chatting away about everything and nothing at all.

Your Personal Time

The other reason I like listening to a lot of Podcasts whilst running is that I have so many to get through! Running is one of the few places I get the freedom and time to do things totally for me.

And that is ultimately why people make the choices they make. If you want peace and quiet at this time, then don’t listen to anything. If you have books or podcasts to catch up on, then its an ideal time. For others, they love music and the adrenaline that gives them.

There is no right answer to the question of what’s the better distraction when you run. Just the answer that works for you.