Monday, September 20, 2010

Recovery Run Turned Tempo Run

Ran 6k (3.8 miles) at 6:49/k (10:54).  Felt anxious about the race on Saturday so my body started fantasy running at the beginning middle and end of the race to run ... and so I followed along.  Turned into a Tempo run with me keeping my heart rate quite high throughout the 40 minutes (141 BPM).

I also put together a 150 BPM playlist.  Lots of the live performance recordings I have are pretty crappy for running music - there's like 30 seconds (an eternity) of crowds chanting and the band screaming "Are you ready?".  That stuff is off the playlist.

Still don't know if I need to take music to a 5k.  I seem to run faster with high BPM music.  What do you think, should I take music?

23 comments:

ShutUpandRun said...

I've only PR'd at a 5K with music, but that's just me. Many people would say no.

KovasP said...

I don't normally run with music, so I would say no, but it's really a personal thing.

Patrick Mahoney said...

I usually run with audiobooks. That said, for your first race you may want to leave the earbuds at home and "take in" the whole experience...

Also some do races don't allow them.

Unknown said...

Highly personal decision. I plan to run a 5K on Sunday and I *will* be taking music. But it's a fun run for me, I might have a different decision if I was going for a PR

Elizabeth said...

Create playlist, take and have with you during the race, if you feel you need it during the race, plug into it, if not, don't and enjoy the people around. The last thing you want it not have it and need it, makes for a lousy race since that is all you will thing about.

Good luck and enjoy the experience, can't wait for the race report.

Rae said...

I don't know either. For my first 5K I had music. For my second one I didn't because it looked like it was gonna rain. I did better on my second one. I doubt not having music had anything to do with it though. I have a 5K on Sunday and am trying to decide if I should take my music or not.

Kandi said...

I've never raced with music before... I sometimes train with it (when running alone) but more often than that I think I just run to the rhythym of my thoughts.

Matty O said...

I run running races with music all the time. Get pumped up and it takes me to another place where there is no pain.

Jennifer said...

I used to have music all time, thought I could not run without it, but then I stopped during hot summer as I was going out so early and wanted to hear for safety reasons, found I ran better without music. Same goes for races. Who knew!

Adrienne said...

I would take the music because you can always turn it off if you don't want it but it's there if you like. Good luck!

Neil Zee said...

not your first one. Take in the race! Soak it up! yak with your fellow runners!

Ginny M said...

I vote to bring the music, and then use it if you want it during the race. It's all about options :)

Jill said...

I'm probably on the minority here but I can't stand to listen to my own wheezing breath while running so I crank up the tunes 10 octaves louder than "safe" for a 5K. I say go with the music if it makes you speedier!

And btw, thanks for making me feel guilty about the pool - I'm on my way right after work and swimming 100 miles. ;)

Erika said...

Sometimes I NEED music to get me moving...especially certain songs. Other times I like to listen to the people...you'll have to see how you're feeling and what works best for you!! good luck!

BrianFlash said...

I train with music most of the time but never race with it. I don't want to disrespect the race by not paying attention, plus since races tend to be crowded, I want to be able to hear what is going on around me.

I use that philosophy for all distances from 5K to ultras and it works for me!

Teamarcia said...

You asked me this and I failed to answer you...until now. I was a slow adopter but I always race with music unless the race/crowds are so huge I can't hear it. I use all kinds of crazy 'house', 'techno trance' 'disco funk' kind of stuff to keep me pumping.

Kim said...

I would take the music with you, then you have it, just in case you need it.
Is this your first race? It sounds like, reading your blog, you are well prepared for this!!

Emz said...

Take the friggin music.

Zaneta @ Runner's Luck said...

I have run with music in all of my 5ks! :D

Johann said...

Nice tempo run! I never run with music so for me it will be no. I don’t even own any mp3 player. Someone says my phone can play them but I have no idea.

Paul said...

Totally personal choice.

I have some special music to prepare for races that I listen to when not running: I visualize myself on the race course running strong and enjoying everything around me. I also remember a lot of important people, places and events in my life.

Then during the race I play it all back (music plus feelings) in my head...no ipod required! ;)

If you do wear earbuds, and the course gets crowded PLEASE remember to stay to the right except when passing...just like on the highway!

The Green Girl said...

Is there a contest for the hands-down best blog comments ever? Because if there was - you'd win, my running friend.

My friends always joke that if there was a way to eat steak and potatoes on a run, I'd figure it out so lamb and tzatziki sauce isn't that far fetched for me! ::giggles::

The Boring Runner said...

I've got just the song for you. Emailing you now.