no music

Friday Five: Running Unplugged

August 22, 2014 by Michelle 23 Comments

I’m joining Courtney, Mar and Cynthia again for the Friday Five, and this week’s theme is “5 Things I Love about….”

So I want to highlight some benefits of running tech-free – aka running “naked.” During the past coupe of weeks I have been really struggling with my pacing. I’ve been getting most of my mileage in, but every time I look down at my Garmin during a run I’ve been feeling very defeated as the number staring back at me has not been close to what I was aiming for – cue the negative self-talk!

So at Coach Bennett’s suggestion, I’ve put the watch away for a bit and am running by effort. I’ve actually taken it a step further this week and left the headphones behind as well – no devices of any kind (except my phone in my belt in case my kids needed me!).

Travel Light — There’s definitely something to be said for feeling lighter without all the tech stuff. No cords to manage, no satellites to find.

Less Anxiety — Knowing that I wasn’t going to have my pace reflected back at me, immediately took the pressure out of the run. I don’t think I realized how much having a number (pace) hanging over my head was upping my anxiety level.

Letting My Body Lead — There are lots of variables that can affect a run on any given day (sleep, nutrition, the previous day’s workout, etc.). Running by feel vs. my watch gives my body a better chance to adjust to those variables.

Listening to My Feet — No music means I can tune into my footfall. Is it soft and light? Am I scuffing my feet? When I hear scuffing, I know my form’s starting to fall apart.

Enjoy My Surroundings — Running tech-free not only gives me the chance to tune into my body, but to tune into my surroundings as well.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not ready to give up my running gadgets – they do provide a lot of useful feedback and motivation. But more and more I’m seeing the importance of taking a tech-break.

Do you ever run naked?

Filed Under: Friday Five, listening to your body, no music, tech-free

It’s National Running Safety Month

November 11, 2013 by Michelle 16 Comments

Did you know that November is National Running Safety Month?

Given my recent too-close-for-comfort encounter with a runner at dusk just the other day (I was driving and she was in ninja black with no reflective gear!) – I feel inspired to share a few tips/reminders to stay safe while out for your next run!

Put some light on! — Thanks to the end of Daylight Savings Time, many are now forced to log their miles in the dark. I could barely see the ninja runner because she had no reflective gear on. Reflective gear is critical! You could also consider wearing a headlamp or carrying a small flash light so you can be seen and, (just as important) so you can see what’s on the road in front of you, avoiding a potential fall.

Run against traffic — My other complaint about the ninja runner I encountered the other day was that she was running in the same direction as the traffic. As a runner you have to be on the defensive, and not being able to see an approaching car because it’s coming up behind you is a recipe for disaster.

Carry ID — I never head out without my Road ID! Whether you own a similar type of runner I.D. or choose to carry your license, in the event of an emergency, an ID could be your most important piece of gear.

Tell the when and where — If you are going to be running solo, let someone know your route and when you expect to be back.

Turn down the tunes — There’s no denying that running without headphones is the safest way to go. But, if you are like me and tunes are a must for your run, then please turn the tunes down and run with just one earbud in. Be aware of your surroundings!

What safety tip would you add?

Filed Under: National Running Safety Month, no music

Running Pop Quiz

October 8, 2012 by Michelle 5 Comments

Christine over at Big Dream Runner posted this quiz and invited others to play along. And this seems like more fun than brooding over my struggle through 11 miles this weekend thanks to an ITB flare up…so here goes:

1. FUEL: Shot Bloks, GU, Energy Chews, Candy or Other?
I’m actually still trying to figure out what works best for me. Of late I’ve been using either GU or GU Chomps on my long runs, but I’m still playing with the timing of when to take them.

2. Race Length: 5k, 10k, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon, Ultra or Other?
I love the 1/2 marathon distance! I would like to run more 10ks because I think they’re such a great mix of speed and endurance, but as I’ve mentioned before I feel like races in this distance are getting harder to find around here.

3. Workout Bottoms: Skirts, Running Shorts, Capris, Pants or Other?
Usually I’m either in a running skirt or capris unless it’s ridiculously cold out!

4. Sports Drink: Gatorade, Powerade, Cytomax, you stick to water when you run or Other?
Water or Nuun – everything else seems to upset my stomach.

5. Running Temperatures: HEAT or COLD?
Cold!! I’ve made no secret of the fact that running in the heat and I are not friends!

6. Running Shoe Brands: Saucony, Mizuno, Nike, Brookes, Asics or Other?
Since discovering Saucony Mirage and Kinvara, my closet has been dominated by Saucony!

7. Pre-race meal: Oatmeal, Bagel, Banana, Eggs, Cereal or Other?
I try to keep this consistent with my long runs, so of late it’s a Honey Stringer Waffle and half a banana.

8. Rest Days: 1x per week, 2x per week, never ever ever or Other?
2x per week — I like to book-end my long runs with rest days.

9. Music: Have to have it or go without it?
I went through a long stretch without music, which I talked about here. And while I try to get some runs in without, I definitely prefer to run with music.

10. #1 reason for running: stress-relief, endorphins, you love to race, so you can eat all the cupcakes you want, weight-loss, love running for social reasons or Other?
I run for lots of reasons, but sanity/”me time”/stress relief would be high on my list!

So how would you answer any of these questions?

Filed Under: general musings, no music, Saucony

Running without Music

June 11, 2012 by Michelle 20 Comments

Source: Gamer Melodico

I swore running without music was one of those things that would just never happen (kinda like my kids spontaneously cleaning their rooms!)

But, one of the lingering symptoms from my May malaise is that I still can’t hear completely out of my left ear – sounds muffled like I’m underwater…..so I figure running with my headphones is not a smart choice.

So I’ve been running sans music…gasp!

And what have I learned these past two weeks?

Running without music I am obviously much more dialed into my breathing. I’ve tried to start letting my breathing dictate my pace/effort before checking my Garmin.

I also have tuned in to my footfall. Is it soft and light? Am I scuffing my feet? I’ve noticed that when the scuffing starts my form is starting to fall apart.

Overall, because I’m concentrating on other things, I seem to be checking my Garmin less.

All good things, right? However, I seriously miss my tunes, especially on runs of 6 miles or longer. In fact I found myself humming Bruno Mars during one run when I was starting to flag a bit (and trust me, no one wants me to start singing out there!).

For me, music is definitely a motivational tool – especially late in a long run or during speedwork. When I get this ear thing resolved (off to the ear doc on Wednesday), I will be returning to my headphones. But, I have decided that there is valuable learning to be gained from not always having the tunes, so I will try to rely on my music less. I’m going to aim for one run a week to be music-free and, perhaps use it a bit less during my long runs.

Do you run with music? Have you ever tried to give it up?

Filed Under: no music, tuning in