I listen to talk podcasts about different topics (like Endurance Planet) while training on the treadmill, but not music. I'm  a musician, and it drives me crazy to listen to something that is not in rhythm with my running. Outside, I don't listen to any devices, just the outdoor sounds. I like to run on a bike trail, and think it would be dangerous and irresponsible of me to listen to an Ipod while running there. I can barely hear the bikes anyway due to the wind, and listening to music diminishes the field of hearing even greater. It doesn't take much to make a mistake and step in front of a bike. I owe it to the others on the path to keep as aware as possible. My experience in races is that the Ipoddians cut in front of me more often than "nudists", though it happens from both. Generally, if I am passing another runner, and it is tight, I will say "passing on your left" and often the Ipoddians don't hear me. Those who don't think it decreases your range of hearing should speak to an audiologist. It decreases it greatly--it masks. If you leave one ear open, that alone will decrease your sense of the direction sounds are coming from, if music is playing and masking in the other ear. Socially, i never initiate talk with an "in-session" Ipoddian, whether it be during a marathon or before or after a race. It feels rude to interrupt someone's private world, and I do think in-session Ipoddians are telling me that they want their solitude. Nothing wrong with that. I'm a big fan of solitude.

I prefer to run without music, but I'm faster with it.

Why do you think that is?

There is a top 10 songs list for running out there and there are some good songs on it. For me I can't listen to music and run. I'm a no music person, no matter how far the run. I just fade my mind out and run. I have no problem hitting or holding pace. Who else runs without music? Am I the only crazy minded person?

So this means that I'm not crazy because others also run without music.

Never do.It's too distracting. I prefer the focus on what my body's doing. If I want a temporary distraction there' so much world to look at. I think it was Yogi who said "You can see a lot by observing" or something to that affect.

Never do.It's too distracting. I prefer the focus on what my body's doing. If I want a temporary distraction there' so much world to look at. I think it was Yogi who said "You can see a lot by observing" or something to that affect.

I never do while running outside, sometimes if I'm stuck on a treadmill.

Funny I read the quote, and first thought you were referring to Yogi Bear, and I said to myself, self that's more like Yogi Berra, ohhhh.. that is who PDoe meant.

I listen to talk podcasts about different topics (like Endurance Planet) while training on the treadmill, but not music. I'm  a musician, and it drives me crazy to listen to something that is not in rhythm with my running. Outside, I don't listen to any devices, just the outdoor sounds. I like to run on a bike trail, and think it would be dangerous and irresponsible of me to listen to an Ipod while running there. I can barely hear the bikes anyway due to the wind, and listening to music diminishes the field of hearing even greater. It doesn't take much to make a mistake and step in front of a bike. I owe it to the others on the path to keep as aware as possible. My experience in races is that the Ipoddians cut in front of me more often than "nudists", though it happens from both. Generally, if I am passing another runner, and it is tight, I will say "passing on your left" and often the Ipoddians don't hear me. Those who don't think it decreases your range of hearing should speak to an audiologist. It decreases it greatly--it masks. If you leave one ear open, that alone will decrease your sense of the direction sounds are coming from, if music is playing and masking in the other ear. Socially, i never initiate talk with an "in-session" Ipoddian, whether it be during a marathon or before or after a race. It feels rude to interrupt someone's private world, and I do think in-session Ipoddians are telling me that they want their solitude. Nothing wrong with that. I'm a big fan of solitude.

 90% of the time I do not run with music.Jimmyb has some interesting  music on his(http://jimmybrunelle.blogspot.com/ site.Written and preformed by him.

Music is the best way to regular your heart rate. Just be careful not to mix up your 5K race playlist with your easy run playlist.

So... whilst I hesitate to contradict people, I'm kind of perplexed by this "I'm faster with music" idea. In any race you go to it seems that the fast people don't have mp3 players - if it worked you'd presumably see some fast people all ipodded-up?