Why we perform so much better at races vs training runs + my marathon playlist.

It is always interesting to me that on race day we are able to pull out paces that we wouldn’t normally be able to do in training.  Sure there are races where things just don’t go our way and there are factors that take us away from our goals BUT there are a lot of things that help us to preform our very best at our races.

Here are some of the factors that I find help me to run faster and endure longer during a race compared to my training days.

***Course support.  Having water/gatorade/gus accessible every mile or so helps me to run so much faster compared to my training runs when I drink less and have to stop at drinking fountains or for a water bottle.

***We actually pay attention to getting enough sleep leading up to our races.  Normally I think we put sleep last on our priority list and that absolutely affects our training runs.  We show up on race day with plenty of zzzzzzz’s.  PS remember it is the night before the night before the race that really matters so don’t worry if you have a bad night of sleep the night before the race.  IE my marathon is on a Monday so Saturday night I will be taking my sleep seriously and wearing earplugs and an eye mask.  I’ll be out for a solid 8.6 hours.

***The awesome spectators cheering you along.  When do we get that amazing pump-you-up factor during our training runs?  Usually never (but if you do, that is pretty awesome and I want to go running with you).  I don’t know about you but all of the signs, cheering and people yelling your name (I put my name on my shirt for the NYCM and it was incredible to have so many people saying my name) make my legs move a lot faster than they do on my training runs.  Let the crowds fuel you!

NewImage

***Your muscles are finally recovered and pumped to do the work.  During training cycles you are doing your long runs and speed workouts on tired legs.  Not for the race (as long as you taper properly).  Having fresh legs works miracles for the time on the clock.

***You save all the best for race day and the best makes you run faster.  You are wearing your favorite outfit and shoes.  Your playlist is full of the best of the best which scientifically (or in my mind) makes you cruise.

***You are surrounded by 100s or even 1000s of other runners.  Just knowing the people around me are experiencing the same feelings of fatigue/exhaustion as me makes it easier for me to keep pushing myself.

***Adrenaline.  This can either make or break you so be careful!  I feel so much more adrenaline at a race vs a normal training run.  Don’t go out too fast because you are pumped up with adrenaline but make sure to spread that adrenaline out evenly along the course to ensure that you don’t die at the end.

***If you are competitive by nature then you most definitely will be running faster than you do during any of your training runs because heaven forbid someone pass you:)  I struggle with being competitive… I’d advise you to never play Monopoly with me.

You’ve got a lot of potential!  Remember that on race day and let these things help you to uncover all of that potential!

————————————————————————————-

Because why not wear headphones around the house without them being connected to anything?

IMG 0448

Okay, so my dinner doesn’t look very appetizing but it is a new easy, favorite meal of mine.  Salmon topped with Trader Joe’s pesto.   Holy cow.  It was perfection.

IMG 0456

My mom, Brooke and I went and saw McFarland USA last night and it was beyond incredible.  I cannot recommend it enough.  Such an incredible story and it made me love running even more.  It also brought back some fun teaching/cross-country coaching memories for me:)

IMG 0461

Going off of candy and ice cream at the same time would be insanity.  In case you are wondering how Brooke lasted in a non-cartoon movie…  she actually watched the first half (while snacking on things) and then played games on my phone and walked up and down the aisle for the second half.  We were in the very back and there was only one other person in the entire theater sitting in the front.  It worked out quite nicely.

NewImage

It was a gorgeous night.

IMG 0457

————————————————————————————–

I plan to listen to music for about half of the race (on hills I especially need some good music to keep my legs moving) and so this playlist is about 90 minutes.

These are my current power songs and I can’t wait to rock out to them next Monday!

PS just like the rest of my life, my song selections are extremely random but I love each song either for their fast beat, their lyrics or a nice combination of both.

Royal Blue FS 216

Irresistible by Fall Out Boy

Kotov Syndrome by Rise Against

‘TIll I Collapse by Eminem

Savior by Rise Against

Sweet Nothing by Calvin Harris

Lips Are Movin by Meghan Trainor

Bleed It Out by LINKIN PARK

Du Hast by Rammstein

Can’t Hold Us by Macklemore

Dance, Dance by Fall Out Boy

I’m So Sorry by Imagine Dragons

Stronger by Kanye West

Collapse by Rise Against

Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars

All I do is Win by DJ Khaled

Sandstorm by Darude

300 Violin Orchestra by Jorge Quintero

Pain by Jimmy Eat World

I Lived by One Republic

Not Afraid by Eminem

Faint by LINKIN PARK

Misery Business by Paramore

Remember the Name by Fort Minor

Turbulence by Laid-back Luke

Papercut by LINKIN PARK

—————————————————-

What percentage of the time do you listen to music during a race?

What factors help you to run faster/endure longer at races compared to your training runs?

What songs are you loving to listen to these days while you run?

Do you feel like you are a competitive person?

You May Also Like

88 comments

Reply

I’ve never raced with music! I started out not doing it and I don’t want to jinx it now, plus I’m just not used to it. I’m also always amazed what I can pull off on race day, I think it’s plain stubbornness plus adrenaline that does it! I can also be competitive so that plays in too.

Reply

I’m embarrassed to say this but if I’m running by anyone, anyone at all, a stranger, a guy, a lady, I speed up.

I know, I’m a narcissist. It’s all good.

Reply

lol I knew my running twin was out there somewhere!

I do this even when I’m walking; speed up and power walk to pass people. Now as I type it I see how that is kind of embarrassing haha

Reply

Nah, we’re just competitive, that’s all ;)

Reply

I also always find it so amazing that we are able to run way faster during a race than during training – now I know why.

I really want to see that movie too – hope it comes to SA soon!

Reply

I normally don’t listen to music while I run, but I did during my race on Saturday and it really kept me moving. I also love some Rise Against while I run – it really makes me keep my cadence going and kick into my competitive mode. I also love to listen to Matt and Kim while I run!

Reply

– 0.0%. I don’t listen to music while I run. The headphone chord bothers me :)
– The crazy amount of energy at races help push me along. I also think it’s the Gatorade stations!
– Again, I don’t listen to music when I run. But my favorite pandora station is Today’s Hits :)
– I don’t think I’m very competitive. I just go out and run races to have a good time. Honestly, I’m never too upset if I don’t hit a PR or place well. I’m in it for the experience :)

Have a great day!!

Reply

I always race with music. I cannot imagine not doing it. I’m in Germany this week and went out on the trail yesterday morning. For a minute, I thought my headset was dead and I wouldn’t have music. I freaked out for a minute until I realized it was actually not turned on.

Reply

It just depends on the race. I’ve raced with no music before and I’ve raced with music the whole time. At a race like Boston, I use my music for less than half of the race because there is SO MUCH crowd support. It’s incredible.

I think part of what keeps me going is the will to finish. Even if I’m feeling really, REALLY bad, I still want to see the finish line and to get the finishers medal. I know how hard I worked and I’m not going to fail (unless it would be physically harmful to me of course).

I listen to alot of Wakey! Wakey! When I run. It’s not ‘traditional’ pump me up music, but it totally works for me!

I am competitive with certain people. Just depends on the situation I guess.

Reply

So glad you posted about this.!! I always think about how easier races are than training runs. Well to do faster paces.!
I am a veryyy competitive person. I think the main factor that plays a role is I always look at the next person in front of me and my goal is always to just keep going for the next person .
I listen to music most of the time. That could easily change though. Before I listened to it 0 times. Just what faze I’m going through

Reply

I actually have never listened to music during a race, and I hardly ever use it while I run, unless I’m on a treadmill. I feel like I go faster without it. I’m not sure I could deal with the possibility of the earbuds popping out or the cord getting in my way or having to carry a phone in my hand.

I LOVE crowd support along race courses, especially when there are bands or music along the way. Also, knowing my family members are waiting for me at the finish line always helps me run faster.

I am a very competitive person–sometimes I think almost too competitive. But, I guess that’s beneficial on race day!

Reply

when I read water/gatorade/gus, I read gus as Gus and immediately thought “Gus, Gus” from Cinderella. I don’t know, I’m tired.

I think the spectators do it for me! It’s great when they are at random spots throughout the race, but especially towards the end when you think your body is about to give out- and it very well could be, ha!- but you have all these people who don’t know you yelling. It’s great.

I listen to music throughout an entire race, it’s my best fuel! And I may need to steal that playlist for whenever I race next. The songs and the order you put them in IS science Janae, you are so smart don’t let anyone tell you different ;)

Reply

I listen to music the whole race, although I’m considering trying to save it until partway through so I listen to my body and don’t go out too fast. Competitiveness plus the taper help me do well during the race, plus I’m super goal oriented and get upset if I miss a goal.

Reply

My fiance is just getting in to running (we ran his first 5k this weekend!) And it was tough explaining to him how he’d be able to run faster and longer in races than we do in training. I’ll have to share this post :) I love your playlist and I’ll have to add some of them to mine! I always listen to music, unless I’m running on trails (safety first!)

I also posted a race playlist on my blog today, and my favorite song on it is probably “I Can’t Stop” by Flux Pavilion..especially when I really want to stop!

Reply

Brooke in big headphones! Aww. And Trader Joes is awesome. Did you hear they now have pretzel croissants? I need them in my life!

Reply

Oh man my adrenaline levels before a marathon are ridiculous. It’s the best drug in the world!

Reply

That salmon looks delicious! I’ll have to try that next time I get the ingreds at TJs!

I’m definitely a competitive person with most things. I think it’s the first born, type A personality in me. ;) I’m especially competitive with board games!

Reply

I listen to music if I am by myself but if I have a friend running with me then we usually chat the whole time. Also, good choice on the salmon. Pesto is the best thing ever created.

Reply

You’ll be amazinnnnnng at Boston!

I like to listen to songs that make me want to dance and then I do dance moves in my head. We runners are weird. ;)

Reply

I am not a competitive person but races do definitely make me perform much stronger from the crowds and adrenaline versus a routine long run! And you and me both lately with Fall Out Boy – I am obsessed with listening to The Phoenix over and over while I run lately! Quickly add it to your list!

Reply

I brought music to my last race because I was determined to BQ and wanted to focus. I ended up listening to it for about 2-3 miles. The rest I met others along the way and focused on my surroundings!

Reply

I almost always listen to an audiobook (long and/or easy runs) or music when I run. Most of the time I’m not really paying attention to it, but it’s great to have the beat and not have to hear my own breathing or footsteps. My everyday playlist is absolutely full of Fall Out Boy and Paramore. I am running my first full marathon on Saturday and I have been putting my playlist together. There are currently 58 FOB songs on it…I may have to make some cuts :) You should definitely check out some of their older music if you like the AB/AP album- they are fantastic for running.

In races, I try not to listen to music until a few miles in so I don’t go out too fast, and it helps a lot. It’s always the worst when “Can’t Hold Us” comes on in mile 1 and you’re like HERE WE GO! I’m a really competitive person, and generally run solo so being in a race atmosphere with others around me always gets me pumped up and ready to run!

Reply

Probably 100% of the time during races. I tried your method of not turning it right away and it didn’t work for me! I needed the noise to block out my thoughts I guess! I usually end up singing along and not thinking about running.
I am a competitive person but definitely not with my running. I’m so slow. I’m competitive at other things especially softball. Although I’m definitely not as competitive as previous years.

Reply

I typically listen to music during the whole race unless I’m running with the bestie, and then it’s chatting the whole time ;)

The crowds definitely help me run faster and I try to remember that this is what I’ve been working for.

I am mostly competitive with myself.

Reply

I usually don’t listen to music on my training runs, unless it is a long run by myself. For races, I have it on low the entire time – almost like a safety net. However, no music on trail races – too many obstacles and narrow paths.

I completely understand the competitive nature. Even on race days when I know I am not feeling 100% and tell myself that I am just going to have fun, I cannot help but push the pace and always shoot for that next PR. I guess that is partly why we all continue to run – we are always looking to get a little better.

Reply

I needed this reminder that my legs will work on race day. They felt so heavy this morning!
I wear my earbuds but only turn my music on during a tough portion of a race…usually miles 17-22.
I actually wrote in today’s blog that I am not competitive at all! I would happily make friends during races and cross the finish line with my new friends. :)

Reply

I ALWAYS listen to music…I had one half marathon where I didn’t and I did well, actually, but music really helps me stay focused and on pace. You have some great ones on there, but I also still love listening to Katy Perry’s “Roar” when I run! Taylor Swift’s “Out of the Woods” also proved to be a great track for speed when I did my last 5k. :)

Reply

I agree that races allow me to push harder and run faster than training. Mostly I think I can’t carried away with all the runners surrounding me. It’s an energy that pulls you.
I am listening to uptown funk on repeat lately.
I usually like to save my music until mile 20 but sometimes I’ll put it on at the half or if there is a section of the race with no supporters.

Reply

I am super competitive but I am so used to losing so it evens out in the end. Du Hast => awesome song and makes me giggle all at once!

I love some of Kelis’ songs!

Reply

I have been a huge Green Day fan forever, but I found a live album to download, and I LOVE running to it. Hearing the audience screaming/cheering and the band’s live energy pumps me up!

Reply

Oh my goodness…reading this entry made me want to sign up for a race tomorrow. I usually listen to music during a race. Red Hot Chili Peppers and Eminem really gets me moving, but I also like to find someone that I think is faster than me and try to keep them in my sights the whole time and if I end up passing them it is the best feeling!!

Reply

My husband is not allowing me to run with music on the Boston course! He’s running with me and swears I will not need it. He said there is so much crowd support that I’ll be missing out if I have my music. So, I’m going with that plan, although it might be tough to listen to myself panting for 26.2 miles!!
Love that you have Du Hast on your playlist!

Reply

I usually listen to music for the last half of a race. I’m always way too pumped during the first half and need to focus on keeping my pace under control!

Reply

Having other racers around me definitely increases my abilities. I focus in on someone I want to beat and that’s that!

Reply

It’s soon! Can someone clarify with me the rules on listening to music while racing? I’ve been in many where it’s not allowed…of course I still stuck them on in a couple of races, trying to hide the wires in my shirt. I like to do a lot of my training runs without music though too to get used to the “Mental Monkey” that always plays up telling me to quit, I’m too tired, I can’t do this, etc. It’s good to learn to deal with those thoughts cause music may cut out or not be allowed. Love the playlist! And definitely want to see that movie now…it’s just new in theatres now or out on video?

Reply

I run with music all the time. It’s not recent music, but it’s fun and fast music that keeps me going.

Reply

heads up that there’s a typo in your title. Perform vs. preform

Reply

Thank you so much for catching that!

Reply

Isn’t the race environment just amazing? I love how it can bring out the best in our ability. I have never actually listened to music during a race before, but can’t train without it. So weird. Ha, I love that you have Du Hast on your playlist. I hope you are saving that one for one of the larger hills. :)

I am definitely a more competitive person (only child) so the race environment really helps me to excel. I really perform better with adrenaline and other people around. Even if I am out on a training run and there are other people around, I will run faster. I think I get it from my mom.

Reply

YES. I am competitive. I am one of those people, who, if I’m losing at Monopoly will straight arm the whole thing off the coffee table and shout, “SEE?!? Now NOBODY WINS” and then run to my room to cry. Anyway, yeah I can never believe the paces I can pull out of my back pocket on race day. It’s a pretty incredible phenomenon!

Reply

I would say my races are 80-90% music. I love my music and it keeps me happy and moving. If I see huge crowds or things going on I will totally pause it or turn it off but otherwise, my headphones are in! Funny story: on the way to my first marathon I wanted to plug my iPod in to get pumped up and the only song that would play was “Beautiful Day” by U2. It was the only song on my iPod and there were over 20 copies!!! Luckily my husband figured out what happened and fixed it but holy freak out!

I’m absolutely competitive! I was a music major so I’ve always been and totally carried over into running even though I’m fairly certain I’m never going to place or win any awards ;-). One of my favorite songs right now is “I Lived” by One Republic. You should add it!!!

Reply

I don’t race but I think I would listen to music because I train w/ music. I get super excited when I download new music to listen to! I would FOR SURE wear my name on my shirt because I feel like hearing “go Susan” would be extremely motivating!

Reply

At my last marathon I listened to music for the second half of the race. I feel like it really PUMPED ME UP for the last 13.1 miles! I am diggin’ “fight song” by Rachel Patten right now.

I am definitely competitve and push myself WAY more at races than on my best training runs

Good luck next week!!!!!!

Reply

I hate doing races without music…the tunes keep me motivated SO much! I like your plan of listening to them halfway through, its a good one!!

Now I am trying to figure out how I can see McFarlane before Marathon Monday….I need to see it!

Reply

I am always surprised at how competitive I am and how much that helps me pull out reserves I didn’t know I had to keep going.
My bf went to the school that McFarland triumphs against in the movie. He is so mad about it. I’m not sure if we’ll go see it or not, but I’m sure I’ll hear about how wrong it is if I do even though he wasn’t in highschool at the time the movie takes place. Most the kids on his team were as poor as the kids from McFarland.

Reply

I save my music to switch on from about mile 16-18 onwards, depending on how I’m feeling and what the support is like. It’s nice to have something in the bag for when you’re really feeling it!

Reply

I use music on my runs, but never during a race. With the exception of my marathon. I still haven’t decided if I’ll use music for the NJ marathon or not.

I’m definitely really competitive, both with others and with myself. I’m always trying to catch the person in front and me and to come out of the race with a PR. This marathon i’m going for a BQ.

Favorite song right now is Fight Song by Rachel Platten

Reply

those are such valid reasons for why race day is always better….i totally think it’s mainly the crowds for me!

i’m usually all about music while running although i’ve thought about giving podcasts a try sometime. jessie j has some good beats to run to!

Reply

I have been obsessed with “I’m So Sorry” by Imagine Dragons ever since you posted it last week. I have been listening to in on repeats on a lot of my runs! So good.

I usually don’t listen to music at all during races but I have yet to race anything longer than a 10k, so I feel like that will all change :)

Reply

I have never listened to music during a race, but maybe I’ll try it sometime – your playlist is great!!
I love hooking in with other runners during a race, but I am a bit competitive also, which I think is good during a race!

Reply

I have been listening to Sia’s “Elastic Heart” on repeat. It really just makes me feel so powerful. I guess all of her songs kind of do that but this one just crushes my soul in a seriously awesome way.

Reply

Thank you for this post. I needed it today after a less than ideal run last night that left me in a mental funk for the rest of the evening. You are spot-on with all of the reasons races tend to be better than training runs (must remain positive!).

For me, training for Boston has not been the best; I developed a knee issue that has not gone away, so I’m taking it extra easy during taper week and am not going to try to PR during the race. I just don’t think I’m at the point physically where I will be able to attempt to run at the pace I would need to PR, which is going to be tough for my competitive side!

Thanks also for posting your playlist! I’m still adding to mine and will probably add a few of your songs as well. :) The first time I actually listened to music during a race was last September, when I qualified for Boston, so maybe it’s good luck :)

Reply

I run with music 100% of the time. Well, not ALL the time, in reality. The only time I’ve ever done a race without music was at the 26.2 With Donna marathon in Jacksonville Beach, FL. My iPod must have been on and drained during the flight to the race, and I stupidly didn’t check it until I was in the corral. I started freaking out that I was going to do an entire marathon with no music (and I had the best playlist!) but I had a good time and PR’d.

I’ve been obsessed with “Run Boy Run” by Woodkid–this is a pedal-to-the-floor power song if ever there was one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmc21V-zBq0

Reply

Same story here….I always have music at marathons except for one time I forgot it, (Phoenix marathon), and PR’d.

Reply

Sandstorm brings back all kinds of memories of junior high in the 90’s!

Reply

Look up Michelle Lewis’ song RUN RUN RUN. Watch the video – it’ll bring a tear to your eye, and you’ll want to add it to your playlist. She is an artist from Boston who wrote the song in response to the events in 2013 and filmed runners training throughout the polar vortex to take back 2014. The Hoyt’s allowed her to film them training for their last race together. YOU’LL BE SO INSPIRED BY THIS SONG!

Reply

I’ve been listening to podcasts lately while I run which are probably not at all helping keep my pace up but I feel smarter once I’m done and it takes my mind off the actual running, haha!

Reply

Hi J! Speaking from minimal race experience, I can still totally agree that all the pieces fall into place on race day. You are so right that you’re basically in your prime and are ready to kill it. Maybe that’s a case for running more shorter races during a training? So you can feel the effects of those too? Nonetheless, great post! :)

Reply

I used to HAVE to run with music. Now, I rarely run with it. Not sure why.

I think your list on race day is spot on. The only thing I would add — caffeine. I usually don’t drink any caffeine the week leading up to the race, then I have tea before the start and gu’s with caffeine during. I don’t know if it really helps me or not, but I’m saying it does. So it does. :)

I’m a fairly competitive person. Though not as much as I used to be. And not much at all in my running. I’m not that fast, so my competitiveness is more along the lines of passing people in the last few miles of the race and making it in the top 1/3 of my age group.

You live in such a beautiful area. Those mountains are gorgeous.

Reply

I usually listen to podcasts while I run, sometimes music, but I have to be listening to something. I hate it when races ban headphones!

Reply

I truly feel like spectators make ALL the difference for me!

Reply

I have one ear bud in the entire race but it tends to just become background noise. I’d say that I’m actually paying attention to the music about 25 percent of the time (usually the final stretch)

I’m a trail runner and my races tend to be quite small. You may not see another runner for miles and there aren’t really spectators. What really pumps me up is usually the thought of reaching the summit where I’m awarded with a breath-taking view for my effort.

I’m a competitive person but….I don’t really have ambitions to “win”. I’d rather focus on beating a PR than having a podium finish. Trail racing I think is REALLY different from roads. It’s more sociable. When I am with another runner in a race, it’s more likely that we’ll talk for a few miles than be worried about who is going to beat who to the finish. Not to say, there aren’t competitive trail runners but I still believe it’s a different type of experience….

Reply

Mmmmm. That salmon looks and sounds delicious. Feel free to make me some and invite me over anytime.

Your play list looks spot on. I have always used music for the last miles of the race. It helps me push through and gives me something to look forward to.

I am competitive in some ways and not in others.

You are going to rock Boston. Would it be too much to ask for you to face time me the whole race??

Reply

If I’m racing I’ll normally start listening to my music somewhere half way into the race. I consider this my treat. When I pop those ear buds in I get that second wind. I’ve been listening to the same techno playlist for the last 12 YEARS on my runs alone. I know, crazy! It’s like my comfort blanket. haha!

I’m excited to checkout the new RunBase exhibit on Bolyston. It’s supposed to be a museum all about the Boston marathon. Put it on you list of To Do!

Reply

I am mostly a run by feel runner.
So when I actually train for something, and then wear the garmin on race day, i get super excited to hit my splits. Hearing the mile beep, and hitting the split exactly gives is like a little happy pill for the next quarter mile.

Reply

‘Til I Collapse by Eminem is my all-time favourite running song! I’m going to select a very strategic spot to put it in my half-marathon playlist. :) I don’t do short races with music, but I ran about the last 2/3 of my half marathon with it, and I will probably do the same again! It is just a very long time to be running with no distractions. ;)

Reply

When I’m running by myself, I’ll listen to music (usually an upbeat Spotify station) at a normal level but if I’m racing, I’ll take one earbud out and turn it way down. The tempo of the music in the background keeps me on track but I can feed off of the noises and energy around me.

Reply

I highly recommend the Lost Kings remix of I Bet My Life by Imagine Dragons and the I Lived Arty remix! They are really upbeat and two of my favorites for my spin classes and running. GOOD LUCK!

Reply

I haven’t listening to music while running in ages. I’ve found that it annoys me more than anything. Instead, I’ll listen to podcasts, but even more lately, I’ve just been going without anything at all! I’ve found I enjoy the peace and quiet of running a lot.

Reply

Question for you: I noticed on your About Me page you are a heel striker. Due to IT Band issues that WOULD NOT go away I went to PT/Running Coach. She did an assessment and said I am a heel striker and if I change to mid-foot I would not have the IT Band issues like I do.

In your experience, is this true. I have been trying to change to a mid-strike for a few months now and it is NOT fun.

thanks, Jenny

Reply

I am always amazed when I pull out a faster for me time in races.

Side note – another kick butt song for your play list, its a real pumper upper!

Fire by Gavin DeGraw

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Reply

I usually listen to music 100% of a race (unless it’s an ultra), but I regretted having my ipod last year at Boston. This year, I want to let the crowd inspire me instead, so I’m going music-less. Yikes! My “go to” speed song is Flo Rida’s Right Round. It’s definitely not my cup of tea outside of running, but there is something about that beat that makes my legs wanna move! I am HUGELY competitive, but only when running. If I see a ponytail up ahead, I want to pass it! I’ll try to rein that back on Monday, though, and just enjoy the experience. :)

Reply

I always listen to music during training runs (if I’m alone), but NEVER EVER during a race. I don’t want to miss one part of the race’s sounds…especially for Boston. OMG. The crowd support is INSANE-O in Boston! If you do listen to music, please make sure you turn it off at around mile 12…which is when you can start to hear the girls from Wellesley College screaming – but they don’t actually appear until around mile 13…that’s how loud they are screaming!

Reply

I basically never comment because…well, I’m more of a lurker by nature, but I have to say that I want to high-five you for putting a Rammstein song on that playlist. My playlists are basically 99% Rammstein these days, so obviously I approve of that choice. Listen to Sonne, Bückstabü and Asche zu Asche: they are absolutely amazing to run to…and just to listen to in general.

Back to lurkdom!

Reply

Jess! I am so glad you came out of lurkdom:) Thank you so much for the recommendations! Can’t wait to try them out. Have a fabulous day and high-five right back at ya.

Reply

I totally agree with the last two on the list! I mean I agree with them all ha, but the last two are big ones for me :)

Reply

I agree with you completely… I feel like I feel ten times better at the start of a race than I ever do when I’m beginning my training runs. Probably the well-rested feeling, but being surround by 100s of other runners that are feeling the same exhaustion as I am about half way through really makes me push just that much harder!

Reply

Excellent playlist!! I was just having this conversation with my training partner about how race day is always better. I think especially when the course is novel, and there are interesting new things to see and experience on a run it absorbs your brain and makes the run seem easier. That and motivation to not get passed!

Reply

Loving your playlist! I usually don’t listen to music while I run, but that’s because I always run with someone, and we talk. ;) And also, I never run more than like 3 miles at a time, sooooo that might change once I up my mileage!

xo

Reply

We should all indeed walk around with headphones, so cute!

Reply

Great post! At this time next week we will be massaging and foam rolling more than ever!

I only use music when I run indoors. When I’m outside, I appreciate the quiet and the sounds of nature, especially in the early morning! It’s so serene.

For racing, especially at Boston where the entire course has such amazing crowd support, I like to feed off that energy as opposed to listening to music. I think you will find you aren’t going to need the music to keep you going…seriously! It’s unparalleled.

Perfect example is my first Boston in 2010. I had broken my shoulder on Xmas in 2009 (I was already registered for the race). I started running again in March…so I trained for one month and had worked up to 13 miles. I decided to run and see what I was capable of, knowing I could run at least 13 miles. Well, due to the crowd support (and many of the factors you listed above) I was able to run 20 before walk/running to finish.
There is not one spot along the course where you are not fueled by the boisterous, friendly, supportive spectators.

PS. Have you tried roasting your salmon with Dijon mustard, dill, and white wine? It’s super easy and so yummy!

Reply

I usually race with music, though a lot of races near me are “strongly discouraging” ipods. I don’t usually pay too much attention to my music, but I love having it for tough spots in the race.

I think the energy of the other runners and the spectators is what makes such a big difference in a race. Plus wanting to get a good time.

Uptown Funk is the best to run to right now, and anything Linkin Park.

I’m a competitive person, but I keep it in check or I wouldn’t have fun racing at all.

Reply

Amazing playlist!!

Reply

How lucky that you guys almost got a private showing of McFarland USA.

Out of all the marathons I’ve run, I’ve only listened to music at one (North Face DC), and I never take my iPod to shorter races.

Reply

Blackout by breathe Carolina keeps me moving at the end of a race. I can’t reun without music, I like the songs I can sing to or have a fun chorus line.

Reply

Love the playlist!

Reply

I know I am late to the game on this post, but I am putting my playlist together for a half I am running in a few weeks. Did you know that there is a dance remix of “Titanium”?!?! It is awesome for running. I first heard about that song from this blog, and just thought you might want to know. Good luck in Boston!!!

Reply

I will be running my first half marathon tomorrow and these tips are awesome! Thank you1

Leave a Reply to Molly @ Motherhood and Marathons Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *