Running Training: Audio Support

Yuri Elkaim, BPHE, CK, RHN
myTreadmillTrainer.com

I remember when I started running.  It was a warm summer day.  The sun was shining, birds were singing, and love was in the air.  Unfortunately, I was gasping for breath running through a very hilly trail, trying in vain to keep up with my soccer teammates.

Not a pleasant experience.

The thing that made it better, though, was an MP3 player I had decided to bring with me. Halfway through, I plugged in the headphones and started up my playlist.  That made a huge difference, and I managed to survive.

Now, years later and with many miles under my belt, I still think that of all the programs and features that I incorporate into my running training, audio support is by far the most entertaining. Now, you can get that same experience – minus the gasping for breath, thinking you’re going to croak part.

Running Training Audio – Not Just A Jam Session

Practically everyone in fitness knows the benefits of listening to music while exercising. It lifts you up, gets your blood pumping, takes your mind off of pain, and helps get your adrenaline levels going. But, listening to audio tracks while running can also serve a more direct purpose.

Whether you’re running long distance for cross-country or a 5K road race, or are hitting high-intensity intervals for fat loss or speed work for track, running training audio can help you stick to your workout. The best tracks are ones that feature your favorite music combined with audio cues. 

For example, I have one track for interval training that has four or five of my favorite workout songs (yes, including “Eye of the Tiger”; don’t leave home without it) looped, combined with audio cues.  Every two minutes, I will hear two beeps.  This tells me to pick up my pace for a high-speed interval.  A minute later, I hear one beep – telling me to slow it down.  This is especially helpful if you run irregular intervals that vary in duration. 

A Music Suggestion

The suggestion I am about to make for music to use during running may make some of you groan and roll your eyes, thinking I’m insane or a young teenager (or both). But, hear me out.  One of the best genres of music you can use to maintain rhythm while running, believe it or not, is techno.

Techno has a strong, recurring beat that can vary from a relatively-slow tempo to a fast, heart-throbbing speed that keeps your feet moving.  Because of the strong rhythm, a techno song that is matched to your desired running speed can actually help you pace yourself.

Try it out.   If you want to run a certain pace, find a techno song that matches it.  You can even adjust it in a music editing program if necessary. You will find that even when you are not listening to this song, you can still keep a good pace – because the rhythm and beat will stick in your head.

Better yet, why not try one of our Treadmill Trainer ipod running workouts which incorporates upbeat running music along with my running coaching over your headphones. It’s the perfect combination for a great run!

One note, though: If you choose to listen to techno, please leave the glow sticks at home.

=> CLICK HERE to get started with the Treadmill Trainer running workouts!