I was pretty psyched to find this study about running with music…

I’ve always enjoyed running, but when I started training for my first marathon a few years ago, I decided to run with my iPod to help me, especially on those longer runs. I also decided that as a first-timer, I should join a group for support. I signed up for The Running Center here in NYC. It was great to have a specific training program and a coach, named Mindy, who could really answer all of your tough questions… like… will I poop my pants during the race? I had heard about this happening and sadly I did witness it once, it wasn’t pretty. Coach Mindy’s answer, BTW, was “no” followed by uproarious laughter.

Anyway, Coach Mindy was the head of the team. She’s knows her stuff and pushes all of her team members hard. She’s also a running purist and part of that includes the belief that “real” runners do NOT run with music. She seriously scolded me in front of the other team members on more than one occasion for listening my iPod. I understand you should try to avoid running on city streets with music, for your own safety, but I honestly couldn’t understand the harm when running in the park. Her reason was always that you can’t “listen” to your body, if you’re “listening” to music. Well, I rebelled against Coach Mindy and continued running with my music. I finished my first race, the New York City Marathon, in 3:25! A better time than I ever could have hoped for. I’m not suggesting that Coach Mindy was wrong, only that if something works for you and you enjoy it, go for it! This study validates my point. Take that, CM!!