Go Faster

You can’t stop
Or I might pass ya
If you slow down
I’ll out last ya
But when you’re down
You won’t find me laughing
Just one question I might ask ya
It might sound like a disaster
Can you make this thing go faster?

Ahhh, the feeling of a well-run 20 miler where the last mile is run faster than the first! I decided to do something this weekend that I haven't done in my 12 years of running. I listened to music while running outside. I am somewhat of a purist when it comes to running. I run outside in all weather, all year long listening to the sounds of nature. Although I still prefer this and will run most of my runs this way, I needed to change my approach to some runs. I typically don't have a problem with motivation. I run 6 days, 40-50 miles a week, 20 or so races a year and 2-3 marathons a year. However, I am finding that as I age, I need a softer surface once in awhile and some jammin' tunes to keep my legs pumping like the cylinders of a 600 HP engine. I wish! Since the Baltimore marathon debacle, half of my runs have been on a treadmill which provides for some excellent tempo runs. While the tempo runs and hill workouts have been beneficial, I learned that listening to music while driving through these training sessions on the treadmill have been just as beneficial.

I ran two long runs the previous two Saturdays, 20 milers each, the first without music and the second with music. I found that I decreased my time by nearly 20 minutes on the run with music. I ran a negative split, training run at a pace of 9:33. The music helped me get through the run. Look, spending 3 1/2 hours with myself running is a tedious task. I can only talk to myself so much and what I have to say is hardly interesting. I have an up-tempo playlist of some great classic and current rock, alternative and hip-hop much of it having the word "run" or "running" in the lyrics or some other motivational element like "I'm a believer."

When I see I have to make a change to improve something, I will make the effort to be better even if it means adjusting my purist thoughts. I want to improve and will find ways to make those improvements. If it doesn't work, I'll try something else. The only failure is the failure to try and to keep trying.

I'm not saying music will make you a better runner. It will not replace training and talent but it may help training become easier, fun or focused. I think it helped me maintain pace which is very important on long runs and to top that, it helped me maintain a faster pace. I often ask, "how can I make this thing go faster?" I guess I will find out in my next marathon!