Marathon Weekend 2026

[RuntheMouse]

SAFD: I don’t listen to anything while I run. I’m very much into letting my brain be quiet while I’m out there and taking in my surroundings.

 

[MissLiss279]

SAFD: No music, no podcasts or audiobooks while running. If I have to run on a Treadmill, I will watch a show.
When I first started to run, I would listen to music, but then I joined a running group that was split into pace groups and we would talk the entire long run - so no headphones. It was great. I got used to nothing even when I did some of my runs on my own. Since COVID our running group has changed, and I switched to run/walk a year and a half ago. I still meet people to start a run, but generally run by myself. Still no music. I don’t really think about a lot, usually just the next mile, where the next turn is, watch for traffic. I don’t know how or why, but it works for me and is not boring, and time goes by.

 

[nancipants]

SAFD: Podcasts during easy runs, music for speed work (or at the end of long runs when I’m suffering). I have a specific running playlist with several hours of music I shuffle through.

 

[princesspirateandrunner]

I haven’t been on here much this busy summer, but have caught up on the thread. I’ve just started back running after not doing any runs since Peachtree. I’ve been focusing on strength workouts, walking, and a little yoga, but now it’s time to start getting back into regular running again.

SAFD: For many years, I ran mostly outside and with music. These days, I mostly run on the treadmill and watch something on my iPad the whole time. I don’t really do well with podcasts or audiobooks. I’m much more of a visual person than an auditory person, and my attention wanders more if I’m trying to run and listen at the same time.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

SAFD: when I’m outside, I have music or download Peloton classes that fit my music taste. Having the instructors’ encouragement in my headphones can be very helpful.

If I’m on the treadmill, I watch movies on my tablet, or I’ll watch rD full race videos while listening to music.

 

[DianaMB333]

SAFD: If I’m outside I don't listen to anything; I will be focused on the steps, mantras and surroundings…

If using a treadmill, I watch a show or long podcast (ie Huberman)

 

[AZMermaid]

SAFD: I almost always listen to Podcasts. Scamanda and the original Serial are my faves so if you have any recommendations along those lines, I’d love them!

Right now I rotate between Rise and Run, 3,2,1, Go and The “Shoot” Apple Podcast which is a local one in which I had almost all the hosts kids in my class. It’s mom’s just chatting mostly. I also like Sold a Story but I have to be in smart mood to listen and I haven’t been lately so I have like two left to go.

Races I generally go no headphones for a while and then a playlist.


Thank you everyone for your feedback and experiences! It gives me a lot to consider!

 

[Barca33Runner]

SAFD: Celine Dion and Metal. Or Metal and Celine Dion.

 

[nancipants]

SAFD: Celine Dion and Metal. Or Metal and Celine Dion.

“I Drove All Night” is a great running song.

 

[The Expert]

“I Drove All Night” is a great running song.

I prefer the Cyndi Lauper version though. #genX #80sKid

 

[Naomeri]

SAFD: my brain does bad things if there isn't background noise.

Audiobooks are what I use for sleep, so that's out for running. I've never gotten into the whole podcast thing. I watch movies on the treadmill if I'm doing a longer, steady-pace run, but stick with music for speed work and runs 30 minutes or less on the treadmill.

Outside, and on race day, it's music for sure (though I usually pause it in the parks because there's enough music there). I've got a playlist that's over 12 hours long, and I'll add news songs as I encounter them, so there's no chance of repeat songs on any given run. I also threw together a short, favorite-running-song playlist for 5Ks.

 

[radiodome21]

SAFD: Great question. I always need something to listen to when I run unless I’m running with my wife. I have outdoor headphones which are Bose OTA buds. I love them. Audiobooks are my favorite. If I can’t find anything free through my library app (Libby) then I’ll suck it up and buy one. I do like true crime podcasts but grew tired off having to fast forward over the ads. Plus some of the podcasts I listened to I felt could have used a better editor and been cut down a few episodes or so. I used to listen to music but stopped for the same reason as the podcasts. I always get annoyed when I have to take my phone out of ny pockets when I’m running.

When I run on the treadmill at my gym I use my AirPod Pro and still listen to my audiobook but will listen to music every now and then.

Race day is no different, though I’ll always jam out to a song at the beginning and end to keep me pumped up. At the SS 10k my wife got annoy with me because I kept putting my AirPods in. She couldn’t understand why I would sign us up for a race if we can’t run and talk together. I told her that I didn’t expect her to run with me because she’s so much faster than I am. Eventually she saw my logic and took off. And I got to listen to some Grateful Dead.