What is this Black Magic?
This was my first “long” run in a very long time. I hazard to call 13km “long,” but it’s much longer than I have done in a long time.
But, something really, really weird happened during my run today. I was really struggling for the first 6.5 km. My right foot went numb after a couple of kilometers as has been my chronic injury for months. I was hoping it has improved, but apparently not. I had to stop a lot and walk a lot. There were points where I was really frustrated and sad that running was so painful!
When I got to half-way, I decided to put my headphones in and listen to my iPod nano. And then something unexpected happened. I have no idea why, but the pain went away. I was running faster without the numbness pain that has plagued me for months. But I have no idea why! What black magic is this?
I have some theories though:
- Headphones cause me to improve my posture
- Music blocks out the pain
- Music makes me run faster, raising my heart rate to pump extra blood through my system
- Being a former band geek, I run in pace with the music, shortening my stride
I really want to know why it made the running better. Am I just masking the pain and looking at a big fall later? Or have I been a wuss and this is finally helping me get through it?
So weird…
What do you think is happening to me?
Do you listen to music when you run? Does it help?
Post details
- Categories: General Running and/or Fitness
- Published: June 16, 2013
Music can be super helpful for sure! I listen to music when I run alone, but not when I run with people (unless I’m racing and need it). I totally think (as a former dancer) that running in time to music happens and that the joy if it will block out what was happening otherwise! Go with it Paul!
Interesting… I think the music could have some sort of a placebo effect that made you forget about the pain. Maybe see how you feel the next day or on your next run with and without the music.
Personally, I pretty much never listen to music unless I’m on the treadmill. I guess because all my exercising began with swimming I just got used to not needing music.