Running In Silence is Golden!

Many people that partake in any kind of aerobic activity(i.e elliptical, walking, jogging)have a habit of listening to music when they are participating in such activities. If you asked me what I like to listen to on a regular basis to keep me in a upbeat mood, I would probably tell you my Pandora music stations consist on Mary J. Blige, Israel Houghton, MaryMary, and a host of other artist I consider examples of true inspiration. However, when I am running (especially when I am running on the open road), the music I listen to most often is the environment that surrounds me. My preparation for this year's Black Girls Run! "Sweat With Your Sole" 10K race will be no different than how I approach my other runs. I am looking forward to running the Charlotte course with nothing but air flowing past my ears.

When I first started running, of course I didn't think I could get through a run without music. In fact, I credit Martha Munizzi for getting me through my very first 5K! There were many times during the race I wanted to stop, but I felt like the music pushed me to keep going. As I became a more experienced runner(and I use the term "experienced" loosely, I am definitely not an expert by any means), I decided to explore the art of running in silence. For several months I suffered from plantar fasciitis, an inflammatory condition which involved extreme heel pain during my runs. I decided I needed to tweek my running technique and decided the best way to do that is to be more cognizant of how my foot hit the ground during my runs. Running without music has allowed me to pay more attention to my feet, recognizing when I am slapping my foot down too hard and should be running more on my forefoot. Running in silence has also helped me to pay more attention to my breathing. A lot of people feel that music helps pace their breathing. Perhaps. But for me, there is something very spiritual about listening to how air comes in and leaves out of your body. I am fully aware of when my breathing is "out of whack" and I internally cue my self to slow down in order to recover. I personally feel that music would distract this process for me, and that I am a better runner because I run in silence.

Another benefit of running without music is that I am able to pay full attention to my thoughts and surroundings. Funny thing is, when I run, I can't tell you what I am thinking about. I would dare to say that I probably am not thinking about anything at all, which is is a nice break from reality. Sometimes, if I feel moved to do so, I pray during a run. I have said it before, that running is my sanctuary. This is the best time for me to tap into my spirituality. If I am running alone, I also like to be aware of my surroundings not only to appreciate the beauty of what is around me, but for safety reasons as well. I can hear when a car approaches, or if a person walks up suddenly upon me. Now, their is ONE exception to my rule of running without music. Occasionally, I may listen to music when on the treadmill(A.K.A the "dreadmill"). I feel like a mouse trapped on a spinning wheel on that device, which is shear torture for me. If I am unable to get outside for a run, I may bump some tunes on my iphone while on the "dreadmill".

Many of you have already signed up or will be signing up Black Girls Run! "Sweat With Your Sole" Race and Conference Weekend in September. I challenge you to run at least one time a week WITHOUT music. Running in silence is mentally challenging, but I feel that it will increase your appreciation for the sport of running. If you need some type of tune to get you through, try humming to yourself. Or just be bold and sing obnoxiously loud! Yes, people will think you are crazy. Yet, when you reach the finish line, having pushed yourself to the ultimate level of mental and physical exhaustion, you will truly understand why running in silence is golden!