Why You Should Try Running Without Headphones and How to Make the Switch

Many runners use music, podcasts, or audiobooks to help keep them entertained while running. This can be especially helpful when starting to run, on solo runs, and long runs. For some runners they can’t imagine running without headphones. While headphones can be helpful, there are also some good reasons to leave them behind- at least once in awhile. Although this may seem like a big adjustment I have some tips to make the transition a little easier!

Why You Should Try Running Without Headphones

About 10 years ago I stopped running with headphones. I shared a little bit about why we should all consider doing this back then. Since that time there have been advancements in technology with headphones like Shokz that allow you to hear your surroundings while wearing them. While that is great, there are still reasons to not wear headphones.

Running without headphones is safer

This is the most important point that I want to share. Even wearing one headphone, or ones that will allow you to hear sounds around you, it’s still safer to not listen to anything while running. If you have music, podcasts, or an audiobook playing you will be more distracted from what is going on around you. It’s so important to be aware of people, animals, cars, etc that could potentially be a danger.

You can stay focused on your run

If you don’t have anything to listen to you may be able to focus on your run better. You can become more in tune with your paces and learn to truly run easy or when to push hard. While it’s nice to be able to “zone out” and listen to music it is also an important skill to be able to monitor your effort on your runs.

Running without headphones may help you get used to discomfort

Running isn’t always going to be easy, and sometimes we may use entertainment to avoid the discomfort. While that can be a great tool, learning to deal with the discomfort will help us prepare for when running gets tough in a hard workout or a race.

It allows you to enjoy the experience

If we take away that external noise you may be better able to enjoy what is going on around you. The sights, the natural sounds, maybe you will engage in a conversation with a running buddy, or you will just tune into your breathing.

Running without headphones allows you to use your own mind on the run

Instead of relying on the sounds from your headphones, you can get lost in your own thoughts. Some runs you may just need to process something going on in your life. On others you may just want to daydream. Use the time to get creative and just see where your thoughts take you.

Some races discourage the use of headphones

This came up in the RRCA course I took 10 years ago, but I don’t think it is enforced at all. If anything, winners may be disqualified for using headphones. So if you are planning to win a race that is definitely a reason to leave them behind! But you also want to be prepared to be able to race without them by practicing on your training runs.

How to make the switch to running without headphones

Hopefully I have somewhat convinced you to stop running with headphones or at least stop using them for some runs. Here are some ideas to make the switch.

Start by leaving them behind for shorter runs

If it’s really hard for you to run without headphones, start with shorter runs. Make sure you have other ways to stay entertained. Run somewhere scenic or find someone to run with.

Try only using them towards the end of a run

If you are really unsure about doing a full run without headphones, bring them with you and wait as long as possible to start using them. Gradually you may get used to not having them at all.

Only use them when it is safe to do so

Consider the time of day you are running, your running location, and your surroundings when deciding if you should wear headphones.

Be aware of other runners when using headphones

While you may feel safer using headphones in an area with alot of other runners, be mindful that you may not hear them around you. If you are running a race and wearing headphones make sure to keep them low so you can hear if someone is trying to pass by.

Use headphones to get through treadmill runs

In general using them on a treadmill is ok. (If you are really looking to lean into discomfort then running on a treadmill with no entertainment will do the trick!) So if you are not a fan of the treadmill but need to do a run on there, wearing headphones can be a special treat to help you get through the run.

Find ways to entertain yourself on the run

Being able to run alone, with your own thoughts, is a skill that can help you to be a more mindful runner. This can help you manage your effort in harder runs and races. On easy runs you can learn to pay attention to your breathing. On long runs you can think about other things to help the miles pass by. On those hard workouts you can really lean into the discomfort. Then on race day it won’t be as hard to run without any form of external entertainment.

Ultimately it is each runner’s own decision about whether or not they want to wear headphones on a run. Consider the safety factor above all else when making your decision. If you decide to run without headphones hopefully some of these tips will help you to make the transition!

Do you run without headphones?
What do you think about on runs when you don’t bring any entertainment?

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Why and How to Run a 5k Time Trial to Test Your Fitness
How Marathon Runners Can Maximize Time Off Between Goal Races

Now it’s time for the Runners’ Roundup! Link up your running and fitness posts below! Join myself, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner and Runs with Pugs to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas.