When it comes to running gear, we all have our must-haves: the shoes that feel just right, the leggings with the perfect pockets, the water bottle that doesn’t leak. But what about the one thing we can live without?
For me, that’s easy: earbuds.
I used to be all about running with music or true crime podcasts blasting through every mile. I had carefully curated playlists, motivational beats, and a few backup podcasts for the longer runs. But somewhere along the line, I realized that I didn’t need that constant soundtrack, and honestly, I’m better off without it.
Safety First
Running without earbuds means I can actually hear what’s going on around me. Cars, cyclists, dogs, other runners: I’m more aware of everything. It’s especially important when running early in the morning or on quiet roads. Yes, there are options like wearing only one device or bone conduction with lots of ambient sound, but I like knowing I can hear footsteps behind me, or someone calling out, or a car turning a little too close. It’s one less distraction and one more layer of safety, and that peace of mind is worth it.
Less Overstimulation
As I get older, I learned that too much noises stresses me out. Between traffic, crowds, and everything else happening around me, adding music or a podcast on top of it all feels like sensory overload.
Running is my chance to quiet things down. When I leave the earbuds at home, I can finally breathe. The steady rhythm of my footsteps and the sounds of nature are enough for me: simple, peaceful, and calm.
Mindful Miles
Running without sound lets me check in with myself through my breathing, my effort, how my body feels. It’s a good reminder that running isn’t just physical; it’s mental, too. Some of my best ideas and clearest thoughts happen when I’m running in silence.
Connection to the Moment
Without earbuds, I feel more connected to my surroundings: the sunrise, the changing seasons, the people dogs I pass who want to say hi. It makes the run feel more relatable. It’s just me, the road, and whatever the day brings.
Will I Ever Go Back?
Probably not. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with running with music (it can be fun and motivating, and I’ll sometimes just play my Spotify quietly) but for me, running without it has become part of the experience. It’s quiet, it’s calming, and it reminds me why I fell in love with running in the first place.
Join us next week —> Tell us your best running moment of the year, so far.
Link Up With Tuesday Topics
Welcome back to Tuesday Topics, as Jenny, from Runners Fly joins Jenn at Runs With Pugs to co-host this link-up! Please join us every week for a new topic! Write on our weekly prompt or choose your own topic! Make sure to add your post to the link up, link back to your hosts, and comment on the other shared posts!
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