Music: Keys to running with a method

Running is my preferred method of exercise for a number of reasons: A) you can do it almost anywhere, B) it’s a great way to spend time outdoors and C) it’s always better with music. Realistically, any kind of music will do whenever you’re running. It all depends on your personal preference. Some people can really get the endorphins flowing when Claude Debussy is keeping the beat just as easily as those who prefer having Skrillex drop all kinds of bass as they hit the pavement.

For me, though, I have a personal method of listening to music that can be outlined in four simple phases:

Phase One: Watch Out, Usain Bolt

Phase One is, obviously, when I start my run. I usually like to put a classic or favorite of mine on, usually with a really simple structure or hook to get the blood pumping and raise my spirits. It’s nothing too intense but a little something to get me started. Pretty much anything that makes me feel like I’m on top of the world and nothing can stop me earns a spot in phase one because I’m not going to be feeling too hot soon.

Phase 2: Wait, I’m Only Halfway Done?

Once I hit Phase 2, I’m starting to feel the burn a little bit. My breathing is getting quicker, sweat is starting to drip and my legs are starting to hate me. At this point, a simple hook or melody isn’t enough, and my songs need to have something with a little more kick to them or anything that makes me pay attention to the music and not how tired I’m getting. Anything with a little bit of oomf to it that can force me to focus on what’s happening in the song and not worry about my breathing technique is fair game for Phase 2, but it can’t be too wild. Then comes in…

Phase 3: Why Did I Do This To Myself

At this point, I’m usually a wheezing mess that feels like running in a straight line is an achievement worth of an Olympic medal. It’s also usually around this time that I experience a runner’s high, which is awful when you’re listening to music. Every song in your collection suddenly sounds way slower than you remembered it being. Every ten seconds feels like ten minutes, and ten more minutes of running feels like a cruel joke at this point. Every song in this phase should be hyped up and intense.

Phase 4: Eh, I’ve Had Worse

Congratulations. It’s over. Time to stretch and cool down with a nice and relaxing walk. These songs are more chilled out, but not chill enough to bring me down from the runner’s high. This is definitely my favorite phase, since I feel like I’ve accomplished something, even if my run was laughably bad. But hey, a little exercise is better than no exercise, right?