Run to the Beat: The Debate

To run to the beat' or not? Running with music is a hot and divisive topic - some can't run with it, many can't run without it. The debate intensified earlier this year when 48 runners were disqualified from the Humber Bridge 10K for breaking safety rules and wearing headphones. There's no doubt that your favourite track can help deliver a boost of power late into a race, but if headphones are banned by race organisers for safety reasons, your race can be over before you've even crossed the line.

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THE PROS

So what are the benefits of running to music? Numerous studies now clearly show a link between running with music and improved performance. Running with music essentially makes running feel easier. It's thought that the external stimulus provided by music helps block internal stimuli trying to reach the brain, for example pain and fatigue related messages, and in doing so can reduce perception of effort by up to 10%. This in turn helps us to run further, faster.

What's more, running with music can boost positivity, increase concentration - and the evidence shows that the faster the tempo, the harder and faster we're likely to run, and the better our performance. It's therefore no wonder that many of us feel dependent on music to help us push on through demanding or longer workouts.

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THE CONS

The downsides? While music can be a distraction from fatigue or boredom, especially on longer runs, it can also cut us off from our surroundings and feedback from our own bodies. It means we might miss the sound of an approaching car and other hazards, and in races can make us oblivious to other runners. A number of runners also cite lack of awareness of their breathing, footstrike and effort, and prefer to feel more at one with the scenery and their surroundings. Further, UKA rules from 1st April this year ban the wearing of headphones from all races not closed off to traffic and other big name races have also recently banned headphones on safety grounds.

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OPEN EAR TECHNOLOGY

So where does that leave those of us who feel reliant on music for an energy boost and motivation, especially in longer races? Open Ear Technology may provide the answer. Headphone specialists Aftershokz have recently introduced a range of wireless headphones for runners featuring revolutionary open ear technology. Originally developed for military special operations and law enforcement, this technology transmits sound through the listener's cheekbones to the inner ear, bypassing the ear drum, and keep the listener connected to the outside world as well as their music - in short getting the best of both worlds.

Recently approved for use at the Greater Manchester and Brighton marathons, the Yorkshire marathon series and a number of others, Aftershokz's open ear technology can help make for a safer, more aware running experience - and can be good solution for those of us who love our music, but don't want to miss out on key races, or compromise on safety.

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OUR VERDICT

The running with music debate continues to divide runners and our survey found a fairly even split between runners who avoid the distraction of music and those who can't run without it. Purists generally prefer to run unplugged, and enjoy the feeling of being more in touch with their body and surroundings, but many of us love the energy boost our favourite running track can give us when fatigue sets in. Either way is fine, but if you're the latter, always check race rules regarding headphones, make sure to stay safe, and enjoy the motivational and performance benefits running with music can bring.

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Shop the Aftershokz range here.

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