How Music Boosts Running Motivation | What’s In Your Earbuds?

When it comes to running, endurance athletes know that motivation can sometimes be hard to find. That’s where music comes in. In Episode 8 of What’s in Your Earbuds?, hosts Joe Hardin and Aum Gandhi from Run Tri Bike discuss how music can boost your running motivation. Music can also help runners push through even the toughest training sessions. Hitting a personal best or recovering from a DNF (Did Not Finish), the right playlist can make all the difference.

The Power of a Good Playlist

Music can be an emotional catalyst during races or long runs. In this episode, Joe and Aum reflect on how music has shaped their race experiences, particularly in overcoming setbacks like DNFs. They talk about how adversity often leads to growth and how the right songs can help runners push through challenging moments.

As Aum mentions, having the right comeback song, like “Going the Distance” from Rocky, can reignite the drive to finish strong. Bouncing back from a tough race? Trying to stay on track with your training plan? Having motivational tracks on repeat can be the key to success.

Using Music for Motivation in Tough Times

One of the highlights of Episode 8 is the introduction of The Hu, a Mongolian metal band with a high-energy track called “Wolf Totem”. Joe and Aum discuss how this unexpected genre of music has the power to fuel their toughest training sessions. Sometimes the most unconventional songs can be the ones that push you hardest when you’re facing mental or physical exhaustion.

Music, after all, doesn’t just occupy the mind. Music can help boost your running motivation and drive you forward. Metal, hip-hop, or classic rock, the energy from your playlist transfers to your stride, helping you maintain focus and motivation.

Inspiring Podcasts and Audiobooks for Endurance Athletes

While music is crucial, sometimes it’s not just songs that get you through a tough workout. Joe shares his recent interest in the “Trail to 100” podcast, which offers insights and inspiration for those tackling ultra-marathons. Meanwhile, Aum introduces John Fisher’s “Phase One” podcast and the “Book of Joy” audiobook featuring the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu. Both of these selections help balance the mental and physical challenges of endurance sports, offering uplifting and grounding content.

Listening to stories of perseverance and wisdom can complement your training as much as a well-curated music playlist. During a long run or grinding through a hard cycling session, inspiring content can help keep you focused.

Lighthearted Tunes for Recovery

Not every track has to be intense to make an impact. In a lighter segment, Joe and Aum share their eclectic recovery and downtime playlists. These playlists include songs like “Werewolf Bar Mitzvah” from 30 Rock. Mixing in fun, quirky tunes can help lighten the mood after a grueling race or long training session. From folk music by The Devil Makes Three to the smooth beats of Jurassic Five, they discuss how recovery is as much about relaxing the mind as it is about soothing sore muscles.

Music’s Impact on Endurance Sports

For endurance athletes, music is more than just background noise. Music can provide the mental fuel needed to help boost your running motivation and overcome setbacks. As Joe and Aum emphasize in this episode, music helps create memories, strengthens focus, and can transform even the toughest races into unforgettable experiences.

If you’re looking for a playlist that pumps you up, calms your mind, or just makes you smile, Episode 8 of What’s in Your Earbuds has all the inspiration you need.

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