I am one of those that really strongly prefers running to music. I don't necessarily concentrate on the songs that are playing, and often, by the time my run has ended, I couldn't even tell you the songs that played, but it offers me a distraction. I only run with one ear bud in so that I can still hear my surroundings, but the music masks the heaviness of my breathing which sometimes makes me think I should be slowing down or walk when I may not really need the break.
Anyway, when I updated my iTunes a few months ago, there was a new feature called Genius. Not sure if any of you have used or discovered this, but it provides a refreshing new playlist with the music you already have.
Initially you need to Update Genius, which sends Apple info about the songs you have in your library, then makes suggestions for songs that "match up." (not sure what makes them match (ie. BPM--beats per minute, genre etc). Once it's been updated, you then select a song in your library, hit the genius icon, and it creates you a playlist with 25, 50 75 or 100 songs, based on your selection. You can then save this playlist and sync it to your ipod. (Apparently the matches are supposed to improve over time as well... so sometimes there may be a weird one in there...)
So if you have a favorite song that gets you in the zone, an ideal pace, it's super easy to put a bunch of identical songs together!
Every time I've made playlists, I just put my favorite songs together, but I tend to get bored easily. Using the Genius feature of iTunes, I have discovered great music that I may not have added to any playlists or even heard before as they weren't title tracks for albums I purchased or imported from CD's that I had.... I have about 8 different playlists using this feature saved on my ipod, and i just pick one depending on my mood that day!
Anyway, just thought this might help those that have/use an ipod and use iTunes for a little extra motivation by refreshing the tunes for those runs in colder temperatures! Have a great week!
11 comments:
Thanks for the tips. The only music I have on my ipod is from CD's, I have never even used itunes before. I plan on experimenting more this winter.
I am a die hard for my ipod so I that is a good tip! I have tried to heed Marci's advice that not all races allow it but I am not sure I can go without it. :) I will try out that Genius thing.
I think that is more technology than I'm able to handle. LOL
Actually, I stopped running with music earlier this year. I'm not even sure why, but now I hardly ever use my IPOD shuffle or my Sansa MP3 player. And I used to use them ALL THE TIME. Weird huh?
Sounds like a great feature. When I started running I ran with music. But now I just can't seem to enjoy my runs if I try to listen to music while I'm out there.
I've been alternating between running with music and without music. It's odd that I think I breathe too loud when I can hear myself without the music but it's probably not all that loud.
The half marathon I'm running next month has actually lifted the ban on personal music players being used during the event, which is in direct contrast to more events banning personal music players.
I say, whatever gets you running and keeps you interested in running, keep doing it!
Sorry I can't help, I don't run with music, mind you, now that I'm at the gym on the dreadmill, this might change!!
Thanks for the tip! I am like you-- often I like some "background noise" but at the end of my run I can't really say what I was listening to. However, I'm pretty sure that music with the right number of beats per minute helps me run faster without even trying.
I've discovered some cool new tunes through Genius as well. Ah Apple, such a clever marketing feature! I don't think I could get through spinning in my garage without my iPod...
I didn't even know about that feature... guess what I'm doing when I get home. :) Thanks Mel!
That is a great feature on iTunes. I love it. it really helps me with putting music together for my cycle classes.
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