22 March 2008
Running to the beat of a different band
Posted by Nick Katsarelas under: Nick Katsarelas .
I’m always the last guy to glom on to the latest in audio technology. My peers were into their second-generation Discman devices and I was still hooked on my Walkman. I finally set aside the cassettes when I got my first Sony Discman, but by then everyone had iPods (including my 10- and 11-year-olds.) To shred the monotony of treadmill running, nothing beats some good music.
When I run outside, however, I never run with headphones. One reason is safety: I like to know when a car, cyclist, faster runner or runaway canine is heading my way. But primarily, I love playing music in my head. That way, I can adjust the beat and rhythm to my stride. I have to slow down some songs, while slow songs get an atypical pick-me-up. But nothing helps the time go faster than when songs are reeling in my head.
Not just any songs. I have a limited repertoire of head music, and mostly from two bands. Normally, I start with Graham Parker and the Rumour, and the “Squeezing Out Sparks” album. I’ll either start on Side 1 or Side 2 (I only have a cassette of this, so that’s how I know the sides) and run through each song, in order. The other Graham Parker album is “Another Grey Area.” Same deal. One side, then the next. Funny thing: I’ve played both album hundreds and hundreds of times over the past two decades, but I still stumble over some lyrics. But who’s listening? Wait — I am. Never mind.
Another favorite is Squeeze, and “East Side Story.” But because this was home-made tape and I got all the songs on one side, I can’t flip between Sides 1 and 2. I start with “Quintessence” and plow through the album. Same with “Argybargy.”
I’m a creature of habit, and I normally stick with those two groups. However, for a change of pace, I’ll do “This Year’s Model” by Elvis Costello. I actually have this on CD, but with the bonus tracks, there are so many songs I usually get lost midway through. Then it’s back to Squeeze or Graham Parker.
It’s amazing how I get carried away with the music. Often, I’ll find myself “singing” a part of a song over and over. (This is called a “head skip.”) Then I have to move the needle forward and move to the next song.
So there you have it. Three bands. A few dozen songs. Over and over and over. But it works. Year after year. It’s music to my ears feet.
4 Comments so far...
robert siegel Says:
22 March 2008 at 11:30 am.
running is all about running. If you need headphones to distract you from running, you probably should do something else. Bill Rodgers used to listen to Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic” before his marathons
Bellboy Says:
22 March 2008 at 2:11 pm.
No…Graham Parker is all about Graham Parker. You discovered the great thing about his music. It gets better the more you listen to it! I bought an ipod to treadmill to his music I have a shuffle of songs that go at the right speed(I probably own everything he’s put out).
Shelly Says:
24 March 2008 at 8:15 am.
I only started running to music this past summer–and I still don’t really run outside with music for the same reasons as you, Nick. I have been known to sing songs, though, to do the whole “talk test” to make sure I’m training within a reasonable limit for myself…unfortunately a lot of the songs I have memorized are show tunes, so I’m sure that is really fun for those running near me… 
Bob Says:
24 March 2008 at 5:15 pm.
Within reason and lower volume levels I believe one can safely use an music devices while running. I wouldn’t say the ipod use is for running distraction. For me, It’s more of a running enhancement. Sort of like Ketchup on steak. I know that does not suit everyone’s taste! Music is as important to me as running. Most running purists dislike the use of such things. I’m OK with that as well as it’s a personal thing. Not unlike your taste in music. Rock on fellow Road Warrior.