What do you listen to when running?

[macnab]

If I run with a friend we chat and I find it much easier/more enjoyable as I dont feel the time going in. But if I'm out on my own I listen to the radio or music and I find that my naturally snails slow pace ends up much faster to match whatever music is on and I get too tired or get stitch.

Do any of you listen to audio books or would that be daft? Or a podcast? Or do I just need to use the opportunity to work on my speed?!

I've adjusted my playlist to suit my runs, start out with good songs but at a warm up pace beat for the first couple of miles then get a bit faster after that.

My running playlist is huge! I like listening to a mixture so it will include Rap, Rock and Pop. I just need it to be vaguely uplifting to get me through the run!

I don't think I would run very fast if I was listening to a book. Occasionally I will catch myself listening to something slower and realise my running speed has gone down to match it.

the spotify preloaded playlists are really really good :)

What kinds of distances do you do? Depending on pace they say you should be aiming for around 170 - 180bpm. I found some spotify playlists matching that, but have tweaked them over time. Maybe it's psychosomatic but I definitely think I run faster with a beat to spur me on.

Bouncy pop and hard rock. Taylor Swift and Motorhead both share a good tempo for running.