Podcasts for Running

on November 4, 2009
in All Posts

GOOD MORNING!  I feel chipper and awake.  :)  Which is a really good thing because I have a lot on my plate today:

 

  • Blog
  • Write (I have to finish one chapter a week until December 15, which is the book’s deadline)
  • Run 3.0 miles
  • Study for Anatomy test on the digestive system (which I currently know nothing about)

 

I woke up to an excellent breakfast… Upside Down Pineapple Cake Oatmeal. 

IMG_4587

Just regular banana oatmeal, but topped with pineapple chunks and brown sugar.  There’s something about pineapples that work SO well on oatmeal.

IMG_4588

My oatmeal contained:

 

  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 sliced banana
  • Toppings: brown sugar and pineapple chunks

IMG_4590

Podcast for Running?

 

Yesterday, I received this e-mail from Aneta:  She wrote, “Just wondering if you ever listen to podcasts while running.  Sometimes I get sooooo bored with my music. I want to try out some podcasts and was wondering if you have any suggestions or recommendations.”

 

I had no idea what to tell Aneta!  I’ve only listened to music before and never a podcast.   But I’d really like to try it out.

 

Do you listen to Podcasts while working out?  What are the best ones and why?

{ 85 comments }

 

  • Michelle November 4, 2009, 7:57 am

    This American Life..it’s entertaining and insightful, usually humerous and occassionally sad. Either way it’s a real look at our society and culture and it distracts me on those runs when I need a distraction.

  • jewels November 4, 2009, 7:59 am

    I listen to jillian michaels podcasts and love them

  • Madeline @ GreensAndJeans November 4, 2009, 8:01 am

    I wish I could listen to podcasts when I’m running, but it is all about the music for me! If it’s a treadmill day, I do the Today Show, and that took a lot of getting used to. I’ve just made Matt Lauer my motivational soundtrack…

  • Lindsay Perrone November 4, 2009, 8:04 am

    I love your leaf bowls. My dishes are ancient and hideous which makes for horrible pictures. Also, so people like to download books and listen while running. Haven’t tried it yet though.
    Lindsay

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) November 4, 2009, 8:10 am

    I started listening to podcasts when I decided I’ll try this running thing out. 🙂 I listen to a local Austin morning show which is all kinds of hilariousness. I find myself walking/running LONGER just to finish my podcasts. I get bored from watching tv or listening to the same music but podcasts are different daily!

  • Rachael November 4, 2009, 8:15 am

    I listen to Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me – it’s a funny NPR news show that airs once a week. I listen to music a lot more now, but workouts used to be my dedicated podcast time. It was great – entertaining and FREE!

  • Caroline November 4, 2009, 8:16 am

    I’ve never tried podcasts but I recently discovered Pandora radio stations during my run and there is no going back now. I love the constant change since I get sick of my music FAST!

  • LeeAnn November 4, 2009, 8:18 am

    I second Michelle’s comment. NPR has some great podcasts. I listen to one titled “Culturetopia” and they throw in segments from a review of Jay-Z’s latest cd to talking with the director of Julie/Julia. I always seem to walk away with, ahem run away with, ideas for movies to go see or books to read.

    I’d also recommend checking out Itunes U. They have free podcasts about nutrition and health subjects as well as talks with folks like Michael Pollan, Anthony Bourdain, and other foodies. Highly recommend the 92Y series which feature the aforementioned.

    Have fun exploring! I can’t live my life now without podcasts and was kicking myself for not exploring them earlier.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is November 4, 2009, 8:24 am

    Podcasts for running sound cool. Like I actually may be able to run with them!

  • Aneta November 4, 2009, 8:29 am

    Thank you!!!!

  • megan November 4, 2009, 8:29 am

    I don’t personally listen to podcasts (although I’ve heard this American life is great). But I listen to books on tape while I run all the time. You can download them off your library’s website and just transfer them to your mp3 player. I love it! It makes my run so much better.

  • Amy November 4, 2009, 8:30 am

    Holy crap, I had no idea your deadline was so quick. They certainly didn’t give you a ton of time eh? GOOD LUCK!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) November 4, 2009, 8:36 am

    That is a very quick deadline! Best of luck with your writing darling!!

  • SweetiePotato November 4, 2009, 8:36 am

    I listen to itunes U. There are lots of nutrition and health podcasts. I like the ones from Cambridge & Cornell

  • Jessica (A Fete for Food) November 4, 2009, 8:41 am

    I’m a geek but I listen to the NPR one’s as well. I like Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me. So funny! FYI – I try to only listen to them while running long distances on the treadmill. Using them for outdoor running can be dangerous!!

  • Meg C. November 4, 2009, 8:48 am

    WOW the book will be done before you know it! good luck!

  • rebecca November 4, 2009, 8:51 am

    Podcasts are a great distraction to get you through a long run– especially if your mind is so focused on the actual running.. ITunes has some great ones to check out!

    Rebecca

  • Becky November 4, 2009, 8:53 am

    Yes- This American Life (or anything from NPR) is GREAT. I also like the Slate Culture and Political gabfests. They make sense of a week’s worth of news in 30 minutes!

  • Jessica November 4, 2009, 8:54 am

    I’ve listened to the Adam Carolla podcast a few times, it’s pretty funny. The only thing that I don’t like though is that his guests don’t speak into the mic so I have to crank up the volume to hear them- especially when I’m at the gym and all the machines are going, or when it’s windy outside.

  • Mellissa November 4, 2009, 8:56 am

    I love podcasts, I listen to The FitCast (fitness related), Nutrition Diva and Dealista which are quick podcasts and a few local radio ones as well. If you have a favorite station try searching them they might have a few podcasts you can subscribe to.

  • Amanda November 4, 2009, 9:00 am

    I used to listen to Jillian Michaels talk radio show. It was aired out in LA but you could download each weeks episode. She stopped the show and I listened to them all. It was very interesting and I learned a lot about her and what she truly believes in. I think the radio station was KFI

  • Jenna November 4, 2009, 9:07 am

    I’ve only ever listened to muisc too while running.

    What a great idea to listen to a podcast. Can’t wait to read more comments!

  • Diana November 4, 2009, 9:07 am

    Oatmeal + pineapple? That sounds awesome! I love pineapple so that is perfect for me. 😀

    I’m not a runner but when I used the treadmill at home I used to a) listen to music or b) listen to Jillian Michael’s podcasts. I was interested in what she had to say and that distracted me from the fact that I was on the treadmill!

  • Mica November 4, 2009, 9:09 am

    Sometimes, I listen to “4 Feet Running” which is about running. And sometimes I listen to “Savage Love” by Dan Savage…which is about sex. And then I make really weird faces when I’m running down the street and hear someone asking a question about having sex with a cantaloupe.

    …I’m sort of embarrassed to admit that.

    • Julie @savvyeats November 4, 2009, 11:05 am

      Ha, if it makes you feel better, I listen to Savage Love sometimes while running too

      • Deirdre November 4, 2009, 1:00 pm

        OMG I totally listen to Savage Love podcasts at the gym. People have the weirdest/funniest questions and they always make me laugh and keep me distracted while I’m on the elliptical.

  • Matt November 4, 2009, 9:10 am

    I’ve tried listening to podcasts before and they just don’t really work for me. You actually have to pay attention to what they are say and I find it hard to do that while running. I have actually gotten to the point where I don’t even take my iPod anymore!

  • Rachel November 4, 2009, 9:12 am

    I can’t listen to music when I work out either. I love audible books when I run. It keeps it interesting and I go longer just so I can find out what’s happening in the story. I make it a rule that I can’t listen to them unless I’m running so that’s my motivation 🙂 Audible.com is a good place to download from.

  • Rachel November 4, 2009, 9:12 am

    I can’t listen to music when I work out either. I love audible books when I run. It keeps it interesting and I go longer just so I can find out what’s happening in the story. I make it a rule that I can’t listen to them unless I’m running so that’s my motivation 🙂 Audible.com is a good place to download from.

  • Lee November 4, 2009, 9:18 am

    I agree with everyone who said This American Life. I listen to it weekly.

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) November 4, 2009, 9:20 am

    I’ve never tried podcasts! I have a feeling they wouldn’t motivate me much, but it can’t hurt to try!

    Good luck with your deadlines!

  • kristen November 4, 2009, 9:23 am

    I’m a fan of the 4 Feet Running podcast as well- they make me laugh and sometimes it is nice to hear people talking about running while I’m running. (and like Mica, I’ve been known to burst into laughter while listening to the Savage Lovecast- then I wonder what people think I’m laughing at)

    I’m also a bit of a science dork, I sometimes listen to the CBC radio “quirks and quarks” podcast. I have no idea if it is available on the USA itunes store- but you can get all of the CBC podcasts at cbc.ca/podcast

  • Nicole November 4, 2009, 9:23 am

    Hey
    I listen to Podrunner. You can get them from Itunes or their direct site Podrunner.com They have music and different tempos so if you want to run at a faster pace, pick one that’s 175 bpms, slower pace pick 161. They’re all about an hour long but you can play them back to back if you’re looking for a longer run.

    • Kristen November 4, 2009, 12:52 pm

      I’ve listened to Podrunner also!!! I love listening to them when running.

  • Tami November 4, 2009, 9:24 am

    onpoint with tom ashbrook, it’s one of the best podcasts out there, it’s 45 minutes long, there are sooo many, have her go into itunes and podcasts and see what interests her

  • BetsyR November 4, 2009, 9:39 am

    Podcasts have become an important part of my life (I say this sarcastically, but it is kind of true)while running. Some of my favorites are This American Life, Wait Wait (love!), Stuff Your Mom Never Told You,and Stuff You Never Learned in History Class. My favorite part is that no one know what you’re listening to… so it totally doesn’t bother me that I also listen to Answer B!tch (incredibly informative, really), Mugglecast (Harry Potter Podcast that is pretty funny), and Imprint (Twilight podcast that is NOT made of screaming 14 year old girls). I have a few others but those are my favorite. Enjoy!

  • Laura November 4, 2009, 9:40 am

    I realy like Two Gomers Run A Marathon, and Running With The Pack. Both great running podcasts about regular people.

  • Jenna November 4, 2009, 9:42 am

    yummm! pineapple upside down oatmeal!
    jenna

  • gina (fitnessista) November 4, 2009, 9:42 am

    i don’t listen to any fitness-related podcasts while i work out but i LOVE listening to johnjay and rich while i run or walk. they’re hilarious. just go to itunes and search johnjay and rich, then click “best of johnjay and rich”.

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat November 4, 2009, 9:42 am

    I have never tried listening to a podcast on a run before. I’ve actually gotten so bored with my iPod that I don’t even take it anymore, I just listen to the sounds of the great outdoors 🙂

  • Kristin November 4, 2009, 9:44 am

    This American Life!! It goes for about an hour and is always entertaining. Love it!

  • stephanie p November 4, 2009, 9:45 am

    I listened to Motion Traxx a few times…It is music that helps you run a certain pace and tells you when to do intervals..Im not a runner, but I did it on the elliptical and it pretty much killed me!!

  • Elizabeth November 4, 2009, 9:46 am

    I listen to the Harvard Business podcasts, Zencast, KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic, and Suze Orman…plus some other miscellaneous lectures that catch my eye on iTunes U (I used to spend a lot of time on there because it was part of my old job). I think podcasts are a great way to mix it up when you can’t take another day of peppy, poppy running music, and it’s nice to get lost in a lecture and realize that your run is almost over at the end!

  • Cara November 4, 2009, 9:51 am

    Wow, I’ve actually never done that, but a podcast while running is a REALLY good idea! I get so bored when just left alone with music and my thoughts sometimes, too! A podcast would be a good distraction…

  • Allison November 4, 2009, 9:52 am

    Pineapple is my favorite fruit, but I never thought of putting it on oatmeal!

  • Bec November 4, 2009, 10:00 am

    last year one of my friends that was training for a marathon told me that she bought a few of our art history textbooks on itunes and would listen to them on her long runs, I already had twilight on my ipod and I tried it out and I loved it. It actually distracts you way more then music since a story is being told!

  • leslie November 4, 2009, 10:00 am

    I always listen to a podcast when I run. I listen to Matt and Ramona. They are an afternoon drivetime radio show out of Charlotte, NC. The podcast has no music; it’s all talk–super funny talk. I used to listen to them faithfully when I lived there, so I started podcasting them when I moved to Nashville. They’re HILARIOUS! I am usually running with a huge smile on my face, and sometimes I am outright laughing out loud. I get some great looks from passersby. Check it out. mattandramona.com

  • Beth November 4, 2009, 10:07 am

    I definitely listen to running podcasts for my long runs. I love Phedippidations, The Runners’ Round Table, and I just started listening to the Running to Disney (by a guy who’s training for lots of different Disney Races, including the Marathon and the Goofy Challenge) and RunDiggerRun. Running podcasts are great because it makes you feel like you’re running with a friend, and I’ve learned a lot from them!

    I also listened to all of Jillian Michael’s podcasts before she stopped the show. I’d find myself circling my block a couple times at the end of the run just to hear the end of her show!

    That said, I don’t like podcasts for shorter, faster runs. They just don’t motivate me to pick up my speed the same way that music does.

  • Julie @savvyeats November 4, 2009, 10:09 am

    I love listening to podcasts when I run — music doesn’t do it for me usually! I listen to a little bit of everything — I’d recommend just going to iTunes or something and browsing the podcasts. You can search by topic and category, so pick whichever ones interest you the most!

    I also really want to try putting books on tape on my iPod and see how that works…

  • katherine November 4, 2009, 10:09 am

    I second the suggestions for Jillian Michaels’ podcasts – they’re wonderful!

  • Rose November 4, 2009, 10:11 am

    I know nothing about podcasts – but I want to learn!

  • Rosie November 4, 2009, 10:12 am

    hahaha. runners trots.

  • Evan Thomas November 4, 2009, 10:15 am

    That oatmeal sounds delicious and tropical!
    I used to listen to podcasts at work(filing assistant). I loved Scott Mills from BBC1 Radio

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) November 4, 2009, 10:17 am

    I wouldn’t have known how to respond either. I’ve heard that Jillian Michael’s has a podcast. That might be cool.

  • skinnyrunner November 4, 2009, 10:29 am

    ive never listened to one but now im intrigued and thinking it’d be worth a try!

  • brandi November 4, 2009, 10:31 am

    I don’t run with any music now, but I could see getting bored with the same songs over and over again.

    Great breakfast! I love how brown sugar melts on oatmeal. And date night last night looked like so much fun!

  • Brie (The Fit Bride) November 4, 2009, 10:32 am

    Oh my God, Savage Love by Dan Savage is hysterical and awesome. It’s really funny sex and relationship advice.

    FYI, Jillian Michaels is no longer podcasting. Sad, because I loved it.

  • Adi (oatonomy.com) November 4, 2009, 10:42 am

    I can totally relate to this question! I never listen to music while I’m running, unless I’m on a treadmill. If I’m outside, I have my headphones in but only because I hate the sound of wind in my ears. If I’m having a brutal run though and need distraction, I’m all about the podcasts. Usually I listen to teaching series from my church — that probably sounds really weird, but it gets me thinking and distracts me from running. I get them from iTunes, I think they’re under “The Meeting House” or something.

    Definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, but works for me!

    PBS has some interesting ones you can get off iTunes, too.

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) November 4, 2009, 10:48 am

    That oatmeal looks amazing! It sort of looks like pie in oatmeal form!!

  • Anne Marie@ New Weigh of Life November 4, 2009, 10:49 am

    The only podcast I’ve ever listened to while working out is Jillian Michael’s podcasts….I love them!

  • Mary @ Fit this girl November 4, 2009, 10:59 am

    I listen to Joel Osteen, Paula White and John Piper sermons!! (If I’m not rocking the 80’s hair bands!) They are uplifting and allow me to really focus while I am running on what is being said. It’s a nice way to check out and check in with my spirit and God!!

  • meagan November 4, 2009, 11:00 am

    This American Life, Wait…wait…Don’t Tell Me, Jillian Michael’s and various history lectures on ITunes U. Running + being informed = two birds with one stone. I can’t wait to try Savage Love…that sounds awesome.

  • Aynsley - WrenLife.com November 4, 2009, 11:11 am

    After my half-marathon training was complete, I made it my goal to keep a good pace and listen to a 30 min or 1 hour podcast. I listen to the Dave Ramsey Podcast, sermon podcasts and my favorite, my brother’s podcast – http://gavinmillerpodcast.com/

    It’s a great way to multi-task!

  • Lu November 4, 2009, 11:21 am

    NPR is great for podcasts. Pineapple in your oatmeal. What a fabulous idea. I’m so trying it.

  • Bree November 4, 2009, 11:32 am

    Pineapple is a good idea in so many things.

    I love listening to The Fit Cast (http://thefitcast.com/) either running, walking, or at work. I listened on Sunday while raking leaves – great way to pass the time and learn all at once.

  • Anna November 4, 2009, 11:36 am

    I listen to NPRs Car Talk – I find that podcasts you can tune in and out work well, but ones that make you think too much will make you slow down some (so I save the Sunday Puzzle for when I’m cleaning). A Way With Words tends to be a bit too slow for working out, just the cadence of the discussion, but it’s great if you’re on a stroll. I think comedy is definitely the way to go.

  • Jodie November 4, 2009, 11:42 am

    I LOVE listening to podcasts while running. Here is great link to alot of GREAT running podcasts.

    http://www.runningpodcasts.org/

  • alli November 4, 2009, 11:53 am

    i listen the WMMR Preston & Steve… It’s a Philly morning show and it is awesome! I listen to the podcast everyday! it’s funny and talks about current events and random topics… i highly recommend it!

  • Bernadette November 4, 2009, 12:01 pm

    I just downloaded a bunch of Jillian Michael’s podcasts from her KFI radio show she dows on sundays… they are really good and I highly recommend them! iTunes has them under KFI.

    xoxo
    Berni

  • Meredith November 4, 2009, 12:09 pm

    I concur with all the votes for NPR (This American Life and Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me). I also listen to some nutrition podcasts, but mostly I listen to podcasts that help me study! For instance, you could probably search for anatomy podcasts. Many students record themselves reading chapters of books, notes, etc. and then post them on iTunes for others to acces for free. You might be able to find some ones on the Digestive System 🙂

    I find that studying while running is productive AND makes it go by much faster!

  • Tracey@tropicalhappiness November 4, 2009, 12:13 pm

    Wow. Podcasts while working out. I think you just opened a new door for me. I like music, because the beat pumps me up, so I’d have to try it out before deciding whether or not it works for me. Some days, I just NEED the music to get me going, but other days I get bored with it so I might give podcasts a try!

  • Janessa (epicuriousvegan.blogspot.com) November 4, 2009, 12:18 pm

    This American Life, Savage Love, and every single one of olleen Patrick’s Goudreau’s podcasts from Compassionate Cooks.

  • Red Head, Yellow Dog November 4, 2009, 12:24 pm

    I’m downloading podcasts right now to put on my ipod for my run today 🙂 This American Life, Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me and APM: The Story are all good. I’ve also listened to sound opinions – great if you’re into music

  • Shelly November 4, 2009, 12:33 pm

    I don’t listen to podcasts, but I’ve listened to a couple audiobooks while running that worked pretty well and one that was a terrible choice. Ender’s Game and Neil Gaiman’s Fragile Things worked out really well (I like sci-fi/fantasy/horror and it holds my attention well) but Confederacy of Dunces (more challenging and “literary”) slowed me WAY down and I had trouble getting into it. So I would suggest audio books by authors you already find absorbing.

  • Kim November 4, 2009, 12:43 pm

    My husband loves podcasts from NPR while he is running!

  • Bethany November 4, 2009, 12:50 pm

    I don’t listen to podcasts while I run. I either go for music or just the wind.
    Also, your breakfast looks amazing!

  • Allie November 4, 2009, 1:32 pm

    I am strictly a podcast girl when I run (or do dishes or clean). I’ve started going through them so fast that I’m glad for all the new ideas! I listen to NPR stuff mostly: This American Life, Wait Wait, Car Talk, KCRW’s The Business (about the entertainment industry), and recently Fresh Air, though that is sometimes a little boring. I also LOVE Jillian Michael’s podcast and I’m so sad she’s not doing it anymore! Oh, and Eric and Kathy (morning show in Chicago).

  • Anne November 4, 2009, 1:42 pm

    i’m on the npr bandwagon. monday runs are my favorite bc its my “wait wait don’t tell me” day. another fav is “radio lab” which is ny public radio. awesomeness.

  • Kate November 4, 2009, 4:52 pm

    Definitely The American Life, soo sooooo good! And anything NPR really. Also “Motivation to Move” (Florida based) is good -bit cheesy but you know! I LOVED Jillian’s podcasts but sadly she’s no longer doing it and I’ve listened to them all already. But there’s still heaps on the Itunes link I think.
    If you like Australian Comedy -Hamish and Andy are AMAZINGLY hilarious and I would highly recommend. No 1 in New Zealand and Australia. It’s the best bits of their radio show (so uploaded every weekday!).

  • maria November 4, 2009, 5:01 pm

    Jillian Michaels’ old podcasts are my favorite to listen to when running. They’re all old ones now, since the show is no longer, but they’re great tools. You can find them by googling.

  • Abby November 4, 2009, 5:43 pm

    It might seem weird, but I listen to sermon podcasts or audio books on really long runs. It keeps my focus on something other than time or distance. Sometimes if I look at my watch too much I get bored and overwhelmed, and end up cutting my run short. So the longer I keep my mind occupied on something else, the longer I run. For shorter runs I keep rocking music playing, though!

  • Laurel November 4, 2009, 7:08 pm

    I just downloaded Jillian Michaels’ podcasts and did a little 10 minute run. I have never used anything but music in my runs… I think I might like this!

  • Erin November 4, 2009, 8:52 pm

    I love the KEXP Music that Matters podcasts (from itunes). It is a Seattle radio station and they play all kinds of music, mainly independent/local music. They have a lot of great stuff on there.

  • ari November 4, 2009, 9:42 pm

    i used to listen to jillian michaels’s podcasts but she stopped doing them (a while ago, she might have started again). they were great though they really kept me distracted!

  • Britt (Runnerbelle) November 4, 2009, 9:42 pm

    Two Gomers Run A Marathon cracks me up. Those guys tell it like it is and are very honest. They also make some running music suggestions too.

    I also like listening to music on Pandora on my iPhone, usually it provides a great mix based on a song I am in the mood for.

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