My Disclaimers + Hire Me
In the spirit of full disclosure...
My running music does not guarantee you a runner’s high. I’m not even claiming that it will make you a better runner. I am not a scientist or an elite athlete. I’m an artist and my running music is intended for fun. I do believe passionately in the benefits of running and that a high cadence of 180+ steps per minute has been really helpful in my own and some of my friends’ anecdotal experience.
There is also a truly magical sensation that occurs when you synchronize music and movement. The sense of control that comes with synchronizing movements with a consistent beat that is optimal for running can generate some euphoric feelings and that’s what I want to share with people. Running cadence is something that is easier to control than most of us realize. It does not dictate pace. You can run fast or slow and maintain the same cadence if you want to and if it’s at an appropriate running cadence. Synchronization doesn’t mean you’re blocking out your natural impulses; you’re actually taking control of when your feet are striking the ground with more accuracy and the feedback you can get by being in the groove is pleasurable. Musicians and dancers already know this. Don’t be a robot about it though, feel free to adapt to your surroundings. Coming back to that consistent beat over and over will feel like more of an asset than hindrance when you are getting fatigued, especially when you can easily do it at any pace.
Please make sure to use a safe volume when running to music. You should be able to check in with the sounds of your feet, your breathing, heartbeat, and if you’re outside, the vehicles, people, animals, and environment around you. Technology has come a long way, and bone conduction headphones like Shokz OpenRun or Bose Tempo are fantastic for making music a soundtrack to your environment and not something that blocks it out.
My intention is not for music to mask the pain or fatigue of running. I want it to work with the rhythms of your body to enhance the experience and actually bring you deeper into it. Hopefully the efficiency of a consistent high cadence beat and the mindset in the uplifting vocals will make it less of a sufferfest, but not through distraction or numbing. The theme of my running music is overcoming adversity by meeting the challenges not hiding from or avoiding them (unless the avoidance comes through outrunning them maybe?) In any case, it’s a place of tapping into strength and mental clarity and not steamrolling over weaknesses. If you are experiencing pain while running please stop and try to work out what’s going wrong. It could literally be a million reasons so if you’re not sure find an expert who can help you.
Running with music isn’t an exclusive agreement. Run with music some times, don’t run with it other times. I think everyone should do both. Find music you like at the tempo/cadence you want and try it if you’re skeptical. If you find you have to listen to music for every run, it’s probably time to go outside and give your headphones a break.
There are no hidden corporate agendas here or sponsors paying me for my point of view. There’s no hard sell for a training plan or personal consultation (yet… lol, no seriously there’s not… and no offense to others out there trying to make a living.) I’m a freelancer who started doing this because I felt compelled by it. I’m an artsy type who is a solid middle of the pack runner. Music and running were always my most reliable outlets for uplifting my mental dysphoria. I tried combining them and was pleased with the results. Then, the white hot obsession set in and here we are.
Hire Me
I am open to collaborations and commissions, so if you’re interested in what I’m doing please feel free to reach out (contact form below.) Like everyone, my time is limited and I can’t commit to every offer, but it doesn’t hurt to ask! I’m experienced in voice work, singing, songwriting, song production, spoken word, rhythm guitar, voiceover/voice acting, as well as illustration, digital art, content writing/copywriting with search optimization and project management. I’m a jack of many trades/interdisciplinarian who particularly likes collaborating on creative projects in the arts, fitness & wellness, education, non-profits or for socially and environmentally responsible businesses who seek to do good in the world.
If you’d be interested in booking Marathoners Rocking New York as a live performance, please get in touch!