Most runners love listening to up-beat tunes on their runs. There’s a good reason for this! On top of everyone knowing anecdotally that music can boost mood and performance, the science supports this. Playing fun tunes is also a great way to motivate yourself for runs, even when you don’t want to go. 

However, music is both beneficially distracting and harmfully distracting. If you focus too much on the beat, you might miss warning noises from approaching cars, bikes, or people. Be smart and use these safety tips for running with music so you can get your groove on without the risks.

Don’t Activate Noise Cancellation

Most modern headphones or earbuds have a noise-canceling setting. This setting neutralizes ambient sound waves, making it so every noise in the world around you is dramatically dampened. 

Though great while relaxing at home or on a flight with a crying child, noise cancellation isn’t so great when your safety depends on hearing your surroundings. 

So save the setting for after your run. You might sacrifice a bit of audio quality, but you’ll gain it back in peace of mind.

Wear Only One Earbud

Though not necessary if you deactivate noise cancellation, you can also remove one earbud. This gives one of your ears an unmuffled perception of potential dangers around you.

Don’t Put the Volume on Full Blast

I totally get that you want to max out volume on your most motivating songs, but this could be putting you in danger. On top of loud music damaging your hearing, it also makes you less likely to hear important things around you. For example, you might not hear a cyclist ring to let you know that they’re coming up behind you—which means you might get run over. Unless you’re in one-way traffic, dial the volume down.

Ditch the Wired Earbuds

Not many people have wired earbuds anymore, but I ran with them until just last year, so it’s worth mentioning. These devices can get yanked out of your ears or cause you to drop your phone when your pumping hands accidentally snag the cords. Trust me; it’s just uncomfortable and unsafe. Go wireless!

Wear Bluetooth Earbuds Designed for Athletes

Speaking of going wireless, that’s what this section is all about. Nowadays, there are seemingly thousands of wireless earbuds and headphones on the market, many of which are designed for athletes. I personally recommend earbuds over headphones because the latter can feel heavier on your head and lock in sweat around your ears—yuck.

What To Look For in Bluetooth Earbuds

• A long battery life (5+ hours)
• An ergonomic, snug fit
• Waterproofing 
• A neckband (only if you want that extra security)

What I Wear

I wear Bose Wireless Sports Earbuds, which are no longer in production. It appears that Bose doesn’t currently sell a sports-focused earbud, but their QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are similar and also sweat-resistant. My boyfriend wears the QuietComfort to work out, and they work for him! This isn’t sponsored; it’s just an anecdote and a starting point for your own research.

Download Music to Your GPS Watch

Not all GPS watches have music capabilities, but many of them do. If that’s the case for you, then download your music to this convenient device. This means you won’t have to bring your phone with you, lightening your weight and increasing your comfort. 

Get Pants With Pockets

Last up on this list of smart safety tips for running with music is getting pants with pockets. This is helpful because it allows you to comfortably carry your phone if you’re not wearing a backpack or a music-compatible GPS watch.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, friends! You can safely run with music; it just requires a bit more forethought and accommodation. Are you excited for your next beat-fueled run?

Oh, and drop your favorite running songs in the comments! I’m always looking for recommendations.