Listening to music whilst training, good or bad?

We have all done it at one point, whether you are one who enjoys 30mins in the gym before or after work, or those who are hitting the road accumulating "km's" in training for your next ultra.. the trusty mp3 has been you partner when you have trained on your own and/or when you have needed that bit of company to get you through the session...

I must be honest, getting through a long run or an interval session, their is nothing better than listening to a track that starts to improve in tempo just as you are heading towards the end of your run, dropping a few "house" beats or what ever your preference, aiding in keeping or increasing your cadence as you start to show negative splits... very satisfying!

What I have realised over time though is that the mp3 can aid and also potentially detract from your performance....

In aiding, the obvious factors is the companionship whilst training on your own, helping to assist you get through hours of training whilst listening to your favourite tracks, be it upbeat music for shorter faster sessions or chilled out music for the longer rides or runs...

In detracting, it would seem to take away the "feeling" of running/riding that you will be subject to in a race. Pounding away for hours with nothing but your breathing and the surrounding environment will be way different from listening to your favourite song artists. Purist's will say that by absorbing the environment enjoying the sights and sounds would be the best way to enjoy a ride or run... One must also mention the safety factors that would need to be addressed regarding mp3's whilst running or riding. Not being able to hear the traffic, especially in urban area's could potentially put you at risk, especially at traffic lights, stop streets, intersections, railway crossings, ext...

So the next time you put those little ear-pieces into your ear, whilst searching for an appropriate track before your training session, take these factors into account and always be conscious of the traffic and others around you...