For many runners using an MP3 player or an iPod is the best way to keep your mind busy while out on the trail. This article is part two of three on how runners entertain their brain. We already covered the “mind games” people do, and we will soon be covering how your route could make your run easier.

Many runners who answered a recent survey on how they occupy their minds while they’re running, talked about the use of their MP3 player for entertainment.

Music: A lot of people rely on some great music to get them through their run. Twin Cities runner - and fellow RunningMom - Kristy Powell has a strategy for her music, “I put songs together that will get me through those “hard” times. Marathon – I know mile 18 is tough – so I put together a playlist that will ‘ramp up’ my energy through that time frame”. David Breckheimer, also from the Twin Cities area, loves music and actually studies it while listening during his run.

Podcasts & Audio Books: These were even more popular than music in the recent unscientific survey. Bob Rall said, “I have found audio books to be a great option on many of my runs. There are so many books I would like to read, but life doesn’t seem to give me time. When I’m out on a longer run, I have the time.” John Boggess said, “I typically listen to NPR. Classical music works too.” My favorite radio station in the Twin Cities is a women’s station, FM107. You can download hours of shows from different days. I personally found these very helpful during my longer training runs. Plus there are no commercials.

Singing: Ana Rezende says singing really helps her, “especially during a marathon. Just the kind of songs that make me feel stronger, like 'Simply the Best' (Tina Turner).”

Talking: And for some people, nothing beats the art of conversation.  Rezende also mentioned how she likes to "pick a 'victim' (with a similar pace of course) and begin a conversation....It does work, you forget the pain and the time when you find a good companion.  In case it doesn't [work], you say good bye, have a nice race..."  Janis Berglas says she likes to do "long training runs with friends. If  I'm going 20 miles that might mean I meet the early birds at 7:00 a.m. then drop them off in the parking lot and go out again with the late risers at 9:30."

Our next topic has to do with where you run and the route you choose. It could help keep your mind busy.

Besides writing for RunningMoms.com, blogging, and of course daily household management, Amy Leger also is the Minneapolis Running Examiner for Examiner.com.

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