I never thought how soothing the Geto Boys' "Mind's Playin' Tricks On Me" or the Beastie Boys' "Sure Shot" could be.

But, yep, they are.

I've always been into '90s hip-hop/rap but running with Notorious B.I.G., Nas and Dr. Dre never crossed my mind until a few weeks ago.

Prior to that, my training for my first 5K -- I'm running the Jarritos 5K on Feb. 24 -- was au naturel, just me, my naked ears, the chirping birds and the passing cars.

I've been training for the race, part of the seventh annual Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon, since November.

In the beginning, the sirens of firetrucks, the wind blowing through the trees and the sounds of my own feet and breath were therapeutic. Nature and my surroundings were my soundtrack.

Victor Martinez

The honking cars down George Dieter and the huffing and puffing of other runners actually brought some comfort in knowing that in a sport as isolated as running, I wasn't alone.

Musical motivation

But then on a sunny Saturday afternoon, I figured, Why not put on the earbuds and see what all the fuss is about?

My wife, Rosie, who is training for her first half marathon -- she'll be doing the Tropicana Homes Half Marathon as well on Feb. 24 -- wouldn't dream of stepping out the door without her motivating playlist to run with.

For Rosie, her iPod is just as essential a piece of running gear as her Drymax socks and running shoes.

A sports psychologist from Brunel University in London, claims that running with music can improve athletic performance by up to 15 percent.


He said music "lowers the perception of effort," thereby making us work longer and possibly harder than we would without it.

I can understand it.

When I'm listening to music -- be it "The Crossroads" from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony or "Bed's Are Burning" by Midnight Oil -- time passes faster.

What's also interesting is that when the music gets faster and harder, like when Motley Crue's "Smokin' In the Boys Room" comes on, my heart rate rises, which is good for respiration and endurance.

Then, when my playlist hits the '70s list and soft songs such as "Crimson and Clover" by Tommy James and the Shondells or "Magnet and Steel" by Walter Egan, my the heart rate will decrease, along with the respiration.

I've found music a way to pace myself when running.

As a novice runner, I need all the inspiration and motivation I can get, so for me, music alleviates the boredom that often sets in.

Listening to my favorite music transports me to another place -- a happy place -- making running fun.

Music can take you to time and place. It takes your mind off the burn in your calves and thighs.

Safety issues

Running with headphones can also be dangerous, especially for people running in congested areas.

It would be nice if runners could tune out the world, but with so many cars, cyclists and pedestrians around you, it is difficult.

Most runners I've spoken to about about moving their feet to the beat of their favorite tunes say it's not a bad idea, as long as you are being smart and safe about it.

The runners suggest buying sound-safe earphones such as marathon-friendly iHeadbones or Yurbuds that allow you to hear the outside world.

Another suggests turning the music down or just using one earbud while running

You shouldn't be so deep into your music that you become oblivious to the world around you.

Also, you need to be aware of your running environment.

If you're running at a park, you have to be aware of other runners, walkers and even cyclists.

Listening to music can improve a person's enjoyment and commitment to running and possibly keep the person running longer.

Bottom line is that running with -- or without -- music in your ears is up to you.

I cannot write without listening to music. Others cannot listen to music while writing.

Same thing with jamming to Bob Marley on a long run or enjoying the solitude of running without earbuds, where you are able to free your mind and thoughts.

It all boils down to what is best for you.

Still time to register

The last day to register for the El Paso Marathon is Feb. 23. First-time runners can join me in this challenge by registering for the Jarritos 5K using promo code "TeamVic." This will get you a cool "My First 5K" training shirt and $5 off the 5K registration.

For more information, visit elpasomarathon.org
