I can't imagine running without music.  In fact, in races where they have a "no headphones" rule, I pretend I don't know about the rule.  This is a strategy I learned from my children.  

I understand the rule.  Running with headphones is dangerous.  You are sharing the road with all manner of things larger and faster than you.  You need to be alert to the sounds of cars and bikes.  You need to be able to hear other runners and race monitors.  

Not only do I miss out on some of the excitement of a race, but I am in a bubble of sound that separates me from other runners.  I never make any runner friends.  When I go to a race, I look around at the hundreds and thousands of runners, and wish I knew some of them.  It would be great to chat sometimes or motivate each other.  

I am so dependent on my music, it is a complete disaster if my batteries die or my earphones don't work.  

So, why do I do it?  One reason is that running is not easy for me.  I'm about thirty pounds too heavy and I have congenitally defective hips, knees and ankles.  One foot turns in and the other foot swings out so that I'm not tripping over my own feet all the time.  It is actually pretty clever of my body to develop this strange stride, but it doesn't look graceful.  

1. Music overcomes the negative chatter in my head that might allow me to feel embarrassment.

2. Music distracts me from my discomfort.

3. Music acts as a timer and motivator (I'll just run to the end of this song and then I'll take a walk break).

4. Music makes it more fun.  Sometimes I'm not running anymore, but dancing down the street.  

5. Music makes the time go by faster. 

6. Music helps me set a running cadence. 

7. When I'm tired, I can sometimes disengage my mind and just let the beat of the song move my legs....it almost feels like I'm resting on the music.  

8. Music helps me regulate my breathing. 

I am totally addicted.  

I know that there are good reasons not to run with music