Fun and Fitness for the 40-Something

A twist on the workout playlist

I don’t generally listen to music when I run or otherwise exercise.

I know that puts me in the minority, but it doesn’t mean I’m not iPod-dependent when I work out (as I probably made obvious in this post on my love for my Nike + iPod kit). Instead of music, I depend on podcasts.

Music just doesn’t provide enough distraction for me. I need to be more engaged if I’m going to avoid self-defeating thoughts like, say, “I’m never going to be able to finish without stopping” or “I’m dying here.”  And music doesn’t cover up my huffing and puffing.

Podcasts, on the other hand, distract me, entertain me and sometimes even educate me. So I thought I’d share my 10 favorite podcasts, in no particular order. As the list makes clear, I’m a public radio geek and a politics, news and media junkie, but I also listen to lighter stuff. And plenty of other programs are available.

(more…)