Techless Running?

A couple of months ago, I decided to run without listening to music.  I'm a musician.  Music is my life.  It always has been since I was 5 years old.  I can't live without music.  I can't remember the reason why I decided not to listen to music that day, but I haven't been listening to music during runs ever since then.

Dave also told me, "You'll run faster without music."  I would just smile and put in my ear buds.  However, since I stopped listening to music on runs, I found I run at a faster pace with no extra effort.  It's great.  I kind of like being able to hear my footsteps and hear the sounds of the neighborhoods.  So the earbuds have stayed out.

Since I've gotten my iPhone4 in Feb 2011, I have LOVED using the RunKeeper app to track my routes.  I also loved the setting where it'll give you an update on time, pace, and distance.  I was addicted to it.  I thought it was so useful.  I based my runs off of that thing every time.  Then one day I decided... "I'm sick & tired of carrying this thing in my hand!  I'm leaving it at home!"  After runs, I would use the RunKeeper website to track where I had been.  I found that again, my pace quickened with no extra effort.  Now I'm talking going from a 9:45 min/mile pace to a 8:30 min/mile pace just like that.  Immediate change.  I've had no injuries too.

Now I will take the phone to track my runs when I run trails or off-road, but I turn off the option of it telling me all that extra info while I run.

I don't like carrying things in my hands while I run.  It's annoying and my arms won't relax as easily.  The dog leash is a little different;  it's draped over in my hand and the loop is hanging off my wrist -- I'm not carrying it.

I've been toying with the idea of getting a heart rate monitor, but I just can't seem to justify spending the money.  I don't need an electronic device telling me that when I work hard my heart rate goes up and vice versa.  I know what my perceived levels of exertion are. 

Now I will carry my cell phone when I'm cycling, but that's more for safety reasons.  Unless I'm on the Silver Comet Trail alone (boring!), I don't listen to tunes while cycling.

I found an article on Runner's World about the techless running idea.  I like it.