Ever since I started running in the mornings before work, I haven't been running with music. That's a big change for me because I never used to run without it.

Part of the reason I've been leaving my iPod at home has to do with safety. It's not quite light when I head out for my runs and I like being able to hear if someone or something is approaching me.

But a bigger part of the reason I've been going without my tunes is because I'm enjoying the morning tranquility. Even though there is still tons of traffic flying down the road I run on (don't worry there's a sidewalk) it still seems calmer. People don't seem to be in such a rush and it's just a little bit quieter.

It's a good time for me to let my mind wander and think about random things. It's also a good chance for me to focus on my to-do list for the day and start working through possible problems.

I've found on these shorter runs, I don't really miss the music, although I still listen to it on my weekend long runs to motivate me to keep going.

The relative quiet without my music is a nice change of pace. So for now I'm going to go with it.

Do you listen to music when running?