Whatchya listenin’ to?

When people ask me what listen to on my iPod while I’m huffing and puffing away running or walking, they are often surprised to learn it’s not music. Yes, I do have a playlist of songs mostly used for when I really have to dig deep to get the legs pumping or in a race situation. But nine times out of ten it’s podcasts that get me through the grind we all call working out. I’m a podcast junkie!

If you traditionally listen to only music, I encourage you to give podcasts a try. There are thousands and thousands out there. You can find one that is related to any hobby known to man. But if your hobby happens to be chugging along on a journey to health and fitness, here are a few worth checking out. All free on iTunes. Why not subscribe to a few episodes and try one on the next time you hit the pavement or the treadmill. If you want to know a secret, some of these I just listen to in the car. In those cases, they make commutes and road trips go by quickly and in the process you get some entertainment and perhaps pick up on a tip or two.

Running-related podcasts (these are for newbies and nonnewbies alike!) :

• Geek Girl Runner
• Runcast
• Running from the Reaper (this guy Nigel actually runs while he’s podcasting - don’t ask me how!)
• Run Run Live (my favorite - totally entertaining and informative)

Fitness music podcasts (whether you’re running/walking/eliptical-ing- it’s all good!)

• Motion Traxx
• Pod Runner Intervals (includes various 5k, 8k, 10 k free training programs)
• Running Mate

General Health, Fitness and Nutrition

• Fit Girl (each episode features segments on motivation, nutrition and fitness)
• Dr. Fitness and the Fat Guy - hysterically funny!
• Fat 2 Fit Radio - also very funny and informative
• The Jillian Michaels Show - what can I say? I love her, and miss her on Biggest Loser
• Dishing up Nutrition
• Weight Watchers Journey - A dude named Bryan shares his ups and downs following WW and gives hope to those of us forever counting points!

Motivation/Personal Development

• The Daily Boost and The Fitness Boost - both offered by Motivation to Move
• Making Mountains Move - As hokey as it sounds, after listening to just one episode, I really did feel like there ain’t nothing I can’t do. He lights the fire under the ol tuckus.

If you love to read and want to get lost in a good story

• Selected Shorts - Celebrities reading short stories before a live audience. Completely engrossing.
• The Moth- True stories read live -without notes - by regular, every day people.
• Vanity Fair Writers Reading
• The Story

Do you have a favorite podcast?

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