Rundefeated

Running for over an hour can get boring — unless you have the right company. Discover why podcasts, especially bite-sized economic news and quirky idea shows, have become my secret weapon for surviving long runs while staying informed

Let’s be honest, running for more than an hour can get… boring. Unless you live in a postcard-perfect town where every turn reveals a new lake, mountain, or picturesque old café with a puppy sitting outside, chances are your running route isn’t exactly breathtaking. Some people power through long runs with sheer inner monologue — reflecting on life’s mysteries, mentally drafting emails they’ll never send, or arguing with that one supermarket cashier who was rude to them in 2018. But for most of us, after the 45-minute mark, the mind starts begging for entertainment.

That’s why so many runners turn to music. It’s the classic choice — nothing beats finding that perfect song whose beat syncs beautifully with your stride. The moment when the chorus drops just as you hit your stride feels like main-character energy in a Netflix series. And then there are runners who turn to religious content: murottal or Quranic readings, gospel songs, or other faith-based audio that offers both spiritual focus and calm. Everyone has their coping mechanism for those long, soul-searching kilometers.

Me? I’m a podcast person. I know, not the most common pick for running buddies, but hear me out. I love reading. I love learning new things. But I can’t very well crack open a book while running. Trust me, I tried once — it ended with me tripping over a pothole and nearly donating my kneecap to the asphalt. So, podcasts became my perfect running companion. They give me something to chew on mentally while my legs do the mechanical work of keeping me alive.

But not just any podcast. My absolute favorites are bite-sized economic news and idea-driven shows. My go-to channels are Best Idea Yet by Wondery and Freakonomics Radio. These shows are like having that one friend who always brings up obscure but fascinating facts at dinner parties. I learn about why bread prices are going up, how shipping routes affect my online shopping habits, or why people panic-buy toilet paper during a crisis — all while knocking out my weekend long run.

The best part is, when you’re listening to economic news or quirky social science stories, time flies. I’ve genuinely lost track of distance because I was too busy trying to understand how the banana supply chain works or why some countries still hoard gold reserves like it’s the 1800s. It’s basically my version of catching two birds with one stone: I get my cardio in, and I leave smarter than when I started.

Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about having random knowledge in your head. Like, during a group run or lunch break, I can casually drop, “Did you know there’s a booming black market for counterfeit vanilla extract?” and instantly become the most interesting person in the room. It beats complaining about traffic for the hundredth time.

Of course, some days, I still turn to music, especially for interval training or tempo runs when I need that extra kick. But for those steady, hour-long weekend runs, podcasts are my ritual. They’ve saved me from countless mental breakdowns halfway through a deserted city block and given me more conversation material than any self-help book ever could.

So if you’re stuck in a long-run rut, give it a try. Whether it’s business, science, history, or your favorite stand-up comedy podcast, it might just turn your dull, repetitive run into a moving classroom. Who says you can’t work on your heart rate and brain cells at the same time?