What sort of music do you listen to before a big race?
Typically - I like rock, something heavier with a quick beat....Rage Against the Machine, Metallica, Audioslave...But I can also be caught listening to Journey or even something incredibly poppy like Justin Timberlake or Michael Jackson.
Second question:
Do you feel like it impacts your race?
I used to be so superstitious that I'd listen to the same song over and over again before a race, and then I had one bad swim and broadened my music mentatlity. Whatever I listen to last sticks in my head throughout the whole race...which helps me with my speed. What do you guys think?
I am hooked on "Seether" and like to listen to them before practice and/or a meet. I haven't determined whether it helps swim faster, but I think the music is out of my head by the time I get to the blocks, so I'm guessing no.
"The Imperial March" inspires me, but music won't get me pumped up for the race. It only allows me to block out the swimming going on and focus on a good piece of music.
I like Seether too. I also listen to 1980s new wave, which is what they used to call "alternative" rock. I like New Order. My son listens to Eminem's "Lose Yourself." My daughter also listens to some rap or hip hop or settles in with the very cheesy "Eye of the Tiger." It seem like all the kids have rap on their ipods. Just please, no country.
i love seether!
jeff, i agree that it helps block out everything going on. i zone out before my race watching the other events with my ipod on high volume. i get so sick of hearing the announcer.
the imperial march sounds like a good song to listen to beforehand...just the thought of it now has got the song stuck in my head. :laugh2:
Lose Yourself is SO Michael Phelps Athens '04. :-)
I am liking the mentioning of Rage and Audioslave. Definetely have been caught air-guitar/drumming and/or headbanging to some of those tunes before certain Nationals races. I've also been going with Velvet Revolver's cover of the Sex Pistols' "Bodies" and "BOOM" by P.O.D., plus some of the older-school Metallica.
Anything pretty hardcore/punk/fast as can be for a 25 or 50...
