These 3 podcasts to listen to on your run will make you think, laugh and make your long runs that much more enjoyable. That… or they’ll make you completely forget what mile you’re even on!
Hello! How was your Labor Day weekend? I really enjoyed soaking in the last days of summer by the lake, but now I’m so ready for Fall! My training runs are getting longer, so I’m totally ok if the cooler weather wants to start oh…. about now! As for training, lately I’ve been all about podcasts over music for my long runs. They’re interesting, humorous and make tough miles more enjoyable. Let’s get into my top 3!
1. Serial – The first season ended a while ago, BUT there are supposed to be new episodes coming out this Fall! I can’t wait to get entranced in a new case and listen to Sarah Koenig’s amazing voice. If you haven’t listened to Serial, you need to get on it. Basically, Sarah dives into a real life case (in the first season, it’s a murder case) and tries to crack it. It’s amazing what she can find out (and not find out), and it just keeps you wanting more. Gah I’m so excited!
2. Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! – This is a weekly podcast by NPR and it is hysterical! It’s basically a current events quiz show hosted by Peter Segal (who is also a runner and writes for Runner’s World), and most episodes are about 50 minutes long. They have a different celebrity guest each week, ranging from Kim Kardasian (yea… I skipped that episode) to Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. It’s a great way to stay up to date on the news and get a little laugh while doing so.
3. Mystery Show – I just started this one a few runs ago and actually heard about it because the show’s host was a guest on Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me. It kind of pokes fun at Serial, but in the best possible way. Each week, host Starlee Kine tries to solve a new “mystery.” The first week, she tried to find out what happened to an old video rental store a friend of her’s swears just up and disappeared. The second week, she helps a friend find out how Britney Spears ended up being photographed with a copy of her very obscure and very little known self-help book. It’s comical how serious she takes these silly mysteries, but it’s also quiet fascinating how she goes about solving them. Starlee Kine is also pretty funny in a sarcastic, dry way – which is one of my favorite types of humor.
Those are my favorite at the moment. They keep me entertained during runs and help me stay in the zone vs. focus on how much further I have to go. The second two also have me laughing up a storm as I run. People I pass probably think I’m crazy. Oh, well!
I’m also thinking about trying an audiobook – but I think it’d have to be a comedy or a thriller. Maybe Bossy Pants by Tina Fey or The Girl On The Train. What do you think?
Also, don’t forget to stop by tomorrow for my first day hosting Wild Workout Wednesday!
Let’s Chat:
Do you listen to podcasts while you run? If so, what’s your favorite?
Every tried running to an audio book? Any suggestions?
This post is linked up with Tuesdays On The Run.

I’ve recently gotten into listening to podcasts on my runs…I never though it would work, but it’s kind of just like running with a friend! I usually listen to Pat Flynns stuff, but I should really branch out! Hooray for Wild Workout Wednesday! π
Michelle recently posted…5 Tips for {Really} New Bloggers
I’ll have to look into that one!
I’ve never listened to podcasts on a run mostly because I can’t stop talking to everyone! Serial sounds interesting I may check it out
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Grab and Go Panera Goodness
I don’t have a group to run with, but hopefully one day I will! Serial is so great – you’ll be hooked!
I started Serial and really loved it but haven’t finished it yet. I need to get on that!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…MCM Training Recap–Week 9
gah! What are you waiting for?!
I reallllly should get into podcasts but I haven’t given them a try yet. I have heard so many good things though!
Annmarie recently posted…Honestly Delicious: Uncle Andy’s Jerky Review + Giveaway
I know you run sans music, but Serial would get you hooked!
These sound great! I’ve been thinking about giving some new podcasts a try so this is a timely post for me π
Chaitali recently posted…Wine and Dine Half Marathon Training – week 9
Awesome! I hope you try one of these π
I just started listening to audiobooks because I was out of ideas for good podcasts. Going to check out that wait, wait…don’t tell me one.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…About me…A to Z!
That one is so good. I die laughing every episode. What audiobooks have your read? Any recos?
I was a contestant on Wait Wait about 8 years ago and won! I have Karl Cassel’s voice on my answering machine. π
Margo recently posted…Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes: Wahlburgers, New Balance Gear & Rodney Year in Central Park!
No way!!! So cool!
I’ve been listening to more and more Podcasts lately! I LOVED Serial and can’t wait for the new one to come out! I think I will really like the other two you mentioned….I will give them a go! Thanks for sharing! π
Marielle recently posted…My Fall Reading List
Awesome! I hope you like them just as much as Serial.
No earphones for me when I run but I hope you enjoy those broadcasts!
Elle recently posted…Tommie Copper Men’s Comfort Back Brace and Recovery Compression Core Band Reviews and Giveaways
I enjoy tech-less runs from time to time, but for my long runs I need some entertainment. Kudos to you for not needing anything!
You’re the second person to mention Serial to me so I’ll have to give it a shot! I generally listen to podcasts when I take my son outside for long walks. I love Entrepreneur on Fire and How They Blog. When I run, I’m more about music and I’ll also listen to stand-up comedy.
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers recently posted…Clock Out Knock Out Boot Camp Workout!
You should definitely check out Serial. I’ll look into the two you mentioned, too!
I just started listening to more podcasts this summer–but haven’t tried while I was running. I loved Serial!
Elena recently posted…Everyday Wellness Secrets: On-Demand Massage At Home or On The Road
So good to run to! Give it a shot!
I loved listening to podcasts during ultra training and I’ve thought about audio books for long runs. Let me know if you try it.
jill conyers recently posted…10 Best WordPress Plugins
Will do!
I loved #1 and listen to #2. I’ll have to check out #3!
Coco recently posted…Lawyers Can Beat The Deadline Too
If you like 1 & 2, you’ll definitely like 3! π
I don’t think listening to podcasts when I run would work for me but I have been thinking about listening to them or audio books on the way to and from work. It may make my commute seem a little more enjoyable.
Betsy recently posted…Put Your Best Foot Forward With Kushyfoot
I think they’d be great for a commute, especially the 2nd one π
I haven’t gotten into listening to podcasts on the run…I like my music and use it as a metronome. I suppose that when I’m done training, and just running, that podcasts might be the way to go for me. So many of my friends like listening to them.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Run Now, Beer Later!
What are some of your favorite songs to run to?
I’ve never listened to Podcasts while running. I’d be too afraid of getting too engrossed in the broadcast that I’d loose focus on my run.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Who Else Wants to Run Now, Drink Beer Later?
That’s exactly what I like about them! If I’m just doing a long easy run where I don’t have to focus on pace, they let me tune out the miles and just go.
I keep hearing about Wait, Wait….Don’t Tell Me, but haven’t listened yet. I’m currently obsessed with Undisclosed and Serial Dynasty.
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs recently posted…Blogging Apps and Widgets I Love
What are those?!! I’m in for anything Serial related haha
I never listen to anything when I work out! I hate knowing that “darn it! only 5 minutes went by” – LOL!!! However, when I do weights or pilates, well, that’s a different story!
GiGi Eats recently posted…Give Me Some Sugar, Sweet Lips!
I usually just listen to the radio that’s playing at the gym, I think I’d drop a weight laughing at Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me and then I’d be all Wait Wait… Don’t Touch My Injury. Bah!
Good choices! I love listening to podcasts when I run. I typically listen to business-oriented ones just so I can kill two birds with one stone, but I also REALLY love listening to The Model Health Show – it’s funny but also super interesting!
Ariana recently posted…5 Tips for Endurance Athletes on a Plant-Based Diet [Guest Post]
Oh neat! I’ll have to look into that one! Thanks for the suggestion!
This is great. Thanks for the suggestions. I have recently downloaded my first ipod for a long run and it wasn’t that good. Hopefully I’ll have better luck w these.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Why I’m feeling so defeated!
I hope so! These ones are great!
I have just recently got hooked to listening to podcasts. Your post came at the right time. Thanks.
Perfect! I hope you like them π
I havent listened to podcasts yet but I so want to! I’ll def have to try one of these.
Jessica recently posted…Timex One GPS+ Review and a Giveaway
I hope you enjoy them if and when you do!
Great list! I will have to check these out! I haven’t heard of them before. π
Rachel recently posted…Breakfast on the Go!
I hope you like them!
These podcasts sound RAD! I’m not much of a distance runner, but building up my endurance and enjoying longer runs has always been in the back of my mind. I’m getting there slowly but surely. Can’t wait to add Serial to my next run and see how it affects my time π Thanks Nicole for sharing
Let me know how it goes π
yes thanks for sharing this! I actually listened to a podcast for the first time during a run last week and actually liked it. I did turn it off after 30 min to switch back to music but it was a nice change of pace and actually kinda helped the run go by faster!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…My Top 5 Websites For Runners
I love them! Which one did you listen to?