Forget the playlist–podcasts are the new running essential

News flash: just because you run with headphones doesn’t mean you have to be jamming out the whole time. If you’ve been stuck in the loop with the same old playlist, it’s time to switch things up. Podcasts are the perfect way to shake off music fatigue–and trust us, it’ll be a game-changer.

Whether you’re into true crime, comedy or keeping tabs on your favourite runners, there’s always something about a good story or conversation that makes the run fly by. So don’t save your favourite show for a long drive or an evening stroll–you’ve got a whole run to tune in. Once you’ll start running with podcasts, you might never want to go back.

Here are our top podcast picks:

For the true crime junkie

Because what better way to distract from a tough or boring run than some thrilling mysteries?

Your own backyard – Chris Lambert

Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer – Wolf Entertainment + CBC

The Retrievals – Serial Productions & The New York Times

Criminal – Vox Media Podcast Network

Crime Junkie – audiochuck

In the Dark, Season 2 – The New Yorker

The No Good, Terribly Kind, Wonderful Lives and Tragic Deaths of Barry and Honey Sherman – Lionsgate Sound & CBC

For the comedy fiend

If you’re simply looking to laugh through the pain, these pods will deliver the giggles.

Are You Garbage? Comedy Podcast – Kevin Ryan & H. Foley

We’re Here to Help – Headgum

Tuesdays with Stories! – Joe List and Mark Normand

Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast – Matt McCusker & Shane Gillis

The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds – All Things Comedy

Never Not Funny: the Jimmy Pardo Podcast – Misfit Toys

The Neighbourhood Listen – Paul F. Tompkins, Nicole Park and Brett Morris

The Regz – GaS Digital Network

For the die-hard runners

Keep your head in the sport–even when you’re out logging miles.

The Shakeout Podcast – Canadian Running Magazine (Duh!)

For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running – Jonathan Levitt

Nobody Asked Us – Des Linden and Kara Goucher

I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Hein Podcast – SandyBoy Productions

Marathon Talk – Deena Kastor and Martin Yelling

House of Run – Jason Halpin and Kevin Sully

Running is BS – Stewart Harding and Amy Cuthbert-Genders

For trail runners: 

Singletrack – Finn Melanson 

The Rich Roll Podcast – Rich Roll

Science of Ultra – Shawn Beardon 

Some Work All Play – David and Megan Roche

For track fans:

Beyond The Records – Offside Original, featuring Noah Lyles, Rai Benjamin and Grant Holloway