I never listen to music when running or riding outdoors - it's a safety issue and a focus issue for me. Perhaps it's because I'm kind of tired of all the music I have anyway but the sounds of the outdoors is more interesting and useful to me. I can hear a pinch flat before I can feel it. I can hear when I need to trim or give a little slack to my derailleur.

I do use my swimp3 for swimming laps in the pool just because swimming laps in a 25yd pool is so monotonous and I can still hear pretty well with the bone-induction pads on.

2) That actual sound of a car coming up behind me.

^^^ Best reason to free yourself from the chains, and ride for the joy of the sights, sounds, smells and feelings you get along the way.

There are a few threads popping up about this issue right now, and I just don't get it. Especially while riding, it is very dangerous to be listening to music instead of paying attention to what is going on around you. But ignoring the safety issue, I don't understand why people need music to distract themselves from running and biking. You should enjoy the sports for what they are in their very essence, not try to distract yourself from what you are doing. Furthermore, once you unchain yourself from the music most people find they actually enjoy running/riding better in solitude. It may take a while to adjust, but there are so many things to pay attention to on the road that it is well worth it. And while you're at it you actually get to enjoy the outdoors!

I run with my ipod because I absolutely hate running and dont like to hear my breathing. As for biking, I wouldn't even think about it.......

But, to your question.... I train by the beach and love the birds and waves, especially in the spring! Then in the later summer the sounds of locusts get me going - sometimes to bed.

I enjoy the sights and sounds, but I enjoy listening to music when I run (never on the bike). I have the volume just loud enough that I can hear the music but low enough that I can hear anything I need to in my environment.

I find that music when I run is good for pacing my run as well as my breathing. The less I think about breathing, the more natural it becomes. Music helps take my mind off what I am doing and, in essence, allows me to enjoy what I am doing. Plus, nothing better at the end of a run or at a point when you are ready to stop 3/4 into the run than your favorite "pump up" song to get the adrenaline going!

+1 If you need a distraction, you are in the wrong sport.

On my morning runs the sounds of the birds, especially this time of the year, is soothing. I also have been running mostly the same 6-8 mile route for the last few months 3 days a week and the same dogs are always out. Their barks are starting to get friendlier as they are getting used to me and my voice. The black lab at the top of the last big hill is going to wag his tail at me one of these days.

Never have or would on the bike. And like deepbluex, I get plenty of music everywhere else in life. And then some--I'm a music grad student. Oh, and having tripped on a woman's headphone cord as she dropped her ipod right in front of me during a half marathon and clobbered more than one swerving ipod listener on the track, I'm not a fan on the run, either.

No music at anytime. Who needs even more stimulation than we already have in our every day lives.

Unplug and live free.

I like to have my headphones in during certain rides....riding up highway one (Cali) for 35 miles one way and then back, you get sick of hearing the passing cars and the shouting people who try to startle you. On my other rides out on country roads, I like to go without.