Thanks for sharing. I've definitely gone through phases and feel like below is how I optimize performance in different physical activities:
1. Lift in silence
2. Wrestle/practice jiujitsu with music
3. Compete without music.
That marathon music story is tragic 😭.
I can relate.
In college, I listened to hype music before I went out to compete. Think crazy house mixes and edm.
I was always more nervous and anxious than I felt I should be.
After talking to our team sport psychologist, I realized the hype music was greatly adding to the nerves/stress I felt. Resulting in a worse performance (and shot adrenals in the long-term).
Once I changed it to calm or no music (wish I remembered the playlist he gave us back then), I competed far better, felt less anxious, and overall wasn't as overwhelmed with the experience.
I could see the experience for what it was...a wrestling match in some random gym.
I do know folks who are the complete opposite tho.
Really interesting stuff 💪