You're entitled to your opinion, but music is what pushes me to go hard and keeps me motivated in my runs. I literally run 25%+ faster with music on. Not only that, but it's just not nearly as enjoyable without the music (and the scenery).
If you listen to music, just wear good earbuds that don't block ambient noise, and don't crank it too loud.
Stretching: By now most runners know not to static stretch from cold start, but not stretching at all is a bad idea. In my experience static stretching after the run works great, and so does dynamic stretching after a substantial (1mi) warmup. Also, most runners don't know how to stretch their upper body. In my experience it's really important to stretch your back.
If you listen to music, just wear good earbuds that don't block ambient noise, and don't crank it too loud.
Stretching: By now most runners know not to static stretch from cold start, but not stretching at all is a bad idea. In my experience static stretching after the run works great, and so does dynamic stretching after a substantial (1mi) warmup. Also, most runners don't know how to stretch their upper body. In my experience it's really important to stretch your back.