RunningAHEAD - Topic: MP3 Player on races: Tune in or ou?

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MP3 Player on races: Tune in or ou? (Read 951 times)

Scout7 view log CPT Curmudgeon	posted: 1/15/2007 at 7:39 PM
	That article jives with a lot of what I've been reading in books and such. Mostly that the faster runners dissociate much less than others when running. They have to be much more in tune and paying attention to their bodies more to determine strategy in races and such. The music tends to distract one for doing so. Do I wear headphones? Rarely. Do I care if others do? Rarely. Only when they're causing an issue on the course. But then, it's seldom because they're wearing headphones.
	Amat victoria curam. Sine labore nihil. Dulcius ex asperis.

JM Runs

posted: 1/19/2008 at 6:58 AM

While the rule on headphones has often been overlooked in road racing it is not in triathlons. If you are found wearing headphones during a tri we will pull you over and disqualify you on the spot, forget about finishing.

In running races headphones have always been baned from tack races and the rule has been in place for most road races but not enforced. Most RRCA clubs have had the rule on their race entry forms for years. Now USATF is requiring the larger races to enforce the rule as part of being a sanctioned race.

Enforcement has come as a result of a growing number of people using MP3's and headphones, and the growing number of incidents caused by them.

As a general rule we try to keep races as safe as possible while still providing a good race. When things like baby joggers or headphones become common enough to create a persistent problem, or to generate a number of incidents you have to expect the national organizations like RRCA and USATF, along with the race directors and race organizing comities to do something about it.

I have personally observed and personally had incidents with head phoned runners. If you have not seen an incident maybe it is because you have not done your share of volunteering at your local races.

You may keep your volume turned down, only listen to Bach, and also have rear view ESP, but the problem is not every one does. We have to apply rules to everyone.

If you have to have music, then run the Rock and Roll marathons that have music every mile. If you are bored then run Disney and let Micky give you a high five.

Thunderthighs Beatin' on the Rock	posted: 1/19/2008 at 11:42 AM
	I keep one earbud in; the best of both worlds. Since running isn't all that much fun without it, I'll keep using it til I "have an incident" that convinces me otherwise.
	Be yourself. Those that matter, don't mind. Those that mind, don't matter.

Hannibal Granite view log	posted: 1/19/2008 at 3:34 PM
	Quote from Thunderthighs on 1/19/2008 at 11:42 AM: I keep one earbud in; the best of both worlds. I'll keep using it til I "have an incident" that convinces me otherwise. Would you say the same thing about driving drunk, having unprotected sex, or swimming with hungry sharks w/o being in one of those metal cages. I'll concede that running in a race with headphones isn't potentially as bad as any of the things I mentioned, but the logic still applies. Not having the headphones is less about the safety of the person wearing them and more about the safety of everyone around him/her (sort of like the drunk driver). And I just do not buy the arguement that "I am not distracted" b/c I only wear one earbud or I keep the volume down, if you weren't in some way distracted then you wouldn't be wearing them in the first place.
	PR's 1-Mile: 4:42 (1995) 5-K: 15:55 (1999) 10-K: 32:30 (2000) 15-K: 50:18 (2001) 1/2 Mar: 1:13:15 (2000)* 1st half of marathon listed below Mar: 2:49 (2000)

Thunderthighs Beatin' on the Rock	posted: 1/19/2008 at 5:37 PM
	Quote from Hannibal Granite on 1/19/2008 at 3:34 PM: And I just do not buy the arguement that "I am not distracted" b/c I only wear one earbud or I keep the volume down, if you weren't in some way distracted then you wouldn't be wearing them in the first place. I feel much more distracted by visions of unprotected, drunken sex in shark infested waters! (Can I put that to music, you think?)
	Be yourself. Those that matter, don't mind. Those that mind, don't matter.

dj steve boyett Reluctant Scrooge	posted: 1/19/2008 at 7:10 PM modified: 1/19/2008 at 7:11 PM
	The arguments on all sides of this issue have been repeated in so many threads on so many forums by now that they may as well be generated by software. Nothing will change the fact that the technology exists and will be used by some and deplored by others, so it boils down to personal choice ("I run better with/without this") coupled with social and personal responsibility ("I don't endanger myself or inconvenience or endanger others").
	Steve Boyett Podrunner: Free, nonstop, fixed-BPM workout music mixes. Podrunner: Intervals - Free, varied-BPM workout music mixes!

greenrunning

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posted: 1/22/2008 at 1:43 PM

Quote from Hannibal Granite on 1/19/2008 at 3:34 PM:

Would you say the same thing about driving drunk, having unprotected sex, or swimming with hungry sharks w/o being in one of those metal cages. I'll concede that running in a race with headphones isn't potentially as bad as any of the things I mentioned, but the logic still applies.
Not having the headphones is less about the safety of the person wearing them and more about the safety of everyone around him/her (sort of like the drunk driver). And I just do not buy the arguement that "I am not distracted" b/c I only wear one earbud or I keep the volume down, if you weren't in some way distracted then you wouldn't be wearing them in the first place.

That's just ridiculous.

courtney98 view log Bowhead	posted: 1/22/2008 at 2:08 PM
	I ran my first half in December, and it was also my first run without my mp3 player. I was paranoid of getting dq'd, and I wasn't going to have trained so hard, then not get a medal b/c of music. So I ran without. There were easily more than 50% of the runners with ipods. My point? I'm a converted ipod runner. I really truly enjoyed running with just my thoughts. To self motivate using just my thoughts made my finish that much more enjoyable. How often do you have 2 1/2 hours (or less for most!) completely to yourself? for me, not often! Anyways, just my 2 cents!
	Brand new runner! 1st race: Cowtown Marathon 10K 2/24/07 1:09:32 Hope River Run 8K 50:45 Run to Joe's 5K 29:54 Zoo Run Run 10K 1:01:08 White Rock Half 12/09/07 2:27:50 Next??? Still looking.

Runner67 view log	posted: 1/22/2008 at 2:39 PM
	I use my iPod on 50% of my weekly runs when it's just me. The races I've done - and will do - that publicly state "prohibit the use of..." I abide by those rules. Now here's the thing: If you're used to having music on your weekly runs and then get to a race/event and choose to adibe by the rules and NOT use music, your environment is out-of-whack. Being a military guy, you'll understand "train to sustain." I'd at least experiment and mix it up to do some running during the week without an MP3. The making freinds/conversation aspect helps me get through the longer runs better than music...that's just me...besides, some people will tell a stranger just about anything
	Hilton Head 1/2 Marathon, Feb 7 ING Georgia Marathon, Mar 29 San Francisco, July 26

greenrunning

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posted: 1/22/2008 at 3:49 PM

I keep hearing about "incidents." Does anyone here have an actual first person account of an incident where they were put at risk by someone wearing headphones? I don't want to hear about them being oblivious to you trying to pass either. It's easy to get around one guy running to his music. This is less annoying than the "talkers" who run shoulder to shoulder with 4 of their running buddies. It's like playing red rover with these guys (do kids still play this?) Seriously though, I've run races with and without music, and I will abide by whatever rules are given to me for each race, but I just don't see the big deal. I don't personally run for the social aspect of it, so i have no interest in meeting new people during the race. I do the one earbud thing sometimes also, if I'm running in an unfamilar area, and I find this to be a good compromise.

Scout7 view log CPT Curmudgeon	posted: 1/22/2008 at 4:15 PM
	Does the simple fact that it's the rules not matter at all? Just because you disagree with the rule doesn't mean you shouldn't abide by it.
	Amat victoria curam. Sine labore nihil. Dulcius ex asperis.

joe_h view log	posted: 1/22/2008 at 4:19 PM
	Quote from greenrunning on 1/22/2008 at 3:49 PM: I keep hearing about "incidents." Does anyone here have an actual first person account of an incident where they were put at risk by someone wearing headphones? I don't want to hear about them being oblivious to you trying to pass either. It's easy to get around one guy running to his music. This is less annoying than the "talkers" who run shoulder to shoulder with 4 of their running buddies. It's like playing red rover with these guys (do kids still play this?) Seriously though, I've run races with and without music, and I will abide by whatever rules are given to me for each race, but I just don't see the big deal. I don't personally run for the social aspect of it, so i have no interest in meeting new people during the race. I do the one earbud thing sometimes also, if I'm running in an unfamilar area, and I find this to be a good compromise. it isn't easy to pass a runner in their own world and at the philly marathon a woman w/ an ipod wouldnt' move when I was running out of room on the shoulder and cost me a whole 5 seconds in my marathon haven't seen in it in a race but on the bike paths but it's quite common for folks not to be aware of traffic behind them
	Rule #1 for training and racing - If momma ain't happy nobody is happy http://www.athletefocus.com/athlete/Joeh

Scout7 view log CPT Curmudgeon	posted: 1/22/2008 at 4:23 PM
	Quote from joe_h on 1/22/2008 at 4:19 PM: haven't seen in it in a race but on the bike paths but it's quite common for folks not to be aware of traffic behind them There was an article in the Washington Post about that type of incident. Woman got hit by a cyclist because she couldn't hear his verbal warnings due to headphones.
	Amat victoria curam. Sine labore nihil. Dulcius ex asperis.

Save Cheevers

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posted: 1/22/2008 at 4:51 PM

Quote from dj steve boyett on 1/19/2008 at 7:10 PM:

The arguments on all sides of this issue have been repeated in so many threads on so many forums by now that they may as well be generated by software. Nothing will change the fact that the technology exists and will be used by some and deplored by others, so it boils down to personal choice ("I run better with/without this") coupled with social and personal responsibility ("I don't endanger myself or inconvenience or endanger others").

Indeed. It used to pop up on Coolrunning every other month at least, with the preponderance of responses on the super-harsh side criticizing those who use I-pods in races. I'm surprised to see so few vigorous responses. Honestly, you could count on being flogged for saying something like "I always use an Ipod" at CR.

I second those who say try to run without it. I was an Ipod wearer who jumped the fence after I forgot it one day and found that I sort of slip into a trance anyway and preferred racing w/o the music. I was faster too. I still train with it 99/100 times, primarily because I like my music. I also use DJSTeve's mixes for certain training runs to stay on cadence (180 bpm usually).

Run To Win view log Blaine Moore	posted: 1/22/2008 at 4:53 PM
	I don't wear headphones when I run. I've been hit by a car before, and I don't need any extra distractions between me and traffic. (I was not wearing headphones) Even on closed courses, you need to be aware of other runners, cyclists, emergency vehicles, and traffic that isn't supposed to be there but is anyway. I don't really care if people wear headphones or not, as long as they don't affect my race. Most of the time, the people racing near me don't wear headphones so I am rarely impacted. I consider headphones similar to smoking - I don't care for it, I don't want anything to do with it, but if you want to do it on your own time then be my guest. Just don't knock me over or block me from getting by or hit me because you can't hear me yelling at you. Quote from GreginND on 1/14/2007 at 11:51 PM: The prohibition of earphones during a race is a legality to avoid lawsuits in case someone gets injured. I have never seen a race enforce this. Actually, it has nothing to do with lawsuits and everything to do with insurance. It is getting more and more difficult to get insurance unless you ban headphone use, and if you do get your event insured then it is going to cost a lot more. Most races can't cover the costs of the event from entry fees and rely upon sponsors for the actual donations that they make to the charity that the event is for, and raising the insurance fees means that the event can't happen. The USATF had a rule against their use, and is now moving enforcement of that rule off of the track and into any event that they sanction. Quote from greenrunning on 1/22/2008 at 3:49 PM: I keep hearing about "incidents." Does anyone here have an actual first person account of an incident where they were put at risk by someone wearing headphones? I don't want to hear about them being oblivious to you trying to pass either. It's easy to get around one guy running to his music. It may be easy to get around one guy running to his music, but it isn't to get around 5 guys and gals in a cluster. Be that as it may, I've seen a couple of people get hit by cars on different occasions when running with headphones (not in races though), and I have had people wearing headphones run erratically and knock into other runners (including myself) as they act as though they are the only person on the road. This is particularly troublesome at water stops. I have been knocked down once despite warning somebody (quite volubly) that I was about to pass them, and I gave them about 3 feet of clearance. They still managed to tangle legs with me somehow. There's no reason for me to run off of a race course in order to get around somebody. Thankfully, other than marathons, most of the short distance races that I run are pretty spread out near the front where I'm competing. This isn't a first hand incident, but a friend of mine saw some bears on a trail while out walking one day. A runner came by, smiled and waved at them, and they were all shouting and trying to warn him about the bears up ahead but he couldn't hear them and kept going. He came running back down the trail at a much faster pace not too long after that. That's my humorous story for the thread.
	Run to Win I just started using Twitter - anybody else on there? http://twitter.com/RunToWin

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