iPod, therefore … I run?
April 28, 2008 · Filed Under Articles, Races & Events
A corny statement, for sure, but in the world of runners there is a culture clash surrounding this notion, between those who opt to run with their portable music players and those who prefer to be completely unplugged.
iPods and other portable music players were initially banned for this weekend’s Big Sur International Marathon, but when the marathon staff received an onslaught of complaints shortly after the announcement was made in October, they backed off.
“We took a hard line and just got blasted by participants,” said Sally Smith, a marathon board member. “We had people saying they weren’t going to do our event.”
While portable music players are allowed on the course, organizers continue to discourage their use and remind runners that musicians will be playing at various spots along the route Sunday morning.
“We don’t want you to do it because it’s a danger,” Smith said.
The iPod debate is a passionate one for runners. Based on interviews of runners in local running groups, employees in running stores and those attending Friday’s exposition at the Monterey Conference Center, the divide appears to be partially generational and partially between the avid runner and the more casual runner.
Safety and awareness of surroundings are the main reasons cited by the anti-music contingency. Spiritual clarity is another, particularly regarding a run up the Big Sur coastline. One marathoner at the Expo said people should be able to do without the portable players “because running is so serene.”
Pro-music runners say the tunes amp them up or distract them from negative thoughts that can creep into their minds while on a long run.
The rest of this article at montereyherald.com
Perhaps the dividing line on use of players/headphones should be whether the event is a race or a run/walk — with the distinction being fairly honestly arrived at.
The Boston Marathon is a race; the Chicago Marathon is a race for some, and a stroll for many thousands more.
There is little question that headphones can cause dangerous situations in racing contexts. I have been bumped and blocked numerous times by zoned-out “competitors” with headphones, and as a former USA Triathlon race official, I have experienced many cases of participants not even being able to hear my warnings or instructions from a few feet away.
They’re OK on a charity walk/run, but not in a competitive racing situation or — even worse — in a technical trail or ultra context.
As road racing continues to evolve into events for the masses, perhaps the time has passed to ban headphones totally … but the idea of linking the rule to the event still makes sense. The slow/fast split might even stimulate the renaissance of events where the “speedsters” compete in groups distinct from those who enjoy the pleasures of a slower course. It works quite well in tri- and duathlons, with the ubiquitous wave start.
And maybe trail races will be a refuge of competitors who appreciate their surroundings — the beauty of the course, and the danger of inattention — and leave the MP3 player in the car.
Initially I thought using players shouldn’t be a big deal in races. Music helps me getting the “runners high” and keeps me going in long runs. But I’m seeing more and more people experiencing annoying situations (to say at least) and it can definitely be a problem in narrow trail races. The slow/fast separation sounds like a good solution to this problem.
You ‘wanna’ race? You’ll have to be 100% focused on the competition. You just “wanna participate”? Grab you ipod and join the second wave group.
Also, how much time until these players are sophisticated enough to give a significant advantage? What if a gadget can completely monitor your physical condition, the race or your competitors and give you “advice” on how to tackle it? Or maybe just give you the right music at the right time based on that monitoring so it can boost your final stretch?
By then running would be like F-1, where you will never win unless you’ve got a top car (in other words, unless you’ve got a lot of money)
Ed
The F-1 allusion is interesting, in that it brings automobiles into the picture.
New York (where I live) and many other states ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. A not-unreasonable response to a real problem … but one that is akin to questions of outlawing two-handed hair pouffing, mascara-application, or obscene gesturing to Rush Limbaugh on the radio.
Anyway, one commonly accepted thought is that RDs and federations (e.g., USA Triathlon) ban headphone-d units at the insistence of their insurance providers. This is sometimes pro forma (hey, our rules say NO) and sometimes real (USAT penalties or road race DQ).
Just like in the world of automobiles, the insurance companies have a degree of clout and power that is beyond the comprehension of most folks.
Suppose the contracts between the insurance providers and the federations and RDs stated simply that headphones are proscribed, and that in a case where the event clearly prohibited them, anyone injured or causing injury while using headphones, lost any claim to insurance coverage. The waivers would state this and all would be so advised.
Not perfect, yet a good backup for federations and RDs who are always seeking cover … nothing wrong with that — it’s the nature of the game.
There are motor vehicle precedents: Wipe out on your Harley without a helmet? Get a better lawyer. Rear-end a minivan because you were closing a deal on the office park? Make that phone disappear.
Run into a lampost or fall into a creekbed because Bob Marley was on fire in your IPod? Or, worse, push someone else in? Same deal.
Maybe it’s time to get some input from the insurers in this discussion.
(With trail racing taking off like a skyrocket, they need to be thinking about us.)
I’m a “beginner” runner, age 33. I understand safety precations, I’ve been athletic all my life. I understand the “serenity” and the soul lifting qualities, properties and joys from just getting out there and doing any type of exercise. Running on the other hand has been the bane of my existence! My portable devices keep my mind focused or occupied so I can get through my training more effectively. Basically so I don’t screw myself by thinking too much. What’s the debate? I’m RUNNING. I want to master my running abilities and if listening to music helps me, why snatch it away and make me hate running that much more? Will I get to the point I run without music? Most definately, would I ever enter a race that BANS the use of it? No. I pushed myself, and paid for the chance, I want my music. Wether I listen the entire race or not should be up to me. Plus every race I’ve been in has “stations” through out the course - does this not indicate safety precations for the participants? Maybe not all stations but some, yes? I’ve simplfied this because that’s how it should be. You want people to run your races and continue to get future participation? Treat them with respect and dignity and let them make the choice, from novices to champions.