Monday, January 2, 2012

What is up with the No Headphones rules?!?

I have been scouring the Internet looking at races and what is up with the headphone paranoia? Seriously? I am a music runner. I like it. I'm not blaring it on 10. I run with them on open roads during training without managing to kill myself. So why do race directors suddenly feel I'm going to be running out of control with no awareness of my surroundings during their race???? Despite what they believe, I CAN hear the traffic and everything that is going on around me. Quite frankly, I have wished I COULDN'T hear the chatty Cathy beside me in several races! But sadly, I can. So why can't I run with my iPod? We all have to agree to be responsible for ourselves during a race anyway. So know this, Gettysburg & Mohawk Valley marathons: I would have registered for your races if you weren't prejudiced against my tiny pink iPod. Toronto has welcomed us with open arms.

10 comments:

abbi said...

I'm definitely a headphone runner as well, except in two situations - when I run with my dogs or when I run on trails. I understand the safety aspect and some people listen to them so loud they are completely oblivious to what is going on around them...so, I guess the bad apples ruin it for everyone. I think I've seen that insurance reasons sometimes are involved too? I've run a few races where they weren't banned but had specific congested areas where you had to take them out...I'd prefer that approach! What has to be banned are those who have some sort of device that just plays music OUT LOUD...the last thing I want is to hear someone else's crappy music selection!

Ransick said...

I use to only run with head phones, then before my second half mary, I started experimenting without them. Now I like to run both ways for different reasons. No head phones is good for mental toughness and listening to the birds, other wildlife, and cars (when running in the dark). Of course tunes are great for zoning out and motivation.

Chances are they wouldn't enforce the headphone rule anyway so if you really want to run the race, be a rule breaker :-).

Jamie said...

I'm sorry that this happened!

I don't run with music so it's harder for me to understand, but if I did I would probably be annoyed too!

Unknown said...

I like to run with music too. Scratch that, sometimes i downright NEED to run with music. Except if I'm running in the dark. But I listen to my headphones during takeoff and landing so maybe you could just sneak them in??

Jose said...

I can't imagine running a full marathon without music. My mind would wander way to much for my own good!

Holly said...

I could do a 5k or 10k without music. But a full marathon (which for me is 5 hours?) Especially since the marathon I did was by myself (not with a buddy to talk to) and because I can't really talk while I run anyway, that would not be doable for me!

Coy Martinez said...

I feel the same way!! I want my music and I'm pretty aware of what's around me. I just don't get it. I know it's about insurance but I can't remember the last time hearing about a race debacle where someone was hurt over music.

Penny said...

I always run with my headphones. I dont understand why we can run with them at some races. Those are the one races I dont sign up for. I cant imagine doing a marathon without my headphones

Frickin' Fabulous at 40 said...

I did a 10k back in September where it banned headphones. I brought my iPod just in case. While waiting for the race to start, I was talking to a woman who never even saw the ban on the website or the registration pamphlet. Everyone had their earphones in, so I'm glad I brought it! Maybe they just have to cover themselves in case something happens. Then they're completely not responsible.

Anthony said...

1. It's a safety thing, especially for trail and cross-country races.

2. It is a USATF and IAAF rule: no headphones, no Garmins, no electronic aids. It is you versus the clock, the competition, the elements.


Clearly, most of those posting here never ran track.