Active Community: Message List - wearing headphones racing

Re: wearing headphones racing

nicasio3 — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 01:04:16 GMT

I ran half marathon last october and wore my mp3, but I didn't know about that rule,

I think I won't use it anymore in the follow race. I don't why the rule but, I have to

respect it.

Nice point of discussion

Re: wearing headphones racing

MikeDaMarine08 — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:16:48 GMT

I have been in races where strollers weren't allowed either but that is not usually enforced (when strollers did show up, directors put them in the back of the pack). I like running in large races. It should not even be a concern for most of us recreational runners. Whatever it takes to keep runners out there. I too have run some of my best times with music. I have found now that I personally enjoy the races more without music.

Re: wearing headphones racing

gbirch — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:30:16 GMT

The USAT (USA Triathlon) rules also forbid headphones, and that rule is almost always strictly enforced at triathlons. Some race directors will confiscate your headphones or even disqualify you on the first offense. However, triathlons are much more competitive, and are much more complicated than your typical weekend fun run.

Elite runners are usually banned from using headphones, because they could be used with cellphones to get information from coaches or spectators that would give them an unfair advantage over other elite runners.

Most fun-runs and even the larger races are filled with people listening to their music players. Whatever gets people motivated and out there exercising is a good thing. Listening to music while running is not a safety concern, and no study has proven otherwise. If your music is so loud you can't hear anyone next to you, then its probably too loud. Deaf people run all the time, and people who can hear fine can sometimes zone out, especially in an intense race. If you train with music, run the race with music. It will keep you going, especially on the long runs. I've run my best races this year listening to mine.

Re: wearing headphones racing

MikeDaMarine08 — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:51:42 GMT

When I first started running I could not see why there was a problem with running while wearing headphones. Personally, listening to music helps me find "my zone". I listen to music in the gym for the same reason. I felt I could not run without music. My first half marathon changed my outlook.

For whatever reason, I turned off my music the last couple of miles, I think mainly so I could hear what was going on around me. The route followed a parade route that had both sides of the last mile lined with cheering people. The adrenaline kicked in and that last mile felt like it only lasted 4 minutes! We all love our music, try running without it in your next race........ you may be suprised to hear what you are missing.

Mike

Re: wearing headphones racing

lenzlaw — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:26:51 GMT

KimberlyMM wrote:

I have never worn headphones while running, but I just bought an MP3 player to start using. I have decided when I am using it that I will only put one ear bud in. That way I am still aware of what is going on around me, yet still have somewhat of a distraction too. I probably wouldn't wear them in a race if it states not to wear them, but I see lots of other people doing it, so it probably isn't a problem. *_The worst they could do is tell you to put it away, right?_ *It's worth a try and if none of the officials object, then go for it!!

Well, you could be pulled from the course and disqualified. Don't worry, it's extremely rare.

This is an on-going controversy and won't be resolved by ranting at each other here. MP3 players/earphones are banned by rule for a variety of reasons. Safety is not the first or main reason and that part of the ban is a bit trumped up by the insurers. I understand that many runners love to have their music with them. But I too have been involved in a few incidents like those already described and it can be annoying, at least. On the other hand, I've seen runners zone-out without benefit of music and earphones. I actually met one guy who wears earplugs so he doesn't have to listen to what's going on around him!

The ban is rarely enforced. But if you're going to wear them be like Kimberly, keep one earpiece in and one out. Also be aware that if you are involved in an incident, you could be DQ'ed if you're wearing earphones.

Len

Re: wearing headphones racing

sid911 — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:17:07 GMT

I do not wear headphones nor should anyone else. I once ran a race where someone had headphones on, was not paying attention and proceeded to slam right into me. She didn't know I was running right next to her. I ended up not finishing the race because of a deep bruise in my thigh. if you are going to wear headphones keep the music low and pay attention to the people around you - especially in a heavily populated races.

Re: wearing headphones racing

RL Loving — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:05:20 GMT

mtreed wrote:

Sure i have speed on the highway, and no I have not always followed every rule. Sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally. I do not mean to be disrespectful either. Certainly not to someone in the military.

My point is that each of us daily make decisions about which rules we are going to follow that day. Some days I follow all the rules I encounter ... some days I ignore some of them. You rail about someone running while listening to music ... in part because the rule is in "black and white ... no gray" and yet they choose to ignore it. OK. Yet you admit you disregard the rules on speed limits. Which is most dangerous? Which has resulted in more lives lost and property damaged? All people are somewhat inconsistent between what they think is appropriate for everyone ... and what they do individually.

I do not see the risk created by wearing headphones. Not to me ... and certainly not the risk to others. But like speeding ... if I am stopped and asked not to wear them ... I won't. NBD.

Re: wearing headphones racing

RL Loving — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:20:46 GMT

mtreed wrote:

Best wishes to your son where ever he is!

Not to be tangential ... but he is stationed in Germany. Returned from Iraq in October ... being re-deployed (not sure which war) in April. We wish safety for all our military.

I recall the first time I visited him at flight school. He lectured me about driving "on base". He made it very clear that when the speed limit said 30 ... it didn't mean 31 ... and certainly not 35. I had to use cruise control to crawl that slow. So why was he so adament? Not because he thought the limit had merit ... but because he feared the repercussions of having to endure a one way conversation with a superior officer.

Re: wearing headphones racing

KimberlyMM — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:16:41 GMT

I have never worn headphones while running, but I just bought an MP3 player to start using. I have decided when I am using it that I will only put one ear bud in. That way I am still aware of what is going on around me, yet still have somewhat of a distraction too. I probably wouldn't wear them in a race if it states not to wear them, but I see lots of other people doing it, so it probably isn't a problem. The worst they could do is tell you to put it away, right? It's worth a try and if none of the officials object, then go for it!!

Re: wearing headphones racing

mtreed — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:03:45 GMT

RL Loving,

BTW, I am a GySgt USMC. see its part of my job to enforce and uphold written rules and regultions. Just like the ones your son has to follow according to the UCMJ. This is just a subject that I guess I do have personal intrest in. Some of those rules in the UCMJ may seem silly but they are there are even though , yes sometimes we dont always follow to the letter and there is room for discretion. I guess the part that bothers me is when it is a black and white rule. No grey area, and a person just blatently states they choose to ignore it?

Best wishes to your son where ever he is!