Active Community: Message List - Ipods and MP3's

Re: Ipods and MP3's

ernest stolen — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 07:42:55 GMT

Hi?- I run with and without tunes(when I forget the player in the car or dead battery). I used to care what others thought about things but realized that was disturbing my groove. When I endorphen up, usually with Van Morrison or Junior Walker, I pass lotsa folks on left or right, or between. The idea is to pass without touching them. Sometimes folks are playing hockey and 'high sticking' with their fists. Sometimes they try to block or 'hip check' with large American butts. Sorta like roller derby. I bet they drive that way too. So we dance hip to hip, cheek to cheek. Usually when listening to Herbie Hancock doing Gershwin, or the Gentle side or John Coltrane, I hear a soft but thick German accent asking, "May I please pass?" That be Hans letting me know I went out too fast again. I always know I'll catch him later, but never do. I'd like to have an opinion but it's difficult to stay focussed on a topic. I like blues when running. And morphine suppositories when in season. I always pull over when hearing footsteps behind me but it's only the ice in my camelback. My age group had 8% fewer leaks than others, finished strong but came in last for show.

Message was edited by: ernest stolen

Re: Ipods and MP3's

dfitz* — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:07:11 GMT

That IS funny! That's exactly the kind of thing I would do.

Re: Ipods and MP3's

Meegs01 — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:24:37 GMT

Ok, I don't know which side I am on, but I'll share my story for a good laugh. I recently trained for a half marathon with my sister. We started out both using ipods, and theyn eventually would not turn them on or have them on so low because we were talking. Well. one day on our long run, i had my ipod off and we split up at about the sixth or seventh mile (we were on different training programs). Anyway, around mile 8 I pass this older guy jogging slowly. As i passed him I thought "this guy seems strange running in work boots and jeans". So I get it in my head that he is a danger and start to quicken my pace. Then, I hear him quicken his pace. I look back but I don't see him.. I start to panic and really start to sprint thinking "OH MY GOD, HE IS RIGHT ON MY HEELS!" I run like this for about a mile when I realize it is the sound of MY OWN FEET that i hear...

I put my ipod on full blast and finished the run.

Does anyone know if you can be disqualified in NYC for using ipods?

Re: Ipods and MP3's

Sooz E — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:19:24 GMT

Have any of you tried Safe Sound Speakers?? They are tiny speakers that clip to your shirt and connect to your IPod, just like ear buds. They are extremely light (you don't even know they are clipped on). They are not particularly loud (as to annoy others) and they let the runner have complete awareness of their surroundings (not only good for racing but also for running at night). Plus, you avoid the discomfort of having sweaty earbuds in your ears for hours of running. They are wonderful (and I think they should be legal in most "earbud banned" races (although I never actually tried one of those races).

Re: Ipods and MP3's

kevpugh — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:53:04 GMT

Another assumption to check...just because someone is running with earphones in, doesn't mean they are listening to music...or anything...that could interefere with them hearing you. As a dedicated iPhone user, and a seasoned marathoner, I do my long training runs with my iPhone and earphones in...so I don't have to take the iPhone out of the armband to make or answer a call. I have used this to do "virtual" training runs with friends in other states, and it's a great way to motivate each other and hold each other accountable for our training. It's also an important thing to have with me, in case of emergency, during a long run. I've also used it during a marathon to give brief updates to my "support team", and receive important encouragement too. So...just another assumption you should check out before judging those with wires or bluetooth accessories hanging from their ears.

Re: Ipods and MP3's

buprunner — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:30:52 GMT

I will definitely keep my U2 to a very minimum roar, but Spencer, a 5K still feels like a small eternity to me!

I'm working on it!

Re: Ipods and MP3's

CDR Spencer Moseley — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:41:46 GMT

I have completed races on both on trail and road, both with iPods and without. I can say that runners will be in their own zone both with the earbuds and without. A runner coming up behind them on the road as the responsbility to miss the runner that is ahead of them and to pass them without affecting their pace. This can of course be rather tricky on trails when it is a single track trail. Then you might have to hold back and wait for an opportunity to pass (good time to rest and save energy for the big push). I train with the iPod and I race long distances with the iPod and i take offense at races that ban them outright. For a short distance, 10K and under, you don't really need them as the race is over in pretty short order but a half and above it is rather enjoyable to have some tunes going. However, the volume should be kept to a low enough level so you are aware of other around you.

Re: Ipods and MP3's

jjonz — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:55:31 GMT

"Sure they know how to run, but they don't know how to race." So what are you, the veteran racer doing to help the newbies, other than getting "p**sed" and frustrated at them? You were a newbie once too. It is entirely possible the problem had nothing to do with the MP3 player and everything to do with the person's inexperience. I am new to running but a long-time mountain biker where virtually no one uses MP3 players at race time (we shave weight off are bikes and aren't about to add it back just for music) but the same issues arise of newbies not being aware of the race "courtesies" that veterans take for granted like calling out passing and moving to the side of the trail when you are slow or broken down. The difference seems to be veteran racers I know tend to take newbies under their wing post-race to explain the difference between trail riding and racing in a friendly, non-preachy manner so they will have a more successful race next event. "Sure they know how to run, but they don't know how to race!" Well help them! If you aren't interested in being bothered by newbies making you brake stride why not choose races that segregate runners into classes. If you don't, then maybe the race organizers are hoping to foster a spirit of community where runners will help each other improve. Perish the thought.

As for the MP3 player specifically, I take issue with banning them outright. An MP3 player at a reasonable volume will no more prevent a person from hearing what is happening around them than will engaging in conversation. Next we will forbid conversation. The courtesy is to remain aware of your surroundings, whatever that means for you (whether that means no music, no talking or not only the individual knows.)

Re: Ipods and MP3's

KathleenMurray — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:48:14 GMT

I understand your frustration, but it's the person, not the iPod to blame. I'm to run my first 10k this coming Sunday and I've trained and run all of my 5k's with my iPod. I can't imagine running without it; the music helps to keep me going and it's extremely enjoyable for me. I don't keep the volume ridiculously loud so that I can be aware of my surroundings.

Re: Ipods and MP3's

jonnykilroy — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:44:09 GMT

i just had to get in on this couldnt help myself....when i hear other people whining that other people didnt "move?" out of there way weather it be on a crouded trail or on a freeway wide road i fail to c how at any time i should move over for you. If your running a marathon and your worried about taken an extra step to get around someone then get over your self....sorry i missed u at the olympics last year....as u refere to racing every one is racing themselves....there time and u really think that after i've been running for an hour and a half that im going to move over and run in the woods so u can get by with out brakeing your stride...right come on think people...in nascar they dont hear the car coming up behind them and there goin a bit faster with alot less reaction time yet they still miss each other...(most of the time) they dont have blinkers no side mirrors...and some one yelling in there ears while driving 200mph....if you can rellize your aproaching a slower runner and spot the correct time to pass them thats UR! falt not the dude in front of you....to each there own...dont be such a hater!!! sounds to me like some people are losing touch with the true spirit of the events....