Active Community: Message List - The iPod conflict brews in racing

Re: The iPod conflict brews in racing

michaelmack33 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:05:48 GMT

That's great and I don't have a problem with that, but it doesn't mean that people who enjoy music and relax to it while running should have it banned from road races.

Re: The iPod conflict brews in racing

Duke Jones — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:21:00 GMT

i don't get it. i run so i can spend time in my own head with my own thoughts. i'm plugged in too much of my life anyway with cell phones, tv, radio, blackberry and i pod. it makes me feel free to run without. nothin' but me and the universe.

Re: The iPod conflict brews in racing

ragamuffinruns — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:48:20 GMT

I run with a cell phone too, and always call my 88 year old mom a mile or so before the finish so she can be part of "the moment" . I'm not setting records, I'm there for the challenge, the accomplishment and to raise money for worthy causes.

Re: The iPod conflict brews in racing - Give me a break

ragamuffinruns — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:39:34 GMT

I'm clueless on this, we all train on roads by ourselves with cars and dogs and other dangers with our music for pace (which really helps me personally) and don't have any difficulty hearing cars and other hazards. Maybe there is a dufus or two out there with the music so loud it will burn out their ear drums in a few years, but having a backround sound doesn't seem like a big problem to me.

Re: The iPod conflict brews in racing

MikeDaMarine08 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:39:21 GMT

I have run races both with and without an iPod. Should we not be looking to encourage runners to participate in an event? i would rather run a in an event with 1,000 runners instead of 100. I believe we are losing sight of any sports goal. To promote participation in the sport.

Some people believe they run better while listening to their favorite music. While there are two sides, the sport should not discourage people from entering or winning non cash awards should they do so "plugged in".

If the race doesn't allow headphones, you have three choices: Not enter, enter and run with them (suffering any consequences), or not run with them at all.

Re: The iPod conflict brews in racing

michaelmack33 — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 04:52:27 GMT

I would have to disagree. Most people who listlen, have them low enough so they can still hear people cheer and also to listen yourself breathing. I think they should be allowed. The safety issue is minimal also. Maybe debris could hit you in the eye when running. Do we need mandatory safety glasses in road races? This may be a stretch but I think it is a good example of the coorelation between Ipods and safety issues.

Re: The iPod conflict brews in racing

AMAZON80 — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 03:23:51 GMT

Excellently framed article. I find IPods to be terribly distracting when attempting to focus on rhythmic breathing, checking heart rates after hills and recognizing the threats in my running environment. IPods, I also find, are wonderful motivators on both tired days and days the run is pure fun and relaxation as opposed to training. When it comes to official races my initial instinct is to ban IPod use. I believe in an even playing field and judging from what incredible motivator Madonna ComeSessions is for me, I might feel a little resentful of the perceived advantage of a fellow racer getting an extra push from music that motivates her. The challenge of endurance sports is that inner drive. That sacred voice we have to train to lift us up, not put us down. Its that inner voice and drive that seperates endurance athletes in a big way. I call it the give-up voice. Its what makes wanna be's roll over and hit snooze on rainy days. If Aerosmith is screaming a person on...its like a drug to mask a pain I think. Keep IPods out of races.

Re: The iPod conflict brews in racing

lenzlaw — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:31:23 GMT

The fact is, the ban was only enforced in a couple of races. The vast majority paid lip service only.

Len

Re: The iPod conflict brews in racing

RKHII83 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:36:50 GMT

And the dominos begin to fall............................

Re: The iPod conflict brews in racing

Jay Silvio — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 23:59:47 GMT

The Dallas White Rock Marathon will now allow iPods.

"Based on runner input, we have updated our guidelines on iPods and other headset devices and will no longer prohibit them. Since our course is a closed course during the term of the event, wearing an iPod WILL NOT result in disqualification in and by itself. If wearing an iPod or headset device results in you not hearing or obeying race instructions, you could be disqualified. We expect all participants to use good judgment and take responsibility for their actions should they wear an iPod or similar device during the race. We do ask that all participants be able to hear last minute instructions both at the start and finish lines, and that the ear buds be removed at these locations."

http://www.runtherock.com/race_info/marathon/course_rules.html