Wow, Parkerand Susan, where did you get those dumb reviews, whining.com? Amazing. I've never seen such whiners, probably all non-ipod users, too.:)

The Marathon courses are laid out over 2 cities and most of the route is on main roads that are TOTALLY blocked off for the entire race, except for emergency traffic. Runner areas and car areas are divided with tons of cones. Hey, wait, I never saw popsicles there! It's true, though, there aren't lots of spectators in the field. I imagine that's because the end of each race is on the Notre Dame football field at the 50 yard line. Runners enter the stadium at the "tunnel" and enter the field through Notre Dames entrance. Just like the team this year, you don't get past the 50 yard line and never make a touchdown!

The stadium bleachers are filled with the spectators standing and cheering. That's what makes this race a big deal in this area. Run it once as a beginner and you're hooked! This one little race event has changed many lives for the better. That's what it is all about.

I might add that even though there aren't lots of spectators on the routes, there are plenty of police, ambo's, fire trucks, volunteers, and amateur radio operators helping to keep the race fun and even with headphones, safe safe safe. I think it's been running for 25 years now and no serious incidents.  This may not be an example of the majority of races around the country, (NH comment), however it is an example of a well run event, thanks to our RD's and volunteers. And really, every event in this area seems to be run as well.

BTW: I have written and thanked the people in charge for the good call on headphone use.

WayneD

Safety issues aside, I think that if you have to depend on some music to get you through a race and workouts you're just mentally weak and unable to focus while working through the pain.

Open your ears my friend, music is a wonderful thing!  I use music as my motivator when I don't think I can possibly push through another mile.  Lets you and I go out for a nice run, I'll show you just how mentally strong I am, whilst using my music, as you struggle to keep up

You know, what can you say about a guy who claims to have been a Race Director at some point in his life, but then turns around and slams other Race Director's Race's.  This really says all you need to know about him.  Just because I may not like a race, I don't go around insulting it, and those that participate in it.

As for the Smarty Pants who says that you are mentally weak if you can't run or workout with music, please bring something interesting to this conversation.  I think we all have different ways to motivate ourselves to get through walls.  I use music.  I don't call you a mental midget because you can't do two things at once.  I mean, I think it would be downright rude to refer to you as a mental midget.  However, it is kind of funny that you can't do two things at once, and statistically speaking, 95% of all people that can't do two things at once are mental midgets.  I ain't sayin.......I'm just sayin.

I really love a good joke every now and then.  I'm sure plenty of people didn't find that posting as funny as I did.  I personally don't care if people wear them.   But,I need to hear my body working while running.  Plus I live in the city, and I am constantly running with eyes and ears in the back of my head.  I have to know what is going on around me.   Check out the picture of me versus car (I was out on a ride recovering from Boston).  I think it could have been worse had I been reciting lyrics in my head.

Fill me in on the jazz man--i've never heard of him.  I am fimiliar with George as he and my dad share the same first name.

Check out the picture of me versus car (I was out on a ride recovering from Boston). I think it could have been worse had I been reciting lyrics in my head.

????????

I don't know if you meant to do this or if it was purely by accident, but do you realize how much of a help you have just been to our cause? You are out riding, without headphones, and ran into a car? Will someone please go find Mary. We finally have proof that people who don't wear headphones can and do have accidents. You see, Thorogood, we have a couple of old folks in here that swear that only people that wear headphones can have accidents. You are proof positive that even those that do not enjoy listening to music while working out are just as prone to having an accident as those of us using headphones. Actually, probably more so, since you are the only one to actually show a picture of an accident happening. Noone else has been able to do that. Thanks.

Point made Parker. Although, I have to wonder if this wasn't one of those cyclist runs into a parked car incidents?  Regardless, it proves my theory that you can, in fact, be involved in an accident, even if you are not wearing headphones.  And, since we still have not seen any proof, what so ever, of anyone having an accident WHILE listening to music, I would have to say that this means that you are 100 times more likely to be involved in an accident while not listening to music, and participating in an endurance activity around parked vehicles.