I got a complementary issue of Running Magazine for having run in that half marathon. The “letters” section was devoted to a discussion of one of the editors’ previous rants against the use of iPods. The official position of organizing bodies is to ban iPods or other music players from races. This “rule” is universally ignored from anything I can see — maybe folks who are actually in danger of winning are subjected to the regulation, but slow moving cattle such as myself are not fazed by it.
The discussion had a certain “whippersnappers with their music players” quality to it. The curmudgeons who had always run without the players begrudged those who used them. There were reasons advanced about how those distracted by music interfered with others. I’ve also seen arguments advanced about how the music interferes with the purity of the run. The safety or interference arguments are mostly anecdotal; I don’t know that I’ve seen anyone point to anything like evidence that this is a Big Problem. For my part, I flat out would not have gotten through the early stages of running: those miserable few weeks where I couldn’t yet run 2 miles without stopping. The music really helped. Right now, I probably *could* do it, but it’s a lot more enjoyable to run with the music. When I have been in races, I have not noticed anyone getting in my way because of music players. I suspect that, for the curmudgeonly, when someone interferes with them, they notice it a lot more if the person has a music player — much as I notice it more if someone cuts me off in traffic has a “W” sticker or an “In God We Trust” plate.
The grumpy old man “that’s the way it was, and we liked it!” mentality certainly isn’t unique to running. There is always a contingent of elders who had to come up through the ranks of whatever without some luxury or in some way that was harder than those below them. In fraternities, for example, I suspect a lot of fraternities insist on hazing simply because the older guys had to go through it. They’ll tell you it needs to continue because it builds brotherhood and bonding. But there are other ways to do this than through sleep deprivation and forced consumption of raw eggs or whatever. Law firms will insist on abusive hours for new associates; and 72 hour residency shifts will be imposed on new doctors.
Tradition for tradition’s sake is a silly reason to continue (or prohibit) a practice.
Wait a minute, I am starting to see connections. Ban on iPods by international running organizing bodies – Obama’s Kenyan ties – author Corsi detained by Kenyan authorities – Kenya known for barefoot runners. My conclusion: Steve Jobs is behind the whole Obama movement with a secret agenda of using the Kenyan market as the gateway to a new world order where all runnners will have implanted iPOds! You’re a runner Doug, right? Who do you pal around with?
It is a matter of being safe. If you have “Dead Milkmen” blaring, it is going to be hard to hear someone behind you shouting to move or look out. Now, you might keep *your* music low enough, but that is much harder to enforce than to say none at all.
Personally, I can’t stand it when people on trails use them and then get in the way of my bike. Ringing my state-mandated bell and shouting does not faze them, and then they have a shitty look on their face when I go by very close because they didn’t know to move over.**
Maybe the answer is a law / rule that is enforced only after the fact. If you’re involved in a collision, and you were wearing headphones, then you have to pay a fine or be DQ’ed. If you’re able to be alert and safe, then no one should bother you.
**I do, on occasion, use headphones while on my bike, but keep one bud out (the left side) or keep it low enough that I can still hear the sound of the tires & wind of a car that is closing on me.
Tom – reminiscent of the Simpson’s episode:
Jason: So deaf runners pose a hazard to cyclists? Just asking.
Actually, I believe a little common courtesy among all parties, sprinkled with education and awareness. I’ve seen a lot boorish behavior among by non-users of musical players, such as slow people who hog the lanes, idiots who taunt or make fun of passersby.
Jawn,
Deaf runners who do not adjust to their handicap are a hazard to their safety and the safety of others. However, if they make adjustments, such as staying to the right and keeping aware of their surroundings, there is no problem.
That’s why I said to enforce the issue after the fact. Run with earplugs in if you want, but be prepared to be punished if your actions cause someone to be harmed.
As another example, look at the open container law. I have no issue with someone drinking *a* beer while driving. However, if their blood alcohol level is above the legal limit, then throw the book and the rest of the library at them.
Jason,
You can have my I-pod when you pry it from my cold, dead hands! I need the beat of the music to help me set and keep a pace; otherwise I gradually just slow down.
Honestly I never have my I-pod loud enough that I can’t hear it if someone is saying something to me in a normal speaking voice. I might not understand what they are saying until I turn it off, but at least I can hear that someone is trying to get my attention.
Of course I’m pushing forty and maybe I just can’t stand loud music anymore;-)