SinceI got cut off by a headphone wearer my last race I feel I have the right to say this. About 99% of race brouchures say NO HEADPHONES. I want to know why some people seem to think that mp3 don't qualify as headphones. USATF bans them and people are supposed to be disqualified for wearing them . Certified races should be doing this and I am not sure why this is not getting enforced. If one cannot run without them maybe one should consider not racing for the safety of themselves and others. I think that if races started following USATF rules we wouldn't have this problem . No one wants to be disqualified.
I have been running in races for about 8 years and I see no problem with headphones. I personally choose not to wear them because I enjoy hearing the cheers from the spectators. I have been cut off by people not wearing headphones just as much as people wearing them. I am just so happy to be out there with other people who share my passion for running. Some beginners may need them to get through a longer race, they shouldn't be penalized for that. We should all be so proud of each other for being out there competing in the first place. Who cares if some people need music to get it done, THEY DID IT! That is all that matters. Us runners need to support each other and not be bitter towards those who need a little extra push. I have never encountered a safety issues with a runner wearing headphones, if they get in my way, I just go around them, it's that simple.
since irun4me can't seem to understand the safety issue.Let me remind this person that every police station reminds citizens to be alert for their surroundings for potential muggers, rapists, etc. Not every course in KC is as well protected as, say, corporate woods. Thats the whole premise behind the no headphone rule. Not to mention one would not be able to hear if there was a course redirect. which, by the way, has happened 5 times in my running career. My dissing the mp3 players is because 10 years ago, headphones were alot bulkier and less comfortable to wear. Runners hardly ever wore them. now it is a safe bet you would see several during any given race.
I will jump in on this topic and put in my 2cents worth. I am a more casual runner and mainly compete against myself. Listening to music while running helps me through those tough parts of the run. Every race that I run in is for a charity or a good cause. I use my hard earned money to pay for the entry fees and feel that I am not hurting anyone by listening to music while running for a good cause. As far as getting mugged during a race with so many people participating and watching is just crazy. If you are that worried about your safety while running in a race then you might want to stick to the treadmill. You can be mugged anywhere, with or without headphones. Not sure why you are so bitter??
except, and I will say this again, your breaking the rules most races which state NO HEADPHONES. I am not bitter, but I am not a rule breaker either. By the way, I rollerblade, that is forbidden on courses as well and I respect that rule too. In case your wondering, no, I don't speed either. Rules are rules. As far as the mugging, apparently someone forgot the last olympics when some idiot got on the men's marathon course.I'm sure the runner who got messed up did.
I couldn't agree more with seespotrun. I do wear headphones and run to compete against myself and no one else. If someone has a concern with me listening to my iPod, just go around me. It's that easy and not a big deal. When I pay hundreds of dollars a year to participate in charity runs, I will do what I need to in order to get through a long run, especially when at least 1/2 of the other contestents also have iPods. People who get so worked up about this need to find something else to worry about.
I am going to step in here because the people who think it's ok to run with headphone do just that. I was attacked during a run ( not a road race ). I did not have headphones on, but I was not "aware" of my surroundings either. Every self defense class you go to suggests "total awareness" when you are out exersizing. Listen, we hear stories everyday of people being assaulted while they are working out. I do remember the olympic story and that forced that runner out of medal contention ( allowing a USA runner to get a medal ). My thought is this, if you choose to wear headphones during a race, fine. however , if something happens to you because of your choice, the race should not be held liable especially after it posted a no headphones request. I think disqualifying people is going a bit too far. I think if someone gets hurt because they are wearing them, in a court of law, the race should not be held accountable. My 2cents
I think the rules against headphones are unfair and I don't buy the "safety" argument. If the implication is that you must be able to hear in order to run safely, does that mean that runners who are deaf or hard of hearing should not be allowed to participate? I am an adult, living in what is supposed to be a free country. If I choose to run with headphones, and assume any risks that entails, I should be allowed. Frankly, I find the folks who feel the need to walk 4 or 5 abreast to be more hazardous to other runners than the folks running with headphones.
you are soo right vicki about the 4-5 abreast, REALLY ANNOYING when you are on a track. Free Country ? You are correct there as well. That's why Kansas allows motorcyclist to choose helmets vs. no helmets. My point exactly, let headphone wearers wear them in races. Just as long as the race directors are not liable in the event of an invent of an incident. Very fair, just like when these same motorcyclist hit the pavement and are killed - totally their choice. At least they die happy.
my6yoruns needs to check their grammer. Seriously, I think at this point soeone from USATF needs to chime in about this because it's obvious that choice or o choice, people need to truly understand what the problem is here.
I want to jump in here with some comments from local (Kansas City) race directors. They have agreed to using these comments----I'll weigh-in on this:
Even though the Trail Nerds have a 5K race that insists the participants use an MP3 player, this is not a behavior that I would normally condone during a race, or for training. The race mentioned is on a closed (trail) course and no streets are crossed with vehicular traffic. I was recently interviewed about this subject on Endurance Planet.
I normally take the view that on city streets or not in a controlled environment, headphones should not be used, because it is an unsafe activity. It's unsafe for many reasons:
You could be hit by a car that you don't hear. This is especially true for pavement-pounders. Your ears are your most important asset for avoiding everything outside your area of vision. You could be hit by a bicycle on a paved or unpaved trail. Hearing a mountain bike zooming toward you on the other side of a hill can keep you and the bicyclist from being injured. You could be attacked by an assailant. For instance, I can't tell you the number of women that I've passed during a training run (that were wearing headphones) that were startled by me passing them. You could be attacked by a wild or domestic animal. In this part of the Midwest, "wild animals" other than copperheads or rattlesnakes, aren't an issue. (You're more likely to be bit by a stray dog, than be attacked by a cougar). This is an issue in other parts of the country, though. You might not hear Severe Weather sirens. This happened to a friend of mine while they were on running a training run a couple of years ago. This danger is always present in the Midwest. That said, I've used my IPod twice in the past 2 years, at races. But both times, it was on a closed trail during the night portion of a 100-miler. If this race had been in a mountain wilderness, I probably would not have used them. (I ran face-to-face into a bear at my last mountain 100).
I brought this up so you have something to consider besides personal enjoyment, when wearing headphones. I've been lambasted on other group sites just for bringing up these points. Go ahead, blast away!
Happy trails, Bad Ben
I was thinking of humming something as well. Ya know at least there will not be any excuses that I cannot be heard saying "move over" cause we know everyone can hear each other. Oh and another thing that we found out (g/f and I) from our research is that the rule that is normally sited as a reason to ban earphones, actually does not have to do with safety, but instead has to deal with outside coaching. Have a good run!
The first argument for and against earphones is about the social aspect of the race. Fine but does that justify putting in a rule? I don't think so.
The other argument is, of course, safety. Here's what's interesting. During my research, I didn't find any record of serious earphone-related accidents during races. I did, however, find lots of stories about runners getting hurt while training with earphones: crossing streets, crossing train tracks, attacks by out-of-control dogs. One lady apparently was crushed by a falling tree because she couldn't hear the wood cracking. Regardless, most people seem to agree that it is OK to train with earphones just not race with them. So, I'm left thinking that although there may not be a precedent,insurance companies, racing directors and m any runners agree that it's in everyone's best interest to eliminate earphones during races. OK. I'm still not sure that I agree (yes, I'm stubborn) but I now understand the logic behind it. Does anyone know of any good ADD rehab centers? I had a good laugh at that one, Stephen, and your point is well taken. I promise to sign up for a 5k and leave my ipod at home! I wonder how Kanye West's "Stronger" sounds when hummed by a slow middle-aged woman waddling down the street. I guess I'm about to find out.
Since you brought up training with headphones I will have to chime in again. I run with my daughter, and one day, after being frustrated with her whining about various aspects of her day, I made the stupid choice to put headphones on while I was running with her. I had several peolpe make comments yelling at me about how unsafe I was being. So when I am responsible for my daughter it is not safe, but somehow it is safer if it is just me?? I don't get it. As an aside, I never did that again and I never will. Just pondering a thought. My point is I don't think it is ever "safe" to wear headphones and don't make the same mistake I did.
Ok, so I always say that runners are the nicest people. Sk8rmama, you have totally proved me wrong. I understand that this is a debate, but in the end we are all runners and we all donate towards charity to run in races. I know that we all have our different opinions on this topic but there is no need to get nasty. Notice you are the only one being totally and completely rude. I still stand by this when I say that It should be the runners decision, what makes them comfortable. They are out there supporting a good cause. People like you Sk8rmama make me really sad because like I said, I always thought runners are the nicest people. If you are going to be so bitter towards others who share a passion for the same thing as you then maybe you should do your running when you aren't surrounded by millions of evil iPods!
Who is the one being rude here?? I follow what the race brouchures say when they specifically say NO Headphones. I don't run in road races that allow them. Oh wait, thats just about one in twenty races. Careful about who you call rude..
I think wearing mp3 headphones are rude because you do not communicate with anyone the whole race. Isn't the idea of running to congratulate the people that you are running with and to encourage them to push themselves further? How can you do that if you have your music cranked so loud that you can't hear the other person? MP3 players play at loud volumes. I know MP3 players are more convenient than the old headphones, but the same rule applies, "NO HEADPHONES IN RACES." I think people should follow the rules. You have to have full focus during the race so you can respond to race officials at the start of the race, during the race, and at the end of the race. What happens if you pass out during the race or at the end of race? Should race officials be more concerned about messing up your $200 MP3 player or should they be more concerned about your health? MP3 players are great for training on trails with no traffic involved, but I do feel that they should be used in races because of safety reasons. Just because more people are using them in races doesn't make it right. Do they think that the USATF is going to rewrite the rules and allow MP3 players because they are less bulky than CD players, people should have to the right to listen to music whenever they want, and more people are using them in races? They have bands they play at the races that encourage the runners specially because listening to your own music creates a safety hazard for you and the other runners. I know it isn't everyone’s type of music but tough luck. You can listen to your own music after the race on your MP3 player or in your car. Not during the race. I think you can spare 20 minutes to an hour of your time not listening to your MP3 player. It is a free country, but there are rules in this country such as no speeding and no drinking and driving. Do people still do disobey rules? Yes they do, but then they have to pay fines or go to jail. Listening to a MP3 player during a race is not a law but it is a rule and it is should be followed no matter if the race is for charity or not. Most races are for charity. Who ever made the comment that since deaf people can race, they should be allowed to be listen to MP3 players during races is ignorant. The USATF right now is in the process of debating the use of MP3 players and its use because of the controversy it has caused. It could either allow MP3 players to be used in races and place certain restrictions on their use or they could completely ban them all too together and start fining people they choose to wear them in races. Still the topic in up in air as to what should be done.
17 comments:
SinceI got cut off by a headphone wearer my last race I feel I have the right to say this. About 99% of race brouchures say NO HEADPHONES. I want to know why some people seem to think that mp3 don't qualify as headphones. USATF bans them and people are supposed to be disqualified for wearing them . Certified races should be doing this and I am not sure why this is not getting enforced. If one cannot run without them maybe one should consider not racing for the safety of themselves and others. I think that if races started following USATF rules we wouldn't have this problem . No one wants to be disqualified.
I have been running in races for about 8 years and I see no problem with headphones. I personally choose not to wear them because I enjoy hearing the cheers from the spectators. I have been cut off by people not wearing headphones just as much as people wearing them. I am just so happy to be out there with other people who share my passion for running. Some beginners may need them to get through a longer race, they shouldn't be penalized for that. We should all be so proud of each other for being out there competing in the first place. Who cares if some people need music to get it done, THEY DID IT! That is all that matters. Us runners need to support each other and not be bitter towards those who need a little extra push. I have never encountered a safety issues with a runner wearing headphones, if they get in my way, I just go around them, it's that simple.
since irun4me can't seem to understand the safety issue.Let me remind this person that every police station reminds citizens to be alert for their surroundings for potential muggers, rapists, etc. Not every course in KC is as well protected as, say, corporate woods. Thats the whole premise behind the no headphone rule. Not to mention one would not be able to hear if there was a course redirect. which, by the way, has happened 5 times in my running career. My dissing the mp3 players is because 10 years ago, headphones were alot bulkier and less comfortable to wear. Runners hardly ever wore them. now it is a safe bet you would see several during any given race.
I will jump in on this topic and put in my 2cents worth. I am a more casual runner and mainly compete against myself. Listening to music while running helps me through those tough parts of the run. Every race that I run in is for a charity or a good cause. I use my hard earned money to pay for the entry fees and feel that I am not hurting anyone by listening to music while running for a good cause. As far as getting mugged during a race with so many people participating and watching is just crazy. If you are that worried about your safety while running in a race then you might want to stick to the treadmill. You can be mugged anywhere, with or without headphones. Not sure why you are so bitter??
except, and I will say this again, your breaking the rules most races which state NO HEADPHONES. I am not bitter, but I am not a rule breaker either. By the way, I rollerblade, that is forbidden on courses as well and I respect that rule too. In case your wondering, no, I don't speed either. Rules are rules. As far as the mugging, apparently someone forgot the last olympics when some idiot got on the men's marathon course.I'm sure the runner who got messed up did.
I couldn't agree more with seespotrun. I do wear headphones and run to compete against myself and no one else. If someone has a concern with me listening to my iPod, just go around me. It's that easy and not a big deal. When I pay hundreds of dollars a year to participate in charity runs, I will do what I need to in order to get through a long run, especially when at least 1/2 of the other contestents also have iPods. People who get so worked up about this need to find something else to worry about.
I am going to step in here because the people who think it's ok to run with headphone do just that. I was attacked during a run ( not a road race ). I did not have headphones on, but I was not "aware" of my surroundings either. Every self defense class you go to suggests "total awareness" when you are out exersizing. Listen, we hear stories everyday of people being assaulted while they are working out. I do remember the olympic story and that forced that runner out of medal contention ( allowing a USA runner to get a medal ). My thought is this, if you choose to wear headphones during a race, fine. however , if something happens to you because of your choice, the race should not be held liable especially after it posted a no headphones request. I think disqualifying people is going a bit too far. I think if someone gets hurt because they are wearing them, in a court of law, the race should not be held accountable. My 2cents
I think the rules against headphones are unfair and I don't buy the "safety" argument. If the implication is that you must be able to hear in order to run safely, does that mean that runners who are deaf or hard of hearing should not be allowed to participate? I am an adult, living in what is supposed to be a free country. If I choose to run with headphones, and assume any risks that entails, I should be allowed. Frankly, I find the folks who feel the need to walk 4 or 5 abreast to be more hazardous to other runners than the folks running with headphones.
you are soo right vicki about the 4-5 abreast, REALLY ANNOYING when you are on a track. Free Country ? You are correct there as well. That's why Kansas allows motorcyclist to choose helmets vs. no helmets. My point exactly, let headphone wearers wear them in races. Just as long as the race directors are not liable in the event of an invent of an incident. Very fair, just like when these same motorcyclist hit the pavement and are killed - totally their choice. At least they die happy.
my6yoruns needs to check their grammer. Seriously, I think at this point soeone from USATF needs to chime in about this because it's obvious that choice or o choice, people need to truly understand what the problem is here.
I want to jump in here with some comments from local (Kansas City) race directors. They have agreed to using these comments----I'll weigh-in on this:
Even though the Trail Nerds have a 5K race that insists the participants use an MP3 player, this is not a behavior that I would normally condone during a race, or for training. The race mentioned is on a closed (trail) course and no streets are crossed with vehicular traffic. I was recently interviewed about this subject on Endurance Planet.
I normally take the view that on city streets or not in a controlled environment, headphones should not be used, because it is an unsafe activity. It's unsafe for many reasons:
You could be hit by a car that you don't hear. This is especially true for pavement-pounders. Your ears are your most important asset for avoiding everything outside your area of vision.
You could be hit by a bicycle on a paved or unpaved trail. Hearing a mountain bike zooming toward you on the other side of a hill can keep you and the bicyclist from being injured.
You could be attacked by an assailant. For instance, I can't tell you the number of women that I've passed during a training run (that were wearing headphones) that were startled by me passing them.
You could be attacked by a wild or domestic animal. In this part of the Midwest, "wild animals" other than copperheads or rattlesnakes, aren't an issue. (You're more likely to be bit by a stray dog, than be attacked by a cougar). This is an issue in other parts of the country, though.
You might not hear Severe Weather sirens. This happened to a friend of mine while they were on running a training run a couple of years ago. This danger is always present in the Midwest.
That said, I've used my IPod twice in the past 2 years, at races. But both times, it was on a closed trail during the night portion of a 100-miler. If this race had been in a mountain wilderness, I probably would not have used them. (I ran face-to-face into a bear at my last mountain 100).
I brought this up so you have something to consider besides personal enjoyment, when wearing headphones. I've been lambasted on other group sites just for bringing up these points. Go ahead, blast away!
Happy trails,
Bad Ben
I was thinking of humming something as well. Ya know at least there will not
be any excuses that I cannot be heard saying "move over" cause we know everyone can hear each other.
Oh and another thing that we found out (g/f and I) from our research is that the rule that is normally sited as a reason to ban earphones, actually does not have to do with safety, but instead has to deal with outside coaching.
Have a good run!
The first argument for and against earphones is about the social aspect of the race. Fine but does that justify putting in a rule? I
don't think so.
The other argument is, of course, safety. Here's what's interesting.
During my research, I didn't find any record of serious earphone-related accidents during races. I did, however, find lots of stories about runners getting hurt while training with earphones: crossing streets, crossing train tracks, attacks by out-of-control dogs. One lady apparently was crushed by a falling tree because she couldn't hear the wood cracking. Regardless, most people seem to agree that it is OK to train with earphones just not race with them.
So, I'm left thinking that although there may not be a precedent,insurance companies, racing directors and m any runners agree that it's in everyone's best interest to eliminate earphones during races. OK. I'm still not sure that I agree (yes, I'm stubborn) but I now understand the logic behind it.
Does anyone know of any good ADD rehab centers? I had a good laugh at that one, Stephen, and your point is well taken. I promise to sign up for a 5k and leave my ipod at home! I wonder how Kanye West's "Stronger" sounds when
hummed by a slow middle-aged woman waddling down the street. I guess I'm about to find out.
Since you brought up training with headphones I will have to chime in again. I run with my daughter, and one day, after being frustrated with her whining about various aspects of her day, I made the stupid choice to put headphones on while I was running with her. I had several peolpe make comments yelling at me about how unsafe I was being. So when I am responsible for my daughter it is not safe, but somehow it is safer if it is just me?? I don't get it. As an aside, I never did that again and I never will. Just pondering a thought. My point is I don't think it is ever "safe" to wear headphones and don't make the same mistake I did.
Ok, so I always say that runners are the nicest people. Sk8rmama, you have totally proved me wrong. I understand that this is a debate, but in the end we are all runners and we all donate towards charity to run in races. I know that we all have our different opinions on this topic but there is no need to get nasty. Notice you are the only one being totally and completely rude. I still stand by this when I say that It should be the runners decision, what makes them comfortable. They are out there supporting a good cause. People like you Sk8rmama make me really sad because like I said, I always thought runners are the nicest people. If you are going to be so bitter towards others who share a passion for the same thing as you then maybe you should do your running when you aren't surrounded by millions of evil iPods!
Who is the one being rude here?? I follow what the race brouchures say when they specifically say NO Headphones. I don't run in road races that allow them. Oh wait, thats just about one in twenty races. Careful about who you call rude..
I think wearing mp3 headphones are rude because you do not communicate with anyone the whole race. Isn't the idea of running to congratulate the people that you are running with and to encourage them to push themselves further? How can you do that if you have your music cranked so loud that you can't hear the other person? MP3 players play at loud volumes. I know MP3 players are more convenient than the old headphones, but the same rule applies, "NO HEADPHONES IN RACES." I think people should follow the rules. You have to have full focus during the race so you can respond to race officials at the start of the race, during the race, and at the end of the race. What happens if you pass out during the race or at the end of race? Should race officials be more concerned about messing up your $200 MP3 player or should they be more concerned about your health? MP3 players are great for training on trails with no traffic involved, but I do feel that they should be used in races because of safety reasons. Just because more people are using them in races doesn't make it right. Do they think that the USATF is going to rewrite the rules and allow MP3 players because they are less bulky than CD players, people should have to the right to listen to music whenever they want, and more people are using them in races? They have bands they play at the races that encourage the runners specially because listening to your own music creates a safety hazard for you and the other runners. I know it isn't everyone’s type of music but tough luck. You can listen to your own music after the race on your MP3 player or in your car. Not during the race. I think you can spare 20 minutes to an hour of your time not listening to your MP3 player. It is a free country, but there are rules in this country such as no speeding and no drinking and driving. Do people still do disobey rules? Yes they do, but then they have to pay fines or go to jail. Listening to a MP3 player during a race is not a law but it is a rule and it is should be followed no matter if the race is for charity or not. Most races are for charity. Who ever made the comment that since deaf people can race, they should be allowed to be listen to MP3 players during races is ignorant. The USATF right now is in the process of debating the use of MP3 players and its use because of the controversy it has caused. It could either allow MP3 players to be used in races and place certain restrictions on their use or they could completely ban them all too together and start fining people they choose to wear them in races. Still the topic in up in air as to what should be done.
Thank you 12k2001. My point exactly.
Too long, didn't read.
Post a Comment