Run Run Away

Question:

I understand your points, especially with respect to insurance costs. Remember, though:  We all sign waivers.  It’s not like I’m trying to run events as a pirate.

Yup, and when you have an accident with those headphones on it’s noted in the accident report. You may not be able to sue the race, but the race may not be able to get insurance at a reasonable cost the next year because it did not enforce the rules of the policy. Thanks alot.

Response:

Why get uptight about something that doesn’t affect anyone except the person who’s doing it?

When you wear headphones on a solo run, you aren’t affecting anyone else. When you wear them in a race, you are affecting those around you.

Response:

If the rules say no headphones then runners should abide by those rules…but where did the notion come from that headphones are bad? Has a scientific study been done that shows that headphone wearers are more prone to accidents then non-headphone wearers.  These regulations (and the general notion that runners should never under any circumstances wear headphones) looks like a bureaucratic ruling that was never tested against reality.

There have been several studies, mostly by the insurance industry. The main issue is headphones reduce your awareness of your surroundings, thereby reducing the reaction time in the event of a problem. They also affect your equalibrium, so if you lose your balance, it’s harder to regain it. Both these problems can be greatly reduced by keeping the volume down on the headphones. Non-scientific, but personal observations of actual incidents at race starts: a) Headphone wearer shouting at other runners in order to be heard over the din of his own headphones, annoying other runners who were trying to listen to the prerace instructions. b) Headphone wearer, not hearing starting instructions, is facing the wrong way at the start and blocks others while trying to turn around and get going. c) Headphone wearer, whose headphones can be heard from 12 feet away, loses balance and trips several other runners at the start. This is not to say I’m opposed to headphones at all costs. I run with them sometimes myself when I want to catch up on the news during my long runs. I realize that wearing headphones means I’m more likely to be hit by a car, bike or be mugged. I’m normally on trails when I’m doing this, so cars aren’t much of a problem. As a Clydesdale, muggers aren’t the same threat to me as they are to my wife. These are threats to myself, when I wear headphones in a race, I’m indirectly extending those threats to those around me.

Response:

I’ve done several short distance events (5Ks, 10Ks, etc.) where headphones were "not permitted," but I used them anyway without any problems. I’m about to do my first marathon, and would love to have my headphones with me.  Again, the official line is that headphones are not permitted–but will anyone say anything to me if I wear them? (Ok, I guess I’m asking if I can get away with it.

Depends on the race director and staff at the start. Neither are likely to make a big scene, but again neither are likely to appreciate your presence either. The real problem with headphones is the wearers have a tendency to be oblivious to their surroundings, making life miserable for those around them. In a crowded situation like a marathon start this can be a real problem. Hearing affects your balance, and headphones lead to a "bull in a china shop" syndrome when you are being jostled around. If you insist on wearing them, be considerate and don’t wear them at the start or the first few miles. Wait until the crowds thin out. If someone asks you to remove them, be respectful of the race volunteers and obey. The reason headphones are prohibited at races is a liability issue. More people get injured when they are wearing them. If it became widely known that a race was ignoring its own "No Headphones" policy, the race may encounter problems obtaining insurance the next year. (The same situation happens with baby joggers, dogs, roller blades, etc).

Response:

I run with headphones while training, but not during races.  If I’m really racing, I wouldn’t even notice the music if the band were following along behind me playing on a flatbed truck. — Ray "focused" Charbonneau R107 – End User Computing The MITRE Corporation – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve done several short distance events (5Ks, 10Ks, etc.) where headphones were "not permitted," but I used them anyway without any problems. I’m about to do my first marathon, and would love to have my headphones with me.  Again, the official line is that headphones are not permitted–but will anyone say anything to me if I wear them? (Ok, I guess I’m asking if I can get away with it.

Response:

<snip  if the people in this thread find their sport so boring that they just can’t survive without headphones, why are they doing it in the first place. <snip

Chill, man. You don’t use headphones. Fine. I don’t use headphones either, which is my choice, but I would if I wanted to – and, if it made me run more easily or faster, I’d want to. Why get uptight about something that doesn’t affect anyone except the person who’s doing it? You do your thing, let them do theirs. If you want to find something to get upset about, there are worse things in this world than wearing headphones on a run. Efrem Mallach

Response:

If the rules say no headphones then runners should abide by those rules…but where did the notion come from that headphones are bad? Has a scientific study been done that shows that headphone wearers are more prone to accidents then non-headphone wearers.  These regulations (and the general notion that runners should never under any circumstances wear headphones) looks like a bureaucratic ruling that was never tested against reality.

You’re absolutely right.  Who needs to hear dogs, bicyclists, cars, assailants, etc… approaching from the rear as you’re running/walking along and listening to your walkman. There’s a local hike and bike trail that I regularly use.  It constantly amazes me how many headphoned people on foot are startled when a bicyclist zooms past them after repeatedly yelling "PASSING ON THE LEFT".  God forbid that any of these people should suddenly decide to stop or turn around at the wrong moment.  Of course the bikers could slow down.  But runners could NOT wear headphones also. In a race, the environment is certainly safer for headphone use, but why would you want to miss out on some of the race atmophere anyway?  Oh well. .thien

Response:

<snip  if the people in this thread find their sport so boring that they just can’t survive without headphones, why are they doing it in the first place. <snip

I use regularly use headphones, not out of boredom, but because it sometimes enhances the time I spend running, and gives me an opportunity to catch up on news and information without interruption. I particularly enjoy an uninterrupted hour of Morning Edition on NPR in the mornings. I also enjoy listening to classical music during my evening runs.   No one should have to apologize for using headphones in his daily activities, HOWEVER, <snip  Doing what the organizers ask is something that everyone can to to help our sport. The people who put on races are some of the nicest people around, and they put in a lot of hard work so that you and everyone else can have a good race.   Do the right thing and follow the rules.

<snip I agree.  The organizers are within their rights to adopt their own rules for participation.  By signing the enty form, we particpants are agreeing to abide by those rules. Don Cleveland

Response:

I’ve done several short distance events (5Ks, 10Ks, etc.) where headphones were "not permitted," but I used them anyway without any problems. I’m about to do my first marathon, and would love to have my headphones with me.  Again, the official line is that headphones are not permitted–but will anyone say anything to me if I wear them? (Ok, I guess I’m asking if I can get away with it. Thanks

Response:

(Ok, I guess I’m asking if I can get away with it.

Well, I guess the official line is your not allowed. Depending on the event, you can probably get away with it and not worry about it – the people who run and volunteer for races are the nicest people I know… If the rules specifically state ‘headphones’ and personal stereos – try portable speakers [not a real suggestion, I can't imagine anything worse than being forced to listen to 3 hours of somebody elses idea of good running music] Mike Wilcox

Response:

I’ve done several short distance events (5Ks, 10Ks, etc.) where headphones were "not permitted," but I used them anyway without any problems. I’m about to do my first marathon, and would love to have my headphones with me.  Again, the official line is that headphones are not permitted–but will anyone say anything to me if I wear them? (Ok, I guess I’m asking if I can get away with it. Thanks

Probably an insurance thing. I merely disregard those regs. I’m wearing ‘em. What are they gonna do? Mike When good men are silent, evil will reign "In certain trying circumstances, urgent circumstances, desperate circumstances, profanity furnishes a relief denied even to prayer." The Thompson of web pages: http://www.teleport.com/~mthomps/Thompson.htm The Barefoot Lizard Page: http://www.barefootlizard.com

Response:

I’ve done several short distance events (5Ks, 10Ks, etc.) where headphones were "not permitted," but I used them anyway without any problems.

The rules are there to protect themselves legally and to keep you safe. Just remember not to have your next of kin try to sue the race director because you could hear people yell about the runaway car. I’m about to do my first marathon, and would love to have my headphones with me.  Again, the official line is that headphones are not permitted–but will anyone say anything to me if I wear them?

I’d keep wearing them, right until the time you find the race that actually pulls your number and your PR or Boston qualifier is not recognized.  Your choice John….. — Caveat Lector!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve done several short distance events (5Ks, 10Ks, etc.) where headphones were "not permitted," but I used them anyway without any problems. I’m about to do my first marathon, and would love to have my headphones with me.  Again, the official line is that headphones are not permitted–but will anyone say anything to me if I wear them? (Ok, I guess I’m asking if I can get away with it. Thanks Probably an insurance thing. I merely disregard those regs. I’m wearing ‘em. What are they gonna do? Mike When good men are silent, evil will reign The race volunteers, being the good men and women that they are, will probably do nothing, remain silent — and evil will reign.

Yep. I’ve often wondered: headphones=evil. Interesting concept. Mike

Response:

I understand your points, especially with respect to insurance costs. Remember, though:  We all sign waivers.  It’s not like I’m trying to run events as a pirate. Furthermore, I believe your comments about whether runners SHOULD v. whether they CAN use headphones are quite inappropriate.  Frankly, it