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The Shuffler

Great running controversies of our time: part 1

March 31st, 2010

To wear headphones or not to wear headphones.  This is an issue that has inspired a lot of heated debate.  Proponents say that listening to music or podcasts makes their runs more enjoyable and represents a source of inspiration and motivation.  Naysayers say that wearing headphones is a safety risk and that “tuning out” (pun intended) can interfere with the purity of running.  My take on this issue is that you can pry my mp3 player out of my cold dead hands before I stop running with it (me and Charlton Heston: we’re like two peas in a pod.  Except for all those Republican values).

 I think mp3 players are a gift from God to slow runners.  One of the problems with being a slow runner (one of many) is that you are often out there for a very long time.  For example, in the time it takes me to complete a half-marathon (somewhere in the neighbourhood of 3 hours), Paul Radcliffe can finish a marathon, have a banana and be showered.  Who’s the more hard-core runner, I ask you?  What magazines and books optimistically refer to as a “quick” 6-miler feels like a death march to me.  The problem is that I get awfully bored when running alone.  Running purists would suggest that I listen to my body and really engage myself in the run.  The problem when I do that is that I experience a veritable symphony of complaints ranging from my ankles to my brain, including stops at the knees, stomach, lungs and even shoulders.  If I really tuned in to my body, I would probably never run longer than 10 minutes because that’s usually how long it takes for the bitching to start (future post: knowing when you should tune out your body/brain). 

 I find that listening to podcasts helps take my mind off the run and allows me to dazzle others with information learned while running (i.e., “Did you know that Dolly Parton was heavily involved in child literacy?”).  I wish I was able to listen to music but for reasons unknown to me or current medical science, listening to music while running tends to bring on stitches for me (this stitch has defied at least two sports doctors and almost every piece of stitch-related advice I have ever received).

 In terms of the safety issue, I tend to run along bike paths whenever possible, although I am well aware that this does not guarantee a safer run.  Hazards along the bike paths that I have encountered include cyclists who think they’re on the last leg of the Tour de France, vicious Canada geese who think they own the bike path and walkers strolling four-abreast.  My position is that I can 1) go for a run with my headphones and run the risk that I won’t hear a potential threat (vicious, hissing geese, for instance) or 2) not go for a run and develop type II diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease from sitting on my couch watching Wheel of Fortune and eating Ben & Jerry’s (some would suggest that I could moderate my sweet intake but these people clearly don’t know me very well).  So I take the risk of going for a run with my headphones and keeping the volume low enough that I can hear what’s going on around me.

 What’s your position on headphones?  Do you run with your favorite portable music device?

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13 Responses to “Great running controversies of our time: part 1”
  1. Jackie Says:

    Like you, pry my mp3 player out of my cold, dead hands!! However, I don’t get stitches from running to music! Music becomes part of the soundtrack to my life, gives me the ability to disengage from a stressful day, and promotes clear, relaxed thinking. In fact, I have solved many an issue while running thanks to music. During those unfortunate runs when my batteries died (ACK!), the run was tedious and no where near as relaxed and enjoyable. Purists be darned – running is a personal, individual sport – let me enjoy it!

  2. Sylvie Says:

    Headphones are glued to my ears during runs. But it’s not just the music that keeps me going. Creating playlists for a speed workout or a long Sunday run is part of the experience too!

  3. Chris Says:

    I use headphones about 50% of the time in training, but never race with them. I dont care what you say, but even with low volumes you are not totally aware of your surroundings. In training, its a risk I take.
    In a race, if the organzier bans the use of headphones, people not obeying this rule should be pulled off the course and / or have their results removed from the official standings. The JFK 50 miler does this and no one was running with headphones. My issue is with races that ban them but then dont enforce the rule.

  4. Keath Says:

    Great article. (By the way, Dolly Parton is STILL actively involved in child literacy. Every child under 5 in Sevier County, TN receives a book from Dolly every month.)

    I’m in general, anti-headphones – FOR ME. Mostly because they don’t stay in my ears and usually make me push too hard. But I’m all for people doing what works for them. I happen to enjoy a lot of the sounds around me when I run – that doesn’t mean that everyone who runs has to enjoy them too.

    What people on both sides of the debate so often miss is that listening to music (or podcasts) while you run can both be just what you need to get going – or keep going – or whatever, and STILL be dangerous in some situations. Sometimes it’s fine to use headphones with appropriate precautions. Sometimes it’s not. Personally, I only take them out on shorter runs when I’m very familiar with the environment and comfortable with the level of safety of potentially not hearing something come up behind me.

    The big rift is really in races where they are banned. Lots of people get all defiant and run with them anyway. Which is fine, as long as they take responsibility for this action and don’t get bent out of shape if/when they are disqualified. (Or, in a worst case scenario, injured or killed due to not hearing a warning or similar instruction!)

    @Chris: I’m with you on that regarding ANY rule that races (or other “authorities”) establish but don’t enforce. It’s especially infuriating when you’re being the “good” one and respecting the rule and seeing others defy it without repercussion or guilt.

  5. Jenelle Says:

    An accidental trip to the gym without my iPod or at least headphones causes mild panic.

  6. Vicky and Grant Says:

    Headphones are generally not an issue as long as they are not worn during races. Wearing headphones during races is dangerous. Kind of like drunk drivers or people who talk on cellphones while they are driving you can spot these people a mile away. They are cutting people off and inconsiderately not paying any attention to those around them.

  7. Vicky and Grant Says:

    I should mention that this is Grant by the way. I know for a fact that Vicky runs around with headphones singing during races.

  8. Jason Says:

    I am a no headphones type of guy. When I first started running I did listen to music because I felt it made the time go faster. That all changed when it became too much of a pain in the a$$ to change the songs on my iPod. After that I stopped running with head phones, cold turkey, and I started to enjoy my runs even more than I could have imagined.

    I don’t begrudge anyone who chooses to listen to music while running. My biggest annoyance during a run, especially a race, is the walkers who are four abreast and force people to pass them in a live lane. Pay Attention Chilly Half Marathon Walkers I’m talking about you!

    Jason

  9. Finola Says:

    I love my headphones too, and I have to question whether there are data to support headphones in a race being a hazard.

    As for music and side stitches, I find I get stitches when I vary my pace during a run. Can I propose that different songs make one speed up or slow down, depending on the tempo of the song, and perhaps this could be the cause of your stitches? Just a thought…

  10. EndorphinBuzz Says:

    Music while training but NOT at races, it’s just too dangerous and rude.

    I couldn’t believe an ad I saw for a Portland promoting itself as mp3 friendly race, I think it’s just rude to other runners!

  11. Laura Says:

    Well this is timely — I just signed up for my first ever 1/2 marathon, and am now dreading it b/c I realized after the fact there are no headphones allowed. You are my running soul mate, shuffler! I too am too slow to be competitive, and rely on music and podcasts to keep me motivated. Gym Boredom or Run Reluctance is often cured by burning a new playlist!

  12. YogaGirl Says:

    I actually run with headphones sometimes and without sometimes. I like to mix it up. However I do usually listen to music..Im now curious to try a run with a podcast!

  13. Steve Says:

    Headphones are dangerous during a race? Really? Are you worried about tripping over an earbud? If it’s the fact that people might be less able to hear someone passing them, then I assume you are a firm believer in banning all hearing impaired people from running?

    I think the whole “banning mp3 players” is just a bunch of people who’ve never used one (what’s the average age of a race official?) trying to enforce their views on everyone else.

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