Running With Music (Page 2)

OK Training with headphones is one thing, and I'll save my opinions of that for another time. Suffice to say that I look at it as a corralary to helmet wearing. BUT headphones in races is a subject that really steams my grits.

Section 3.4(i) of the USAT rules

Unauthorized Accessories. No participant shall, at any time during the event, use or wear a hard cast, headset, radio or any other item deemed dangerous by the Head Referee. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

For Pete's sake folks, get over the headphone thing. In a race you are not alone, there are hundreds (maybe thousands) of others on the course at the same time. You have a responsibility to make sure you are exquisitely aware of what's goiong on around you at all times so that you don't pose a hazard to others. Fast runners may be  coming up behind you, fast cyclists too. You need to be aware of them as soon as possible, like when you HEAR their footsteps or when you HEAR their tires on the pavement. This does not even take into account the traffic (most tris are held on open roads) or the necessity to hear instructions from race officials and volunteers. Why on earth would you choose to potentioally endanger your fellow competitors?

someone said (many times)

"Call me a rebel, but I wear mine anyway. Hearing my paniting and my feet hitting the ground is pure torture. It's not like I was planning to win anyway and I already have my T-shirt. If I get DQ'd for my radio...so be it! "

This is the single-most inconsiderate and selfish statement I have ever heard anyone make about a triathlon. For shame. you would potentially endanger me, and everyone else in a race (remember people do get hurt, and occaasionally die in races) because ....."I already have my T-shirt"......I think you need to really reconsider participating in races if that's your attitude.

Lets review.....

1. Wearing headphones is against the rules

2. It is inconsiderate at best, and potentially dangerous to yourself and others

3. Do you really need a #3?

Don't do it.

I love my iPod on training runs but come race time it's a big no no. 

I know I'm a dork but I sing cadance in my head while I run in races.  Kind of keeps my feet moving when they start to get tired.

This is the whole reason I exercise. It is my required "by myself" time that keeps me from being completely unbearable. However, I do love my music for indoor workouts.  TVs at the gym offer no distraction from the dreadmill for me.

Lets say....just say.... that a much faster runner is coming upon you from behind, and lets say that said runner is moving at a 5:30 pace (that's around 11mph), and because you don't know he/she is there you swerve into his/her path and WHAMMO! someone's going to get hurt. This is not that outlandish a situation, especially when there are relay teams.

I'm not even going to mention cars, or bicycles.