re: Goofy Training Update: Am I a Cheater?

Larry — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:16:13 GMT

Running by yourself, I think headphones are ok. Running with others, you should have all your senses free from distraction. Besides, it's a lot cooler to loudly hum the theme from 'Rocky' while you're passing the Kenyan, lol.

re: Goofy Training Update: Am I a Cheater?

Brian — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:27:21 GMT

Comparing wearing headphones during a marathon and drafting in a tri event are two totally different things. There are two types of rules in these sporting events. Those that level the playing field and those that are there for safety. Drafting for example (tucking behind another cycling rider to reduce draft and save energy) is done to gain an advantage. Wearing a helmet during a bike race on the other hand is there for safety. The whole rule on wearing headphones is a safety issue not a competitive advantage issue. I have never been beaten on one of the fun Saturday runs we go on and said, "Man if I would have just had my headphones, I could have beat him. There are those that argue that you could listen to music that helps you keep a tempo and that could give you an advantage. If that was the case, then tempo watches (they beep at a certain tempo) would be illegal as well. I am not saying that Matt breaks the rules, but I am saying lets get real on the reason for the rule. It was put in place years back when someone got clobbered by a car and they never heard or saw it because they were wearing headphones, not because some 250 pound guy caught and beat a Kenyan in a Marathon because of the power of a great iTunes list.

The second part of my problem, is the rule a valid rule? Again the headphone issue is a safety issue and I completely agree with that. But for many races that race on a closed course (they close the streets and there is no traffic, most of your major Marathons are like this) does wearing headphones put you at risk. Now I ran the Chicago Marathon and there were people out there with headphones even thought the rules said they could not, but were they at any greater safety risk. In my opinion, no. Now for those races that are on open courses (they close 1 lane, but there are still cars on the road) I completely agree. Most of the Tri events I do are like this and you have to be able to hear a car or a cop telling you it is clear.

I am a firm believer that the race directors create the rules and we as participants either need to respect them or not participate, I just also ask that the directors give thought to them, make sure they are valid rules.

So there is my two cents on the headphones issue and I know I am one of thousands who have an opinion that has been in the running world for some time.