tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post6501905402058358583..comments2024-03-27T20:31:44.878-05:00Comments on Steve in a Speedo?! Gross!: iPods While Working Out or Racing?Steve Stenzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11419298404210612118noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-28784547705270596032009-10-30T07:03:08.415-05:002009-10-30T07:03:08.415-05:00I'll wear it during LSD runs, but not much els...I'll wear it during LSD runs, but not much else. And even during those runs, I keep the volume down pretty low (not to mention, my running headphones are seriously crappy--so I get lots of outside noise anyway).<br /><br />As for races? Not a chance. I think you really miss out on the best parts of the race environment if you choose to tune out to your ipod. I've met so many amazing people and had so many fun exchanges during marathons--and I know it never would have happened had any of us had our ipods on. Plus, I'd agree that I definitely run better without it (not that I am anywhere near the top 2% of any race, but ya know) :)Irish Creamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17548744329403082452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-11936978076559981012009-10-29T11:08:23.938-05:002009-10-29T11:08:23.938-05:00Our club puts on a 12K race every Fall, just took ...Our club puts on a 12K race every Fall, just took place last weekend. I was working the finish line and watched one runner completely miss the last turn and head away from the chute. The course marshalls were yelling at her, the finish line workers were yelling, people were waving and jumping up and down, but she was in her own world with the ipod. She may be in New Jersey by now for all I know.Peg Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14695790807897210116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-71329646606106009152009-10-29T08:17:31.585-05:002009-10-29T08:17:31.585-05:00unless i am running on trails, i wear my trusty se...unless i am running on trails, i wear my trusty sensa mp3 player. the monotony of thunk, thunk, thunk bores me to tears. with it on, i can still feel myself breathe, can feel my heart beating (pounding!), and know my cadence/footstrike. <br />as far as banning them from races....well, i can see both sides. having spent enough time in an ER as an RN, i have seen my share of people getting thumped by cars. however, personal safety should be a personal issue, not one mandated by some governing body (isn't that why we sign a pre-race waiver??)<br />to each their own, i say. i agree with Jen Gatz. pause is just a button away.genehttp://www.genesoboleski.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-55924869746696309742009-10-28T18:39:29.721-05:002009-10-28T18:39:29.721-05:00Well, as a purely recreational athlete, I have to ...Well, as a purely recreational athlete, I have to say I really enjoy my ipod-fueled runs. However, I think it's only fair that the volume stay low enough that you can hear other runners and cars etc. for safety. I would think that anyone of any professional or competitve level would likely be 'in tune' enough that they don't need the tunes...?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06775254688394259213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-88929451813761364162009-10-27T19:06:01.249-05:002009-10-27T19:06:01.249-05:00i used to wear an ipod. i liked singing along and ...i used to wear an ipod. i liked singing along and having the music there. i should note, however, that i always kept the volume low enough so that i could hear myself running.<br /><br />then, my ipod died. and i had to train for my first tri without it. i turned inside my head instead to make it through the runs, daydreaming if i needed to, and running wasn't a problem.<br /><br />i got a new ipod later that year and started running with it ... and i found i didn't like it. i felt that the music was slowing me down somehow. so i ditched it again, and life has gotten better.<br /><br />i mean, i still wear it playing - just without the headphones - as i use it as my ghetto timing device until i get myself a good watch.Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03808070327493365276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-55213098233392363472009-10-27T13:15:35.360-05:002009-10-27T13:15:35.360-05:00I dont count cus I run indoors on the treadmill an...I dont count cus I run indoors on the treadmill and watch 90210...but when i go for a leisurley bike ride or walk i dont use one only because I go alone and I am afraid of being abducted. <br /><br />Really, my only concern is for myself. thats how i roll...Fizzgighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12086526805778452531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-82103534996729911202009-10-27T07:05:12.195-05:002009-10-27T07:05:12.195-05:00When I first started training, I used an iPod reli...When I first started training, I used an iPod religiously. I found that the music pumped me up and I couldn't imagine cycling more than 20 miles without music. <br /><br />Then, one day, my iPod batteries ran out on mile 15 of a 30-odd mile ride along A1A (in FL). After freaking out a little, I realized that the sound of the waves breaking on the shore, the seagulls wheeling overhead and my bike's soft clicking as I sped along was ten times more motivating than any playlist (even the one with Ike and Tina's Nutbush City Limits). I've never felt the need to ride with music since.Jenhttp://jenbeauman.multiply.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-27114753602827372402009-10-26T22:03:34.531-05:002009-10-26T22:03:34.531-05:00When I started running, I was told to not even get...When I started running, I was told to not even get myself used to listening to music...and I didn't. I don't wear headphones for safety reasons and I feel others shouldn't as well. How are you going to hear if someone is approaching you from behind to attack you when you're jamming out to Fergalicious? I was crashed into by a cyclist when neither of us were listening to music! Running/cycling is dangerous enough as it is!Beccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06078654066288264480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-36168436364984839142009-10-26T20:28:42.147-05:002009-10-26T20:28:42.147-05:00i wear it for training, not for races. i agree wit...i wear it for training, not for races. i agree with the safety aspects and only wear mine with one ear (although i'm deaf in the other ear - the thought is there!) <br /><br />i agree with you steve regarding the top runners aren't wearing ipods, but feel its slightly redundant; as most people who use ipods are doing so because they really need that extra oooophhhffff when running. top runners don't need that, because they're fast. us slow folk need all the help we can get.<br /><br />each to their own; but when it comes to safety; keep one ear free.tri_alhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11335653523277261224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-50964233877868290402009-10-26T18:55:14.230-05:002009-10-26T18:55:14.230-05:00I just wore one in the SF Nike Women's Half-Ma...I just wore one in the SF Nike Women's Half-Marathon, and regretted I did. I missed just being among the crowd and I think people thought I couldn't hear them (I could). But I honestly don't train without one. Reasonable volume level, but motivation can be severely hard to come by, and the right song can make all the difference.Dimityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18022171175819493358noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-525198094932978512009-10-26T15:41:49.548-05:002009-10-26T15:41:49.548-05:00I would agree with you to a point. I typically do...I would agree with you to a point. I typically don't work out with the music on for the very reason you mentioned--I like to be in tune with my own body. <br /><br />However, there are some days when I like to bring it along and play it on low or keep it in one ear.<br /><br />I never ever use it in a race because I want to be engaged for the crowd who is there to support the runners.<br /><br />On another note--I have been scared out of my wits by cyclists yelling "on your left!" without my Ipod even on. I think distance is the key in that situation. Yelling it further back seems to work better than waiting until the moment you are right on someone's shoulder. Perhaps I'm just more easily startled than some though.Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04261971013778167246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-7589066374166892662009-10-26T15:32:25.697-05:002009-10-26T15:32:25.697-05:00You can be tuned into your body and you can listen...You can be tuned into your body and you can listen to your favorite songs while doing so. I am a Boston qualifier- the Ipod actually helps me stay focused on my body and the effort I need without too many distractions on the outside. Some people are social runners, I am not, and while I'm on that topic: if you can talk while you are racing, you are not running hard enough.<br />If you are cycling or running and need to pass someone with and Ipod on, give them a wide birth, that's the safe thing to do. Be proactive- then again the culture of NY does not have you saying "hello" to everyone you pass on the street. If you do that here, beyond the "nod of acknowledgement" of a fellow runner or cyclist, you will probably be labled a "wacko". <br />If you don't like wearing the music, that's your thing, but on a closed course to traffic, the safety issues just aren't there... "pause" on the ipod is a millisecond away.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09636190133893025494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-23775995493346530912009-10-26T15:29:06.963-05:002009-10-26T15:29:06.963-05:00So does everyone that thinks wearing ipods while b...So does everyone that thinks wearing ipods while biking is so dangerous whip their heads around at the sound of every approaching car? If you aren't in the city, on a very busy road and obeying traffic laws, what is the big deal? I'm a cyclist first, runner second, and the times I've almost gotten hit by a car (probably while listening to music, biking and running) it was due to the inattention of the driver.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-5525930796658755192009-10-26T15:27:11.210-05:002009-10-26T15:27:11.210-05:00Steve, I completely agree with you, Pharmie and Ga...Steve, I completely agree with you, Pharmie and Gary that MP3 players are a safety issue. I have had many similar situations as yours passing runners and bikers on the paths. I'm not completely anti-MP3 player, but I think they need to be used with caution and respect in order to minimize (or elminate the possibility of) injuries to the user and others using the same pathways.<br /><br />I don't run with an MP3 player, and I miss the early weekend mornings of running when no one wore an MP3 player. It was a fun community of people saying hello to each other and striking up a conversation on the paths. Now there is little interaction between runners because so many people are plugged-in.<br /><br />I was disappointed when USATF changed their initial ruling on MP3 players during races. I think it takes the racer using an MP3 player out of the race and into their tunes. It feels less like a community even during a race. There were so many times during Twin Cities Marathon that I would say "Good Job!" or "You're doing great!" when passing someone and they wouldn't hear me because they were plugged-in. I think you miss out on so much of the race atmosphere when you wear an MP3 player.Ms. Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16322121709016146166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-24100514701518478732009-10-26T15:12:58.144-05:002009-10-26T15:12:58.144-05:00It has taken me years and years, but I have finall...It has taken me years and years, but I have finally developed the peace of mind (or sheer lunacy) necessary to enjoy my breath and footfalls more than guitars, drums, or violins. But I would not begrudge my teammates or anyone else the joy, comfort, or distraction of recorded music. <br /><br />Thanks for the post. Enjoyable comments as well, everyone!Signifying Nothinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16396785964832957574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-30094886534081435492009-10-26T14:50:34.574-05:002009-10-26T14:50:34.574-05:00I wear an I pod in training. But never if I'm ...I wear an I pod in training. But never if I'm with another person. And never ever in a race. also If you can't hear someone approaching or speaking to you then your volume is too loud. When I listen to my ipod I can easily heare what's around. Oh and most of the time when I workout I listen to my favorite podcasts. <br /><br />One final thing. I don't buy the argument that ipods are unsafe and here's why. I have deaf people in my family. I have deaf friends. Somehow they manage to ride and run safely despite NEVER hearing an anything approaching them. How could that possibly be true if the ipod argument is true? <br /><br />Sure some athletes who listen to music hog the path but that's not a music issue that's an asshole issue.trimybesthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06906203604632698977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-12479600662302398472009-10-26T14:31:45.064-05:002009-10-26T14:31:45.064-05:00Ok Steve,
If I don't wear my iPod on the tra...Ok Steve, <br /><br />If I don't wear my iPod on the trainer, I may just scratch my eyes out from sheer monotony. <br /><br />I am a bad coach because I do have one bike ride outside that I wear one ear bud on. It is a 10 mile loop in a residential area of estate homes. There is very limited traffic and visibility is good. Sometimes on a 70 to 80 mile ride I may only see 15 cars or lawn crew trucks. Again, I only have one ear bud in and it is the one on the side where traffic is not passing me. Other than that one ride, it is no iPod on the bike.<br /><br />As far as runs go, I like having some tunes to help me with interval workouts at the track. I do not run on the street with music when it is dark out or raining. I do like having music on longer runs, but I always make sure that I run facing traffic and that the music is not so loud that I cannot hear traffic or other noise.<br /><br />Now, I am guilty as charged for running a half marathon this spring and a marathon last fall with my iPod. I cracked a PR on both the half and the full marathon. For some reason, I was able to focus better on the intensity of the work that I was doing and I was not distracted by things that could have pulled my focus away from my pace and breathing. <br /><br />I do enjoy running without the iPod and hearing my own foot strikes and breathing. It is a skill that runners should learn how to do. I have seen people crumble when the battery goes dead in their music player. Music should not be a crutch, but just one of the tools in the tool box.CoachLizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06687275155229786220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-46633660123736059362009-10-26T14:29:48.708-05:002009-10-26T14:29:48.708-05:00I wear mine almost all the time when I'm train...I wear mine almost all the time when I'm training. (Only while running, never while biking; there's a big difference between on the sidewalk vs being in the road.) But I never wear them during races.<br /><br />For me, it's just a motivation/boredom thing. When I'm actually running a race and there are lots of other people around, I just listen to their conversations to entertain me. :)saroyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06524822638412099621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-20369805046134232762009-10-26T13:59:13.757-05:002009-10-26T13:59:13.757-05:00It depends on how I feel that day...I did some rac...It depends on how I feel that day...I did some races with my music and then I did some without...I have to say...a HUGE downside to not wearing headphones is hearing everyone's weird breathing patterns, their weird conversations, or when their feet hit the ground too hard. I really could live without all that...<br />Maybe I should wear ear plugs...http://gokristen.wordpress.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10255041912612850051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-37471629627126173382009-10-26T13:16:06.230-05:002009-10-26T13:16:06.230-05:00Chad, the music Gary is referring to are a lot of ...Chad, the music Gary is referring to are a lot of the local bands that set up along a race route during the bigger races in the Twin Cities. It's AWESOME to hear them jamming out as you run by. A guitarist threw me a wave when he caught my eye during the TC 10 Mile. He's not talking about iPod music.<br /><br />And yes, it is mostly opinion, but how much "fact" can someone quote when it comes to people's moods using iPods during a run? The idea of the article is that it's a "seasoned race director's opinion" - a guy that lives this life.<br /><br />Good points Chad - it IS just mostly opinion. But Gary will NEVER be out a job. Run one of his races and you'll see why. :)Steve Stenzelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11419298404210612118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-24639096229512500912009-10-26T12:53:17.503-05:002009-10-26T12:53:17.503-05:00Steve, I agree with you and prefer to be in-tune d...Steve, I agree with you and prefer to be in-tune during hard runs. However, I will throw on my ipod for an easy run. I do have ear buds that sit outside my ear, which I think helps. <br /><br />With that said, I still have an issue with the way the article is written. None of the the 43 comments so far seem to be addressing any of Gary's comments;<br /><br />"ipod wearers enjoy their running and road racing experience less" - <i>Sounds like opinion.</i> <br /><br />"I see confirmation in racers' faces that headphone wearing runners are not nearly as happily engaged..." - <i>Really?</i><br /><br />"missing the ever present friendly, helpful, chatter amongst runners." - if I want to be in tune with my body, I definitely don't want to hear this.<br /><br />"missing one's name announced by race announcers" <br /><br />"missing music...along the course" - <i>If I wanted to hear music, I'd wear my ipod.</i><br /><br />"communicate messages like I'm a novice runner" - <i>Why does Gary care what message I'm communicating?</i><br /><br />I particularly "liked" the ones about missing music on the course and not hearing your name announced - especially after learning that Gary "delights in delivering enthusiastic, vocal support to all runners at many racing events, along with motivational music. Kind of seems like Gary is worried that we'll all be wearing ipods soon and that he'll be out of a job.Chadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08412073727859282887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-86254755990804567632009-10-26T12:49:27.521-05:002009-10-26T12:49:27.521-05:00I always use it during training runs (NEVER rides!...I always use it during training runs (NEVER rides!)... listen to audiobooks usually, sometimes music.<br /><br />NEVER IN A RACE!Trishiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12901109079578428132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-39093832523989526402009-10-26T12:28:12.669-05:002009-10-26T12:28:12.669-05:00I often use my mp3 player during training runs, bu...I often use my mp3 player during training runs, but with the volume set low enough so that I can hear what's around me. I always acknowledge an "on your left" with a wave of the hand. <br /><br />I've raced once, a 10K, with my mp3 player. However, the race was on a hike and bike path, not roads, and the volume was way down.<br /><br />More recently, I find myself leaving the mp3 player at home for training runs, as I get closer to a race, or if it is a key workout, such as a tempo run or intervals.Bryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05929246945901973529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-37555798300549693452009-10-26T12:17:13.060-05:002009-10-26T12:17:13.060-05:00I am one of those in the middle on this subject. I...I am one of those in the middle on this subject. I DON'T like it and don't think it's safe when people where them on the bike. But, as for training, I wear mine if I am on my own on a trail/sidewalk. If I am running in the street, no, I don't use it. I guess to me, having to go around someone in a race because they have an ipod on and can't hear me happens probably almost the same amounts of time as trying to get around a mob of people running six abreast who are chatting and can't hear me.Nathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15590162996470843373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29677084.post-58814262394161882012009-10-26T12:08:02.131-05:002009-10-26T12:08:02.131-05:00Another one ear runner here - I keep one ear free ...Another one ear runner here - I keep one ear free (just loop the extra ear thing thru my jogbra strap). I like to be able to hear cars, animals, other runners, etc. I would not consider an i-pod on the bike. It's hard enough to hear cars with no earbuds.<br /><br />On the run, though, I've used my tunes to "help" me through some tough races, but mostly now I use audiobooks to allow me to run my long runs at a pace slow enough to not injure myself (I'm on my 3rd year of marathon attempting).<br /><br />Steph (from the ID team)StephBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04643823696166648490noreply@blogger.com