iPods. Yay or Nay? Redux

A couple of months ago, I posted the first (and thus far only) entry of "The Runner Says." The topic was listening to iPods while running. I gently encouraged runners to surrender the music during their runs, especially during races and to simply enjoy the scenery, the crowds, and fellow runners.

This morning's New York Times carried an interesting article ("Rule Jostles Runners Who Race To Their Own Tune") on the topic. The articled talked about the push for race organizers to ban iPods and other music players and the difficulty of enforcing such a rule. Possible penalties breaking the rule include disqualification from the race, but a race like the NYC Marathon--with 40,000 runners--is hard to police. The issue for organizers is the insurance liability of runners oblivious to everything going on around them and failing to hear instructions or the runners they're about to trip up. For runners who favor iPods, the issue is simply getting them through the race.

I've made my preference clear, and again it's a personal preference. However, I don't know about banning their use completely, but at the same time I do understand why organizers may want to be cautious about allowing them in such a litigious society as ours. Perhaps running without music players should just be a part of the challenge of racing. If you're going to participate in an organized race just accept that you'll have to do it without Sisqo blaring through your earbuds. I still argue that races are fun enough on their own without the aid of iPods. Enjoy the experience!

If you insist on running with an iPod, I will at least recommend that you include LCD Soundsystem, the Little Ones, Battles, and the Go! Team in your playlist. If you want more recommendations I have more. Just ask.

Here's a picture of me enjoying the San Jose Rock n Roll Half Marathon iPod-less.

Let me ask you: who looks happier than I?

The Runner Says #1: iPods? Yay or Nay?

As anyone can attest to reading this blog, my major passion these days are music and running, and as much as music can complement a run, the method of listening may not be safe nor convenient. On this issue I recommend running without an iPod (or a Zune if you're one of the unfortunate souls who purchased it). Here are my top reasons:

1. It distracts from the enjoyment of the run. Most folks run with an iPod to help them ease the pain or tedium of running, but if you find running to be painful or boring, then you're probably not doing it right. Running should be fun, and even though Los Angeles may not be the most runner-friendly city, there are some wonderful sights to behold running through this fair city of ours. Rather than distracting yourself with loud music, how about enjoying the scenery, the sounds of the city or the trails, and the company of other runners around you. I feared being bored to tears running without an iPod on those long runs, but I can honestly say I've never been bored.

2. Es muy peligroso, especially if you're running on the car-clogged streets of the city. There are many crazy, terrible drivers out there, so it's good to be aware of your surroundings. The fact of the matter is most people have their iPods turned on too loud that they can't hear what's going on around them. There could be a Mack truck coming from behind. Out in the trails by yourself? You may not hear the footsteps of the crazed murderer behind you. Furthermore, all the fiddling with the controls can take your attention away even just for a split second, but it only takes a second for disaster to strike. The first rule is Safety First!

3. If the first two reasons aren't enough for you, then I'm going to appeal to your sense of pride. The cool runners don't run with iPods. See those fit, sexy, shirtless runners racing down San Vicente in Brentwood or up through the trails in Pasadena? They don't use iPods. Instead they carry on conversations or focus on their breathing and technique. Everyone knows it's only the newbies and poseurs who run with an iPod. Are you cool or aren't you?

This does not mean you should never run with an iPod. If you're running on a treadmill, then by all means listen to one--I certainly do, if only to drown out the horrible techno music they're playing at the gym. On a treadmill you're less likely to be attacked by a lunatic. But if you still feel compelled to run with an iPod outdoors, then do so with the sound turned lower so that you can hear everything around you. There's nothing more obnoxious than an oblivious runner.

The Runner has spoken.

(First in a series)