Sometimes being able to hear your panting and adjusting pace accordingly is exactly what you need though.

I never run without music. However, I never feel like I'm missing while racing. There is always so much going on around you, new scenery, an your own effort to focus on.

I'm pretty sure it's banned for safety reasons. You need to be able to hear what's going on around you. Sure, it's not a big deal if you're the only one wearing headphones, but could you imagine 3000 people on a crammed IM course all oblivious to their surroundings?

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Long Chile was a silly place.

The argument is typically that you need to be able to hear instructions and such. I think it is an inaccurate premise. I run thousands of miles with music in one ear while carrying on conversations. No problem.

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<We all know that light travels faster than sound. That's why certain people appear bright until you hear them speak>

Body awareness can become an "safety".

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@brooksdoughtie
USAT-L2,Y&J; USAC-L2
http://www.aomultisport.com

Maybe they should allow headphones during that 30 second prayer I keep hearing about....

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Find out what it is in life that you don't do well, then don't
do that thing.

Pick the one you'd rather hear (or say) on a narrow or crowded run course:

"On your left. Thanks, buddy. Good stride, we're almost there."

or

"On your left. On your left. Passing on your left. Hey, passing on your left! PASSING ON YOUR LEFT! HEY, MOVE OUT OF THE WAY, EARBUDS!" [followed by the chicken-wing maneuver]

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<The Dew Abides>

If an official needed to inform you there was a bear running behind you, I don't think you'd want to be the last to hear that news...

That way you can clearly hear the guys not wearing headphones yelling "on your left" or "runner up" as they approach at high speed.

This weekend I did have a few sketchy moments Saturday at a 1/2 marathon. It was a race where they ran the 10k & 5k on the same course, but the 10k and 1/2 mary added an out and back section. When the courses merged again, you have the leaders of the 10k and 1/2 mary going at sub 6 pace coming up on 10-12' pace joggers, most not surprisingly wearing i-pods. Fortunately it was a wide road and not too bad to weave through. The biggest concern was my motorcycle escort not flattening someone. A few blasts of his siren and a LOT of honking solved that. I only nearly laid out on spectator that stepped off a sidewalk not realizing the 1/2 mary course turned right at that intersection.

I could see a descent argument for safety concerns with those wearing them from my observations.

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TrainingBible Coaching
http://www.trainingbible.com

What's the deal with ovaltine?

It's because The USAT and WTC hate Apple.

On a related note: I was on a nice easy stroll on the local bike path last night and a slow moving cyclist decided to scream "ON YOUR LEFT" right in my ear. I was on the right side of the trail and actually almost jumped right into them. Scared the sh*t out of me and I wasn't even wearing headphones.

Pretty sure the no headphones on the run rule doesn't apply to European races.

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Velosurance - bicycle insurance

Yes it does.

as i have gotten older and a lot slower I end up running with lots of headphone wearers. I don't imagine it is some big safety issue, but I find them a pain in the neck sometimes because they can't sense when someone is near them and they tend to veer into people, or me at least.

I ran splat into the back of this young lady in a trail race last year, I was lapping her and she had the freaking walkman blaring so loud I could hear it and I said "on your left" twice then she moved right into me and splat she had this sweaty middle aged man stuck to the back of her. Sorry sweetie.

because real runners don't listen to music while running. That and it is a safety issue. Many wouldn't ride with headphones so why run?

You ran into the back of a runner and it was her fault because she didn't hear you. Hmmm. OK. Did you intend of her to simply get out of your way?

I think mostly it is just for simplicity sake for triathlons because on the bike it is definitely a safety issue and it is easier just to say no headphones for the entire race than to just say it for the bike... In terms of pure running races it has never been an issue... I have always been able to move around slower runners easily and I have never run into anyone...



Joel

no, I was passing her on a somewhat narrow trail and said "on your left" twice and moved to the leftmost part of the trail, she jusy sort of randomly moved over 2 feet because she had no awareness of her surroundings or that someone was passing her.

Let me guess, I was wrong and should have sent her a memo or employed some sort of flare gun or klaxon device?

When my Son, In his racing wheelchair, yells out "on your left" (or uses a bell or does nothing because he is attempting to go around all sorts of "race furniture" as he comes up behind you at 20 to 30kph (12 to 18 mph) on level ground how well will you hear him?

In a Marathon the Wheelchair athletes start ahead of everyone else and generally are never seen unless it is looped course or some kind of muti-distance event. In Triathlons they generally start with the pros. FYI, my son swims at about a 2:00/100 pace so depending upon when you start and what your speed is, you may or may not pass him. On the bike, you will very likely pass him, more so on a hilly course. But once he gets in the racing chair he passes virtually everyone. On a long course good Triathletes will generally finish ahead,of him but on a looped course, not so much.

Anyway, that's my rational.

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BC Don
Pain is temporary, not giving it your all lasts all Winter.

Are those people supposed to get out of his way when he yells that?

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http://www.jt10000.com/

I was always under the impression that the no headphones thing was an extension of the 'no outside help' principal in tri. Someone please correct me if this is wrong

People are supposed to be on the right (at least here in North America). As long as they keep to the right as most people do, this isn't an issue but if people are gaggled all the way across the path or pull out to pass without looking then he warns them. Unfortunately, racing chairs have very poor brakes and while they can corner, they can't do it that quickly, especially if there is limited pathway. We make sure that in any event he is in, they announce that there is a wheelchair athlete competing and what that means. But I don't know if other ParaTriathletes do that.

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BC Don
Pain is temporary, not giving it your all lasts all Winter.

Pain is supposed to be fun. You're not allowed to do anything or take anything that will remove the pain/ fun. Get it?!

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Take a short break from ST and read my blog:
http://tri-banter.blogspot.com/

Sort of. The idea is to avoid people using music to keep a certain beat/pace.

John

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Top notch coaching: Francois and Accelerate3 | Follow on Twitter: LifetimeAthlete |

I've never understood the obsession some have with yelling "on you left" when passing. If you're going to pass, just pass. It's not that hard or complicated. Yelling "on your left" doesn't make it any more safe.

I always thought the idea was to make triathlon as boring for participants as it is for spectators.

Aside from safety, I feel this is an often-overlooked aspect of why it should not be allowed. It seems like having a playlist of favorite tunes at a good tempo would be an unfair advantage. A measurable advantage? It's hard to say. It could be interesting to find/do a study of the effects of running with/without music on physiological indicators.

Besides, we all know listening to music is just a gateway to drug use/doping. Especially 70's rock. Look at all the people who use drugs - practically every single one of them has listened to music.

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Travis Rassat
Vector Cycle Works
Noblesville, IN
BikeFit Instructor | FMS | F.I.S.T. | IBFI
Toughman Triathlon Series Ambassador

So, apparently all of those people blasting music from their stereos for the athletes is outside assistance. And the music played at the aid stations. And the finish lines. And the band that set up on the corner.

The ref's really gotta crack down on this quickly. Pretty much the entire race is cheating and getting away with it.

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Take a short break from ST and read my blog:
http://tri-banter.blogspot.com/

Amazing...the lack of common courtesy in the whole county just boggles the mind. That and a serious lack of common sense. Hey DA...it is also best to announce your passing so the bike in front of you doesn't take a sudden left itself and drop you on the pavement....but maybe that would be an improvement in this case...Wow.

And I will bet your one of the new crop of DA's that runs WITH traffic and has head-phone on...another case of natural selection! Please do not have children until mother nature in the form of Darwin can catch-up..

Another wow.

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STIndiana
America Multi-Sport, Inc.
America's Half June 10, 2017
USAT RD Century Club
http://www.americamultisport.com

Took longer than expected to get to the "real runner" hogwash. I don't wear headphones when biking on a public road so that I can at least hear the dump truck before it kills me. I'm not so concerned with someone running a half a mile an hour faster than me buzzing by, and if a "real runner" cannot navigate around a person in their way without having a heart attack and screaming ON YOUR LEFT APPLEDOUCHE, then I would contend they aren't a "real runner" either.

"It seems like having a playlist of favorite tunes at a good tempo would be an unfair advantage."

I think it would only be an advantage to MOP or BOPers. Never in my life during a race have I felt "I wish I had some music to psyche me up right now so I can go faster." I can't imagine why anyone would want to not be able to hear the sounds of the race.

+1

Here is a link to some information about the fact that it does in fact make you faster.

This is the key excerpt:

Numerous studies, most notably by Dr Costas Karageorghis and colleagues at Brunel University, London, have shown that running with music helps improve endurance – by 15%, according to research they published in 2008. A new half-marathon, Run to the Beat, was founded off the back of their findings, with scientifically selected music played along the course to boost runners’ performances.

As dedicated iPod runners will know, much of the benefit derives from the motivational and uplifting qualities of the right music – which, the studies have shown, reduces perceived exertion in runners, helping them feel positive even when exercising at high intensities. But new research underlines the other part of the equation, also explored by the Brunel scientists: the role music plays in helping you keep a good rhythm, and therefore run more economically (using less oxygen for a given pace).

A peer-reviewed study published by the scientific journal Plos One tested three groups of runners on treadmills. One group ran with no sound at all; one with a metronome matching their cadence; and one with motivational music, also matched to their cadence. The runners with no sound performed least well, but interestingly, there was no difference in time to exhaustion when the runners were using the metronome and when they were using the music. However, the motivational effect was greatest with music, so the researchers concluded that motivational music with a “prominent and consistent beat” is the best sound to run with.

Disclaimer: I'm really splitting hairs with everything I've said about this, so please don't think that I'm horribly offended by people with headphones or anything - it's just thought-provoking to me.

Technically, I see public music as being quite different - everybody is being subjected to the same music and it is not necessarily the music of each athlete's choice. Unless you like that god-awful Black Eyed Peas song they seem to play at every race I do. In a sense, that levels the field in that regard. We've all been equally abused by the Black Eyed Peas.

I've got pretty specific tastes in music, and the mainstream pop/country stuff everybody's playing makes me want to run away (maybe that makes me faster and I'm the cheating bastard? lol). Does being subjected to music I don't like hurt me? I don't know. Does having my own music help me? I don't know that, either. There is somebody who probably loves Black Eyed Peas, so I guess they get a free boost. Personally, I don't train or race with headphones. My hearing really isn't all that great anymore, so I need all the sensory intake I can get. Besides, the sound of my heavy heel strike is somehow motivating...

To counter my own argument, I suppose one could drag this down the slippery slope of ensuring that nobody has any kind of individuality to level the field. "Don't like the course nutrition? Sorry, you can't bring your own, and we're only serving meatballs on the course. What? You brought your own shoes? Sorry, everybody must wear size 7 Reeboks - it's only fair. Have a great race!"

So, is having music any more beneficial than having nutrition that works for you or having equipment that fits and works well for you? Probably not, but I don't know. It's certainly not a black and white thing. Is a slight benefit offset by being only slightly offensive? Are headphones the end of the beginning? Like a buddy of mine says, "porn used to be about what's sexy; Now, it's about what's possible. That's where we've gone, so how did we get here?"

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Travis Rassat
Vector Cycle Works
Noblesville, IN
BikeFit Instructor | FMS | F.I.S.T. | IBFI
Toughman Triathlon Series Ambassador

I'm right there with ya. Even training, I enjoy the sounds of the world around me. I guess that's what works for me, while headphones work for others.

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Travis Rassat
Vector Cycle Works
Noblesville, IN
BikeFit Instructor | FMS | F.I.S.T. | IBFI
Toughman Triathlon Series Ambassador

These topics are always splitting hairs. That's what makes them so fun. For every reason given, sensible or not, there is an equally valid counter. I'm pretty sure the right answer falls somewhere around, "Because I said so."

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Take a short break from ST and read my blog:
http://tri-banter.blogspot.com/

I wish they did allow them, it would certainly help with the mental aspect, but I can also understand why they don't.

I've actually done a major TT in Holland where they were allowed and did 25 mile PB by nearly 2 mins..!! (did a short 52..which is especially good seeing as all UK TT's are 'down hill' apparently..!)

There is also the 'resistance to change' at play here. Prior to MP3s, there were no effective ways of carrying music with you when running. Boom boxes were a little big. MP3s have only been around since 2001. So when they first became available, there was resistance to the new technology. Hence, lots of the antiquated rationale for not allowing them.

At some point, the tide will shift. It did with marathons. They initially banned them. They were new afterall. It is normal to fear new things. But the masses ignored the prohibition. Now they are universally allowed.

I find it strange the technology changes we accept and those we fight. Changes to the bike are ok. Changes to the running shoes are ok. The changes in swimming that resulted in wetsuits being allowed were accepted but then limited.

Merely having a phone on you is technically not allowed but routinely ignored. As long as they aren't used for recording or communicating they are tolerated. Especially since they are now used for tracking the athletes.

It is the evolution of the technology impact on the sport. Some fight it but ultimately they lose the silly fight to hold back change.

I do get a little chuckle when I care the living sh** out of headphone wearers when I pass them from behind. No amount of intentional shoe scrapping will get their attention. Anything you say like "on your left" or "excuse me" will scare the crap out of them as much as the sudden appearance of you passing them. This includes our friends that are avid runners.

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TrainingBible Coaching
http://www.trainingbible.com

Actually, they were allowed for years; I don't think there was anything in the rules. Then USATF banned them, and some individual running races DQed runners for using them. Now, the rule says listening-only devices can't be used, but the local race committee can allow them if they want (except never allowed for championship races). That way, if something should come up in the area of safety, it would be the race committee's responsibility since they chose to allow them.

Is a DQ too strong a penalty for a running race? Perhaps, but that's the only option. For a USAT race, it's consistently been a time penalty for using them (each time you're seen with them), but could be a DQ if there is a perceived safety issue.

I've gotten this exact same response from people without headphones. Oblivion takes many forms, with or without music.

The worst is when you actually yell, "On your left", they get frightened, jump, and then move left. No headphone rule will cure that kind of behavior.

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Take a short break from ST and read my blog:
http://tri-banter.blogspot.com/

I had a similar thing happen a few years ago. The funny thing is I was running on the dirt/gravel next to a MUP. I heard the guy on the bike but for some reason decided to yell when he got about 2' away. I guess some people just like being douchebags.

Yes: From the USAT website 3.4[/url] Race Conduct c. Obstruction. Participants shall refrain from intentionally or accidentally blocking, charging, obstructing, or interfering with the forward progress of another participant. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

Way to win friends as a good representative of your business.

It's probably safer to watch the people ahead of you and just pass, than it is to constantly be shouting "on your left". You don't hear bike racers shouting "on your left" when they make passes, wonder why that is?

Of course, if you don't pass very many people, you many not be that experienced at it yet.

John

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Top notch coaching: Francois and Accelerate3 | Follow on Twitter: LifetimeAthlete |

I haven't wished for it, but our HS X-country used to have someone at the 2.5 mile mark playing Crazy Train during races, and to this day when I hear that song while running I almost always start picking it up. Pavlov had nothing on us.

John

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Top notch coaching: Francois and Accelerate3 | Follow on Twitter: LifetimeAthlete |

I personally wouldn't want to wear headphones during the run leg as I think I would miss out on some of the things that make these races so great. It's nice to hear the cheering crowds and take in all the other stuff going on around you. Also, every mike you're communicating with the aid station volunteers about what you want.

Or, maybe he's a kickass swimmer and cyclist. Just saying...

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Take a short break from ST and read my blog:
http://tri-banter.blogspot.com/

No, they are not universally allowed in running events:

From the 2014 Huntsville Rocket City Marathon website - "Notice: Due to insurance purposes, unregistered runners, unauthorized vehicles, bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, strollers, baby joggers and other wheeled devices, animals, and the wearing of headphones are STRICTLY PROHIBITED in the race." http://runrocketcity.com/race-information/

Old NYT article on the subject: http://www.nytimes.com/...ewanted=all&_r=0

Sony Walkman was available in the 80s, I ran with one a couple of times.. worked fine but found I don't like music while running (except on treadmills).

The reason not to wear headphones running/riding is the same as for not texting while driving.. in a crowded race or MUT, need to have your situational awareness up and working, not zoned out wandering vaguely across the road grooving on your tunes..

Uh, sorry chief, that's not really correct. Maybe you are right in that I'm not "shouting" anything but I sure as hell am communicating if I'm coming inside/outside/right/left...

That is an old and weak argument. It is more akin to listening to the radio while driving than it is to texting while driving. Do you find that if you listen to the radio while driving that you "zone out and wander vaguely across the road while grooving to your tunes"?

Go to almost any large marathon and a significant percentage will be using headphones. I have run many marathons with 20,000 to 45,000 runners and worn headphones with no issue. I have run marathons in foreign countries that I couldn't understand their language yet there was no issue.

I don't think you *have* to communicate, but it is certainly smart to communicate your intentions when you are an AGer, racing among 2k other AGers. If your at the very pointy front end of the field, it's not as important, but general awareness and communication among 95% of the AGers is certainly a good thing and something that should be taught/expected/encouraged.

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@brooksdoughtie
USAT-L2,Y&J; USAC-L2
http://www.aomultisport.com

That you don't have problems with wearing headphones doesn't mean all can. I was on a triathlon run where an official rode up next to a runner with headphones on. She was riding 3 feet to the left of the runner, and was yelling her number as loud as possible, with no response. She finally pulled in front and waved her hand in front of the runner's face. The runner pulled out her earphones and said "are you talking to me? did you say something?" Completely oblivious to her surroundings.

How ironic to complain about "the lack of common courtesy in the whole country" and immediately follow up with a post that primarily consists of a personal attack. (Additional irony points for someone that has a business advertising its Christian values.)

That said, I'm not sure how "on your left" is an example of being courteous. It doesn't make passing more safe. And in a race, unless someone is blocking or otherwise riding dangerously, it's completely unnecessary. It's also unnecessary in a non-race setting. Being courteous in a non-race setting is, when making pass, is saying "hello" or "good morning" or a simple wave.

Besides, this thread is about the run.

"Numerous studies, most notably by Dr Costas Karageorghis and colleagues at Brunel University, London, have shown that running with music helps improve endurance – by 15%, according to research they published in 2008."

What does "Improve endurance" mean? Do you really think that if elite runners popped on headphones they'd be 15% faster? Sounds like the people who benefit the most are the people who lack the ability to dig deep. Go to any running race...in the top 50 you will see very few headphones. The top 50 is embracing the sensation of the race, the bottom 50 is trying to make it go away.

Be careful, Auditory experts believe imbalances like this are a very quick way to go deaf. It effects the way the nervous system processes sound.

I think what it means is that it's reducing the gap between their limits and perceived exertion if that makes sense.

In that case, I will consider going back to two earphones. :)

They should call it roundtine

I used to wear headphones while running and stopped because I didn't like the lack of situational awareness running in NYC, way too many people, cars, bikes etc. not to be aware of what is around

What if 25,000 are blasting music with noise cancelling earphones? Is that a good thing? If you allow them, you have to assume the worst case scenario. You can't assume that everyone would use them responsibly like you claim to.

Similar to the rules preventing bike computers, gps and other pacing devices??

USAT, ITU and pretty much every federation. Not really up for debate.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/...eoesophageal_fistula
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_palsy
2020 National Masters Champion - M40-44 - 400m IM
Canadian Record Holder 35-39M & 40-44M - 200 m Butterfly (LCM)