ArkansasRunner.Com

Hi.. So I am one of those runners that use an ipod. I know there are a lot of us out there but I love it. I didn't always use an ipod and now it enhances my running...extra it seems for long distances. I am certainly guilty of tuning completely out.

With this said, I couldn't help but notice in the program I received via mail yesterday, that IPODS were not permitted during the marathon. This will be my third little rock marathon and I have used an IPOD in the past. Is this a new rule or is this a rule I have ignored in the past?

Does anyone know?

Most, if not all, Marathons have a provision against using iPods for a variety of reasons. LR is and was no different.

Its possible that the notice is more prominent this year because of 2007 Chicago. They reportedly had a big problem spreading the word about closing the race and other emergency details because people had iPods and other things stuck in their ears. There are other safety issues, like traffic if only one lane is blocked off for the race.

I heard of at least one race threatening to not record the time of anyone crossing the finish line with and iPod, but don't know if that actually happened.

This may not be the official race position, but if (a) you're not planning on winning any awards and (b) you're reasonably aware of your surroundings, then theres probably no harm.

Having just completed a marathon last month, I can give a little insight on why IPods can be a problem during races. The previous poster gave one good reason, that being the added difficulty of spreading information to runners on the course. I can also add another. During my last marathon, the course was very crowded. We can expect a similar situation here in Little Rock. When runners are in a crowd, it is very important that you are aware of the runners around you. Most of this awareness comes from hearing the footfalls of your fellow runners. When I hear someone coming up from behind trying to pass me in a crowd. My immediate reaction is to make a gap for that person between me and the runners beside me, so they can pass. This occurs in most cases without me even being aware of it. I just naturally move to allow room for others moving around me.

During my last marathon. the "IPod runners" as I came to call them, became boulders in the course. They had no awareness of people around them and continued to run in the middle of the course, in a straight line, allowing no room for anybody to pass them. They had no idea there was anybody around them. On a crowded race course, your sense of hearing is EXTREMELY crucial, weather you know it or not, because you naturally, subconsciously leave and make room for the people around you. When you wear an Ipod, you lose this natural ability.

I could always tell when I was coming upon someone wearing an iPod in the course....other runners were weaving around them to pass, like a water current trying to navigate a rocky stream channel.

My second problem with iPods, is that the race organizers go out of their way to provide entertainment on the course. In most cases, these musical groups, high school bands, cheerleaders, and disc jockeys have volunteered their Sunday morning to come keep us entertained while we run the course. They are the entertainment, and they should be appreciated.

Please, for the sake of your fellow runners and for courtesy of those who provide us entertainment on the course...save the IPod for the treadmill.

For what it's worth, I'm NOT a fan of Ipods... I think it can be dangerous to run with an Ipod. Especially when you are out on your own for a long training run. There are a lot of drivers out there who don't think they have to share the road with runners. Anyway, LiannLu made some great points, especially in crowded races.
I do think that due to all the work from the organizers of a race, and the effort put in by all the volunteers... if they mention in the race material, that they don't want you to wear an Ipod, I think you should have the courtesy NOT to wear you Ipod.

One last thought... what I think is really sad/funny is that I've seen articles in RW and RT saying "DO NOT run with an Ipod, it's dangerous because you are not aware of your surroundings (cars, animals, people). Yada yada yada"
Then later in the same magazine... a freak'n list of the best Ipods!?!?!

pt

All of us have done serious training and mileage in order to be ready to perform in the LRM or LRHM. There are safety issues, not only for yourself but for other runners in what will be a very crowded (up to 9,000 participants).

Please show respect for yourself, your fellow participants, and the sport and leave the iPod (and cell phone) at home. You can survive a couple of hours without them.

For the record, I didn't mean to imply I thought it was a great idea...note my caveat of "reasonably aware". I've run with an iPod on some solo runs, I can see how it can become addictive, but its just not my thing.

I was more addressing the idea of "am I going to be rustled off of the course".

I didn't realize there was such a negative energy for using an IPOD. I think anything that helps people run is great. I also don't think I use mine at the risk of dangering myself or others. I feel like a social marathoner. I talk, I am very alert, and I am very slow. The IPOD is certainly a help and I don't think I fit in this negative stereo type of IPODers. Whatever helps people get out there and try I am all for using. I am disappointed IPODers have ruined it for those of us that are conscious of our surroundings. I also think one of the best parts about racing in long races is the entertainment that is provided. I don't think my Ipod is a hinderance to that. It has a volume wheel and can be stopped.

I am sad for the negative energy but appreciate the comments. I don't like to break rules so sadly I will be leaving my ipod with my great play list home. Good luck running All!

If you want negative energy, ask folks if it's a good idea if you are 75 lbs overweight, have never trained, and are wanting to start up front with the 6:00/mile group AND that you are going to be pushing a baby carriage AND that you are also bringing your dog to run with you.

Most of us have simply had bad experiences with iPod runners, and those who make the rules have asked that people not use iPods for everyone's safety.

Its ok. I like Ipods when I train on treadmills and i use them in parks for long runs. However, being in complete control and awareness is very important in a marathon. its like how you can always tell when the driver in front of you is on their phone because they dont notice that you are wishing them to go into the slow lane so you can pass. Ipods are bad for large runs because they absolutely detract from your ability to recognize your surroundings. when i run outdoor with an ipod i use dogs as a judge for volume, if i can hear the dog bark ,i will hear a car behind me.

mike maillis

I'm sorry, I really don't believe that the ipod ban is for safety purposes. If it truely was, then deaf runners should be banned--which will never happen. I think that the powers that be in running simply don't like the idea of people using ipods. As for slow runners getting in your way, a simple solution is to ask runners to seed themselves at the starting line based on projected time. I'll never win a race, and I'll probably never qualify for Boston. I run marathons simply for fun and my ipod makes them infinitely more fun for me. I really like Little Rock, but I'll probably not run there again if ipods are banned.

Unfortunately this is not a simple solution when there is an early start for walkers and slow runners. You still have to pass them.

[quote="bucfan"]I'm sorry, I really don't believe that the ipod ban is for safety purposes. If it truely was, then deaf runners should be banned--which will never happen. I think that the powers that be in running simply don't like the idea of people using ipods. As for slow runners getting in your way, a simple solution is to ask runners to seed themselves at the starting line based on projected time. I'll never win a race, and I'll probably never qualify for Boston. I run marathons simply for fun and my ipod makes them infinitely more fun for me. I really like Little Rock, but I'll probably not run there again if ipods are banned.[/quote]

Most larger marathons ask participants not to use iPods. They also ask people to get into projected pace groups. Little Rock is no exception. Unfortunately, people tend to ignore both requests. There is also the previously mentioned issue of the early start group.

Deaf runners are not choosing to be deaf in defiance of the rules. Many deaf people actually have heightened perceptive senses and are quite aware of their surroundings. I have a deaf friend who is a black belt in karate, and he is impossible to sneak up on.

If you are choosing not to participate in marathons simply because they request that you not use an iPod, then you are going to have an extremely limited pool of races from which to choose.

If people want to use their iPods in training, I have no issue with that, but if you read the rules, they have a list of items not permitted on the course at any time for safety reasons (cars, non-particpants, animals, roller blades, iPods) NO EXCEPTIONS (capped in the rules).

As for passing a runner mid-way through the course--since when is it the slower runners responsibility to get out of the faster runner's way? I had to pass many runners last year at the LRM and never felt that they should move for me. I am no more importent than they are.

And while I am perfectly aware that deaf people do not chose to be deaf, if auditory acuity was a necessity to safely run a marathon, then deaf runners should not be allowed. The fact that barring deaf runners IS a moronic notion indicates that auditory acuity is NOT a prerequisite to safely running a marathon. A sensible ipod user does not have his/her ipod on at an excessive volume to protect their hearing.

Further, if ipods were not banned, as I clearly believe that they should not, then those who use them would not be breaking the rules! Because you don't like something does not make it wrong! There are still many marathons that do not ban ipods and some now that advertise themselves as being mp3 player friendly. Those that choise to ban ipods simply won't get my business (including my money for entry fees, hotel rooms, meals ect). Perhaps some of you will prefer to avoid those marathons that are mp3 friendly so that we don't slow you down.

I am tired of goverments and governing bodies (ne: USTFA) restricting my behavior out of perported conern for my safety or specious arguements of public safety. I like wearing an ipod while I run, that really is none of your business and it really does not sully the event.

What a thread! As an iPod user, I am also saddened that it has such a negative energy. But debating the issue probably isn't going to change the rules. If it says "no iPod, NO EXCEPTIONS" then that's what it means. This will be my third participation in the LRM, and in the past I have used one, but only in one ear. I don't know that I even listened to it until the very end, but it's just a comfort to know it's there. I like to hear all the things going on in and around the race, but it seems as long as my trusty iPod is there, I'll make it through just fine.

I will comply with the rules, although I will probably be carrying my iPod, just in case. It's a security blanket at this point. I'm not going to lie, I'll probably be reaching for it at the "out and back." I realize this is not ideal, and rules are rules. But, for my peace of mind, I NEED to have it with me, even if it's not playing.

Good luck to everyone during their race, with or without your iPod.

I don't care about ipods one way or the other but just for the record, I'm a (very) slow runner and I most assuredly feel an obligation to get the heck out of the way of faster people. We're both trying to have the best race we can. It's not about who's "important." It's common courtesy.