by Laith Agha

A corny statement, for sure, but in the world of runners there is a culture clash surrounding this notion, between those who opt to run with their portable music players and those who prefer to be completely unplugged.

iPods and other portable music players were initially banned for this weekend’s Big Sur International Marathon, but when the marathon staff received an onslaught of complaints shortly after the announcement was made in October, they backed off.

“We took a hard line and just got blasted by participants,” said Sally Smith, a marathon board member. “We had people saying they weren’t going to do our event.”

While portable music players are allowed on the course, organizers continue to discourage their use and remind runners that musicians will be playing at various spots along the route Sunday morning.

“We don’t want you to do it because it’s a danger,” Smith said.

The iPod debate is a passionate one for runners. Based on interviews of runners in local running groups, employees in running stores and those attending Friday’s exposition at the Monterey Conference Center, the divide appears to be partially generational and partially between the avid runner and the more casual runner.

Safety and awareness of surroundings are the main reasons cited by the anti-music contingency. Spiritual clarity is another, particularly regarding a run up the Big Sur coastline. One marathoner at the Expo said people should be able to do without the portable players “because running is so serene.”

Pro-music runners say the tunes amp them up or distract them from negative thoughts that can creep into their minds while on a long run.

Claiming to be “old school,” Eda Leptich of Boulder, Colo., spoke vehemently against portable music devices.

“I’ve run for 31 years. No. 1, it’s dangerous. Two, it’s rude,” Leptich said. “I saw a woman almost get hit by a car a couple weeks ago in a race” because she was listening to her portable music device.

Leptich also disapproves of women listening to portable music devices while running alone.

Elizabeth Murphy, who works at Fleet Feet Sports store in Del Monte Shopping Center, said she frequently runs with her iPod, but sides with a ban on portable players during organized runs.

“When you have a large group of people, you want to be aware of what’s going on around you,” said Murphy, a student at the Monterey Institute of International Studies. “If you really love running for the sport, you should be able to do without.”

Two women from Portland, Ore., Dale Davis, 27, and Linsey Gordon, 26, both said they are running the marathon with their iPods. Davis said she would not be running Sunday if she could not run with her iPod.

“I train with it constantly,” Davis said. “I have run races without it and I’ve been fine, but running with it for that long, it keeps me focused. If I have rough spots it takes my mind off it.”

More at montereyherald.com

Bookmark to: