by Laith Agha

Critics call them annoying, rude distractions. Supporters say they’re a needed pick-me-up that enhances the experience. Whether iPods and other MP3 players should be allowed in marathons and other running events is a divisive issue within the running community. The divide is part generational, part philosophical.

‘Keeps Me Focused’

Elizabeth Murphy, who works at Fleet Feet Sports store in Del Monte Shopping Center in California, 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.”

Not as Bad as Drivers on Cells

Even if the ban was upheld, Gordon said the Big Sur course would have been enough of a draw for her “because the scenery is such an integral part of the run. But I am thankful I still get to use my iPod.”

Richard Averett, 55, of Carmel Valley, Calif., is a veteran of the Big Sur Marathon, but he is skipping it this year because he is doing the 100-mile Western States Endurance Run next month. He said he does not listen to music while he runs because “I want to be fully aware of what’s going on around me and inside me.”

Though he is not a fan of others listening to music if they are sharing the course, he tolerates it.

“I find it a little disconcerting when others use them when I’m around, but it isn’t nearly as irritating as people driving while on the phone,” he said.

‘A Little Pick-Me-Up’

While some purists would rather see portable music players disappear from running events, the retail world sees it as an opportunity.

“A lot of (running) clothing incorporates pockets to hold (portable music players),” Murphy said. “It’s kind of becoming a fad.”

Running shirts, shorts and even headcaps are made with pockets to hold players. Armbands are also used to hold players.

Melissa Parkinson, 26, of San Francisco said her iPod will be in the special pocket on her shirt sleeve as she runs the marathon.

“It’s a little hilly, so it’s nice to have a little pick-me-up,” she said.

A ban of portable music players would not have discouraged her from running, she said, and she only puts one earphone in. Otherwise, “you can’t hear what’s going on around you,” she said.

More at macnewsworld.com

Bookmark to: