Written by: David Manthey
Posted: Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Did you hear that? No?
Maybe it’s because your tunes are too loud. These days, more and more runners
are taking to the streets, trails and races with their headphones.
I admit that I occasionally wear my iPod during long, solo
training runs. Technology is making MP3 players and iPods smaller, lighter and
cheaper so that everyone can zone out to their favorite tunes or catch up on
the latest podcast while logging their miles.
Depending on which race directors you ask, the statistics
are that anywhere from one to 10 percent of runners are wearing headphones at
races and it’s become a hotly contested issue. Some marathons are sending the
message that they will disqualify and ban runners who wear headphones in their
races (e.g., Twin Cities and Grandma’s Marathons), whereas others are openly
allowing them.
The two primary sanctioning bodies for distance running,
Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) and USA Track & Field (USATF), are in
the middle of the issue, and some races that previously encouraged headphones
are being forced to change their tune or lose insurance coverage. Back in 1991,
RRCA approved a guideline that races should discourage headphones; in 2007,
USATF made their no-headphones ban at sanctioned races mandatory.
As the running community grows so does the debate over
headphones in races; in crowded events, headphones can pose a safety risk to
both the wearer and the runners around them. Aid station traffic gets chaotic
enough without having to worry if that headphone-wearing racer next to you may
unwittingly take you out.
But runners who leave the headphones at home on race day
aren’t in the clear either. Training on streets and trails with headphones may
not result in simply getting bumped or tripped by another runner, but could
instead lead to being run down by a mountain bike or worse, a car.
Last year at Denver’s City Park, a Runner’s Edge of the
Rockies member witnessed an MP3-clad runner unknowingly step right into
traffic. The MP3 wearer was hit badly enough to require an ambulance ride to
the hospital. Sadly, I’ve also heard stories of those who were not so lucky and
were killed because they never heard the car coming.
A runner’s first line of defense is visual, but second to
that is our ears so we can hear what’s behind us or just around the corner.
Women who run alone with headphones greatly increase the risk of being
attacked. If the music is too loud they can’t hear anyone coming up from
behind, and just wearing headphones alone can give the visual appearance of
being an easy target.
Beyond the immediate and obvious safety risks are health
concerns. It’s a proven fact that headphones are a leading cause of long-term
hearing loss. According to audiologist and Runner’s Edge member Dr. Lindsey
Ward, Au.D., “During running or other strenuous exercise, blood-flow is
diverted to the muscles in use, which leaves the cells of the inner-ear exposed
and more vulnerable to noise-causing damage. If these cochlear cells are
exposed to too much damage, then permanent hearing loss is inevitable.” Lindsey attributes many hearing loss
cases she sees to MP3 players, particularly those with ear buds.
“Small ear buds that get down inside the ear canal are more
damaging than outer ear headphones because they reduce the distance between the
sound and inner ear,” explains Lindsey, adding, “I’m currently working with a
14-year old girl who has sustained permanent long-term hearing loss that is 100
percent due to overusing her iPod.”
The disadvantages don’t stop there. While a good song may
psych you up for a tough hill or get you fired up for that killer track
workout, music can actually be detrimental to your training and race
performance. As the beat changes so does your cadence, which takes your body
out of its natural rhythm and pace. Training this way won’t help your
preparation for a race, or your race results. And on the big day do you really
want to be concerned with which song your iPod is going to select next? Or
would you rather be pumped up by the cheering crowd as you approach the finish
line?
David Manthey is an RRCA-certified running coach and owns
Runner’s Edge of the Rockies, a half-, full- and ultra-marathon training
program in the Denver metro area. Runnersedgeoftherockies.com
Simple Running Safety
• While on streets, always run facing traffic on the left side of the road.
• Always use caution while crossing a street or intersection.
• While on paths, stay to the right side if possible even though cyclists should always yield to pedestrians.
• Communicate with other trail users, saying “On your (left/right)” to let them know you’re passing.
• Run defensively, assuming drivers and cyclists may not see you.
• Don’t wear headphones; but if you do, keep the volume low and use only one earpiece.
• Always carry ID and emergency contact info, and a cell phone whenever possible.
In the spirit of this election year, as candidates local and national are out campaigning and the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Denver end of this month, we decided to check in with busy politicians around our active state to hear how they stay fit and healthy. 
