Purists in the sport think you aren't listening to your body, and are tuned out, unfocused.
Others think you're distracted, and won't be able to hear someone trying to communicate with you, take instructions, respond to traffic, emergencies, etc.
A small minority like to bump into people on the road (or race) and carry on a conversation with them. The iPod makes the road less friendly perhaps.
I say, if you enjoy it, go for it. Put it at a volume that you can stay aware of your surroundings, and pump it up when you need a boost.
Like anything, using an iPod on the road simply requires a little courtesy and sensibility.
I'm nto a big fan of RACING with people who are wearing headphones because it's a distraction. They sometimes cannot hear and do not pay attention. It is very obnoxious when runners can't hear directions or approaching vehicles and can be a hazzard to other runners.
If you're running for pleasure it's personal preference. I suppose if the music is low enough that you can still hear what's going on around you then it's fine. But if the music is so loud other people can hear it and you can't hear a siren then you might want to turn it down but that's a personal preference. Just be careful no matter what you do!!!
Its just preference amongst the runners. You have to remember that ipods and MP3s are still fairly new. So most runners who have been running for a while have been running without them. For that reason, runners don't like them since they've already adapted to a running style that doesn't include the need for music. Its also silly to change your running habits by adding music if your doing fine without it. At least that seems to be a logical reasoning in my mind.
if your just running, theres no problem. In a race: someone might be giving you directions in which case you wouldnt be able to hear them. Its also a matter of courtesy, since not everyone can afford luxury items like those.
most road races ban them because they distract runners. when you run with 10,000 other people, you need to concentrate on what you are doing so you dont trip and hurt someone.
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Purists in the sport think you aren't listening to your body, and are tuned out, unfocused.
Others think you're distracted, and won't be able to hear someone trying to communicate with you, take instructions, respond to traffic, emergencies, etc.
A small minority like to bump into people on the road (or race) and carry on a conversation with them. The iPod makes the road less friendly perhaps.
I say, if you enjoy it, go for it. Put it at a volume that you can stay aware of your surroundings, and pump it up when you need a boost.
Like anything, using an iPod on the road simply requires a little courtesy and sensibility.
I'm nto a big fan of RACING with people who are wearing headphones because it's a distraction. They sometimes cannot hear and do not pay attention. It is very obnoxious when runners can't hear directions or approaching vehicles and can be a hazzard to other runners.
If you're running for pleasure it's personal preference. I suppose if the music is low enough that you can still hear what's going on around you then it's fine. But if the music is so loud other people can hear it and you can't hear a siren then you might want to turn it down but that's a personal preference. Just be careful no matter what you do!!!
Its just preference amongst the runners. You have to remember that ipods and MP3s are still fairly new. So most runners who have been running for a while have been running without them. For that reason, runners don't like them since they've already adapted to a running style that doesn't include the need for music. Its also silly to change your running habits by adding music if your doing fine without it. At least that seems to be a logical reasoning in my mind.
if your just running, theres no problem. In a race: someone might be giving you directions in which case you wouldnt be able to hear them. Its also a matter of courtesy, since not everyone can afford luxury items like those.
They can be dangerous because you can't hear runners or emergency vehicles approaching behind you.
Some people hate them because sometimes people say move and they have their headphones in and they can't here them.
most road races ban them because they distract runners. when you run with 10,000 other people, you need to concentrate on what you are doing so you dont trip and hurt someone.
Very simple. If you're listening to music you ain't paying attention to traffic nor courtesies toward other participants.
Besides, only wussies need such distractions so they'll look cool.