I wrote a post earlier about why iPods are unnecessary, but what surprises me even more than the number of people who own an iPod is the number of people I see running with an iPod.
I may be a simple man, but I’ve never found hiking or running to be boring without music. I’ve completed a couple of marathons, a few 50k’s, a handful of 50 milers, and even a 100 mile trail run… all without music. Besides watching the terrain and scenery, I find running to be a good time to think about things. I have not been running such long distances lately, but continue to enjoy running without an iPod.
Besides the fact that I enjoy running without an iPod, running with an iPod does not seem like a good idea for safety reasons. Christine Luff sums it up very well in her How to Run Safely article:
…you really shouldn’t use your iPod or MP3 player for outdoor runs. Cutting off your sense of hearing means you can’t hear oncoming cars, cyclists yelling to move, dogs, or any other potential threat. Save your iPod for your treadmill runs.
Therefore, running with an iPod is not only unnecessary, but also potentially dangerous.
6 Comments
I agree. I see running as the one opportunity for me to “unplug” from everything. Too much tim on the computer and tv already.
Right on, Jon.
There are studies that show that when you listen to music, it not only increases your motivation, but it can cause you to work out longer and harder than you would without music.
It’s motivational, increases your intensity, and studies prove it.
Ryan, that sounds plausible. Can you point me to the actual studies?
I would think it could take your mind off what you’re doing, which could be helpful for some people.
I still think it’s unnecessary and don’t think I would want to clip an iPod onto my shorts and have the cables getting in the way, electronic earbuds in my ears, etc.
Thanks for your comment.
I’ve been on both sides of the fence: running with and without an iPod, and it seems that each really has it’s beneficiaries.
Running without an iPod is an excellent way to clear the mind and, in addition, is somewhat more relaxing. It feels good after the run, but during the run it can certainly get boring (for me anyway) and somewhat tedious (personally).
Then again, running with an iPod is fun and also pushes you much harder, I find. The only real downsides are that you actually have to carry the thing and that the earphones keep coming out!
Good post, quite interesting.
David, thanks for your comment. I’ve noticed some runners route the earbud wires through their clothing; perhaps that helps the earbuds stay in?
Also, the iPod Shuffle is quite small and would seem a lot easier to carry than a Nano or Classic.
I’m still without iPod though.
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