Ipod or no ipod (Page 3)

Has it never crossed anyone's mind to listen to the iPod, but at a very low volume?  I can't believe nobody has commented on this (unless I missed it).  One person has mentioned just using one earpiece, which I have also done. 

I find that I can turn my iPod down low enough to still be able to hear the music and the beat well enough to serve my purposes, but still be able to easily hear important environmental noises as well - approaching runners, cars, dogs, etc. 

I do very much understand the safety concerns of using an iPod during a race.  But I guarantee that using this sort of low volume I could easily hear other runners and race folks well enough to very safely use it during a race.

I'm not sure I agree at all with the assertion about iPod wearers tending not to enjoy running.  I always wear an iPod when I can, and I run 25+ miles per week, nearly every day (when work doesn't screw me up).  I don't HAVE to, I just do.  I'm planning to run a marathon in the spring.  I don't HAVE to, but I am.  I probably have a dozen other things I SHOULD be doing instead on any given day, but I choose to run.  Doesn't that sorta PROVE that I must enjoy it?

Chris

I would say go without it for the most part. If you are running with it as long as it is on a path/track you should be ok but don't do that anywhere on a road. Even the smallest noise can be a warning and if you have earphones on...you might not hear it. The same goes for Cycling x2 (or more) and you might check local law. Many laws (state, city, or county) make it illegal for a cyclist to ride with headphones on (sometimes as carryover from a law about driving with headphones on etc...). I know someone around my area who got a ticket for riding on the road with headphones. It sounds stupid but it happens.

I usually run with an Mp3 player (there are other brands, you know) although I occasionally must run without it due to forgetting it or not having charged batteries.  I usually hate those runs, unless it's in a different area and the scenery is worth looking at.  But for the training runs on the same paths, day in day out, I prefer music or occasionally books on tape.

On race day, I find I have enough music in my head to keep me occupied along with the other things going on.  In fact, I use the accumulated tunes in my head all through the swim and bike too  

x2

I figured I would go down the list of post until I could find one I agree with.  Didn't take long.

I use mine all the time for biking and running and find it to be no problem to leave it at home for a race.

LOL  And how did you find this out?

That's kinda like saying if you like chocolate syrup on your ice cream you must not really like ice cream.  :-)

~Mike

Personal observations over the years.

Look in this thread.  Many of the people who talk about wearing headphones seem to be of the opinion that running is a necessary evil, and only run because it's part of a tri.  That doesn't really imply a love of running.

I don't care either way.  I'm not condemning someone for not enjoying running.  But, I would like to see people break out of their comfort zones, and maybe some of them may actually learn to enjoy running for the sake of running.

I've been running for over 10 years and always listen to music when I run.  I logged 100 miles this month and evey mile was accompanied by music. 

Maybe if more people listened to music when they ran they would enjoy the peace and relaxation and stress-relieving qualities of running.  Not everyone that runs is "training".

We're probably arguing the same side of different coins (whateverthellthatmeans).  :-) 

~Mike