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Paul D.
Paul D. Sendmail

Is it against race etiquette to not wear headphones?

asked 4 months ago | Report

I have issues with headphones as none will manage to stay in my ears, so I have taken to just playing my iPod full volume so I can hear it. I'm wondering though if that is inconsiderate of other runners by doing that.

P.S. I've even tried the Yurbuds. The issue with those is they're the ones with the part that wraps around your ears and they don't want to stay up. I guess I'll just have to find races that actually play music.

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15 answers

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  • Andrew W.
    Andrew W. Sendmail

    I suppose it depends where you are running. If you are running at home on a treadmill, no problem. If you are running on a street and there's no one else around, no problem. If you are at the gym and on a treadmill, that's an issue. If you're running with a group or there's lots of folks around, don't do it.

    I think of it this way: I hate when I pull up to a stop light or stop sign and someone pulls up to me with their music blaring and sub woofers thumping a big bass beat. I don't want to hear your music when I am trying to listen to mine or I am trying to get some thinking time in. I know an iPod and full volume isn't that loud, but to me I would say that in almost any circumstance where you would run in to someone else running, don't do it.

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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  • David M.
    David M. Sendmail

    Hi Paul, in training by yourself this is no problem. In a race this really depends on the race; if it is a fun run then maybe some other runners my appreciate it, however if it is a more serious race (are there people wearing club vests?) then this is a definite no no.

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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  • Kelly H.
    Kelly H. Sendmail

    Most races will have rules that say you can't have your music loud enough for others to hear. I think out of consideration for those around you, I wouldn't play music without headphones.

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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  • Morey B.
    Morey B. Sendmail

    All depends if I like your choice in music. :)

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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  • Bryce H.
    Bryce H. Sendmail

    Why take away from the race atmosphere with music Just the crowds enthusiasm is enough for me.

    When training I have found the Bose ear buds really work well for me.

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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  • Chuck A.
    Chuck A. Sendmail

    If you have the regular Apple headphones, buy two of the black foam covers for them from Amazon or wherever you can find them. Nothing ever stayed in my ears either until I tried this. Good luck.

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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  • Bo A.PRO
    Bo A. Sendmail

    I have similar issues with headphones... (being all swelled headed like)... My favorites are:

    • Wired - Sony MDR-AS30 - they are an over the ear headphone but from around the back of the head. Sound quality is good and with a modest volume you can still hear road noise.

    • Wireless - Motorola SD10-HD - they are an in the ear but around the back of the head bluetooth headphone designed for athletic use. They do adjust to larger heads (like mine) but don't quite fit perfectly... however, given that this fit actually results in being able to hear road noise, I don't mind. Sound quality is pretty good and runtime is good enough for a Half Marathon. These headphones also double as a handsfree headset for your bluetooth phone.

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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  • Scott M.
    Scott M. Sendmail

    I had the same problem, google yurbuds, best ever, 10 mile runs and they don't move

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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  • Chris K.
    Chris K. Sendmail

    Nah, don't do that. Either find comfortable headphones or go without the tunes. Chris Kelley - Framingham

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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  • Ben K.PRO
    Ben K. Sendmail

    I think you probably already know the answer, it sounds a bit inconsiderate to me. Only because I know that during a race like a half marathon I'm pretty much running in a group of people who are all the same pace for a long time. While on the one hand I do like to hear music, if your tastes didn't match up then what do you do?

    I use a pair of sennheiser headphones, and they have these little "shark fins" that help keep my earphones in place. Perhaps you could try something like them.

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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  • David P.
    David P. Sendmail

    I look at it this way. If you cant hear anyone coming up behind you because of your music then you probably shouldn't be wearing them or listening to music. last year at he Denver Marathon cut in front of me at a water station and cut me off. He was too close for me to stop so we collided and both went to the ground. He was pissed at first until he realized that it was his fault but said he didn't hear me. Take in mind he didn't look over his shoulder and he had earbuds in so there was no way that he could have heard me anyways.

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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  • Douglas S.
    Douglas S. Sendmail

    Most likely you will irritate many people if you do.

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  • Patrick O.
    Patrick O. Sendmail

    I would find it annoying and more than likely call you out on in it if we were in a race together.

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  • Nanette V.
    Nanette V. Sendmail

    maybe consider these...i love them. DH wont run with anything else.....and to boot, they stay in the kids ears when they are watching something while traveling!

    http://crazymotherontherun.blogspot.com/2011/09/sennheiser-adidas-pmx-680i-sports.html

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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  • Ted
    Ted Sendmail

    I use Sony sport earphones. They don't move, have good sounds, and do not block out surrounding sounds so I can hear what is going on around me.
    During a race, must wear headphones if you are listening to music. ... I would extend that to when in public also.

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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