Runners and the Great iPod Debate

A corny statement, for sure, but in the world of runners there is a culture clash surrounding this notion, between those who opt to run with their portable music players and those who prefer to be completely unplugged.

iPods and other portable music players were initially banned for last weekend's Big Sur International Marathon in California, but when the marathon staff received an onslaught of complaints shortly after the announcement was made in October, they backed off.

"We took a hard line and just got blasted by participants," said Sally Smith, a marathon board member. "We had people saying they weren't going to do our event."

While portable music players are allowed on the course, organizers continue to discourage their use and remind runners that musicians will be playing at various spots along the route Sunday morning.

"We don't want you to do it because it's a danger," Smith said.

Divisive Issue

The iPod debate is a passionate one for runners. Based on interviews of runners in local running groups, employees in running stores and those attending Friday's exposition at the Monterey Conference Center, the divide appears to be partially generational and partially between the avid runner and the more casual runner.

Safety and awareness of surroundings are the main reasons cited by the anti-music contingency. Spiritual clarity is another, particularly regarding a run up the Big Sur coastline. One marathoner at the Expo said people should be able to do without the portable players "because running is so serene."

Pro-music runners say the tunes amp them up or distract them from negative thoughts that can creep into their minds while on a long run.

Claiming to be "old school," Eda Leptich of Boulder, Colo., spoke vehemently against portable music devices.

"I've run for 31 years. No. 1, it's dangerous. Two, it's rude," Leptich said. "I saw a woman almost get hit by a car a couple weeks ago in a race" because she was listening to her portable music device.

Leptich also disapproves of women listening to portable music devices while running alone.

'Keeps Me Focused'

Elizabeth Murphy, who works at Fleet Feet Sports store in Del Monte Shopping Center in California, said she frequently runs with her iPod but sides with a ban on portable players during organized runs.

"When you have a large group of people, you want to be aware of what's going on around you," said Murphy, a student at the Monterey Institute of International Studies. "If you really love running for the sport, you should be able to do without."

Two women from Portland, Ore., Dale Davis, 27, and Linsey Gordon, 26, both said they are running the marathon with their iPods. Davis said she would not be running Sunday if she could not run with her iPod.

"I train with it constantly," Davis said. "I have run races without it and I've been fine, but running with it for that long, it keeps me focused. If I have rough spots it takes my mind off it."

Not as Bad as Drivers on Cells

Even if the ban was upheld, Gordon said the Big Sur course would have been enough of a draw for her "because the scenery is such an integral part of the run. But I am thankful I still get to use my iPod."

Richard Averett, 55, of Carmel Valley, Calif., is a veteran of the Big Sur Marathon, but he is skipping it this year because he is doing the 100-mile Western States Endurance Run next month. He said he does not listen to music while he runs because "I want to be fully aware of what's going on around me and inside me."

Though he is not a fan of others listening to music if they are sharing the course, he tolerates it.

"I find it a little disconcerting when others use them when I'm around, but it isn't nearly as irritating as people driving while on the phone," he said.

'A Little Pick-Me-Up'

While some purists would rather see portable music players disappear from running events, the retail world sees it as an opportunity.

"A lot of (running) clothing incorporates pockets to hold (portable music players)," Murphy said. "It's kind of becoming a fad."

Running shirts, shorts and even headcaps are made with pockets to hold players. Armbands are also used to hold players.

Melissa Parkinson, 26, of San Francisco said her iPod will be in the special pocket on her shirt sleeve as she runs the marathon.

"It's a little hilly, so it's nice to have a little pick-me-up," she said.

A ban of portable music players would not have discouraged her from running, she said, and she only puts one earphone in. Otherwise, "you can't hear what's going on around you," she said.

Leaving It at Home

"I debated back and forth and decided not to run with it," said Samantha Lieberman, 27, of San Francisco. "I like listening to people talk and hearing the music" played by bands stationed along the route. "I think it's part of the experience."

Several factors influenced Lieberman's decision. She does not have a special pocket anywhere on her running attire, so she would have to hold her iPod, which would would leave her with no free hands.

"I'm carrying a camera this year, too," she said, "so I can't carry two things."