There’s a huge debate that has been ongoing in the running community since long before the invention of the iPod: whether or not it’s ‘OK’ to run to music. Discussions get particulary heated around the question of whether iPods and the like should be allowed in races or not. Today’s news that music has been found to increase the endurance of triathletes by as much as 15% is sure to add more fuel to this debate.UK Athletics rules forbid the use of “the use of any technical device that provides the user with an advantage over another athlete not using the device”. So we’re unlikely to see Paula Radcliffe’s famous head bob to the beat of Britney Spears as she competes in her next london Marathon. But your average recreational runner may argue that they need all the help they can get to finish and that the added endurance provided by music is less significant than, say, taking on an energy drink which is allowed and widely – and as they’re unlikely to be winning any prizes, this doesn’t cover them.
Although I have used my iPod to keep me company of my weekend long runs, I consciously don’t take it on every run because I don’t want to lead myself to believe ‘I can’t run without music’ – which is something I hear a lot of runners claim. And I’d never use it in a race. However, if the research is correct long training runs could be made easier (or longer) by plugging into a few of your favourite tunes. Now where did I put that 101 Best Running Songs CD?
While I sometimes run to music it’s usually to pass the time on a long run. I do find that music during races can make turn you into anti-social runner.
When the tunes are up too loud people become less aware of the runners around them, and it’s a simple courtesy to move out of the way when you’ve been reeled in.
Other racers shouldn’t be close enough to know exactly what song you are running to ; )