Running Commentary (Pun Intended)

I have had a few running things on my mind recently and I have been meaning to write them down…so here goes…

Are headphones ruining the marathon? I volunteered with my gals for the perfect day that was the Chicago Marathon on 10/7 (as part of the human chain “defending” the B corral from the C corral runners.)

We then went to mile 13 to cheer and sherpa. My friend, Theresa, volunteered in the charity cheer zone. When I asked her how it went, she said she was really disappointed. I was surprised. I ran with a friend through the charity cheer zone and it seemed pretty awesome to me. She said that so many runners had head phones and just ran by “in the zone” and ignored the cheers. She left feeling like she shouldn’t have bothered.

That got me thinking. I have made (or connected with) so many friends while actually running marathons and halves. As a runner, I have to agree with Theresa that headphone wearing has definitely limited the connections I have made with other runners in races. (I do wear headphones when I am alone, but never in races.) I have also experienced frustration in water stops and crowded spots when people with headphones are oblivious to other runners. This is one of Marie’s biggest pet peeves. I asked the Wednesday morning crew about this and everyone could see that there could be an issue, but Lynn provided a counter point. She said, if that is what you need to make it through, then so be it. To each his own.

Are headphones ruining marathons? For spectators? For runners? Let me know what you think!

I ran into my friend Brooke on a run. She told me something awesome. In the Berlin Marathon, she ran a PR, re-qualified for Boston- with the MEN’S qualifying standard (in the 50-54 age group)! How awesome is that??
Molly C. mentioned and article in the NY Times this week about the NY Road Runners and its energetic, powerhouse CEO, Mary Wittenberg. In “The New York Marathon is Thriving, so What is the Problem?”, they take Mary and NYRRC to task for rising costs and a hyper focus on elite runners and for forgetting “the pack.” I am an NYRR member (and solidly in the pack) and have been since I first did the NY marathon in 1996. For the record, I am biased. I know Mary personally and I think she is a down to earth person who (as the article cites) runs races in the pack to see how it is going for “regular” runners (and knows many around her by name.) I do think the rising cost of the marathon is an issue and that the premier events like the NYC half have too much of a focus on the elites (and I still want the women’s orange start at the NY marathon back!) It is tough to see the “club” becoming more of a large corporation, but it is still a great organization. Runners, like most people, hate change. I have run the NY marathon 13 times and have 2 more until lifetime guarantee. I will be there November 4 and next year, too. Why? Because to me, it is still the best race in the world and the best day every year in NYC. What do you think? Is growth and change inevitable or is NYRR too big for its britches?
Everyone always asks me about carb-loading. I normally say that most Americans (non-paleo) eat enough carbs every day to be at the ready to run a marathon – at least I do. This Runners World article seems to agree. They also have this cool “Endurance Calculator” to see how many extra calories you need in carbs to run your predicted pace based on your stats.
I am just going to say it – I hate “stunt runners” – maybe hate is too strong of a word, but I resent them! One of the guys from my Chicago running club posted a story called “Man Runs 2:46 marathon in flip flops.” I am reasonably certain that his pace is way better than my 5k pace. When I see that I think – maybe he should spend his energy and training on something more valuable like qualifying for the Olympics or something! I also resent the “joggler” and most runners in costume. That may be just me. What do you think?
I had the pleasure of pacing my friend Olivia in the Indianapolis Marathon yesterday-her second (and my 34th.) She ran a 31 minute PR and won an age group award! It was a great small marathon (659 finishers.) What is your biggest PR? (Mine is 10 minutes in the marathon -twice) How do you like your marathons? Biggest? Smallest? Some where in the middle? I like all 3!

That’s all for now. Have any running commentary to share? Let me know!

17 responses to “Running Commentary (Pun Intended)”

Adria Gallup-Black

October 21, 2012

I agree with you re the headphones. Foremost, it’s a safety hazard. I’ve also experienced the water stop near-misses, and I cannot tell you how many times I’ve almost been knocked over by someone wearing headphones, oblivious to what was around him or her. To hear runners talk about it, it’s as if they feel that wearing headphones is an entitlement. I say: in a race environment, it’s not all about you.

I think it’s an American thing. When I ran London, practically no one wore headphones, and it was nice connecting with the other runners and the spectators. The same in Berlin. A marathon is a multi-sensory event: why miss out on any of it?

Finally, as a commuter cyclist, I urge all runners to keep the volume down on your headphones. Sometimes we need to pass you in order to avoid hurting ourselves or others, and if you can’t hear our bell or “Heads up!” you could be putting someone in danger. We all have to share the road!

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1. Erica A
  
  October 21, 2012
  
  Hi Adria – An American thing that is all about me? You don’t say! I think all races are intended to be experienced in full and think zoning out is a shame! I agree on the volume (and have also had bikers w/headphones so loud that they can’t hear other bikers or runners. Biking with headphones should be illegal! It is terrible!) Thanks for the comments!
  
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  1. Adria Gallup-Black
    
    October 21, 2012
    
    Actually, it is illegal for cyclists to wear headphones in NYC. Really. I get so angry when I see that. Yikes, don’t get me started on the things my fellow cyclists do….
    
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marie wickham

October 21, 2012

What… you ran a marathon yesterday 2 weeks before NYC? Are you turning into me? Great job on your 10 minute PR in the marathon… I didn’t know anyone had run a marathon in 10 minutes…. You are truly my engine. If you and I had run with headphones we never would have met each other. That’s reason enough for me to be against them. I do understand that some people feel they need them to get through the race. I think that is probably a reflection on where our society is going.

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1. Erica A
  
  October 21, 2012
  
  Ha – ha, Marie – 10 minutes off of my time at one time. Yes, I agree — not knowing you or the wonderful friends I have met through you is enough for me to be anti-headphones. Olivia and I made 2 friends in our race yesterday and I thought of you. I was thinking 2 weeks before is a bit crazy but I feel good today – and I am just trying for a solid, healthy NYC so should be A-OK (and I get to run with you!)
  
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Maggie

October 21, 2012

When I started running, I thought I needed music (and therefore headphones) to get through my runs. But one day I had technical difficulties and had to run without music … and haven’t run with it since. I agree with Adria, marathons (and other races, and just running in general) is multi-sensory. I enjoy the noise of big races, and also the peace and quiet of running on a trail. I enjoy NOT having noise in my ears during a run. And now I feel like if you need music to “distract” you during a run … are you really enjoying what you’re doing?

And I agree on the safety issue. If you’re on a trail, you need to hear other runners and cyclists. If you are running on roads, you need to hear cars. I think even with the volume down, it’s still a hazard.

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1. Erica A
  
  October 21, 2012
  
  Thanks, Maggie! I have met so many people in races, I think it is a bummer when people are tuned out. I also agree with you and Adria on the safety thing. I think especially in long races that the end miles are tough when people don’t pay attention!
  
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2. Maggie
  
  October 22, 2012
  
  Oh, also, my biggest PR. I ran a 2:22 half marathon in Oct 2011, and a 1:53 half marathon in June 2012. So 29 minutes off in 8 months. Also, I ran a 25:59 5K in early Nov 2011, and a 23:41 on 12/31/11, so over 2 minutes off in less than 2 months. I contribute my success to starting to run with a club, and doing regular speedwork.
  
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  1. Erica A
    
    October 22, 2012
    
    Damn, girl! That is awesome!
    
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Colette

October 21, 2012

1. HATE headphones in a marathon or other race. Recently saw that the WINNER in the Rochester marathon had headphones on in one picture of her in the race and think she should be disqualified.

2. Love NYC too (well, not last year). Trying to get in again next year but it will only be my 4th.

3. First marathon 5:25, second marathon 4:15 – will NEVER again beat that improvement.

4. Proud to say that I got an age group award for Indianapolis too, many years ago!

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1. Erica A
  
  October 21, 2012
  
  Wow – the winner? That is crazy! I guess some races ban it. That is wild.
  
  That is a huge improvement, Colette! Impressive.
  
  Yay for awards in Indy. We were so surprised when they told us – we were delighted. Coffee mugs – so useful and a good reminder of a job well done! (We ran by Cecilia and Jason’s but they were away for the weekend!)
  
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Kelli P.

October 22, 2012

I recently read a race’s FAQ and the race director makes a great point – “Can I use my iPod?
USATF has changed their rule to a suggestion, for the most part. Now, instead of telling you that you can’t use them, I can just recommend that you don’t use them. It’s really your call. Check the USATF web site for more info about all their rules.”
I see in a lot of race descriptions that say headphones are not allowed but I don’t think the race director can legally disqualify a runner for wearing them. I believe it has to do with what the USATF insurance policy dictates. For races to be USATF certified they have to follow a strict set of rules to provide the safest environment for race participants. Unfortunately it looks like someone has fought USATF on the headphone rule… looks like we need more people fighting to get it back.

Marathon #1-#3 29mins, Marathon #3-#4 42mins

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1. Erica A
  
  October 22, 2012
  
  42 minutes! You are awesome! (and I don’t have to eat my shoe now – thank goodness!)
  
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Jen

October 22, 2012

A) I am anti-headphones unless you’re on a treadmill (and I’ve never succeeded in running on one of those, so…). I just think it’s a huge safety issue.
B) I will always love the NYC Marathon. It was my first, and in 1996 like you! I kind of wish I could go back to then; it’s SO much bigger now, and I don’t think it’s better for it. And I agree that they need to bring back the women’s start.
C) I knocked about forty seconds off my 5K PR about seven or eight years ago. Don’t think I can repeat that increment again.
My marathon PRs have come in 5-10 minute increments.
D) marathon winners wearing headphones= lame.

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1. Erica A
  
  October 22, 2012
  
  Thanks, Jen! The other nostalgia thing for me is not having to sign up for races as soon as they open so you don’t get shut out. Some of the marathons and half marathons close in a few days (and one here in less than an hour this year!) Running with less than 1000 runners this weekend was pretty cool!
  
  The other funny thing I saw was the photo of the woman who won the Grand Rapids marathon yesterday – she was made up like a beauty pageant winner. It was a bit crazy!! (I was wondering if she ran the whole thing like that or got made up afterwards!)
  
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Olivia

October 22, 2012

First of all – Erica kicks ass as a pacer 🙂 Thank you so much!

Re: the NYT article on NYRR and Mary Wittenberg: I agree with the frustration and concerns over the increasingly corporate nature of large running events like the NYC Marathon, but I was also surprised to feel a little empathy for Mary after reading that article. I don’t stage marathons for a living, but I do work at a big museum and design exhibits and events for the public. I have learned over the years that when you’re creating an experience for the public, there is always going to be someone who is disappointed for one reason or another and they’re going to blame you. If one exhibit piece goes down, Yelp is lit up with reviews saying “nothing works in the whole museum.” It’s frustrating to get that kind of feedback, but I try to see it from the guest’s POV (at least on my more enlightened days). I know how much work, thought and care went into making the exhibit and what a Sisyphean task it is to keep every last bit of it running 7 hours a day every day of the year. However, there is no way the public is going to understand how many details and intricacies go into planning and creating these kind of experiences. Frankly, if I did my job right, they shouldn’t. All the guest cares about is whether the thing in front of him that he paid good money to come use is working or not. So, I can understand the marathon issue a little bit from the perspective of the race planners. I’m sure there were many debates and factors that went into the decision to nix the gear check (as well as the countless other changes to the event of the past several years) and the runners participating in the event will never be privy to that process. All they experience is the annoyance of having no gear check, a different start corral arrangement than they’re used to, etc. We could all stand to lighten up a little bit and try to see it from the other side’s POV. You don’t have to love the changes, but don’t boo the organizers; they’re doing their best to adapt the event to the growing and changing demands of the sport. Do they get it right every time? Probably not. But they’re probably doing the best they can with adapting a gigantic event to an ever-moving target.

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1. Erica A
  
  October 23, 2012
  
  Thank you, Olivia – for all of the feedback 🙂 I appreciate your perspective on the NY Times article – so easy to criticize but SO hard to keep up with the increasing demands. If they just did the same event with the same # of people every year, people would be livid about that too. Very true!
  
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