Pudsey Pacers

iPods in races (author closes eyes and shakes head)

Some races do not allow iPods to be worn, and some organizers, probably unaware of their {albeit small} risk, do not disallow them.

I would have hoped that a race such as the BBWay did not allow them for the said reasons.

Cyclists {some} are getting increasingly weirder looking and faster and have more equipment such as headlights for riding in the valley etc. but are too cool to have bells.

I don't mean to offend runners who like to run with music, but IMO they should not be running in races.

"Why shouldn't I run in a race with my iPod on?" - how can you concentrate on a race/react to a race situation while you are humming along with the "Birdie Song"??

www.openobject.org/objectsinflux/images/...Pod/retropod_hip.jpg

Is it just Ipods John or can I carry on using my walkman.

Ha ha - I think you are fine to carry on using your Walkman as long as you are not in a race preventing other runners from passing you nor a danger to a passing cyclist, and not wearing flairs or bellbottoms.

Also why would a runner need a mobile phone when racing? Andy, again you are fine with yours as long as your batteries are securely strapped to a skateboard umbilically attached to your utility belt.

If (and this a BIG 'IF') one decides to use a Walkman then surely it is de rigueur to wear the fashion of the era? Headband, spandex and hi-viz pink leg warmers... just to alert you to any cyclists, of course.

And, if a runner decides to wear an I-pod (Aye-pod in Tartanshire...) then why not allow marshals to eyeball and, where appropriate, life a placard that informs 'Concealed marksman ahead dislikes runners with headphones' or 'You won't hear that bus before it hits you!'? Perhaps confrontational and little OTT?

Still, I really benefited from the joker who held an audio device in his hand at Brid half and played - without earphones - motivational blurb to get him round... certainly made me want to get ahead of him!

NtS

Ran 6 mile alongside the canal last night with Ann. Sure enough the place was full of those with spaghetti drooping out of their ears or half melons on their heads.

The score - iPods (or Walkpersons) 12, Cyclists 10.

Not a smile nor anything other than a frown from the cyclists or a dazed expression from those inspired by their music.

Perhaps a visit to the iPodiatrist to surgically perform a spaghettiectomy...

If running alone, be it on the street/canal or on the treadmill I cannot run without music. Wether this is a weakness or not, it's just my thing. In company I never run with my ipod in and certainly in an organised race, it's discourteous to the organisers and anybody else who has paid to run too.

I do think that the cyclist/runner debate is a no brainer. Unless you are running on a road that hasn't been closed (and you'd be a bit mad to do so) the runner/pedestrian has right of way and shouldn't be expected to stop move or give way to a cyclist, this should be the cyclists responsibility and duty. Sorry to any cyclists out there.