Can I Listen to Music During Runs?

Question: Can I Listen to Music During Runs?

I get bored during some of my longer runs. Is it OK to use my iPod?

Answer: There are several reasons why you shouldn't wear headphones and listen to music while running. First and foremost, it's not a safe practice if you're running outside. The music may block noise from oncoming cars, cyclists, other runners -- even unfriendly dogs. Another downside is that your cadence may be off, as you'll likely speed up and slow down based on the tempo of the music.

There's also a chance that you could get disqualified if you wear headphones in a race. Last year, the USA Track & Field (USATF) -- the governing body for long-distance running and track & field in the United States -- adopted a new rule banning the use of headphones and other music playing devices at all USATF-sanctioned running events. Prior to last year, USATF guidelines recommended the prohibition of music devices for long-distance running events. They made the rule mandatory in order to increase runner safety.

In the past, there have been casual bans on headphones in many marathons. Officials rarely enforced the rule and usually looked the other way when they saw earbud-wearing race participants. But now, more races are starting to take action. Runners in the 2007 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon were warned before the race that "possession and use of headphones and similar devices on the racecourse" was prohibited and "runners should not bring these devices with them to the race." After the race, officials scanned finish line photos, disqualifying any runners wearing headphones and banning them from next year's race.

Besides risking disqualification, you'll also miss out on a lot of the race excitement if you wear headphones. You won't be able to listen to bands, hear people cheering, or talk to other runners. And since you don't want to get caught in a race wearing headphones, you don't want to get used to wearing them during your training runs.

With all that being said, I know that long runs can sometimes get monotonous, especially if you're running alone. You might want to try finding a running group, so you'll have people to run with. Or, try switching up your routes for a change of scenery.

If you really need music for motivation (and there are lots of people who do!), try using it on a low volume, so you can still hear what's going on around you. You can download songs that are a specific bpm (beats per minute), so they'll match your cadence in your run (if you care about that sort of thing). And if you want to use your iPod for those boring treadmill runs, it's perfectly safe (and legal) to do that.