Runners and headphones: what do you think?

I saw a friend when I was running around White Rock Lake last night — this is one of those pull no punches, tell-it-like-it-is sort a friends. As usual I was wearing my iPod nano with the ear buds, and he says, “What are you doing wearing headphones out here? You’re going to get run over.” Oh, here we go, I thought.

I explained to him that I keep my headphones low enough (usually I keep only one ear in) that I can hear passing cyclists, etcetera, and that it really doesn’t hinder my ability to stay safe. But he (who unlike me actually passes people when he’s running) has experienced big problems, especially as the park draws bigger and bigger crowds, with runners who “are completely oblivious, lost in iTunes or whatever".

We agree to disagree in the end, I guess, as he runs off saying “just concentrate on your running and save the ear buds for the gym,” or some self-righteous nonsense of that nature. (I mean that in the friendliest way.) So have some of us runners been so reckless as to warrant the boycott of earphones on public trails? I have to admit, I've seen headphone-wearing runners nearly flattened by cyclists shouting in vain that they are passing. What do you guys think? And remember, if you comment, be nice to each other.

Comments

[Robert]

Rules of the road is the cycle of life....the little guy gets crunched by the bigger guy......the jogger runs over the ant,,,the biker runs over the jogger,,,the car runs over the biker,,,,,the truck runs over the car driver,,,,,obla de,,,obla da,,,life goes on.....

[Alex]

Just stay to the right and pass on the left and everybody will be fine.

BTW non runners, "on your left" means I am going to pass you on your left side. It does not mean move left. Why is that so hard?

[Robert]

Becasue your' not yelling it bi-lingually??

[Alex]

I'll tell you in all the time I've spent at the Lake that's never been a problem. Maybe you should stick to Lake Ray Hubbard. It is without condo towers or Hispanics. You'll be much happier.

[Robert]

I'll bet you have a"love it or leave it" bumper sticker on your Prius.....

[Scott Ed]

I'd say that maybe 1 out of every 20 people I encounter while riding (bicycling) around the lake is wearing headphones. (Rollerbladers seem to use these in greater proportion than joggers, cyclists, etc. Maybe it's a lifestyle thing.) It's never been a problem, but it does introduce yet another source of uncertainty that tests mind-reading skills. I just inform "on your left" and hope for the best. So far no problems.

As an aside, I've heard that one of the reasons it's not safe to wear headphones is that it's easier for muggers to sneak up.

[Alex]

I bet you've never stepped out form your McMansion to run around the Lake.

[Christina Hughes-Babb]

Wow. I thought I told you guys to be nice to one another. Don't make me come in here again!

[Peterk]

Keep the head phones on makes it easier for me to sneak up on the runners in my SUV (crunch)