Headphones - To be or not to be?

Well folks, that is the question these days! I have to say that this is a question that has many opinions from many different angles. (I taught angles this week.) However, whether or not I believe in personally wearing headphones during a race or a training run does not affect the rule that I have had to make for our races. I wanted to explain briefly, so hopefully, some would read and maybe understand my difficult position of pleasing all :(. Our race has insurance to protect each and every person that participates in that day, whether it be a volunteer or a runner. The insurance has dictated that to keep the environment as safe as possible, runners are not allowed to wear headphones of any sort (ie. earbuds, i-pods, -you name it). I would be very disappointed if someone did get hurt. We are also in the process of applying to be RRCA Regional Championship races for the marathon and the half marathon, and at very least State Championship races. RRCA strictly enforces this policy along with any of their races as well, for the same reason: safety of all involved.

I am a runner myself as many of you know, and have just crossed over to the dark side of race directing this year. I am not intending this "ban" in any way to be heavy handed or to make your race torturous. I also do not want to decrease the numbers of our race! Actually, quite the opposite, I would love to see the race grow so that instead of music, there is someone for you to chat with along the way. I have met some pretty fantastic people during a marathon. Another option that our race provides are pace teams, this year in the half marathon as well as the marathon! I joined the committee a few years ago because I had the desire to bring pace teams to the ADT races. By bringing people with the same goal times together, you have a common interest before the race begins and it is amazing how quickly you become each other's support and friend.

I hope that on race day American Discovery Trail races will provide a fun and exciting yet safe atmosphere for everyone involved. Happy Running!