Really?

I’m the guy standing next to you at the start line.  I try to make small talk because I’m nervous.  It’s then I notice… you have your earbuds in.  It’s race day and the event you’ve been preparing for, looking forward to, is actually here.  All the excitement of race day only a small percentage of our population will experience.  But not you.. You’re going to make sure you are thourouly entertained the whole time.  National anthem, smell and sounds of the crowd and the guy next to you you will miss because you are too important for that!  You have figured out that you can go through your life, including your race without any human contact.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand the advantage of being able to listen to music, my favorite talk show, a ball game, or even an audiobook, when I’m training.  That’s when I need it the most.  When I’m alone for all those hours, all those miles when the training has to happen and I have to motivate myself.  But this is race day for cripes sake!  Your need to be motivated should be over.  You have a RACE to run.

I have run a dozen marathons, about the same number of half marathons and countless 10k’s, 5k’s and neighborhood fun runs.  The one thing ALL those races have in common? I have never worn earbuds or listened to music DURING the race.  Racing is one of the most exhilarating, life-affirming events I can participate in.  I don’t want to sound like a running snob, but come on people…If you’re listening to music (or worse, making a call) during a race you are missing the point of racing.  Why don’t you save the entry fee and just go for a run?  You’ll get the same results, save some money and not have to be bothered by the annoying guy next to you while some lady sings the national anthem?  

There.  I feel better now that I got that off my chest.  All of the Anti Snobs who want to take me to task for imposing MY beliefs on other, innocent runners can chime in…I’m ready for it.  But I think this has to be said.  This is the era of the smart phone.  You can entertain yourself literally anywhere.  Do yourself a favor.  Race without it.  You might just meet some one or connect with another human.  The way the world seems to be today we are all moving away from each other.  Racing is a very cool, easy way to move closer.

Please leave a comment if you liked this post.  If you didn’t like it, well, lets just say I know who you are and you don’t have to leave a comment.