Run, Dawnie, Run!: Why I Don't Wear Headphones When I Run

January 23, 2007

Why I Don't Wear Headphones When I Run

Most of the routes that I run - especially my early-morning runs - take me along main roads. Running through side streets might be more scenic, but in my neighborhood a lot of the side streets dead end after a few blocks, which means I have to keep turning and finding a new way to get my distance in. Main roads, on the other hand, run for miles and miles and I can just zone out and run. With the pre-dawn early-morning running I've been doing lately, staying on the main roads has another benefit: there are far more streetlights on the main roads, so many that they create something of an artificial daylight, which I am a huge fan of.

Anyhow, since I run on the main roads, I normally have the right of way at the intersections with side streets, since the traffic along those side streets has to stop at the stop sign before crossing or turning on to the main road. At 6 a.m., those streets don't normally see a lot of traffic, so I've gotten into the habit of looking for cars as I'm crossing the street. I'm mentally and physically prepared to come to a quick stop in case there's a car trying to roll beyond the crosswalk and into the street. Sometimes I have to stop, but 9 times out of 10 I'm clear to cross the street.

I also don't wear headphones or an iPod when I run (unless I'm inside on the treadmill, in which case the iPod is probably all that's keeping me from bursting into tears). I read an article once, long ago and in a land far far away (I think it was in an issue of Seventeen, if that tells you anything), about a girl that had been attacked because someone had grabbed her while she was out running, and if she hadn't been wearing her headphones she would have heard him approaching from behind and Things Might Have Turned Out Differently. Considering I'm usually out running by myself and I don't mind running in silence? I skip the iPod. It keeps me more focused on myself and my surroundings, and even though I've never had a problem or witnessed any suspicious sketchy dudes while I've been out running, it just seems like the intelligent thing to do. (Plus, most races technically don't allow headphones, so I figure it's sort of silly to train with them.)

Anyhow, this morning I was out running, coming up on an intersection with a side street, when I heard what sounded like something taking off coming from the left. I looked down the street, and there was a car zooming down it at far more than the posted speed limit. I stopped before even stepping off the curb, and let him come to a complete stop before making sure he saw me and crossing the street.

At that moment in time, I was so glad I didn't have music on me while I was running. While I definitely would have seen him coming up even if I hadn't heard him first, with as fast as he was going I'm not sure if he would have seen me or stopped in time. Maybe he would have hit me, maybe he wouldn't, but it would have been a much closer call than I'm really comfortable with. I sometimes feeling like I'm being a little extra paranoid with my Refusal To Run With Music, but today? Today I felt totally justified.

(A quick side note: I'm just saying that, for me, running sans music seems like the best choice. You run with music? Knock yourself out. I'm not going to judge you for it, nor am I going to pretend to know what's best for you. To each their own, yo.)

Posted by Dawn at January 23, 2007 09:24 AM

Comments

I think that you're right on target. I'm the same way. I wear headphones indoors to pass the time. Outdoors, I don't like to run with music--especially on roads or at night.

Did you give the guy a mean look? Some people are inconsiderate jerks.

Posted by: ShoreTurtle at January 23, 2007 11:01 AM

I sometimes run with music but depends on where and time of day, etc. Sometimes the quiet is nice and the safety factor is important!

Posted by: Jessica at January 23, 2007 02:57 PM

I think it's scary enough out there without headphones, thank you. A number of times now I have seen a surprised "where did that guy come from" look on a driver's face after a close call. Can't be too careful out there, IMO.

Posted by: Michael at January 23, 2007 09:00 PM

I am so the same way, and people look at me funny when I tell them I don't wear headphones because of personal safety. I can't tell you how many times I've almost gotten hit!

I've also gotten strangely used to it, and use the long runs to clear my mind. don't even miss the music!

Posted by: Rachel at January 30, 2007 09:04 PM