Here are some cases where I think running with music is NOT OK.
1) You're running on the road. I admit it, I used to run with my iPod blaring while I was out running in traffic. It doesn't matter if you're running head on into traffic; (which you always should be) accidents happen. You need to be aware of your surroundings. A car behind you could just as easily hit you from the other side of the road. If there is an accident at an intersection and you don't hear it, you could get hit with debris. These scenarios may seem unlikely, but why chance it? Be smart, look out for yourself. I can guarantee you that the cars on the road aren't paying as much attention to you as they should be.
2) You're running with a friend. I'm sorry, is Katy Perry's menage a trois last Friday night more important than what you're 'sole' sister has to say? Remove the ear buds and dish. Runs can be lonely, especially long runs. If you're fortunate to run with a friend, use that time to your advantage. Talk her ear off, brag about your kids, complain about things no one else wants to listen to (she doesn't have a choice but to listen). If I'm feeling low during a run and my running partner is jamming to her tunes, I have no one to push me when I want to quit. If you want to listen to music when you run, go alone. You pretty much are alone if you can't hear anything around you anyway.
3) You're in a race. Um, hello did you train so that you couldn't get the full experience of the race? I think not! Leave the music at home and soak in the atmosphere! There is nothing more inspiring than the race day environment. Get pumped and excited from the crowd, not your "friends" in the little music box. Those people aren't there running the race with you. You have actual human contact all around you, so enjoy it!
Now, I'm going to get off of my soapbox because I'm sure majority of you are huffing at your computers and calling me judgmental. I'm not! Honestly, I ran my 7 miler two weeks ago and brought my iPod with me. I mapped a course that had me running 3 miles (alone!) on the trail and I knew I would need something to occupy my time. Miles and miles of crushed stone is not very motivating and my brain tends to get exhausted from counting leaves. I'm not saying running with music is terrible, or makes you a bad person/runner. All I'm saying is, don't depend on music! If you enjoy running; try to enjoy it sans music once in awhile (and always while running the roads). I challenge you to leave your music at home for your next run. Don't worry, your "friends" will still be there when you get home.
Report back and let me know what you think if you accept my challenge!
Run Hard,
Run Strong,
Run for You,
Holly