No Music! That's Just Cruel!

The Ragnar Relay Wasatch Back Organization sent out an email this morning to notify all the runners of the new safety rule changes. I read through it. I agreed with most of the changes and I understand the need for safety. Just this past fall at the Nevada, Las Vegas Ragnar Relay (my husband and his family participated) there was a gentleman who was hit by a car and killed while he was in the process of giving water to one of his team members. So I get it. When I go out running/walking I am very cautious. There are so many stupid drivers out there. Runners need to be careful—very careful.

There is one rule, that I get, I really do, but I am dreading. The NO HEADPHONES while running rule. When I read that, my heart plummeted to the bottom of my stomach. No music. No distraction (which is why the no headphone rule. Runners should not be distracted). But, I need this distraction. I need to be zoning out to something so I can get out of the mind frame of how very much running sucks. Now, I will be able to run/walk my 13.1 miles and be painfully aware of it the whole time.

I find this cruel and unusual. What am I going to do? Oh, this is going to suck. It is going to suck real bad. Just me and my thoughts of how much this sucks for 13.1 long miles. I shudder. Did I mention how much this is going to suck?

 Oh, boy. Can’t I just paint myself a bright orange or yellow and wear the safety vest at all times while twirling flares in both hands AND listen to my music too? Come on. I’m willing to dress in neon. I’m willing to wear a red clown wig. Just please oh please oh please don’t make me have to think thoughts while I’m running/walking. For the love of that’s good in the world, PLEASE! I beg the Ragnar Gods to reconsider.

 Last year a woman was running in Farmington listening to an iPOD and she was hit by a car (there were other circumstances involved as well). The man who was killed at the Vegas Ragnar, he was not wearing headphones and the person who hit him was drunk. Crap happens. I appreciate the extra effort t keep us safe. I am thankful. And if it comes down to it, I will do it (but I don’t want to). 

 Okay runners, I know you’re out there. You read this blog. Tell me what you think? Let me know how you plan to run without music, what your plan is. Leave a comment. It’s easy to do. I promise. I want to hear from you.