No iPods: Runners contemplate how they'll cope

For several weeks, Bj Hurley has been training for her first half marathon. While preparing her body to withstand race rigors, she has weaned herself off a trusted running companion.

Among hundreds of runners expected to flood the streets for today's Manchester City Marathon/Half Marathon, Hurley will trot without her iPod, which race rules prohibit.

"I wouldn't want to take the chance of running with one and being asked not to come back," said Hurley, a mother of three from Candia.

While many runners rely on music from an iPod or portable MP3 player for mental distraction and motivation, the Manchester race cites concerns about safety as the reason for its ban on the devices and their headphones.

"With the course open to traffic, we just want to make sure runners are safe," said Sarah Normand, the race's director.

Sanctioned by USA Track & Field, the Manchester race follows the national governing body's guidelines, Normand said. Late last year, however, USATF amended its rule on portable listening devices to give race directors discretion to allow the devices among participants not competing for awards or prize money.

The Manchester race, which prohibited the devices in its first two years, has opted not to amend its rule. By contrast, the Boston Marathon, while discouraging iPod and MP3 player use among non-elite runners, does not explicitly prohibit it.

Despite its policy, the Manchester race does not have the manpower to enforce it strictly, Normand said.

"I feel comfortable not enforcing it as heavily as if (USATF policy) was more restrictive," Normand said. "We just ask that people respect our rules and other runners."

Although Hurley was hesitant to run Manchester's half marathon when she learned about the iPod rule, she ultimately decided to shed her earbuds.

"(The rule) kind of put me off a little, but a friend challenged me (to run), and I'm not one to back down from a challenge," she said.

To keep her mind occupied without music, Hurley has been reciting an inspirational quote and using mailboxes as mileposts on her training runs.

Like Hurley, Thomas Tan is an iPod devotee who has used the device in several of the 21 marathons he has completed since 2005. A Seattle-area resident on a quest to run a marathon in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Tan said he plans to abide by Manchester's rule.

"If I read on the Web site that (iPods) are strictly prohibited, I don't even bother to bring it," said Tan, 38.

While Tan hasn't witnessed any incidents in which a runner's safety was compromised by using an iPod, he acknowledges that traffic and runner collisions are potential hazards.

"It can be very dangerous if you're not aware of your surroundings," he said.

Tan and other runners say wearing an iPod during a race has another drawback.

"Part of the fun of the race is talking to people along the way," said Peter Larson, a 34-year-old Concord resident running his fourth marathon today. "I think it takes something away from the race experience if you're wearing an iPod."

Interacting with fellow runners, spectators and volunteers along the race route helps keep Brian Chaput's mind off the constant pounding of his feet against pavement. Today, the 47-year-old Manchester resident will seek to impart his approach to his son, Tyler, with whom he will run the half marathon.

A college senior running his first organized race, Tyler was alarmed last week when he learned of Manchester's iPod rule, his father said.

"He said, 'I always run with my iPod,' " Brian said. "And I said, 'I think you'll appreciate the crowd and the interaction with other runners.' "

"He was pretty disappointed. I said, 'That's the way it goes, kid.' "