Headphone etiquette for runners
How to be a good running path neighbour while still enjoying your tunes
Many runners like listening to music during their training runs, which is an understandable inclination as not every run is a fun workout or group effort. When you have to slog some miles alone and you’re feeling tired, a good beat is a helpful way to get the job done. But when you’re out on the path, trail or sidewalk, you’re sharing that space and your headphones can sometimes make you a bad neighbour. Here’s a refresher on how to enjoy your music or podcast while being mindful of others.
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Be able to hear the world around you
When you’re on the treadmill or stationary bike, listen to your tunes as loudly as you wish, but on the running path, make sure you can hear what’s going on. Turn your music down a little bit so you can hear the peloton or truck rolling towards you.
Be able to communicate with others
There’s a lot of quick communication that happens on the path and if you’ve got headphones on blast, you might miss it. Other cyclists or runners will often let you know if they’re coming up on your shoulder, and if you’re plugged in these messages are hard to hear. Try using only one earphone at a time or something like the AfterShokz bone-conduction headphones.
Avoid headphones entirely during peak hours
When people are using paths to commute home after work, runners need to be on high alert. Avoid headphone use during peak path hours to keep yourself and everyone around you safe.
Please don’t text and run
On the note of communication, please limit texting and running or even texting and walking. If you’ve got to answer a message, please step off of the path before thinking up a response. Abrupt stoppages of foot and bike traffic are not running-path friendly.
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Going headphone-less gets you race-day ready
Most runners will opt to go without headphones on race day, so a few runs without can be good preparation. Going au naturel also allows runners to focus a little more on how they’re feeling during their workout, which can lead to a stronger training day.
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