Music-Free Marathons
You know that sinking feeling you get when you arrive at the gym and realize you've forgotten your iPod at home? Now imagine running 26 miles without music. In 2007, USA Track & Field, the governing body for running, banned headphones and portable audio players like iPods at its official races. The measure was meant to protect the runners' safety (maybe they wouldn't hear course directions) and ensure there wasn't a competitive advantage (because, you know, Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer" can really getcha movin'). Luckily for music-loving racers, the rule is nearly impossible to enforce, given the throngs of runners and smallness of the devices. USA Track & Field amended the rule in 2008 to allow the use of headphones and music players in nonchampionship races.