As I train for my fall ultramarathon, my long runs are mostly done using a run/walk method. At this stage of my life, I don’t see the point of beating myself up by running long miles at a fast pace. The run/walk approach keeps me from overtaxing my leg muscles, allows me to recover more quickly, and trains my mind to handle being on my feet for long periods of time. I set my watch to alert me every 2 minutes to run or walk. This gives me a running pace of about 12:13 minutes per mile, which is perfect for running backyard ultras. The alert consists of audible beeps and a vibration to make me aware that it’s time to start walking or running. But I miss the beeping because I often don’t hear it. And the vibration is becoming unnoticeable as well. If it is windy outside, or there are car noises and such, the alert can be difficult to hear. If I’m wearing a jacket or gloves that cover the watch, I may not hear it at all. It also alerts me to drink every ten minutes and to down a gel every 30 minutes, which helps me stay on top of hydration and nutrition.
I’m a 62-year-old runner who just can’t hear like I used to. I played drums in grade school through college in school bands, and restarted playing the drum set in my late forties. Drums are loud, and I’m paying for it now. And drummers often drum along to music, which is also played loud. Throw in aging and some heredity into the mix, and well, it is at the point where I just can’t hear high-pitched sounds anymore.
I’ve been using hearing aids to help me hear better, which have made general conversation better for me to understand. But I won’t wear them while running due to all the sweating that I am doing. Maybe I should look into some waterproof hearing aids, but my preference is the style that is completely in the ear canal. Vanity and comfort are the reasons.
I also suspect my watch is part of the issue. It’s five years old or so, and maybe the beeper just doesn’t beep as loud anymore. Maybe the vibrator thing doesn’t vibrate as hard anymore. Maybe I’m just making more excuses for my failing ability to hear.
Fortunately for me, I began my running life when such electronic gizmos didn’t exist, and therefore I learned to rely on feel. I’m good at knowing my pace. I’m good at guessing how far I have run. And I can be good at knowing when I need to run/walk or have a drink or eat a gel. I will trudge along just fine. But if you are passing me on the bike trail, make that “On your left” a little louder for me. Thanks.
an amazing run 