Many race organizers are banning portable music players. Someone in the story made a good point: If being able to hear is essential, then deaf people should not be allowed to run. Oh, wait: That wouldn’t be politically correct. In case you’re wondering, I didn’t listen to music in any of my 11 marathons. I do listen to my Zune during parts of some bike rallies, when I’m out in the country and have no friend with me.