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Look out! I wanted to scream. An early morning jogger was barely visible as he ran along National Road in Wheeling. It wasn't his running in dark colored clothing or even that he was in the road. It was the fact that he had headphones on that obviously prevented him from hearing the traffic. Now that's just downright dangerous.
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, there are many runners and walkers honing their skills in preparation for the annual Ogden Newspaper Half Marathon slated for Saturday, May 27, in Wheeling.
I can vividly remember those first few distance races, then known as the Elby's Distance Races. That was 45 years ago.
There was a frenetic energy throughout the Ohio Valley as the running trend took off like a rocket. Health officials touted running and walking as great benefits to our health and still do. Old and young alike took to the streets and pounded the pavement with hundreds of local and elite runners.
Everybody was wearing running shoes if only to skip into the grocery store. This concept has not waned for many walking and running enthusiasts. Let's keep an eye out for them as race weekend approaches.
I'm still an opponent of the headphones, however. While the music or inspirational tapes played via the headphones may aid in the wearer's task at hand, I think the wearer is missing out on the other benefits of the great outdoors.
With the headphones on you can't hear the songbirds who fill the air with their sweet voices. You miss out on the barking dog that may be warning you of something dangerous, you know, like Lassie used to do for Timmy.
And can you hear the wail of the ambulance or police car sirens as they head to emergencies? How about a bicycle rider behind you?
Kids today spend enough time attached to electronics while our playgrounds sit idle. I recently saw a young girl swinging on a swing in her yard and thought what a great thing to witness: the simple joy of a child on a swing. But when she turned around, she was wearing headphones! My heart sank a little.
Call me old-fashion. Call me out of touch.
It doesn't hurt my feelings.
I simply want our eyes and ears open to all the great things about living in the Ohio Valley.
With the Ziegenfelder Company taking the helm during the Memorial Day weekend half marathon events, be assured that the kids' races will be among the most popular events at Heritage Port on May 27.
Bring the kids and let them enjoy the day that will include sweet treats from Ziegenfelder's. Headphones should be optional!
Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.