In news that is a big deal to a lot of marathoners — the crazy segment of the population of which we now belong that willingly runs a 26.2 mile race with an origin rooted in a man running that exact distance before collapsing and dying –Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth reversed course and now allow runners to wear headphones during the race. Organizers still “encourage” runners to go without, which is probably going to have the same effect as encouraging Mike Miller to shoot a three-pointer when he gets the ball instead of shot-faking and starting a three-man weave. Sure, listening to music (or a downloaded audio book of “Atlas Shrugged,” if that’s your thing) while you run is a distraction from both the pain and your surroundings. It’s not cheating, but it is a crutch. A pleasant crutch. Since the only marathon we have done is Twin Cities, which still does not allow headphones, we don’t know what it is like to run 26.2 with them. But we’d venture to say there are quite a few people who are excited about this — as well as some who would have preferred to keep things as they were. The nice thing now, for Grandma’s runners, is there’s a choice. That’s probably the way it should be. As always, though, we welcome dissent and agreement in the comments. Except from you, Stu.

*Jon Gruden will coach again, but perhaps not before consuming your children for breakfast. Easy there, fella. Take a little time off. Decompress.

*What are we listening to right now? Glad you asked. Track 1.

*Fasola-link! More on the bacon explosion.

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