a responsible author would at least have mentioned that it's a safety issue as well as an aesthetic one.
Not only will I second this, I'll add that it's also an athletic issue. I used to run with headphones. But I don't anymore, because I realized I wanted all my senses, not just to be aware of my surroundings, but to be aware of myself. I literally listen to my body when I run, because it's a cue for me that I'm running correctly. I know it's not for everyone.