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    Topic: First 5k race - Dumb question
Jim
KS
Member Since:
10/08/2006

Total Posts: 4
1.6 Years Ago

I am running my first 5k. I have never trained without my ipod and am wondering if wearing one in a race is prohibited. Thanks.

     Re: First 5k race - Dumb question
Bob
TX
Member Since:
04/07/2005

Total Posts: 386
1.6 Years Ago

Jim,

It really depends on the race organizers. If there is a web site there may be a FAQ section you might find the answer there or there should be a "contact us" email address or phone number and you can always ask them. I have been in races where certain things were prohibited but when I ask them they gave me permission if I modified my behavior (swap camelbak during a race, I had to get off the course ie sidewalk to do it)

     Re: Re: First 5k race - Dumb question
Jimbo
FL
Member Since:
01/03/2005

Total Posts: 667
1.6 Years Ago

I second Bob's advice...just ask the race director. The "rules" usually say no ipod because of insurance liability purposes, etc, but you see people racing with them all the time, especially in longer races.

     Re: First 5k race - Dumb question
Alison
BC
Member Since:
04/04/2006

Total Posts: 349
1.6 Years Ago

I'd suggest running without if you can. It's a safety issue, especially if the route crosses roads. Also, how are you going to hear all your screaming fans!

     Re: First 5k race - Dumb question
Laura
OH
Member Since:
01/02/2007

Total Posts: 87
1.6 Years Ago

I also see people running with I Pods when the race says not to -- usually in the registration form. as a side note when I trained with a partner for the Chicago marathon, I was so use to no music that when I ran alone the music "annoyed me". Now I usually run with an I Pod since my friend dropped out of running, and I do not know what I would do without it!!! Good Luck in your race.

     Re: First 5k race - Dumb question
Alfred
MN
Member Since:
03/31/2007

Total Posts: 1
1.6 Years Ago

I train with my iPod but don't use it in races even if I could. In a race situation you are better off being more in tune with your body. Try to train occasionally without the music so you won't freak out on race day. Also, it's not as bad as you might think.

     Re: First 5k race - Thank you all....
Jim
KS
Member Since:
10/08/2006

Total Posts: 4
1.6 Years Ago

First: Dawn, congrats on your first 5k race! I am new to running also (I am an avid biker and swimmer) and look forward to completing my first 5k in two weeks.

Second: Thanks to all of you for your replies. It was very helpful. I believe the race I'm entering allows ipods after reading the rules. On a side note, I ran with a friend yesterday for a short 1.5 miles without music and did O.K. I am sure it is a psychological thing, and I was afraid to give it up. As Dawn mentioned, I also have become addicted to it and listen even when I bike (we have trails in my city so safety isn't as big of an issue). That said, I think I will run the race music free.

One final thought, I have noticed that the changes in tunes as I run affects my speed. The faster paced the faster I run. To me this is a good thing and allows me to train at intermittent speeds during a longer run. It is a fun way to do speed work. so....Play that funky music.

     Re: First 5k race - Dumb question
Amy
VI
Member Since:
02/01/2007

Total Posts: 3
1.6 Years Ago

Hi Jim,

I only started running last year in February and added my ipod playlist to my training in July. Before my race I checked out some running websites and the opinions of other runners on using music was really mixed. For a while, being new to running I felt nervous about breaking some code of etiquette or something. But you know what? I don't run for them!I ran my first half marathon in October and used a special playlist of all the best running songs I could find. Some of the songs I chose really helped me dig deep in the last few kms.

If it works in training, and works for your first race, then keep it up!

As far as safety goes, I usually keep the volume low enough to hear what's going on anyway.

Happy running!

PS. two of my favourite running songs are Christina Aguilira's 'Fighter' and Black Eyed Peas 'Pump It'

Amy

     Re: First 5k race - Dumb question
Tri Geek
MN
Member Since:
02/20/2007

Total Posts: 459
1.6 Years Ago

Hi Amy,

Would you be willing to post some of those "runner websites" with good mood music for running?

Thanks...I can use all the inspiration I can get.

Greg

     Re: First 5k race - Dumb question
Tammie
WI
Member Since:
10/10/2005

Total Posts: 571
1.6 Years Ago

Jim,

I noticed the same thing with the speed relating to the tempo of the music. I get upset if a slow song comes on at the end of my run when I want to pump up the speed, I just skip that song and go to the next! Keep up the good work, and...

KEEP MOVING!!!

     Re: Re: First 5k race - Dumb question
Amy
VI
Member Since:
02/01/2007

Total Posts: 3
1.6 Years Ago

Hi Greg,

I just ticked the 'Start new thread' box without knowing what it meant, so my reply to your question is a new thread under running!

cheers

Amy

     Re: First 5k race - Dumb question
Emily
MA
Member Since:
04/11/2007

Total Posts: 8
1.6 Years Ago

I have two tips on this. I have run with and without music -- i prefer with, but doing it occasionally without is a totally different experience -- my attention is less focused on what's happening with my body and my run, and more focused on what's happening in the world around me -- I notice the weather, the air, the people I pass, the neighborhood -- it's more scenic. the rhythm accompaniment becomes my breath, and I do get more focused on that. So it's just different, usually for me a less intense run (I too love to run to a beat) but it gives a different kind of pleasure.

Another unrelated thing on music and races is that many runners complain that in races, other runners with headphones on can't hear them coming, move aside, etc. You do need much more environmental awareness during a race to be courteous to other runners. I know some people solve this problem by only using one earbud, so that their other ear is free to hear.

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