5K With No IPod?

[becka]

I was originally thinking about doing my first 5k in March but there is one here on December 31st that I might consider walk/jogging since I am feeling more motivated than I probably should. However when I went to the registration site I saw that as one of the requirements you are not allowed to wear headphones. Is this common for races? I don't think I can do it without my music...how sad is that?

 

[andromedaslove]

Races have been "discouraging" the use of headsets for quite a while. However, last year the USATF ruled that it would no longer be permitted in any of "their" races. Some large races like the Grandma's Marathon were really adhering to those rules, others have been no different than they were before. Lots of races aren't even sanctioned by the USATF and don't "have" to follow the rule. I use my mp3 player when running, but did not use it during the Disney Full last year, even though there were plenty that did. I don't know about your 5k, but disney definately did enough to keep me occupied, there was never a time that I felt I needed the music. I think once you are there for the race you are so pumped up that adrenaline alone can keep you going even without your music. As far as your race, you really need to check with the race director to clarify. They might seriously mean no ipods.

Dana

 

[hoosmi]

It's becoming more common in the big races. The small 5ks I've done (all 3 of them- I'm no expert!) haven't listed it in the restrictions.

I probably wouldn't take another step on a training run if my iPod stopped, so I feel your pain. BUT, surprisingly, I haven't really listened in a race. Between worrying about being able to hear so you don't get in someone's way and being distracted by people watching, I've barely noticed my music. I still like the security of having it with me and I like having my Nike+ thingy so I can see my pace/distance. Unless Disney makes a big deal out of it, I'll bring mine for the marathon weekend and then decide.

Maybe bring it in the car and decide when you get there?

Good luck on your first 5k!

Jen in GA

 

[scoolover]

For the Disney full this year, I had it. I only use one ear piece so that I have a clue as to what is going on around me. There has not been one race that I have been to that has ruled out Ipod's so I don't know if I would object or not. Lately, I have been running naked - that is without the Ipod, cell, gps and all other crap. It has been really fun to run that way. To answer your question, they may ask that you not wear them but can they really stop someone. I doubt it.

 

[ironz]

Many running races advise against it, and if you get into triathlon, it is a definite rule violation (time penalty, possible DQ and they may take it from you).

Reason #1 is safety. Esp. in a larger race you really need to be able to hear other people around you and be aware of your surroundings. Wouldn't it just suck if there was a cone in the middle of the road that you didn't see because of crowds and you couldn't hear the runners ahead of you shout, "Cone!" and you tripped. (just as an example).

Other thing about safety...and that is women out walking/running alone with headphones. You still have to be aware of any dangers out there.

Note, I am saying that as a woman who runs with my Ipod alone sometimes, but I keep my awareness up. (so I'm not all perfect or anything)

And on another note: there are many people who get dependent on their tunes. I can totally see that...it makes running so much easier feeling! But then, what do you do when you get to a race (like I said above, esp. triathlon) where you can't have it? Then you're stuck. So it's a good idea to wean yourself from it so you can function and get your run in with or without tunes.

As for me, during a race, I wouldn't wear them...I like to hear the crowd cheering and know what is going on around me. (and as a spectator, or runner, I have a hard time encouraging the runners with Ipods, though I would like to, but I just would waste my breath because they can't hear me ).

 

[Duanerice]

I wear my Ipod every time I run in training, no doubts. I probably wouldn't go out without it. But, I have never wore it in a 5K. It is just too short of a race to worry about it. There is a lot of excitement in the start, then you get to talk to a few runners along the way. Pretty soon you are done.

I will probably have it for the TOT, probably not for the RFTT, but will definitely take it for the marathon. Not sure how much I will use it, but I'll have it with me. Since I use the shuffle to run with you really don't even know it is there.

enjoy,
Duane