Half Marathon ?

[nhdisnut]

I had this on the theme parks board - didn't know about this board! Any advice is appreciated!:

I have a question for any runners out there who have run in the WDW half marathon. It says in the literature we received today, that headphones are prohibited from the race - How strictly is that enforced? We love our ipods while we run and enjoy having the music to listen to......

Another question - are there characters/cast members along the course and in the theme parks that add to the experience?

Thanks! Only 45 days until we attempt our first distance race of any kind!

 

[Big Vic]

Welcome nhdisnut!

I ran the 1/2 this year and didn't see anyone being told to put their headphones away. Something to think about. There's a lot going on, you may not need your music for this one.

There are characters in the parks, and DJs, scream teams, and a choir, yes a choir, along the course.

 

[littlegreydonkey]

The first year I did it, headphones were prohibited so I didn't wear mine (I was doing the half) but loads of people did, two years ago they were discouraged but again, loads of people had them - this year I see they're lumped in with skates and animals as forbidden on the course. Personally there is no way on earth I can run a full with no music - I take them off in the parks but that's what, 5 miles max, I need something for the other 21!!!

 

[Kristi1357]

Like the previous posters said - I see tons of people with them, and no one makes them take them off.

I cannot train without my music. But, when it comes to any race, I never use it. There is too much going on & I've never felt deprived.

And from Nashua!

 

[scoolover]

I'm with Big Vic. Don't miss the race by zoning out too much. If there is a good first half marathon to run, this is it.

That being said, I don't think that they would ever say anything about headphones. I had mine last hear and didn't even know that they were discouraged.

 

[Disneefun]

I think the headphone thing is in there so that if something happens to you (you get hit by a car, or miss some vital direction or announcement) and you try to sue, they can say, "We told you no headphones. You couldn't hear [whatever] so this bad thing happened to you. Not our fault."

I also think they may balk at the big, padded, noise canceling type headphones because those do make it much harder to hear than the earbuds most people wear. I don't know, but I suspect if they saw someone with big 'ol headphones, they might say something.

 

[Sandy321]

Glad you found your way over to the 'experts!'

I cant believe time is so short!! Its getting away from me!

 

[HMHunters]

Welcome!

As far as headphones go, any race sanctioned by the USATF must now disallow headphones. That being said, I would be surprised if it were enforced. However, you probably won't need them as much as you might expect. I would start without them; the only time I pulled mine out for the half last year was for about 20 minutes coming back toward Epcot from MK. (And I train with them all the time!)

Good luck!

 

[ironz]

cross posting my reply from the other page as well.
hope everyone's training is going well!

First...happy training! I'll be out there with you!

Second....the deal with the ipods and mp3 players is that runner wearing them often cannot hear or manage to pay attention to: verbal instructions on the course, warnings of obstacles on the course, or other runners.

With a race as large as the WDW races, it is really difficult to run through the crowds of people and not be able to communicate, such as "passing on your left," etc. Sure, it's nice to have your tunes, and I run with my ipod sometimes, but NEVER in a race (in fact, it has been against the rules in triathlon for some time, and people get penalized for them or even disqualified).

As an act of courtesy to the other runners around you, I highly recommend that you NOT use your ipod....though I doubt you will be pulled off the course if you do bring it. At the very least, please, please, please turn the volume low so you can pay attention to what's around you. (though that is why we listen, right? to zone out?)

and yes, there are lots of characters along the race course, particularly the sections through the parks. There is plenty of entertainment so as to not *need* your ipod.
thanks!

 

[hoosmi]

I love my iPod for training and for really small 5ks, but it was totally unnecessary at the Minnie Marathon (15k). Between the novelty of running with TONS of people (and reading all their shirts) and being in the parks- didn't need it.

I'm still bringing my actual iPod for the races because I use my Nike+ for pacing, but I'm thinking I might leave the headphones behind (although then I can't put my iPod on my armband because it's too hard to see my pace and I won't be able to hear it... obviously I need a Garmin! )

Jen in GA

 

[littlegreydonkey]

Blimey you must all like running far more than I do - I'll never get round 39 miles without noise at some point. The only thing that started me running again at 19 miles last time was the ipod fairy - I do now have a new plan though. Fuel belt sized speakers - I'm not joking, if they're banning headphones, I'm going with my mini speakers, I'll have the only musical butt in the race.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Part of the event for me is chatting up with those going at my pace. People are really friendly and if you get a chance to "Play" with us on the WISH Walker/runner thread you will get to know many of the WISH Team. There you may find someone who goes at your pace and can chat along the way. That is such fun!

Take the equipment, but I doubt you will use it much. If you train with them and they make you happy then tuck them somewhere just in case you feel the need.

See you soon!

 

[Scott H]

I feel the need to use the I-pod to keep my pace up, but I always, even in training, just use one ear bud, that way I can still hear what is going on around me, but I get enough of the music to keep the beat.
Lynn