Headphones are discouraged

[Mama_Dis]

Since I am just starting out, I have always run with just one in and at a low volume. When we run at the Y, I have to make sure I can hear if the child watch calls and like others, when I'm outside, I like to be aware of my surroundings. Sometimes I feel like the wording should not be "headphones are discouraged" but "common sense and courtesy is encouraged"

 

[cewait]

Not bashing but I have to say that the entertainment along the half and full in January was by far the best of any race.....EVER

I do not think we went longer than a half mile - most of the time a quarter mile without having something. Now it might have been something that you had rather not had (i.e. Larry the Lounge Lizard) but it was there...

Yes, the W&D was rather sparse in places.... I think it due to needing to keep a margin between traffic and the entertainment as well as it just being the inaugural. I would expect the W&D will step it up

 

[DisnyMik]

I ran my first 1/2 this year @ the Princess. I wore mine during the run and had the volume so I could hear what was going on around me. I was very aware of my surroundings and runners talking or the music going on. The entertainment was good but not enough for me to stay distracted.

Also, I must have been running with a totally different crowd (yes, I know there was 17,000 runners!) then most people because I must have been running with the not so happy runners. I keep reading about the runners encouraging others and talking, etc. I did not see that nor was anyone that way with me. I tried a couple of times to talk to people or be "up" but no one was having it! At one point I needed to know how I was doing time/mileage wise and asked if anyone could tell me the time. I saw a girl in front of me w/a watch on. She looked at it and wouldn't tell me! Really?? I just said "thanks for the time!" and ran on ahead of her. I would probably run again b/c we are Disney fanatics but I wouldn't say that the runners were all that friendly so I was happy I had my headphones w/me!

All in all, if you like your music, take your iPod!

 

[johde]

At any race, I would recommend starting with the headphones off. In both of my first 2, non Disney, half marathons, I had my MP3 player but never turned it on. There was plenty of entertainment and people to talk to on the course. I'm sure Disney Races would be better in term of entertainment.

 

[VernRDH]

If they make you happy and are not forbidden, then wear them.

I have never been able to deal with the thingys in my ears, they fall out, bug me etc. I really enjoy meditative running, which is great while training. When I am racing, I am usually alone anyway and I can chat up just about anyone. Only once (at DL '10) did I have someone with me the whole way. And while my running coach would have loved to talk the whole 13.1 miles, I was so focused on my new PR that I didn't want to waste the energy talking.

Everyone needs to do what gets them through. No right or wrong, unless the RD strictly prohibits it.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

In the last 2 years I think Disney has done a lot to have entertainment of some form through a lot of those highway miles. With marching bands, drummers from Japan, the Wedding pavillion singer, DJ's and the character's Disney has done a great job providing entertainment along those stretches of highway. Like others have said bring them with you if you are used to them in your training runs but keep the volume low enough so you can take in all there is to experience at Disney races.

They have done a lot - but at the WDW Marathon, the stretch going to AK past the Horticulture, Water Treatment Plant, etc. was a bit tough. They had some cute goats but I really missed having my music during that part. If I didn't find a new friend, I really think I would have had a difficult time finding the motivation to continue. Plus, I wished that my battery hadn't have died because it also let me know when to switch intervals. At the DL half, people had the watch timers that beeped for intervals and I didn't like hearing constant beeps! A good rule of thumb is in the corrals, put your headphones in and talk to the people around you (because you will anyway). If you can't have a conversation with them, your music is too loud.

 

[Goofed98]

I've run Goofy alone for the last two years (other family in later corrals doing the half, solo for the full), and I have yet to wish that I had headphones.

I listen to a podcast every day when I train, but there is honestly sooo much on-course entertainment, along with the sheer spastic joy (yeah, I'm not anything approaching cool, and I'm okay with that) of running through the parks, that I have yet to wish that I had my ipod.

Obviously, do as you wish, but don't forget that you may wind up lugging that ipod along for 13-26 miles for no reason.

 

[grafxgirl]

Why not run with only one earbud in? You can listen to your music and still hear the announcements.

 

[princessbride6205]

My first race was the 2010 Princess Half. Beforehand, I had no idea how people would run without music in their headphones. It seemed impossibly boring to me! But I started the race without anything - just had my iPod Shuffle in my race belt. Once I got on the course, I didn't miss them. The entertainment and spectators were great, enjoyed the surroundings, and looking at other runners costumes/t-shirt sayings was fun. I was glad I had the music, though, as there was not much entertainment for a few miles after MK - just highway, quiet spectators (when I passed) and tiny signs with Princess quotes. I think it was around 8 miles in that I put in one earphone. The music was helpful for me, and I took the earphone out for the last mile and finish.

As some previous posters have said, bring your mp3 player, but start the race without listening to anything.

 

[nemmie]

Great tips!

We are doing the Wine and Dine Half.

Ok so I am going to run with one ear bud in but start with ipod off. I can't even imagine running with no music. I LOVE music in general but I cannot even tell you how much it helps me and pulls me through my hard times and soundtracks my best times (in life not just running). However, this is my first race so I will trust you all and give it a go starting with the ipod off.

What other etiquette should I know? Someone mentioned shouting ''WALKING'' when you are slowing to walk. I've honestly never even considered this. In general I am considerate to other runners on the road but what are the MUST DO's on race day?

 

[Swmr359]

What other etiquette should I know? Someone mentioned shouting ''WALKING'' when you are slowing to walk. I've honestly never even considered this. In general I am considerate to other runners on the road but what are the MUST DO's on race day?

I only heard one person shout "walking" during the princess; most people just looked over their shoulder to make sure no one would run into them. I usually moved over into the grass to walk and slowly moved back onto the pavement if there was room.
There will be characters on both sides of the road so make sure to check behind you before veering over for a photo (learned that one the hard way...)

 

[verticalchaos]

What other etiquette should I know? Someone mentioned shouting ''WALKING'' when you are slowing to walk. I've honestly never even considered this. In general I am considerate to other runners on the road but what are the MUST DO's on race day?

I do a run/walk interval and have never SHOUTED anything. What I do as my garmin starts beeping is raise my hand, look over my shoulder and move to the side out of anyone's way and gradually slow down. For me personally it's not a huge deal as (much to my running club's coach's chagrin) my walk isn't that much slower than my run - like less than a minute a mile slower, so it's not a huge shift in pace to those around me as I'm more of a back of the packer kind of girl. Basically make your intentions known in some way.

Other things...
* If you spit, make sure no one's coming directly into your path as you do it. Getting spit on is gross.
* Ditto if you need to blow snot out of your nose.
* At water stations (oh there's a whole novel that can be written on those and how to work them), THANK THE VOLUNTEERS (ditto those stationed along the course). Personally I try to get my cup (and GU packet if applicable) into the trash cans provided to help them out a little. If you're going to throw water on your head (probably not since you wear electronics, but still), I'd also echo the look around you comment. Someone else might not want to get splashed. And if you're throwing your cup on the ground (lots do), try not to throw it on someone.
* If you're passing someone in a very tight spot, saying "passing" is always helpful. If they clearly have their ears plugged up, a gentle touch on the elbow or shoulder can work. But again, it's another reason it's a good idea to avoid plugging the ears imho. (Believe me, I'm not anti-music. I'm just "running in a race is a communal activity done by individuals" when people tune out, it makes it much less of a community. Just my opinion. I know a lot of people disagree.)

Um...most of my other things are more New York Road Runners - and their Young Runners - specific. Like don't sprint ahead, stop, and dash back. OY that's tough to deal with.

 

[dumbo_buddy]

i need to start running without music. i am so used to running with music that when my iphone wouldn't play at the starting line of the princess i FREAKED out! i finally got it to play something but it wasn't my playlist and it started playing the same song over and over and over. i spent the first 2 miles trying to figure out how to use my stupid ipod. duh.

i like the music b/c i don't like to listen to myself huffing and puffing while i'm running. i tend to psyche myself out. i felt that i "needed" the music during the highway stretches and found myself using just one earbud for the most part.

i took the earbuds out during alot of the race, especially at the end when i saw the gospel choir!

this doesn't answer your question. sorry. just blabbering. yes, you can wear headphones! nobody's going to say anything to you. just as in life, be courteous!

 

[nemmie]

i need to start running without music. i am so used to running with music that when my iphone wouldn't play at the starting line of the princess i FREAKED out! i finally got it to play something but it wasn't my playlist and it started playing the same song over and over and over. i spent the first 2 miles trying to figure out how to use my stupid ipod. duh.

i like the music b/c i don't like to listen to myself huffing and puffing while i'm running. i tend to psyche myself out. i felt that i "needed" the music during the highway stretches and found myself using just one earbud for the most part.

i took the earbuds out during alot of the race, especially at the end when i saw the gospel choir!

this doesn't answer your question. sorry. just blabbering. yes, you can wear headphones! nobody's going to say anything to you. just as in life, be courteous!

That sounds exactly like me. So glad I am not the only one.

 

[nemmie]

I do a run/walk interval and have never SHOUTED anything. What I do as my garmin starts beeping is raise my hand, look over my shoulder and move to the side out of anyone's way and gradually slow down. For me personally it's not a huge deal as (much to my running club's coach's chagrin) my walk isn't that much slower than my run - like less than a minute a mile slower, so it's not a huge shift in pace to those around me as I'm more of a back of the packer kind of girl. Basically make your intentions known in some way.

Other things...
* If you spit, make sure no one's coming directly into your path as you do it. Getting spit on is gross.
* Ditto if you need to blow snot out of your nose.
* At water stations (oh there's a whole novel that can be written on those and how to work them), THANK THE VOLUNTEERS (ditto those stationed along the course). Personally I try to get my cup (and GU packet if applicable) into the trash cans provided to help them out a little. If you're going to throw water on your head (probably not since you wear electronics, but still), I'd also echo the look around you comment. Someone else might not want to get splashed. And if you're throwing your cup on the ground (lots do), try not to throw it on someone.
* If you're passing someone in a very tight spot, saying "passing" is always helpful. If they clearly have their ears plugged up, a gentle touch on the elbow or shoulder can work. But again, it's another reason it's a good idea to avoid plugging the ears imho. (Believe me, I'm not anti-music. I'm just "running in a race is a communal activity done by individuals" when people tune out, it makes it much less of a community. Just my opinion. I know a lot of people disagree.)

Um...most of my other things are more New York Road Runners - and their Young Runners - specific. Like don't sprint ahead, stop, and dash back. OY that's tough to deal with.

If someone spits or (lord forbid) snots on me I think I will puke on them.

I will def remember to thank the volunteers and be careful with my water.

Thank you.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

verticalcahos' guide is very good. The only thing I would add... if you are passing someone, you might want to say "on your left" or "on your right". If someone said "passing" behind me, I think I would panic and look in all directions to find the person that said it.

 

[nemmie]

verticalcahos' guide is very good. The only thing I would add... if you are passing someone, you might want to say "on your left" or "on your right". If someone said "passing" behind me, I think I would panic and look in all directions to find the person that said it.

Every single time you pass someone? Doesn't that mean you basically end up calling for like half the race?

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Every single time you pass someone? Doesn't that mean you basically end up calling for like half the race?

Oh, no, that's not what I meant. I meant if you're about to pass someone in a crowded part of the course, and it's obvious they don't hear you coming behind them.

 

[cloudnut220]

i need to start running without music. i am so used to running with music that when my iphone wouldn't play at the starting line of the princess i FREAKED out! i finally got it to play something but it wasn't my playlist and it started playing the same song over and over and over. i spent the first 2 miles trying to figure out how to use my stupid ipod. duh.

i like the music b/c i don't like to listen to myself huffing and puffing while i'm running. i tend to psyche myself out. i felt that i "needed" the music during the highway stretches and found myself using just one earbud for the most part.

i took the earbuds out during alot of the race, especially at the end when i saw the gospel choir!

this doesn't answer your question. sorry. just blabbering. yes, you can wear headphones! nobody's going to say anything to you. just as in life, be courteous!

I used to freak out about my breathing when I started running. But then I started focusing on it, and it actually has helped me a lot. If I focus on calming/regulating my breathing (and not puffing too much) it seems like it's easier. I also like to listen to my footfalls--if I sound like a clomping horse, I adjust my stride (it hurts less the next day that way!) So no music has really helped me to improve!

 

[nemmie]

Ah ok I see. Man theres a lot more to running a race than I had first imagined.

So grateful for all these tips!