Running without music?

[NeverlandClub23]

I'm training to attempt my first marathon this September (Rock 'N Roll marathon in VA Beach). I'm a solo runner and don't like to chat while I run. I get a lot of my motivation and energy from listening to music. No mp3 players are allowed at the marathon. Is it boring to run that long without anything really to listen to? I think this is what I'm most nervous about! That I'm going to get a few miles into it and be bored or start slowing because of no music.

 

[hoosmi]

I'm with you on being bored without an iPod for training (or running in small 5ks). I've only done long distance races at Disney, but they've been so much fun I haven't even bothered turning on my iPod (and don't take it anymore). I'm guessing the VA Beach run will be fun too. Between the bands, looking for water stops, and watching out for other runners (people watching and chatting too), you'll be distracted from needing it!

Jen in GA

 

[FireDancer]

I used to run with headphones until someone almost killed me with their car. It was weird at first but I wouldn’t go back after getting used to running without them. I love just listening to the sounds of nature and can hear cars coming so I can avoid any further near death experiences.

 

[Kira G.]

I don't know about this one. I also love training with music (it's actually really, really important to me!). For my first half, the ING Philadelphia Distance Run last September, I tried to do it without music and then gave up about 4 miles in and put on the headphones! I did fine at Disney without them for the Half there, but there were so many friends running that it made it easy. I did bring my i-pod "just in case."

So I don't know what to tell you. I would try doing some longer training runs without the i-pod to get ready.

P.S. I'm planning to be there at VA Beach too doing the half there, so we can be mp3-free together!

 

[lenshanem]

Are they strict about this or something? It seems like most races say no MP3s, but yet you get there and everyone has them on...

 

[SAHDad]

I used to run with headphones until someone almost killed me with their car. It was weird at first but I wouldn’t go back after getting used to running without them. I love just listening to the sounds of nature and can hear cars coming so I can avoid any further near death experiences.

I no longer wear headphones on my outdoor runs. It wasn't a car that did it for me, just trying to get used to marathon-length runs without music. (I did nearly get hit by a car while wearing phones - but they made an illegal pass, and were going 60 in a 25, so the phones didn't make much difference.)

 

[SAHDad]

Are they strict about this or something? It seems like most races say no MP3s, but yet you get there and everyone has them on...

It depends on the race. A couple of years ago, the USATF decreed that headphones/mp3 players were forbidden for races of all distances. This year, they reversed the decision (I think leaving it up to the race directors to decide), but in years previous, marathons DQ'ed people they caught with headphones on. (I think a couple actually went through the ASI photos afterwards, looking for headphones, and DQ'ed people even though the race was over.)

FWIW, the current rule is pretty ambiguous:

Rule 144.3, and now reads as follows:

(f) The visible possession or use by athletes of video, audio, or communications devices in the competition area. The Games Committee for an LDR event may allow the use of portable listening devices not capable of receiving communication; however, those competing in Championships for awards, medals, or prize money may not use such devices

Read one way, it means that not only are many mp3 players illegal (since they can receive AM/FM signals - ie, communication), but Garmin or GPS devices as well (since they receive communication as well.)

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I've taken mine for the full at WDW and really have not used it. I don't take it for the half as I figure it's not all that long.

I'm not sure if you can carry the unit with you as a just in case that would be ideal. But really, if everyone else is not wearing theirs, you should find lots of folks to chat. You don't have to commit to running the entire length with folks, just a couple of words and move along will create a nice diversion. You could make that a new goal for you.

Good luck with your decison.

 

[lenshanem]

A Garmin, too?!? I never knew that. I always wear mine to help stay on pace!

 

[SAHDad]

A Garmin, too?!? I never knew that. I always wear mine to help stay on pace!

I was being as cynical on possible, on purpose. It is a poorly worded rule, but I suspect that the intent is to prevent a coach from sending information to an athlete during competition. I suspect that a Garmin would be fine, but an mp3 player could be enough to cost you an award in some events. I am hoping that USATF clarifies it in the next few months.

 

[BamaEd1]

I used to run with headphones until someone almost killed me with their car. It was weird at first but I wouldn’t go back after getting used to running without them. I love just listening to the sounds of nature and can hear cars coming so I can avoid any further near death experiences.

I'm with you except for the car thing. It was a big dog for me. I love running with just me. For the 1/2 you're speaking of, a Rock-n-Roll Marathon event will have plenty of stuff to keep you distracted as was stated in another post. You'll do great.

 

[TnTsParty]

Rule 144.3, and now reads as follows:

(f) The visible possession or use by athletes of video, audio, or communications devices in the competition area. The Games Committee for an LDR event may allow the use of portable listening devices not capable of receiving communication; however, those competing in Championships for awards, medals, or prize money may not use such devices

I actually think Garmins would be ok - in the rule above the part I bolded says portable listening devices - I don't think Garmins are portable listening devices.

I don't run with music. Got myself use to it early. I did 2 5k runs with my mp3 player and found it to be more in the way and bothersome to me then dealing with no music. I also got annoyed at local 5ks by rude people blarring their music and then not being able to hear you from behind if you needed to pass. I also realize the saftey factor as well.

With Disney races you don't really need the music I am sure it will be similar at a Rock n Roll Marathon. I did a local 1/2 and if I was use to music on my run I definately would have needed it then - the last couple of miles were lonely - felt like I was off course because at times I was the only one around!!

 

[Kristi1357]

I always train with music, can't live without it.
But I always race without music, and it's never been an issue.
You will do fine, there is always so much going on during a race to keep you entertained.

 

[Duanerice]

Hi All,
You don't need music for a larger half marathon. There will be enough people and enough stuff going on that it will just be in the way.

I always train with music. I've taken a couple of runs without it, but not many.

I have rarely used my iPod when in a race though. At Disney this year I didn't take it to the 5K but did take it to the half and full. I never turned in on during the half and only turned it on for a few minutes in the full. I would have not used it in the full but I injured my knee and was forced to walk for a few miles (surrounded by runners so no one to talk to while I walked). I just needed something to distract me and boost my spirits.


enjoy,
Duane

 

[lenshanem]

Actually, I rarely listen to music. I mostly listen to Disney podcasts. DH and I both have a pair of the Airdrives. The bud actually sits outside your ear instead of inside it so you can still hear outside noise.

 

[SAHDad]

I actually think Garmins would be ok - in the rule above the part I bolded says portable listening devices - I don't think Garmins are portable listening devices.

As I said, I am almost positive that Garmins would be allowed. But, I have seen too many officials on a power trip to state it with 100% certainty.

Looking a bit closer, the Championship mentioned in the rules may apply only to the USATF Championships, so we may all be worried over nothing.

I intend to keep wearing my Garmin, and with any luck, I may have a shot at an age award for RFTT this year.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Thanks everyone for the replies! It looks like I will be getting used to running without music

 

[FireDancer]

I love running with just me. For the 1/2 you're speaking of, a Rock-n-Roll Marathon event will have plenty of stuff to keep you distracted as was stated in another post. You'll do great.

I agree with the just me. I like the sound of silence I guess. Everyone their own though, I know a lot of people who need the distraction of music.

I also agree on the distractions for the Elite runs. I did the Nashville in 2006 and will be doing both the Nashville and VA Beach halves this year. There were bands just about every mile in Nashville and the crowd support was amazing. I think that even if you need music for training the course will both distract you and provide enough music for you.

 

[Creativebeth]

I have run with my iPod the last several VA beach 1/2 marathons. They don't enforce the rule.

Beth

 

[cdn_gal_eeyore]

Music is definitely a personal choice! When I first started running I felt like I really needed it. Then I got injured and was out for a few months. When I came back I wanted to get used to running without music. Thruthfully, if I'm running outside I don't miss it at all. I'm more aware of the things around me (which can be helpful to avoid getting run over by a bike on a pathway here), and I find that it is a good opportunity for my mind to wander and to just be with my thoughts. I've tried running outside with music once and I found it more a distraction than anything else.