First half-marathon in two weeks...

AABru

I have been preparing to complete my first half marathon, and I am wondering what is allowed or not allowed during the actual race. Generally, can you wear earbuds and listen to music? Does anyone wear a backpack for layers as they come off or go on? I live in Cleveland, and on a long walk today, it rained, was sunny and then was so windy I was cold...this race will be literally right next to the lake...so it will be a card toss as to what the weather will be.
Any advice will be appreciated...
Thanks!:drinker:

neverstray

Me too. I'm having music. I don't care about the rules.

brandyk77

If you are signing up for a race, respect the race directors and folllow their rules. Simple.

Most races allow music but keep in mind that it isn't just you out there and you need to be aware of your surroundings and other people. I cannot count the number of times I have passed another runner and been able to tell what song they are listening to. If I can hear it, you cannot hear me, course officials, etc.

In regards to a backpack and layers, if you want to wear them, make sure you can either toss them or tie them around your waist. Many people will use tube socks on their arms, garbage bags with the head cut out, etc to keep warm before the race. General rule of thumb is to dress like it is 20 degrees warmer than it is and you'll most likely be fine during the race when you are creating a lot of heat.

I have my race coming up in 10 days (eek) and the weather is looking to be drizzling and 44 at the start. I'll be wearing shorts, singlet, throw away gloves and a hat. Maybe compression socks.....I haven't decided that yet.

neverstray

If you are signing up for a race, respect the race directors and folllow their rules. Simple.

Most races allow music but keep in mind that it isn't just you out there and you need to be aware of your surroundings and other people. I cannot count the number of times I have passed another runner and been able to tell what song they are listening to. If I can hear it, you cannot hear me, course officials, etc.

In regards to a backpack and layers, if you want to wear them, make sure you can either toss them or tie them around your waist. Many people will use tube socks on their arms, garbage bags with the head cut out, etc to keep warm before the race. General rule of thumb is to dress like it is 20 degrees warmer than it is and you'll most likely be fine during the race when you are creating a lot of heat.

I have my race coming up in 10 days (eek) and the weather is looking to be drizzling and 44 at the start. I'll be wearing shorts, singlet, throw away gloves and a hat. Maybe compression socks.....I haven't decided that yet.

LOL. OK.

CarsonRuns

If you are signing up for a race, respect the race directors and folllow their rules. Simple.

Most races allow music but keep in mind that it isn't just you out there and you need to be aware of your surroundings and other people. I cannot count the number of times I have passed another runner and been able to tell what song they are listening to. If I can hear it, you cannot hear me, course officials, etc.

In regards to a backpack and layers, if you want to wear them, make sure you can either toss them or tie them around your waist. Many people will use tube socks on their arms, garbage bags with the head cut out, etc to keep warm before the race. General rule of thumb is to dress like it is 20 degrees warmer than it is and you'll most likely be fine during the race when you are creating a lot of heat.

I have my race coming up in 10 days (eek) and the weather is looking to be drizzling and 44 at the start. I'll be wearing shorts, singlet, throw away gloves and a hat. Maybe compression socks.....I haven't decided that yet.

LOL. OK.

What's funny? That was spot on.

Races and their insurance underwriters don't allow headphones for safety reasons. If you can't hear that gator coming up behind you with the EMTs on the way to help someone that just dropped from a heart attack, your disregard for the rules could mean the difference between that person living and dying.

kellapicola

Just ran my first half-marathon this Sunday and it was AWESOME! Wasn't sure what to expect especially because they were telling us that there was no headphones for the race, however, on packet pickup the day before, the instructions read that they were allowing headphones/music--thank goodness!!! This is the one piece that was more frightening than anything for me! In terms of clothing, the weather was 46 degrees starting the race at 7:30am and then got up to the 60's by the end of the race. What worked for me were light layers--started with sports bra, long tank top and then a long sleeve very light/mesh fitted wicking type material jacket and capri length pants. I never had to shed anything because I was warm enough when I went thru the shade and cool enough when the sun was shining and at no time, did I feel really sweaty. I learned that a few runners wear layers to keep them warm and that they do not mind throwing away--they started with long sleeved shirts to keep warm at the start, but then discarded on the side of the road as they heated up. Good luck and enjoy yourself!! Have a great first!!!

neverstray

If you are signing up for a race, respect the race directors and folllow their rules. Simple.

Most races allow music but keep in mind that it isn't just you out there and you need to be aware of your surroundings and other people. I cannot count the number of times I have passed another runner and been able to tell what song they are listening to. If I can hear it, you cannot hear me, course officials, etc.

In regards to a backpack and layers, if you want to wear them, make sure you can either toss them or tie them around your waist. Many people will use tube socks on their arms, garbage bags with the head cut out, etc to keep warm before the race. General rule of thumb is to dress like it is 20 degrees warmer than it is and you'll most likely be fine during the race when you are creating a lot of heat.

I have my race coming up in 10 days (eek) and the weather is looking to be drizzling and 44 at the start. I'll be wearing shorts, singlet, throw away gloves and a hat. Maybe compression socks.....I haven't decided that yet.

LOL. OK.

What's funny? That was spot on.

Races and their insurance underwriters don't allow headphones for safety reasons. If you can't hear that gator coming up behind you with the EMTs on the way to help someone that just dropped from a heart attack, your disregard for the rules could mean the difference between that person living and dying.

Sorry, I don't mean any disrespect to you. I have an unusually high abrasion to following rules. I just honestly don't care.

stingrayinfl

Me too. I'm having music. I don't care about the rules.

That is your problem. You don't have respect for others. If they do not allow headphones, there is a reason. It has to do with saftey and insurance guidlines among other reasons.

tenunderfour

I thought the USATF retracted the "no iPod" rule for races. But, perhaps I'm mistaken? It was never enforced anyway (at least in the races I participated in over the past few years).

As for wearing layers - I agree with others. Make them throw aways so you can just strip it off and leave it.

Lastly, the backpack sounds like a BAD idea. That has chafing written all over it!!!

neverstray

Me too. I'm having music. I don't care about the rules.

That is your problem. You don't have respect for others. If they do not allow headphones, there is a reason. It has to do with saftey and insurance guidlines among other reasons.

That's not really it. But, you can think that.

Sometimes, the rules are not really there to be followed but more to limit their liability.

This is why the rules might say that, but no one is going to tell you you can't at the race.

Anyway, onward folks...

jjs22

First half-marathon in two weeks...

Well, speed isn't everything. Congratulations !

But seriously, about the headphones...

When I signed up for my first run (still in the future) I was super-happy to see that not only were headphones/earphones not allowed, they were considered grounds for disqualification. I do a weekly casual 5k run with many hundreds of people, partly on trails. And I've gotta say that wearing headphones on a crowded run is PF obnoxious.

Suppose you're blocking the way, and someone is trying to get by, or maybe they are in the process of passing and you veer out in front of them because you don't hear them. What are they supposed to do : call you on your cellphone to say "on your left" ? Send you a text to say "w@tch 0ut, ur N my w@y" ?

987Runner

Good luck! My first half marathon is in 10 days as well! Hmmm? ;-)

As for the headphones, when you pick up the registration, I'm sure they'll spell it out. If they're allowed, maybe just use one ear. When I run on the roads, I only put the ear bud in my left ear. I can still hear just fine.

I agree with the other posters comment about "throw away" clothes. Chances are anything you throw to the side before the race starts will be donated to charity. I'll probably do that for my half.

**Just read that headphones in my half are "strongly discouraged" for "your and other runners safety".

tlinval

Congrats and good luck!!!! :flowerforyou:

I know here in northern MN, you almost always dress in layers for our marathons. Basically people strip off the layers as they go and just toss them to the side. After the race a group goes down the course and collects all of the discarded clothes and donates them to the shelters.

belgerian

Im doing one june and mp3 are discouraged but allowed. When im out on my run on a well traveld path thru parks I never step over unless I look and I stay in my spot and run straight. I hate it when the bicyclist come up behind me and honk their horn. Guess what I do I think im in their way so I step over, right in front of them.

MichelleSwinehart

I've been to many races and there are always headphones. Even though the rules state not to use them. Everyone does it. I choose not to cuz I like to hear the cheers from the people watching (for 1/2's and fulls). Are you doing the Cleveland marathon?

JTH11706

I just did my first half marathon on Sunday. Congrats for signing up and I hope you have as much fun as I did. There were several times that race officials on bicycles passed through and even a motorcycle escort in front of a wheelchair athlete who was flying down the course. You need to be able to hear what is coming behind you. My race strongly discouraged headphones and promised that there would be lots of distractions on the course, so I did as they asked and didn't wear them. They were right, plenty of distractions and I never missed them. Regarding what to wear, on my race day it was 50F at the start. We ended up at the ocean where there was a cold breeze. I wore a long sleeved shirt and pushed the sleeves up when I was warm, rolled them down when I was cold and that worked for me at the temperature I ran in. Lots of people wore sweatshirts that they tied around their waists when they warmed up, and many wore throw away sweats that they just abandoned along the course (the race officials don't collect them and give them back). Make sure you put enough warm clothes in your race bag that you check and reclaim at the end -- when you're damp with sweat you are likely to get cold standing in the breeze off the lake. Best of luck!

michellekicks

The music thing depends on the race rules. As for staying warm, bring a throw-away shirt to leave by the road (near the start or an aid station - it will get picked up). Don't go out too fast in the excitement of everything. Trust your training and run your race. Don't wear or eat anything new on race day that you haven't practiced with. Just do whatever you'd do for your longest long run and you'll be just fine.

Most of all... have fun! Enjoy the experience. I'm doing one in August and haven't run a half since 2003

wolfchild59

I have been preparing to complete my first half marathon, and I am wondering what is allowed or not allowed during the actual race. Generally, can you wear earbuds and listen to music? Does anyone wear a backpack for layers as they come off or go on? I live in Cleveland, and on a long walk today, it rained, was sunny and then was so windy I was cold...this race will be literally right next to the lake...so it will be a card toss as to what the weather will be.
Any advice will be appreciated...
Thanks!:drinker:

Every race is different. If you check the website for yours it will most likely tell you everything that you need to know. I've run races that allow headphones, others that don't and one that completely disallowed them and was checking runners before the start and making sure that there were no headphones on the course.

Backpacks I've never seen anything specific on, but I've also never looked for anything because I don't wear one. I doubt you'll want one on your back for 13 miles though. If you wear a hydration belt, while you run, does it have any elastic bands on it? Mine has two adjustable bands on each side so you can hang layers you've removed while running and then cinch them in so they don't fall. I've never used them since I've never needed to dress in layers for a race or run, but that's what the little tag that came on the belt said.

Just make sure that whatever you wear/bring you're already comfortable with removing it while running and how you'll deal with it during the race. That's definitely not something you want to be dealing with for the first time while you're out there.

As for the throwing stuff during the race, I'd also check the website for info on that before you decided to go with that option. I've run a few races that are pretty strict about not throwing anything at all aside while running. And they had about a bazillion trash cans around every water station to try to capture as many of the cups as they can. (opposed to the one or two cans I usually see) I've also seen runners pick up others tossed stuff and throw it out during the race.

I typically just dress for how I'll be once I warm up. All but one of my races have been along a body of water and I've found that I warm up pretty quickly after I start and the cool breezes from the water just help. I wear a long sleeve shirt with sleeves that pull up easily and stay up firmly while I run. I keep moving before the race to stay warm, then the sleeves down get me through the first bit of the race and then I typically have them up for most of the race. And then they're available to easily pull down if it gets too breezy or after the race once I'm cooling back down again.

The most important thing is to not worry too much about the little details though, just go out there and have fun!

LilRedRooster

Generally, can you wear earbuds and listen to music?

Depends. Most races that aren't big or important don't mind if you do, though some do. Usually, it's in the rules when you register, so you can check there. I usually wear one earbud as background music and leave the other out so I can hear what's going on around me.

Does anyone wear a backpack for layers as they come off or go on?

I don't. I usually just start out in what I want to wear, even if I'm cold at the beginning. I warm up quickly after the first mile, so I don't carry extra stuff, but that's just me.

Good luck!

Nikstergirl

I've run two half marathons, one with headphones (not against the rules) and one without. Honestly, I didn't miss them the second time! I wore clothes that were appropriate for slightly warmer conditions than there were both times (it was in the 40-50's both times and I wore a running skirt and short sleeves). I started out a little chilled, but by the time I was at mile 2 I was feeling great and didn't have to unload anything. When I finished I had to put on the long sleeves and sweats over top that I had checked in, but that was so I didn't get chilled again.

Trust your training, someone else already said that, but you can totally do this. Wear what YOU are comfortable in. I have a 25k this weekend and it's supposed to be chilly in the morning but warm up to the upper 50's near 60 by the time we're finished (gotta love Michigan weather). I'm planning on the skirt and short sleeves again, but before and after I'll have long sleeves and sweats over top. No headphones for this race for me, I've come to really like running without music... more time to think and pray and stuff. But that's just me.

Good luck in two weeks!!!!

IronmanPanda

Most "running" races will allow you to wear headphones but if they don't it would be stated in the rules for that specific race.

As far as dress goes I usually aim to be comfortable at the 1/2 point of the race. I may be a little chilly at the beginning but it beats being really hot at the 1/2 way point and having to still run another "x" amount of miles to the finish.

Trail_Addict

It's okay to hand-pick which rules you think are important or not important. Just don't get all bent out of shape if somewhere else in your life one of your family members is killed or injured when another person hand-picks which rules they don't find important.

neverstray

It's okay to hand-pick which rules you think are important or not important. Just don't get all bent out of shape if somewhere else in your life one of your family members is killed or injured when another person hand-picks which rules they don't find important.

I don't blindly follow any rules or laws. No man tells me what to do, except the IRS and God. I know people do that. And, I feel very sorry for them. I really do.

Cooriander

I went to a race and in one set of instructions it said that music was not allowed. BUT when I signed up those instructions were not available - so I was naturally ticked off. I contacted the race director and voiced my concerns. I could tell by her response though that there was something else going on. I later figured out that the no-music directive was probably from somewhere else, probably a directive regarding music was required as a condition for running the race, perhaps required by some city ordinance or something.

I decided to bring discrete earbuds instead of my normal gigantic Bose head set that I love.

When I came to the race - nearly EVERYONE had earbuds or headsets! they were totally oblivious of the 'rule'. I really wished I had brought my bose headset but I happily ran with my earbuds, and they were surprisingly comfortable.

AABru

Me too. I'm having music. I don't care about the rules.

I don't really want to be disqualified and have wasted the money I spent to sign up!

AABru

Ok, so to sum up so far...wear layers, but expect to lose one. If I use music, make sure they follow rules and I can hear (was planning on a nano and earbuds). No back pack...

The next questions are what about food and drink? Anybody? I'm not sure I can go for 2 or 3 hours with nothing to drink or eat...

tenunderfour

There will be water stations on the course. Read the race website to figure out what miles you can expect these. Sometimes they will supply Gu or gels. If not - I usually bring jelly beans, gu, or clif bars (I like to eat real food when I run). Ideally you would have incorporated some of this fueling business into your training runs so you know what sits well with you and what doesn't. It takes a lot of trial and error. Good luck!

AABru

Lastly, the backpack sounds like a BAD idea. That has chafing written all over it!!!

THanks...this didn't occur to me! It hasn't happened yet as I have had on long sleeves and my shoulders are pretty wide for a woman.

AABru

I've been to many races and there are always headphones. Even though the rules state not to use them. Everyone does it. I choose not to cuz I like to hear the cheers from the people watching (for 1/2's and fulls). Are you doing the Cleveland marathon?

Yes, the rite aid marathon for autism...

AABru

There will be water stations on the course. Read the race website to figure out what miles you can expect these. Sometimes they will supply Gu or gels. If not - I usually bring jelly beans, gu, or clif bars (I like to eat real food when I run). Ideally you would have incorporated some of this fueling business into your training runs so you know what sits well with you and what doesn't. It takes a lot of trial and error. Good luck!

I like fruit when I run...but it seems silly to run with a banana or apple in my hand, and without a back pack or fanny pack (and no pockets), I don't know how else to transport!

michellekicks

There will be water stations on the course. Read the race website to figure out what miles you can expect these. Sometimes they will supply Gu or gels. If not - I usually bring jelly beans, gu, or clif bars (I like to eat real food when I run). Ideally you would have incorporated some of this fueling business into your training runs so you know what sits well with you and what doesn't. It takes a lot of trial and error. Good luck!

I like fruit when I run...but it seems silly to run with a banana or apple in my hand, and without a back pack or fanny pack (and no pockets), I don't know how else to transport!

You normally wear a pack? Then wear one. If it doesn't bother you, go for it. Wear whatever you're used to wearing; eat whatever you're used to eating. I wouldn't go for something new on race day. I made that mistake on my first one... tried Gatorade on the morning of the race. Had always trained with water. Almost barfed up my sharkies lol.