Running a Race with Tunes...or NOT?

TinaDay1114
TinaDay1114 Posts: 1,328 Member
edited November 12 in Fitness and Exercise
For all of you runners who run longer races... do you strap on music during your races? And if the race rules say that they 'strongly discourage' headphones, do you do it anyway??

I'm doing my first 1/2 marathon in a month (YIKES) and have always trained with music. I admit I'm a little daunted by going out there without some motivating tunes pumping. But I don't wanna piss off the race folks OR the other racers, either.

Thoughts?
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Replies

  • jgates1966
    jgates1966 Posts: 1 Member
    Tunes are a must have for me when running (even during a race). I can't stand to listen to myself breathing while I run. The music also helps me set my running pace and I usually finish the race with a better time.

    Good luck with your half!
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    I'd take the deduction in lieu of giving up my Ipod . . . we're like bffs.
  • mamamc03
    mamamc03 Posts: 1,067 Member
    I did a 5k a few weeks ago and someone put speakers in a camelbak pack, I personally enjoyed it when they ran by.
  • nlepine84
    nlepine84 Posts: 145 Member
    I plan on using my Ipod in May when I do my first Half Marathon. My girlfriends who have done a few have said they always use theirs. They reccomend you don't incase you don't hear people or cars etc.
    Good luck in your race!
  • neverstray
    neverstray Posts: 3,845 Member
    Since I train with them, I would also need to "race" with them.
  • brandyk77
    brandyk77 Posts: 605 Member
    I use my ipod when I run solo, i have never used it during a race.

    Just try it without. You'll be fine.
  • RNmomto4
    RNmomto4 Posts: 143
    I just posted a similar question about 30 minutes ago...you can search and check out the responses there as well :)
  • Sweet_Pandora
    Sweet_Pandora Posts: 459 Member
    I train with music and race without.

    The rules apply to everyone and are in place for a reason! Safety first!

    Karen
  • lawkat
    lawkat Posts: 538 Member
    On all of my runs and in races, I listen to music, but only wear one headphone. That way I can hear if anyone is approaching me because I run in the mornings. There are some races that prohibit it. Just double check the rules.
  • ktbia
    ktbia Posts: 118 Member
    Just ran my first half. IT just said you couldn't wear headphones if you were trying for a prize.. which I was sooo not! Everyone practically was running with their music!
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I train with music and race without.

    The rules apply to everyone and are in place for a reason! Safety first!

    Karen

    +1

    I'll train indoors with music but any time I'm running outside and my safety relies on being able to hear oncoming traffic the iPod stays home. Same on race day, there's a lot going on around you - you might not be worried about cars but being able to hear other runners and course marshals etc is important.
  • 911chell
    911chell Posts: 26
    Me and my running buddies call it "EAR TIME" ... When I am in a race I usually run with both ears in however keep the music lower than normal just for some background noise even if they dont suggest it. When I am running with my friends 1 ear in 1 out so we can talk and motivate each other while still rock out and kick some butt
  • thepetiterunner
    thepetiterunner Posts: 1,238 Member
    I do run with music most of the time, but I have it low enough so I can still hear my footfalls. You can also just listen with one earbud in during the race if you're concerned about safety.
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    I don't train or race with music.
  • Faintgreeneyes
    Faintgreeneyes Posts: 729 Member
    I used to run with music until my first 9K- where the rules stated that we couldn't run with it. I started training without, and won't go back.

    Running without helped me regulate my breathing more, and actually made me faster. It is also easier for me to get a "runners high" than it was with music. It is also safer as you can hear what is going on around you.

    I say try doing a couple of runs without the tunes and see how you do- the first time will be weird, but it gets better after that. You also find new ways to push and motivate yourself without the music!

    Good Luck!
  • SERinDC
    SERinDC Posts: 93 Member
    I don't train or race with music.

    Same here.
  • good2bthaking
    good2bthaking Posts: 325 Member
    I ran 4 marathons without the music. I trained with it. For me personally, I enjoy the high of the enviroment when running and taking in the sites. Iam not a speed demon so it wasn't a big deal.Of course that was nearly 20 yrs ago and 80 pounds lighter. Try running a few long runs without them and see how you feel.Either way, best of luck in your race and have Fun!!!
  • BAMFMeredith
    BAMFMeredith Posts: 2,810 Member
    I want to stop after about 10 minutes if I don't have music on. When I'm in races or running outside I just keep my volume low enough to where I can still hear my music but I can also hear what's going on around me. The only races I plan not to wear my headphones are 5ks that I'm running with friends, this one race called the 10/20 (10 miles, 20 bands--- there is a band playing at every half mile) and then probably the Rock n Roll series races. Otherwise, it's a must for me!
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    I honestly can't stand fiddling with headphones when I run, so I don't use them. That said, I was just on the website for the first race I am doing this year and they said headphones are no longer allowed and anyone seen wearing them will be disqualified from prize money...not that I would actually be winning ANY prize money, but...
  • SERinDC
    SERinDC Posts: 93 Member
    I want to stop after about 10 minutes if I don't have music on. When I'm in races or running outside I just keep my volume low enough to where I can still hear my music but I can also hear what's going on around me. The only races I plan not to wear my headphones are 5ks that I'm running with friends, this one race called the 10/20 (10 miles, 20 bands--- there is a band playing at every half mile) and then probably the Rock n Roll series races. Otherwise, it's a must for me!

    I just did a Rock N Roll race this past weekend and it was SO much fun! Great bands and lots of people out cheering.

    Very organized race for 24,000 runner-- highly recommend it!
  • ryno0618
    ryno0618 Posts: 361
    I train and race with and without music. Depends on the venue for both.
    Some days I feel like I need the music, other days no.

    Running in traffic or races I just leave 1 earphone in and one out. best of both worlds.
  • belgerian
    belgerian Posts: 1,059 Member
    Ive run without music, but I enjoy it more with music. I use the Bose In Ear Headphones you can still hear the noise and everything around you, unless you have it cranked all the way up.
  • OLFATUG
    OLFATUG Posts: 393 Member
    I'm a bit of an odd duck, but...

    I train hill sprints and HIITS with music (good hard stuff that make yer blood boil), and I train long runs (anything 8 miles or over) with audiobooks. However, when it comes to race day, I *always* listen to music.
  • blittle2
    blittle2 Posts: 94 Member
    If I'm running alone then I turn on some music or lately the new app Zombies, Run! but when I'm running with friends then usually no tunes, I like to chat or listen to others chatting.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member

    I just did a Rock N Roll race this past weekend and it was SO much fun! Great bands and lots of people out cheering.

    Very organized race for 24,000 runner-- highly recommend it!

    Sorry, a little OT - which one did you do? I keep seeing the ads in Runners World and they look like a lot of fun (but they all involve travel.....and more $$$)
  • roballesteros
    roballesteros Posts: 140
    I have run two halfs and several 10Ks and have always used my Ipod. I use it during training too but I rarely run on the street, I am usually on a track, treadmill or running path. During races I keep the volume lower because I like to hear the spectators and the races I have run usually have live bands on the course and I like listening to them too. I would say listen to your music during the race if that is what you have done during training, it's no big deal really because the streets are normally closed off for runners.
  • leadoff
    leadoff Posts: 136 Member
    On all of my runs and in races, I listen to music, but only wear one headphone. That way I can hear if anyone is approaching me because I run in the mornings. There are some races that prohibit it. Just double check the rules.

    Same here. I have the "around the neck" headphones, so it is much easier to have one earphone in and the other out. I train and race this way. One....for safety. Two....I want to hear my feet pounding the pavement and my watch beeping for intervals/lap info. :)
  • jaclyndanette
    jaclyndanette Posts: 46
    I've run a couple 5K and 10K and always used headphones. Worse case, I take one of them out of my ear. I did NOT use music for a dualthon I did a few years ago and it was the worst experience ever. For my 1st half marathon in May, I'm definitely using tunes to get me through!
  • Moriarty_697
    Moriarty_697 Posts: 226 Member
    There were no restrictions for my first 5k so I definitely had tunes. On my most recent 5k (a much bigger event), the organizers discouraged it so I left the ipod at home. Overall, I didn't mind going without the tunes. I felt a little more connected to what was going on around me being able to hear the street sounds and the other racers.
  • jwilson165
    jwilson165 Posts: 1
    if your racing, check to see if they allow headphones. all of the tri's i've done dont allow them. i used to run and ride with music but stopped. obviously, i found it dangerous to be on the bike and not being able to hear whats going on around me. same applies to running to a lessor extent. im of the mindset that you should train how you race. i also find it helpful to listen to the rhythm of my feet. easier to tell when its off.
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