Running a Race with Tunes...or NOT?

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Replies

  • 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.

    I do this also... one ear... I can hear my music and everything around me too!
  • Karmarie24
    Karmarie24 Posts: 48 Member
    I always have music, but depending on the race I pause it a lot! I ran my first marathon at Disney World last year and did over half without music. There were some long stretches of nothing where I needed my music though.

    Sometimes if my mind starts telling me I can't go any longer I turn up the music and make myself tune out everything and just listen. It helps quiet my doubts, especially on the 3 hour+ runs when you think you can't possibly make it any longer!
  • RNmomto4
    RNmomto4 Posts: 143
    For those that run with tunes, what do you use? I have an iphone, and wouldnt mind running with music, but would be scared about having to fiddle around with it too much, having it fall down, etc. I have an arm band...maybe just play around with that for awhile? I'm nervous that half way through my race I would want to throw it! haha
  • neverstray
    neverstray Posts: 3,845 Member
    The rules are stupid. It's old school. It's like math teachers that don't let you use a calculator. Grow up. Times change. You change with them, or they change without you. My son, in 4th grade, is allowed to use a calculator. But, I know college professors that don't allow it. Idiots.
  • sjohnny
    sjohnny Posts: 56,142 Member
    For those that run with tunes, what do you use? I have an iphone, and wouldnt mind running with music, but would be scared about having to fiddle around with it too much, having it fall down, etc. I have an arm band...maybe just play around with that for awhile? I'm nervous that half way through my race I would want to throw it! haha

    I have my iPhone in an armband and I have a running playlist that I just put on shuffle. I don't fiddle with it, they're all songs that I picked so I don't need to fast forward through them. I hit play when I start and hit stop when I'm done. Mine has been very secure and I've had no problems with it at all.
  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    Tunes are illegal in triathlon for safety reasons so I just no go it on running as well.
  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    The rules are stupid. It's old school. It's like math teachers that don't let you use a calculator. Grow up. Times change. You change with them, or they change without you. My son, in 4th grade, is allowed to use a calculator. But, I know college professors that don't allow it. Idiots.

    What is? Not allowing music? It's a safety issue. There are many races with only a partially closed course so many governing bodies outlaw it so you can hear what is going on around you or if there are emergency vehicles on course. It's not old school, it's smart.
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    I train with podcasts when I run alone but I leave the ipod at home for races. If I am racing to my max I need my mind focused on the race and not distracted by noise in my ears.
  • Aperture_Science
    Aperture_Science Posts: 840 Member
    I train without and race without. I like it that way, it's not for safety reasons.


    But, I have occasionally found it annoying when in a race there is someone in front of you who won't give way because they are unaware that you are behind them. I realise that most people keep the volume low or use one ear only but there are some that don't.
  • neverstray
    neverstray Posts: 3,845 Member
    The rules are stupid. It's old school. It's like math teachers that don't let you use a calculator. Grow up. Times change. You change with them, or they change without you. My son, in 4th grade, is allowed to use a calculator. But, I know college professors that don't allow it. Idiots.

    What is? Not allowing music? It's a safety issue. There are many races with only a partially closed course so many governing bodies outlaw it so you can hear what is going on around you or if there are emergency vehicles on course. It's not old school, it's smart.

    Cool. We can agree to disagree. Not looking for an argument.
  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    The rules are stupid. It's old school. It's like math teachers that don't let you use a calculator. Grow up. Times change. You change with them, or they change without you. My son, in 4th grade, is allowed to use a calculator. But, I know college professors that don't allow it. Idiots.

    What is? Not allowing music? It's a safety issue. There are many races with only a partially closed course so many governing bodies outlaw it so you can hear what is going on around you or if there are emergency vehicles on course. It's not old school, it's smart.

    Cool. We can agree to disagree. Not looking for an argument.

    Sorry. Pretty passionate about this. It only takes once of almost getting clipped or seeing someone get clipped on a partially closed course to see the need for this rule.
  • I love my music. I find it motivating and can't imagine running without it!
  • HJCsDaddy
    HJCsDaddy Posts: 419 Member
    It is definitely a safety issue, but if the rules strongly recommend against it, I will leave one out and tuck it into my shirt. I am a creature of habit and I both train and compete with music. It helps me get into my zone and allows me to focus on something other than the rhythym of my own feet.
  • Trail_Addict
    Trail_Addict Posts: 1,340 Member
    I don't train or race with music.

    Ditto! Maybe because when I first started running Walkman's were still new, and have you ever tried running with a Boom Box on your shoulder?!?!?! :-O
  • Trail_Addict
    Trail_Addict Posts: 1,340 Member
    The rules are stupid. It's old school. It's like math teachers that don't let you use a calculator. Grow up. Times change. You change with them, or they change without you. My son, in 4th grade, is allowed to use a calculator. But, I know college professors that don't allow it. Idiots.

    With the insurance and permits necessary to host a race, Race Organizers try avoid ANY and ALL foreseeable calamities in a race. You can bet your *kitten*, someone with their earbuds in will do something stupid, causing them or someone else to get hurt... resulting in a lawsuit for the Race Organizers.

    And telling someone to "grow up" is pretty damn immature.
  • TinaDay1114
    TinaDay1114 Posts: 1,328 Member
    Ditto! Maybe because when I first started running Walkman's were still new, and have you ever tried running with a Boom Box on your shoulder?!?!?! :-O

    :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Yep, I can! I remember trying to run with one of the first Walkmans and the gigantic earphones -- so irritating, especially when you start seriously sweating. I'm sad to say my last boom box is dying a slow, agonizing death in my workout room. Booooo, HISSSSS.
  • bbygrl5
    bbygrl5 Posts: 964 Member
    I have always listened to music while running, ALWAYS. I have to try to start training without it though because I'm training for the Tough Mudder, which I'm sure doesn't allow it, or it would at the very least ruin any ipods/phones/etc.

    It's going to be hard. Music is very motivational to me.
  • DMRun
    DMRun Posts: 25
    I always run with music...it keeps me motivated. I have a single earbud from 'onegoodearbud.com' - it's great! One earbud in, volume down... but I'm careful to pay close attention to runners/traffic around me! Also - I use the Nike+ system and it gives me updates on my distance, pace, etc.

    I ran the Tinker Bell 1/2 in January - and RunDisney discourages the use of headphones... but many runners were using them ;)

    Have fun with your race!!
  • TylerJ76
    TylerJ76 Posts: 4,375 Member
    I train and race without. Just me and my watch, sometimes not even the watch.


    The triathlons I am doing this summer don't allow it, and I hope to someday complete an Ironman Triathlon that doesn't allow it..Train how you race...so I just leave it at home..
  • Dragonfly1996
    Dragonfly1996 Posts: 196 Member
    I train & race without.

    I run alone most of the time & from a safety point of view like to know what's going on around me!! Also on quiet roads I run in the middle of the road to avoid the camber where possible so need to be able to hear cars so I can move over!!

    Also as a lot of races don't allow it, I don't want to get used to music in training & then struggle in a race without it!!

    I actually quite like running with my own thoughts as well - when I run that's my time & I can just think about loads if stuff that I wouldn't necessarily give myself the time to otherwise. Equally running in a race with loads of stuff going on & the crowds around you is the BEST & I wouldn't want to miss any if it!!!
  • andreabball
    andreabball Posts: 90 Member
    I train and race with music. I leave one earbud out so that I am aware of my surroundings and other runners. I don't give a damn about what race directors say. Music helps me to keep going long after my brain and body have shut down. Good Luck! We will have to celebrate afterward!
  • Moriarty_697
    Moriarty_697 Posts: 226 Member
    I train and race without. Just me and my watch, sometimes not even the watch.


    The triathlons I am doing this summer don't allow it, and I hope to someday complete an Ironman Triathlon that doesn't allow it..Train how you race...so I just leave it at home..

    Without a watch! Forget the ipod. That would be like going naked. Maybe I do have a little bit of OCD after all.
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