Headphones/MP3 players during a race

I don't know why, but it kinda makes me sad to see someone at a race with their headphones on.  Kinda like, why bother going to a race if you're not going to experience the race?  Just my own thing, I know.

I like chatting with the people around me.  I especially like chatting with the people at the smaller races, as they tend to bring out the community runners and race regulars.

But, of course, at the pace I run/race at, there's plenty of time to chat. 

Whatever you decide, I hope you have a great race!  And don't forget to thank the volunteers! 

Brings up a great point:  why are headphones not allowed in tri's??  I know the answer will be about the bike leg and hearing others say, "On your left".  But seriously, does anyone really think that it would be a hazard?  How many times in the past did headphones cause problems in a race that warrants that rule?  Probably one dumba$$ somewhere caused a pileup and now the rule is nationwide.  Weak and lame!  Why can't we strap one on during the run leg?  That would be do-able.

I say wear it.  You can always chat with eveyone post race at the bagel tent.

This is another endlessly argued point.  As you said it has a lot to do with safety.  On the bike the closing speeds in some places could be 60+ mph, which is obviously more than just a little bump. 

Even on the run there's potential for "interaction" with the bikers, hearing what's going on is important in such situations. 

It's also just easier to say "no headphones" than it is to say "no head phones until such and such a point and they must be stored not 'resting' on your ears until you reach the allowed wearing point."

bts

I'm right there with you, but I guess that is my own thing too.  Training is for being introverted and connecting with your innerself.  Races are social gatherings to connect with other people.  Biggest race pet peeve of mine is coming up alongside someone and trying to start a conversation (just a friendly hello or a few words of encouragement) and then realize they can't hear me.  Just my own commentary.  Others opinions may differ. 

Here in good ol FLA a bicyclist is prohibited by law from wearing headsets.  (Section 316.304, F.S.)

• A bicyclist must not wear a headset, headphones, or other listening device other than a hearing aid when riding.  Wearing a headset blocks out important audio cues needed to detect the presence of other traffic.

No such code for running that I know of.

I can see using it in this sort of setting.  Like others have suggested, I would keep the volume low enough to hear other runners.  It sounds like you are used to running with music, so that's why I think I would use it in the race (not wanting to change anything on race day). 

In the future, though, you might want to do some training without the headphones since there are a lot of races where you won't be able to use them. 

I hope others don't think I'm being rude before a triathlon. I plan on listening to "Lightining Crashes" by Live before every Tri. Thats what I did at my first tri, it has a special meaning to me and helps remind me that no matter how bad things get on the course, there are others that have been through much worse and not to quit.

Love my nano, think you can get 'em now for $150.

NICE avatar!

Bear...there's no RED in her avatar...oh, wait. The hair!!

If you are asking what  YOU should do and you like using it and your race allows it then by all means use it. 

If you are asking us for our input on how we train/race my answer is that I don't ever want this to be an issue for me.  I decided a year ago when I started all of this that I never want to be at a crucial point in a race and think that not having was affecting my performance.  I've never used it for training or races for that reason.  Maybe I'll change my mind as the years go on but that's how I feel for now.

It does bother me to see people using them in races in which they have been specifically prohibited.  I've seen people hear that in a pre race talk and then walk to the start line and put on their headphones.  I think it would be fun for those people to have to run the race with a cowbell around their neck.

MORE COWBELL!!!