Is all music banned in ironman races?

Well, the concern is safety. The spirit of the rule is to prevent someone from not being able to hear the instructions of an official, other athlete, a law enforcement person, etc.

That's my interpretation of the reason for the rules, and it makes sense.

This is how I did my IM

To be serious - I think it would violate the spirit of the rule, not sure why you'd want the extra hassle, and you are likely to p*** off a number of your fellow racers

...this is how ya do it ....and it has been proven in a wind tunnel...I know...I know...the seat is to low...by the way thoughs are not lighhts...they are a new fancy hydration system

However, I believe this is acceptable during the run

 http://www.fastestonemanband.com/fastest_one_man_band.html

(fastest_one_man_band.jpg)

Chris, I like how you roll!

Not sure how much clearer you want them to make the rule (which specifies music without mention of "headphones/earbuds," actually):

"13) Communication devices of any type are strictly prohibited during competition including iPod, Thump or any other musical device. Use of such devices may result in disqualification."

As others have already said, please don't be "that guy" subjecting everyone around you to your inspiring (I'm sure) playlist.

During the first segment run of a duathlon I did last year, a lady had music playing on her phone. Terrible choice of songs first of all, and second, about 1/2 mile into the run, she literally tried to run while chatting on the phone! Her music line-up was interupted when she received a phone call, and she took it, meaning she tried to have a conversation while running!  WTF!

Are you more annoyed by the fact that she took a phone call, or that apparently she was able to keep up with you while doing so?

I'm one of those people who trains without any music, period.  I don't get why people need music to run/bike/swim.  But I know that it apparently helps some people. 

At the same time, if you know you're going to have to be out there for anywhere from 1-12 hours or more without the crutch, why do you insist on constantly training with it?  If you can't tolerate a 30 minute run without headphones, how will you ever survive a half iron distance race?

First check with the Race Director.

Below is the relevant USAT rule. If it's a USAT sanctioned race, this will apply. It's under the heading of headphones, but it does say "personal audio devices." Also note that the Race Director has discretion to amend the rules. If they want to specifically ban all musical players, they certainly can.

8. Headphones:
Headphones, headsets, walkmans, ipods, mp3 players, or personal audio devices, etc. are not to be carried or
worn at any time during the race.
Penalty: Variable time penalty

 I love running with music (I'm currently taking a break from running due to PF) but I've never missed it during a race. A race is a totally different environment from training. Mentally it's a different world. If you haven't raced before, I suggest you try it without worrying about listening to music on the run.

As to the speakers, at a half marathon earlier this year I was near a woman using them for about 1.5 miles. It was seriously annoying. It was pretty inconsiderate of everyone running near her.  She was listening to Hannah Montana.

Not necessarily true. There's a non-USAT race that I do every year that allows for head phones.

I train with music a lot. It just dulls the boredom. Races are rarely boring. It's just a different set up and mind set.