Running race day with ipod

I'm the same way but seriously don't do it. I've done road races where they say no headphones (I'm assuming for liability reasons) but everyone wore them anyway with no consequences. In tri's, like any other penality, it's taken seriously.

I'm a big guy and can't stand to hear my breathing pattern but a week or two before a race I do my training runs without headphones to get prepared and so far it's gotten easier.

You would need to review the rules for your particular race and check with the RD if you're not sure.  I am not necessarily recommending wearing your iPod, but that's at least where I would start.

That said, I think you will not even miss it.  Running in a triathlon without music is totally different from a training run or a long running race.    The time flies by really fast and there's a lot to think about (other competitors, how much stuff hurts, oh look a squirrel, waving at cheering fans especially kids, etc.  )

You will lose time in transition getting it sorted out.  Second, you miss out on listening to your breathing, which I think is critical in figuring out your pacing.  Third, it's a nuisance to those on the course with you.  I find that iPod wearers tend to be in the own world and will get in the way, especially at water stops.    In my opinion, podium spots are not usually won by people who are not totally focused on the race.

My advice would be to leave the iPod at home and don't worry about it. I think you can run competently without it and in fact improve your race experience.

Not allowed  for any USAT sanctioned triathlons.  Maybe for a local, non-sanctioned event.

USATF changed their runs a few years ago giving RD's some descretion in allowing headphones for running road races, but the USAT rules banning them for triathlons are pretty clear.

Mark

I'm a habitual iPod user when I run and bike and I NEVER miss it when racing. Never. 

You'll be fine without it. 

x2......i always use my smart phone on training runs and bikes and actually use a program to track my time distance and routes, but i never use it for races and hardly miss it.  Usually get through it focusing on my pace, splits, and other competitors around me, catching the next guy not letting a guy pull away etc...there can often be alot of congestion in various areas of races with other athletes or even cars you want to be as aware and considerate as possible and that means hearing or listening for people around you

Run only for me, but every time I go. Haven't once missed it in a race of any type.

Same here.  I've raced about 30 races both tri and road running.  Only once has the RD threatened to DQ for headphone use on the run.

I've never had an athlete question me or seem miffed EVER in my life during a race or a training session for running with headphones.  Unless you're darting through traffic in NYC or something like that I see no reason why it's a big deal if you have the volume at a moderate level so you can hear potential alterting noises and you pay attention to your surroundings visuallly.

Thanks ! I hope thats the case. I am sure race day I will be fine! Do you do it cold turkey the day of the race or do some runs without it?

I did a brick session yesterday where I jumped off bike, did "T2" and went directly into run with no ipod. Weird at first, but there is some benefit to being without the noise for a while. Hear your breathing, foot strikes, surrounding sounds etc. I enjoy the changeup.  So, you can go cold turkey, or practice without some. Sometimes on quick short runs (under 5 miles) I'll just skip the ipod. Getting it all ready, clipped on, cords running through my shirt and secure etc takes more time than worth on that day and I just go.

Why would you want to do something that is specifically stated as being against the rules?

Those rules are there for a reason - this one particularly for your and others safety rather than competitive advantage like drafting.  If a helmet were horribly uncomfortable, would you try not to wear it either?

If the RD signs off, I assume it's not biggie, but as stated above, USAT races are pretty specific and I doubt an RD would sign off due to that.

twomarks

Are you saying you race with it? abqtj and I do not. Only for training.

Oh sorry, I misunderstood and thought you meant you never miss it as in, you never miss the chance to wear it.  Yes, I always race just the run portion with it.  All USAT races and RD's say no problem (for the RUN only).  They're not big championship races or anything but nobody's ever made a big deal about in any of the races I've done.

As for runs, I've done many Boston qualifying half and full mary's.  I see ipods everywhere, never heard of a DQ for them.

I had a friend run her first (running - Beach to Beacon in Maine) last weekend without her iPod. She was convinced she couldn't run without music and that it would be a soul-sucking exercise to even try. Within the first 2 minutes of the gun - her iPod crapped out....so there she was just starting a race without music.

She freaked. She fell apart on the run, was horribly disappointed with her results, had no idea of her pacing, just had a miserable experience overall.

I suggested to her (and she hasn't punched me yet) that she is giving the music too much credit for her "success." The music didn't get her out the door morning after morning. The music didn't get her through all of her training runs. The music didn't get her legs and lungs stronger and stronger - she did. I also suggested that she was missing out on the sounds of the race...which (for me) is a lot of fun. I love giving people attaboys - and am always a little saddened when I know they didn't hear it because they were wearing headphones.

I gave her my parameters for running with headphones - never outside, ALWAYS when on the treadmill (because that is truly where I need the motivation...looking at the basement walls can only get you so far). I slowly weaned myself off of music for running outside by listening to podcasts/audiobooks...worked for me.

Enjoy the moment, don't break the rules. It really is a great way to race.

Always use the iPod when training - run only.  Never use in a race.  You miss too much with the iPod on during a race.   Heck even for a marathon I don't use the iPod because there is usually so much going on or people to talk to, etc.

enjoy,

Duane