[RedT]

I just particiapted in a Tri on Sunday. One of the USAT rules was no Ipod/walkman/mpg3 players etc . . .

Luckily it was a short run!

But is this a rule at ALL USAT events, because I really, really need my IPod if I am going to be running any distance.

If this IS a standing rule, what is the purpose of it?

Thanks,

Red

[sfricks]

This is the "standing" rule in WTC (M-DOT|Ironman) & USAT events. The stated reason is "safety". I don't buy that 100%. There is a "distraction" effect which may lead to an unfair advantage and it doesn't look very good in the pictures for which companies pay big $ to take & sell at these events.

Bottom line is it is against the rules. 1st & 2nd infractions = variable time penalty. 3rd = DQ. You can get penalized three times before you can stow them in your singlet so forget it.

Use your tunes to train away. Use the strength you build in training to get your through you longer races. You'll make the distance and you'll be fine. After all, you're a Triathlete!

[hmullett]

See? I wasn't the only one! I just wish they'd change the rule for the run portion.

Heather

[sfricks]

Yeah, I've always thought the rule was BS. Heather, as you know, I did a 70.3 with phones on in '05. My knee was in such bad shape, I didn't care if I was penalized, hence my distraction comment. In retrospect, I shouldn't have done it and won't ever again.

[RedT]

Then is it cheating if I just sing by myself? ;)

[hmullett]

:) Are you any good? Maybe others would enjoy it as well! At the Indianapolis half marathon, they have about 100 entertainers along the route. Its great and it passes the time and the miles faster!

Heather

[sfricks]

As long as you sing in your head. Not because others wouldn't like to hear it, but because if you can breathe, you're not running fast enough!!!

[ballyard7]

At a 15K i ran, they told us that we couldn't use mp3 players. So i took mine off and left it in the car. During the race i saw hundreds of people wearing them and no one did anything to them.

On another note, wouldn't a bike computer also be distracting or a stop watch that you are looking at for your pace and time? I think training with them would be more dangerous wouldn't you? I mean, it's just you and tons of cars. At least at the race there are many people and volunteers. Also, couldn't they just say that you can only have a headphone in one ear? There are plenty of ways around it and it is BS that they don't let us use them.

[chappy]

If you want to listen to the radio, sit in your car. If you are running, enjoy your surroundings. :)

[ballyard7]

I don't run slow enough for the surroundings to be enough to keep me motivated. I'm usually concentrating on what i'm doing. Do i need to speed up slow down etc? And i need some motivation to push harder during a race. I can't just look around for 10 mile runs and enjoy the scenery

[chappy]

I know. I was just joking. I don't think they really enforce the no ipod,etc. at running events, but I'm pretty sure triathlons are more strict with penalties.
The distraction of a bike computer or a watch is a little different from a safety perspective. Someone could yell at you and you would be aware. Some people are completely oblivious to everything when they have earphones on and it would be extremely difficult to enforce a rule that allowed a earphone in one ear. You are right that it is more dangerous in training, but the USAT can't really follow everyone around making them be safe during training.

[ballyard7]

But what's the worst that could happen? A crash on your bike or bump into someone while your running? I mean seriously, there isn't like rush hour traffic or anything, it's not life threatening. I just don't get it, how do they expect you to run for 26 miles and bike for 112 with nothing to do or listen to except your own thoughts?

[sfricks]

I somewhat agree however, the "why's" dont really matter. USAT says wear 'em and find a DQ next to your name when you're done. You can lobby them and I'll support you.

ballyard7 said:

I just don't get it, how do they expect you to run for 26 miles and bike for 112 with nothing to do or listen to except your own thoughts?

Lee Iococa once said. "If you think you can, you're right. If you think you CAN'T you're right". It can be done and more easily than you'd think, trust me. Just believe you can and have fun at it! You'll wan't to hear them say "ballyard7, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN" when you cross the line. And with those words, the whole world becomes "right as rain"!!!

[chappy]

I like to do math in my head, but that is just me. You could read half of a novel and think through what is going to happen at the end.

You could focus on the horizon and then try to catch it. Before you know it you will be finished.

Maybe someone in the USAT thinks that it minimizes triathlon as a sport if people are wearing headphones. You don't see basketball players wearing headphones or even golfers. If you are hanging out listening to tunes then it kind of turns it into a leisure activity. Maybe they just want their athletes to be mentally tougher.

I don't really care either way. I'm just throwing out some of the reasoning or thought process that may be behind the ruling. I for one (maybe the only one) enjoy my thoughts and they pass the time just fine for me.

[ballyard7]

I understand what you're saying. And i could understand maybe the sprint or olympic distances. It's just that no other sport goes continuously for 10+ hours with out stopping besides ultra marathons. It's kinda funny, because i don't even listen to much music in my car or at home or anything. The only time i listen to it is when i am training. Personally i wouldn't want to do math in my head besides the quick pace estimate because i am a mechanical engineer, so i get enough math everyday. Sooner or later they will make them small enough and wireless so that they won't be able to detect them haha. :)

[hmullett]

I would love to listen to my iPod on my marathon portion of the IM, but rules are rules. I also do some long training runs/rides without music and there are times when that's very therapudic for me. I do a lot of thinking, and either my clarity is disallusioned or it really is in focus, things become simpler. I think about my kids, husband, family and my career. I also think about ways to become a better person. During races, I count cadence steps or I'll plan for the next aid station. I also talk (aloud) to myself sometimes. Yes, plenty of people think I'm crazy, but its not unusual to hear me yell, "Come on Girl!" Makes me think of my high school soccer coach yelling at us all the time. There's also plenty of volunteers and spectators to smile at and say hi to. Yes, I would love to wear my iPod, but rules are rules.

Heather

[sfricks]

hmullett said:

I also think about ways to become a better person. Yes, plenty of people think I'm crazy

Aw... Aren't you sweet! I just think about how much my hammers hurt :)