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To MP3 or not to MP3, that is the question!

Tri Fanatic's picture
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started by Tri Fanatic on March 17, 2008

I am going to apologize in advance, but I couldn't find the search function in the forum.

My first half IM is coming up and I was wondering how many of you use your MP3 players during the run on a half IM? I am not a big running enthusiast, but when I have my music it makes it fun. I want fun at the end and not suffering. How much do race officials hate the MP3 players?

jsk85's picture
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jsk85 posted 8 weeks ago.

I've never done an official 70.3 before, but I'm almsot certain they aren't allowed there. I'm not sure they are allowed at all, but I have done 2 unnaffiliated 1/2 irons where I definately remember seeing people with them.

I'd say check the rules. I'd probably wear one if allowed, especially if it's a smaller event. If that's the case people get pretty strung out by the run so you may be/feel on your own for long periods of time.

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ChunkyB posted 8 weeks ago.

Most don't allow it, and I usually don't mind in a race, even though I train with one. Of course, I have only done sprints, so the race goes by pretty quickly.

BTW, that google box at the top right of the page is the search box.

"The melting point of wax means nothing to me": Thrice

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brittda's picture
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brittda posted 8 weeks ago.

I know in my 2 IM's they do not allow them on the course at all. Some local sprints do , but I wouldnt waste my time for a 5k with one. I train my long runs with out one so I am "ready" on race day. Its only 13.1 miles, you can do it with out music :)

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RV posted 8 weeks ago.

Typically they are not allowed - stated safety concerns - usually a requirement for the RD to get insurance - that they be disallowed.
Now some will enforce others not - tho it can be a DQ.

RV

It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss

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hierroman007 posted 8 weeks ago.

USAT events do not permit the use of mp3 players, radios, etc.. It's an automatic penalty if you use one.

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PJT posted 8 weeks ago.

Read your race rules. If it says no MP3s, don't use one. A lot of races rely on the honor system for following the rules, so do the honorable thing and follow them.

I don't use an MP3 in racing even if allowed. Every "A" race I've ever done bans them, so I want all my other races to serve as mental training for the days when I can't use one.

If my "A" race allowed them, it would be a tough call, but I know that MP3s enhance performance and I think I would just as soon see how I do on my own.

(I do use one about 50% of the time in run training and maybe 10% of the time while on the indoor bike trainer).

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TryScott posted 8 weeks ago.

You won't want the MP3 player slowing you down when you turn pro, so I'd say just leave it off for the race.

from http://www.usatriathlon.org/upload/pdfs/usat_rules_download.pdf
Section 3.4 Race conduct:
i. Unauthorized Accessories. No participant shall, at any time during the event, use or wear a hard cast, headset,
radio, personal audio device, or any other item deemed dangerous by the Head Referee. Any violation of this
Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

It doesn't say that you can't use a DVD player on the bike, but I'm guessing it's frowned upon. I'm not a big bike enthusiast, so I thought a good movie would make the time go by better. :)

TriSooner's picture
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TriSooner posted 8 weeks ago.

Also, I read somewhere in another forum that at Gradma's Marathon in Duluth the race officials DQ'd everyone who appeared in their finish photo with an ipod. So, wear one at your own risk knowing that you could be penalized.

Ironman Germany, July 6, 2008

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Raygir posted 8 weeks ago.

DOnt think they are allowed in a race, run or bike. I did use my MP3 on the bike leg of a Half IM, Snuck it under my jersey and only my right earphone.. as I find being tucked in for 56 miles alot more boring than when you run in an event that has a spectator friendly run, you can get encouragment from the crowd on the run, but again not allowed inmost cases, they sight safety etc.. and you dont want to be DQ'd for it either..

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kylie posted 8 weeks ago.

Yeah I'm going to agree with all the "read the rules, then make your choice". I feel that we sign up for a game, and as such should honor all the rules of it even if you could get away with it.

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Iron Dan posted 8 weeks ago.

I used to always run with my MP3 player, but have since stopped and have found running much more enjoyable. Try a few runs without it and see. Odds are it will be banned in the race and I sure wouldn't risk being DQ'd.

Tri Fanatic's picture
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Tri Fanatic posted 8 weeks ago.

TryScott wrote:
You won't want the MP3 player slowing you down when you turn pro, so I'd say just leave it off for the race.

from http://www.usatriathlon.org/upload/pdfs/usat_rules_download.pdf
Section 3.4 Race conduct:
i. Unauthorized Accessories. No participant shall, at any time during the event, use or wear a hard cast, headset,
radio, personal audio device, or any other item deemed dangerous by the Head Referee. Any violation of this
Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

It doesn't say that you can't use a DVD player on the bike, but I'm guessing it's frowned upon. I'm not a big bike enthusiast, so I thought a good movie would make the time go by better. :)

Have you seen those rear view monitors yets? I wonder if you cna load movies onto them?

I read the rules, did not see anything about no MP3 players, but I did see that if you are seen using one you will get a yellow card from the officials. It was hard to find, but I found it. I think they should include it in the rules section next time.

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ChunkyB posted 8 weeks ago.

http://www.amazon.com/iHome-IH85B-Mount-Speaker-System/dp/B000VMWAUU

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diva_mom posted 8 weeks ago.

I'd say you're missing out on the full experience of the race if you can't hear what's around you.

I run/train with my pod - but the view is corn, soybeans, corn, cows, corn, soybeans, corn, cows, repeat.

Success comes before work only in the dictionary

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Triguy98 posted 8 weeks ago.

No Ipod here at anytime. I use my TV and Stereo if I am stuck on the trainer, but thats about it. In high school, we were not allowed to use them during track or XC, and that habit has carried over for me. We as a society are overstimulated all the time, use the exercise as a break. You dont need stuff being pumped into your head ALL the time.

Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.

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PrinceofClydes posted 8 weeks ago.

I never wear one.. my hallucinations are much more entertaining.

PoC

"Pain heals, chicks dig scars, glory is forever." - Shane Falco.

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theShiba posted 8 weeks ago.

hierroman007 wrote:
USAT events do not permit the use of mp3 players, radios, etc.. It's an automatic penalty if you use one.

That's 100% correct... I wouldn't mess with it, Chris. That said... I believe that it's a single infraction, so don't think that it will DQ you, but I am not sure.

How's the training going? Still trying to go Pro MTB?

Take care.

"Every journey has a secret destination of which the traveler is unaware." —Martin Buber

TriSooner's picture
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TriSooner posted 8 weeks ago.

diva_mom wrote:
I'd say you're missing out on the full experience of the race . . .
This.

Ironman Germany, July 6, 2008

Tri Fanatic's picture
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Tri Fanatic posted 8 weeks ago.

theShiba wrote:
hierroman007 wrote:
USAT events do not permit the use of mp3 players, radios, etc.. It's an automatic penalty if you use one.

That's 100% correct... I wouldn't mess with it, Chris. That said... I believe that it's a single infraction, so don't think that it will DQ you, but I am not sure.

How's the training going? Still trying to go Pro MTB?

Take care.

I have been putting in a lot more time on the bike. My training is probably 30% swim, 20% run, 50% bike. I have been getting faster. We'll see what happens.

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kkocan posted 8 weeks ago.

At the marathon I just did they said in bold print in the rules that there were no mp3's and or Ipods allowed. Nevertheless I would say about half, or more, had them on at the start and during the run. And it wasn't just the back of pack people walking with them, as the 3:10 pace group I started out with had 5 or 6 people wearing them.

________________________________________________
2008 Main Races:
VA Beach Shamrock Marathon
Desoto TTT
WV Mountaineer HIM
IM Wisconsin