Last Updated on September 29, 2019 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP
Back in 2007 shortly after I started running, the USATF came out with their big ipod ban. And so I quit running with an ipod, cold turkey. I figured if it was going to be a strict rule, I better quit while I was ahead. I wasn’t one of those who “needed” music to get me through a run, and I was better off not becoming one. Besides, back then I was doing almost all of my runs with then baby Rowen in the jog stroller, and it wasn’t really safe to have music blaring in my ears while running a little baby down the street.
And so it was, that I was a non music running mama.
Somewhere along the line, the USATF has since amended the rule to allow ipods and related devices at the race directors discretion. And I’m pretty sure if you are out there trying to win, you are supposed to be ipod-less as well. I don’t know the exact details of the new laws, as I don’t plan on winning any marathons any time soon. I’ll be sure to check them out in depth when I start approaching my BQ mark, just to be safe.
But also, somewhere along the line, completely unrelated to the USATF amendment, I seemed to have amended my own status to “ipod loving running mama”.
It started off when I realized that while running with one in a jog stroller was nice….running with two in the double jog stroller was a chore. So I opted to take advantage of the alone time as much as possible, even if it meant running at the most obscure times of day: 5 a.m when it’s still dark out, 12 noon in the blazing sun, or 5 pm dodging the end of the workday traffic, it didn’t matter, as long as I wasn’t pushing the monstrosity that is the double jogger. And with the solo runs came the freedom to wear the ipod and completely zone out if I so chose. So I trained with the ipod most days, but always raced without. I love taking in the race day vibe, scene, sights, and sounds completely uninhibited by music in my ears.
And then one day, I raced a 5k with my ipod. I’m not sure WHY, as I never raced with music, but I did that day. Having the music in my ears allowed me to completely drown out the sound of my gasping, huffing and puffing. When I couldn’t hear that, it didn’t hurt as bad, and I ran myself to third place overall female. Huh, how about that?
Which brings me to the whole point of this post in the first place. Running is SUCH a mental game. Of course you need to put in the training as well, but your brain can certainly make the difference between a good race and a bad one, a PR or fizzling out in the end. As it stands right now, I run faster, further, and harder when I am not distracted by my labored breathing. Sounds silly, I know, but being in that “bubble” with my music puts me in a zen place.
This weekend, I’m racing a half marathon. Racing myself, racing my current PR. A 1:59:31, ran 3.5 years ago. To be honest, I haven’t “raced” a lot of half marathons since then. The few I have done include a pregnant run (Myrtle Beach 2008) a just post-baby-hadn’t-trained-at-all run (Myrtle Beach 2009) a PR attempt gone horribly wrong thanks to the HOT weather and GI issues (VA Beach R&R 2009) and the “was this a half marathon or a giant photo shoot” fun run (Disney Princess 2010).
This weekend, I thoroughly plan on PRing. I really do. My body is up to it. I’ll be on my “home turf”. Sleep, nutrition, etc will be spot on, there will be no 8+ hours of car travel. My training wasn’t 100%, but it was a lot better than it’s ever been before a half. I’m feeling good.
My mind, on the other hand, is messing with me. And I’m starting to think “well if I run with the music, I’ll be able to zone out and run fast and it won’t SEEM so bad”…..
Do you see what’s happened here? I’ve become dependant on the darn ipod. UGGGH. I’ve actually convinced myself that my body is not physically capable of going as fast for as far as it could if I had Jay Z and Paramore serenading me for 13 miles.
That’s not cool. And not only is it not cool, it’s a big no no in the triathlon world. Though I’m pretty sure that without an ipod I’d start singing to myself around mile 70 on the bike ride of an Ironman, out of sheer boredom. (They can’t DQ me for having a bad voice, can they?)
So while I completely plan on weaning myself of the feeling of mentally NEEDING an ipod while pushing myself, I fear Sunday may be too soon to go without one.
What to do, what to do.
Ipods ARE allowed in this race, so I’m not breaking any rules. But I was planning on running with a super fast friend who offered to pace me, and I don’t want to be rude by running the entire way in my music bubble (though I’m pretty sure I won’t be talking much by the end anyways, haha)
Can you tell I’m in the week before a big race mode? Freaking out over insignificant things.
So let’s end this rambling post with a Q & A:
Do you train with music? Race with music? Do you feel like you NEED music, or am I crazy over here? What are your general thoughts on this mess? (mine, and the ipod race ban in general)
gene
i LOVE to run with music. traffic isn’t much of a concern in my neck of the woods, but i don’t have it so loud that i can’t hear cars.
i train with it, i race with it. heck, i just finished mowing the lawn with it! i love me some aural distraction. at my last half marathon, two women ran next to me for about 3 miles, and talked to each other the entire time. i just pumped up the jam a little bit, and they ‘went away’. nice…
Running and living
I race with music and it helps a ton. When I did my HIM in august I had a really hard time keeping my focus during the run without an ipod. This winter I plan to do some of my runs without an ipod, and even race without it, to train my brain to stay focused during longer races. Will see…
Tom
I agree with you that listening to myself huff and puff makes me feel tired. I’m sure most competitive runners look down on running to music and I can see their point, but I enjoy doing it. Especially on long runs like half or full marathons.
Music is almost like cheating. I have a couple secret weapon songs on my MP3 that have the perfect tempo for keeping me on pace. I say listen to the music, just make sure you don’t listen to Kenny G or some other sort of narcoleptic artist. Good luck with your new personal best!
Diana Tries-A-Tri!
I train a lot of times with music, or even books on tape because like you, I don’t like to hear myself huffing and puffing. However I never wear them in races, road or obviously tris. Then occasionally the darn thing will die on a run and I realize that it’s sort of nice to just hear the traffic and my feet padding along!
track coach and adorable wife
I like running with music but have never raced with it. Wanted to but once my tunes died and the other times I was running with people. I suggest wearing your ipod and either putting the music in just one ear so you can still hear whoever you are running with or you can tie the headphones around your neck and you can both listen to the music!
FoCoRunner
Putting all the arguments about safety and courtesy aside, I run without music primarily because it distracts me from my surroundings in the outdoors (which I don’t find more interesting to be mentally engaged with), and it distracts me from focusing on my running form. I tend to cycle my focus through my breathing/stride rate, feeling my feet lifting and hitting the ground, feeling my ankles, how tense my calves are, how bent my knees are, how floppy my hips are, whether my shoulders are tense, etc… No listening to music makes it easier to shift my focus around and make sure I’m running efficiently, and in the event that I’m doing something that I now know contributes to overuse or other injuries, I can make the subtle adjustment needed to remedy the problem before it goes anywhere unpleasant.
Julie @ "Hotlegs Runner"
Yes, I NEED Music to be able to run! I can probable do without it during short runs but…Nah, I still need music.
christinerockey
As the friend who plans on pacing you, I plan to have you completely distracted by my pity party and total over-achieving convincing of yourself that you are better than even you believe. Don’t bring the ipod!
Sarah AJ
I quit using my ipod on runs when there was a guy following female runners in my neighborhood a couple of years ago. I thought I’d miss it, but I really haven’t. I only use it now if I have to run indoors for some reason. I’ve thought about breaking it out for longer runs lately, but am worried I’ll run into your predicament if I get used to listening to it again.
Katie A.
Hahahaha! Taper brain!
I never run outside with my iPod, only because I run mainly along a busy 6 lane road. On the dreamill though, it’s on like donkey kong!
And races are an up in the air thing. Sometimes I just wait until the last second to decide.
I like both ways – I like paying attention to the course and the peeps around and enjoying the experience, but I also really enjoying zoning out into my own “bubble.” Good luck! You’re going to soooo PR this weekend!
Leah B.
I see your dilemma! I can run without my ipod but I am definitely faster with music. I hate hearing myself breath hard! When I run a race with someone, I only put in one earbud so I can still talk and hear my tunes. Good luck this weekend!! 🙂
Laura B. Jog for Joubert Syndrome
i always run with music if im road running because i would be bored to tears otherwise, the only exception is if i am running with someone else. i go sans music trail running though because the surroundings of the woods is enough to occupy my brain, also i cant hear mtn bikers sneaking up behind me with music. ive run one race with music and the rest without music…youre right, it does seem to drown out the pain. i may try running with music during my next race
Leah @ Chasing Atalanta
The only time I run with music is when I’m stuck on the treadmill. Otherwise, I’m a purist.
Char
I always race with music and most times run my long runs with music. I run the long runs with a group so if I’m involved in a nice conversation I tuck the ear-pieces under my bra strap. So what I’m saying is take your music – listen to it when you need it and don’t feel bad.
Karen
oh girl, you are singing my song … I am going through that right now. I feel I am addicted to my ipod. My marathon in 4 weeks is a no headphones race. I was actually looking at photos from last year to see how serious they were about the headphones thing. LOL. Sick, no? I think for training it does help. For races, there generally is enough mental distraction (hopefully) to not need the ipod. Good luck in your race!
Silvergirl
I am having the same dilemma!! I have never run a marathon with an ipod but for some reason I am totally mentally psyching myself out this time around and I feel as though the only way I am going to be able to do the time I want is if I have my Ipod. However, I have always been one of those people who thought it best not to wear headphones during a race. I don’t know what I am going to do yet either, I guess it will be a race day decision for me! but I do feel like it is abit of an advantage to run with music!
Lisa
I started off doing triathlons with the no IPOD rule. Then eased into road running that allowed them. I’m now in an IPOD loving phase myself. I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I tried to run without music. Maybe that’s bad. It probably depends on what your real goals are.
Cynthia O'H
I never run with an iPod. I don’t think it’s safe and I think I end up running better, in the long run, if I focus on what I’m doing – not what I’m listening to.
Mind you, with cold weather and long runs around the corner, I’m thinking an iPod might be the way to get through some tougher runs.
Scarlett Elliewood
I understand that running without music is safer and better for form and probably better for your spirit. But right now, I just can’t! I’m in a music phase and am running a half this Sunday. Just half to finish my playlist and prayer that the Ipod doesn’t die on me.
Lesley @ racingitoff.com
I’m one of those music-less runners. I have never run with an iPod or any other device. Only when I treadmill at home do I even do anything – usually watch a movie, and frankly, I find those to be my poorest workouts.
Liz
Here in the UK ipods are often banned in races, and I recently read about a load of people being disqualified for wearing them in a half-marathon.
Personally I love to hear the support of the crowds and be part of the atmosphere.
When I ran the biggest race in the UK last month (55,000 runners), everyone that ran out in front of me or suddenly stopped right in front of me was wearing an ipod. They were totally unaware of what was happening around them.
I like the ban! The elites manage to run without them, so the rest of us should manage it too.
Caroline
I honestly don’t think I could have done either of my half marathons without either music or a friend beside me. Having a good rap or pop beat pumping through my head definitely helps me push through the last 3 miles, though there were certain training runs when I was just in the mood for silence and they went fabulously too. These days I’ve started running with my dogs, and like running with a baby, I like to be a little more tuned in to my surroundings.
JenniferLeah
I do train with music-angry rock, songs that touch me emotionally, upbeat poppy songs,etc. I find that the music helps with whatever kind of run I am doing that day. BUT NEVER wear it with the jogger or in the dark.
Do I Race with music? yes, most times-at my 1/2M a couple weeks ago it was off for the first 3 miles or so, then I shut it off for a while mid-race and then the final 2 miles it was off. for 5k’s I plan out a play list so the last 10 mins is just hardcore all out GO music.
Do I need music to train? well there are times when I need that tempo of the music to get me moving faster.
I don’t like to hear myself breathing heavy and panting I am learning to run hard(er) without it too. I have to now that I am more into tri’s than road racing.
Elizabeth
Good post! I used to be that person who NEEDED the iPod and I was infuriated at the USATF rule. But ever since I stopped using the treadmill and started running outdoors with my husband, I never use an iPod. I stopped racing with one because I realized how much nicer it was to not have the extra hardware while running. Felt a little freer.
Mrs. Mess
I definitely train and run with my iPod, but I’ve noticed here recently that I’ve started pausing it and running without music for a little while… Who knows if I’ll ever run sans iPod.
CampbellsLove
I think you should make your play list, keep one bud in even if you have the ipod paused, and just tell your pacer/friend, “if I put in my buds, it means I’m struggling” So that way she wont think you’re just being rude. IF she is running to pace you, then she knows your not there to loligag around and will not be offended if you have to wear them during a hill, or when fighting the urge to stop.
It’s what I do…. I’m kind of half way when it comes to ipod. I am fine if I don’t have to run alone! So, I’d rather run with people, than alone and with an ipod. I’ve never run alone and with out it. Whew!!
Good luck!!!!
Amanda - RunToTheFinish
I go through phases with whether or not I need the music…but when I’m in a phase where I do yes the thought of racing without it terrifies me!
Sammie Girl
My thing is USATF might have decided it is ok, but USAT it is a major no-no! Typically I do my just running with headphones. A few weekends ago my iPod crapped out on me at mile 9 of 13 the last four miles I struggled! During races it is kind of a hit or miss. There are some races I don’t need it others I would die if I didn’t have it! I never, never, never wear headphones while on my bike (I don’t care if I am on a trail and there is no chance of cars).
Quite frankly it is a partly a load of hog wash about it being a safety issue. My reasoning behind this is #1 enough of us have our music low enough that we can still hear things going on around us; #2 headphones or not if you are in your zone there are times you look around and realize you are not where you thought you should be because you did zone out and lost some time!
Stephanie
I actually run listening to books (it’s the only way I “read” anymore). I also have some podcasts that I really enjoy. I’ve done HM listening to “This American Life” and have loved the run and the stories. I don’t think I could give it up.
Go Mommy
I used to run with music, like you I then had the kid in the stroller, now I can count on one hand the amount of times that I run alone, without the double jogger, so many people I know ask me what I am going to do when they are too big for the jogger, run with one of those “pull carragies that get tied to a horse?”.
So I run without music, I find that even when I run alone I need the alone time to think, but that is just me, I am sure given the chance I would be so into my music while running once again!
Melissa C
I run with an ipod in the gym, and having it on the bike trainer is a MUST, but outside, I don’t ever use it. I think part of it is that I really hate it moving around so much with the wires and all. I am not a purist by any means as I can’t leave the house without my garmin, but for most of my runs, I am the lady with the massive double stroller so I can’t run with the ipod….The kids get it instead (well, it actually hasn’t come to that point but I do have their movies loaded onto it and keep it with me on runs over 1 hour as back up, but constant snacks have seemed to work). I need a DVD mount for my jogging stroller for the kids!
Annie Crow
I love running with music, but make sure to sometimes go without, even track workouts (which go so much easier with!), so that I don’t feel dependant on it. I generally don’t race with it as I like to be more aware of my surroundings, but I brought it with for my recent marathon (my first) “just in case” and was SOOOO grateful to have it at mile 17. I then kept turning it on and off depending on what was going on around me.
Nikki
When I’m not so in shape I think I need the music to keep me going. When I’m feeling good, I just LOVE having the music because I zone out and it just doesn’t seem like work anymore. I have to say, there is nothing better than having a rad run with music a-blaring. It’s a tough one though, I totally see both sides of the debate, I just happen to really enjoy the experience with background music!
SJ's Mommy
I def prefer running with music. I was never a runner, and picked it up while I was in the Marine Corps. There we ran with cadence and I guess it stuck with me. So now it seems easier to run when I have a beat to match the moment my left foot hits the ground.