The other night when I was at the TNT track training, I asked my mentor if I could use my iPod during the long trainings on Saturday. I’m not sure why I even asked except for the fact that no one ever uses one. She suprised me when she said “no.” She said that the reason was because you can’t use iPods during the events because they’re a liability.
What? I don’t understand that. How is using a music player a liability? I mean, it’s a closed course, so there aren’t cars zooming by. Maybe because you can’t hear people saying “on your left?” ??? If anyone knows why this is, I’d love to hear it.
The reason I bring this up is that I’ve noticed that I can go so much father and push myself a bit faster when I’m listening to music. I love using my iPod when I’m working out, but it seems like it’s a necessity for me when I’m walking because fitness walking is so much more of a challenge for me. I use songs as my reward a lot of the time. For example, I’ll buy some new workout songs if I’ve worked out consistently for a certain number of days per week, etc.
Today I was reading through the most current issue of Women’s Health Magazine and one of the mini articles said that a study conducted at Brunel University found that listening to music while running increased not only speed but also endurance. Intersting, but not surprising. If you click this link, it will take you to a playlist that WH has made. Some of the songs are good ones, others meh. But they also have a link to other playlists that athletes and readers have uploaded. Kinda cool. I’m always on the lookout for some good workout tunes, and I did get a few good ideas.
One thing I have noticed is that when I’m doing my TNT trainings (both at the track on Wednesdays and Saturdays on the trails) I get a lot more emotional than I ever do when I’m using my iPod. I’ve come close to full-on crying each and every time. Mostly because I start getting discouraged about where I am in comparison to the rest of the team (at the end, with people passing me). I have to do a lot of positive self talk and give myself a kick in the butt just to get past the point of tears. I think it’s because my mind isn’t concentrating on the lyrics or the music, and just has time to think. I’m operating “in the moment” and being fully conscious of my surroundings. I guess I should use this as a positive thing – as a way for me to work out stress or frustrations, or whatever. To tell myself how proud I am of all that I’m accomplishing in a relatively short amount of time. Maybe there is a method to this madness about not being able to use iPods after all. Hmmm….
One thing I’m going to do this Saturday on the 6 mile walk (yes, 6 MILES!! I’m very scared of that number, but I know I’ll do it) is to remind myself that while I may not be the fastest person on the team, I am one of the best in terms of fundraising. In the three weeks that I’ve had my fundraising page active, I have already raised over half of the minimum required. I was so concerned when I started all of this that I wouldn’t be able to raise the money, but now I think I’m going to be ok on that front, at least I hope so. I have some truly generous people in my life, including many of you who read this blog, and I am so thankful. It still amazes me that people who have never met me in person are willing to contribute to my goal. Thank you so much Cammy, Cathroo, Lisa K. and Rev. Sheila. Ok, I know some of you are reading that and wondering why the heck I have to be so competitive. I don’t know why, but I wouldn’t change my competitive streak for anything in the world – it’s what pushes me to strive farther, push harder, and achieve my goals. Anyway, I think focusing on the positive, in this case my rockstar ability to fundraise (if I do say so myself), will be really good for me.
So, what are your thoughts about using an iPod during endurance events? Should they be allowed? Why or why not?
I ❤ my iPod during workouts!!!!
Bella on the Beach 
Regarding the no-iPod policy. I KNOW! I freaked out when I heard too and thought “How will I go that distance without my music?” But the coaches explained to me the reasons why TNT won’t allow them.
On the liability issue, a participant was once wearing her iPod during a long run, and was hit by a car…and died. She didn’t hear the car coming because of her iPod.
But another reason they don’t allow them is that they encourage everyone to talk to their teammates while they’re walking or running. Your teammates will be cheering for you and calling your name whether they’re on the side of the road, or running with you. TNT wants people to be social and you can’t be chatty if you’re pushing yourself too hard.
Now when I go out, whether for a walk or a run, I don’t take my iPod and I don’t even miss it. (I do need it at the gym though.) Without the music, I can be alone with my thoughts, and enjoy the scenery more. Sometimes I even come up with creative ideas for stuff.
I hope this helps! Oh, and *sometimes* the events allow headphones. My mentor once told me that it was OK to use my iPod at a race, as long as the race allowed it. Since it’s not usually a TNT-sponsored event (unless it’s Nike), you can get away with it…but don’t say you heard it from me 🙂
OK. I’ll shutup now! SHEESH! I’m chatty.
Cathroo – thanks for explaining it. That’s terrible about the woman being killed by the car. How awful!!
It makes sense that TNT would encourage their participants to be chatty because it does help with team bonding and making the walk more manageable.
I love your response, so no worries at all, my dear.
I heard it was a safety issue. A friend of mine wears his anyway. He says he’ll forfeit his medal, if he ever wins one. 🙂
I exercise better to music, but often times it fades away to the background if I’m doing some serious pondering.
My pleasure to help lend a hand. I admire you SO MUCH for setting this goal, and I’m looking forward to watching you achieve it!
LOL. I love your friend’s attitude. I know I’m not going to win any medals, but I’m not sure if I want to “rock the boat” with the San Diego Marathon. Plus, I hear they have different rock bands playing at each mile (hence the name “Rock ‘n Roll Marathon”), so it should be fine.
I’m looking forward to all the changes that will come as I strive to achieve this goal. Thank you again.
although i also hate the no ipod rule and have heard of the safety issue and agree with hearing the team support issue..here is a thought.
i noticed when i walk outside with no ipod (safety issue AND i like to hear if there are people behind me so i can get out of the way) that i think alot more.
probably the reason you get so teary is your thought process. The other liability of listening to your ipod while training is that you are impeding your thought process. You will not succeed COMPLETELY if all you are doing is beating the crap out of yourself. Training for something this BIG, this IMPORTANT to you is a physical, mental and emotional commitment.
You need to (pardon the zen like comment here)..Be In The Moment. Go through the pain of beating yourself up, open up to the concept of treating yourself like you would a fellow team mate, and then on race day be open and really hear and feel the cheers, the jokes, the laughter and the tears around you. It will make it that much more worthwhile.
Unplug. 🙂
That is such a great way to think of it! I will remember to treat myself like a teammate on my big walk tomorrow morning. Thanks for this incredible idea.
I’m usually a big rule-follower in other aspects of life. That being said, I generally wear my ipod for races longer than 10K. It’s a personal decision, and I can see the arguments on both sides. I do think they are right to be concerned about safety. And there may be something to the idea that you may unknowingly push yourself too hard if you are being distracted by your music.
I will say I used my ipod at the Virginia Beach Rock-n-roll half last summer, and had no problems. And the Disney races specifically tell you they will not be enforcing the no-headphones rule (at least that is how I interpreted “you should download the following Disney music to listen to during your race…”). On the other hand, sometimes race officials DO enforce the no-headphones rule and I have seen people get yelled at (although not disqualified as far as I know).