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 