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MP3 players in Connemara??

  • 26-03-2010 11:53AM
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13


    Hi

    Im running the half marathon out in Connemara and saw this notice on the website.

    Yes, all personal music devices are banned for safety reasons.
    Our race vehicles and ambulances must use the course, and must be able to alert participants of their presence.
    A ban means that anyone using a device during the event will be disqualified from our results and will not be registered as a Connemarathon finisher


    Im just wondering if this is enforced? I have only ever ran with music playing in my ears and find it very difficult to do otherwise.


«13

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,445 ✭✭✭mloc123


    I wish all races banned them tbh


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,378 ✭✭✭asimonov


    If they don't enforce it this year I'll be disappointed.

    I'm not the greatest fan of mp3s during any race but in connemara especially. Chances are you'll probably have faster marathoner and ultra runners at the top end of their field coming through behind you (a few of them will be posters here). Out of courtesy to them, its good to have your wits about you, so you'll hear the occasional "excuse me" or "ahem". Do your best to leave the mp3 at home for that one day.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13 stevieward


    asimonov wrote: »
    If they don't enforce it this year I'll be disappointed.

    I'm not the greatest fan of mp3s during any race but in connemara especially. Chances are you'll probably have faster marathoner and ultra runners at the top end of their field coming through behind you (a few of them will be posters here). Out of courtesy to them, its good to have your wits about you, so you'll hear the occasional "excuse me" or "ahem". Do your best to leave the mp3 at home for that one day.

    well id prefer not to but if its against the rules i will.. As i said iv only ever ran with them and spend most of my runs glancing over my shoulder because of it :-)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 642 ✭✭✭Sub430


    stevieward wrote: »
    Im just wondering if this is enforced? I have only ever ran with music playing in my ears and find it very difficult to do otherwise.

    I was the exact same as you stevie but now cannot run WITH music. You have two weeks to wean yourself off it. I will be surprised if you ever go back. Good luck.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,567 ✭✭✭RoyMcC


    Not knocking the OP (or anybody) but it does seem that many of the newer runners to the sport find it difficult to do without music/podcasts etc. This is a huge pity as I think you miss out on a lot such as engaging with your body and the world about you. Also you never have that opportunity to drift away into your own world where memories reawaken and problems are often solved.

    Personally I listen to podcasts and music on some long training runs, but I can't imagine ever wanting to not experience the uniqueness that the Conn races offer.

    As to enforcement this is easier said than done. You can't expect your volunteer stewards to start wading in. And the race director has got 1,000 other things to do. Hopefully the runners will just follow the rules which are for good safety reasons.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,079 ✭✭✭griffin100


    Last year lots of people in the half wore earphones. I always though it was no big deal until the ultra and the full marathin guys were trying to make their way through the pack and people couldn't hear them coming. A couple of miles into the half an ambulance came up the outside of the road and I ended up almost running into the guy beside me who hadn't heard it due to his earphones. He started having a go at me when I yanked him out of the way of the ambulance, at which point he looked very sheepish.

    Personally I listen to music if I'm running during the day - if I'm running at night or early in the morning i dont, its really enjoyable when the only sound you can hear is your feet and the animals in the fields (I live in a very rural area:))


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,830 ✭✭✭catweazle


    I have the ipod on for all the runs i do in training but I am happy enough not to wear them during races. Sometimes the person that is running beside you might make conversation and if I am not too wasted I will happily chat away.

    Often I have seen friends of people roaring out encouragement to a runner and the runner is oblivious to this as the techno is blaring. You wont miss the ipod in big races like Connemara there will be plenty going on that will keep you from boredom


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,912 ✭✭✭thirtyfoot


    I would be in favour of MP3 being allowed in races if the following steps were followed:

    -When you enter you tick "I want to use MP3 Player" box.
    -On race day, you enter the Connemarathon Download Tent and download the Connemarathon Podcast but can't listen until race starts.
    -Race starts and Podcast will direct you on the course.
    -However, after 1 mile it will direct you up a grass centred lane and to a large field with a huge hole and a JCB parked beside the hole.
    -The podcast will direct all users to lie in this hole and remain still until all users have arrived, kind of like Simon says vibe.
    -The JCB will then cover in the hole.
    -There will be no problem with MP3 users on the course then.

    I can see it working quite well.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 721 ✭✭✭Highway_To_Hell


    I like a lot of people use a MP3 player when out on solo training runs but never use them in races, I think part of the enjoyment of a race is the support you get from the crowd and the bit of banter with other participants.

    I was surprised to see that the great Limerick run are using a runner with an MP3 player in their advertisement pictures.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13 stevieward


    Tingle wrote: »
    I would be in favour of MP3 being allowed in races if the following steps were followed:

    -When you enter you tick "I want to use MP3 Player" box.
    -On race day, you enter the Connemarathon Download Tent and download the Connemarathon Podcast but can't listen until race starts.
    -Race starts and Podcast will direct you on the course.
    -However, after 1 mile it will direct you up a grass centred lane and to a large field with a huge hole and a JCB parked beside the hole.
    -The podcast will direct all users to lie in this hole and remain still until all users have arrived, kind of like Simon says vibe.
    -The JCB will then cover in the hole.
    -There will be no problem with MP3 users on the course then.

    I can see it working quite well.

    wow... that seems a bit harsh..

    do you over take that many people that they are that big a hassle to you?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,567 ✭✭✭RoyMcC


    stevieward wrote: »

    do you over take that many people that they are that big a hassle to you?

    He would if he could keep going for more than 400m...


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,912 ✭✭✭thirtyfoot


    RoyMcC wrote: »
    He would if he could keep going for more than 400m...

    My threshold is about 385m, after that its the new born foal bandy legs look.

    Willie Banks does have a lot to answer for, he started all this back in the '80s.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,525 ✭✭✭✭Krusty_Clown


    Is this your first Connemara Half marathon? You won't need the mp3 player. There'll be plenty to keep your mind occupied during the race. Look out for the Boards AC singlets, and say hello.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,175 ✭✭✭✭Cartman78


    This is normally a very thorny issue on running forums - personally I would be against them during races for safety reasons. Also find running amongst a bunch of people with headphones on very dystopian and impersonal.

    The day I see Haile Gebrselassie crossing the line in victory with his iPod at full blast I might reconsider my stance


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,567 ✭✭✭RoyMcC


    Cartman78 wrote: »
    dystopian

    Love it, I'm going to try and use it in every sentence over the weekend, especially when passing runners with mp3s :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,525 ✭✭✭✭Krusty_Clown


    Cartman78 wrote: »
    The day I see Haile Gebrselassie crossing the line in victory with his iPod at full blast I might reconsider my stance
    Why would Haile Gebrselassie need an iPod, when he has a car in front of him, never more than a few feet away, sending him messages via an LED scrolling screen? Sure he could read a book on his lap of Berlin. :) I'm sure the Connemarathon committee would have safety concerns if we all had a lead car with us on the course.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,029 ✭✭✭Pisco Sour


    4 hours is a long time to run without something to listen to. There can be many parts of the course where there is not a supporter in sight. My plan is to listen to my IPod, and when i come to certain areas where there are a lot of supporters then I simply pause the music for awhile. Best of both worlds that way!

    One thing which I cant do though, and something that is suggested a lot here, is banter away with other runners during a race. Each to their own but I find running and talking simultaneously to be a VERY exhausting process. A marathon is tough enough as it is without expending unneccesary extra energy.

    I'll save my banter for when I cross the finish line!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,395 ✭✭✭eliwallach


    04072511 wrote: »
    A marathon is tough enough as it is without expending unneccesary extra energy.

    I'll save my banter for when I cross the finish line!


    Good luck with that ;);)!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,525 ✭✭✭✭Krusty_Clown


    Youth of today. :rolleyes:

    It's not about crossing the finish line as quickly as possible, it's about the journey that takes you to that finish line. You don't train for 3-4 months, just so you can enjoy that split-second moment when the timing mat goes beep and you look up to see the digits on the clock. You train for 3-4 months so that you can enjoy every moment of the race...even the painful moments. The tiredness and pain is an indication that you're running to your limits, and the finish line is drawing closer. Those crowds are cheering for you. Those bands are playing music for you. Those around you are fellow warriors challenging the lazy and fearful. Remember the journey. For when the technical t-short is beginning to smell, when the medal is lost in the dusty attic, when the online photos have been deleted, it's the journey that will remain.

    Listen not to your radio or your mp3 player. Embrace the moment. Embrace the race.

    I type an awful lot of sh1te. :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,442 ✭✭✭Condo131


    Anytime I've come across runners wearing earphones, in a race or training, they always appear to be in another planet - like 'zombie-land' and not aware of what's going on around them.

    In races, they appear to be oblivious to other runners, don't/can't hear warning calls regarding obstacles and, in general, are a nuisance taking the racing line, i.e. generally don't. In short they are a hazard to other participants.

    This report shows that at least one recent earphone wearer not only couldn't hear a hazard in a wide open area, but also *FAILED TO EVEN SEE* a FATAL hazard.

    Be aware of your surroundings at all times!!


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,608 ✭✭✭donothoponpop


    04072511 wrote: »
    4 hours is a long time to run without something to listen to. There can be many parts of the course where there is not a supporter in sight. My plan is to listen to my IPod, and when i come to certain areas where there are a lot of supporters then I simply pause the music for awhile. Best of both worlds that way!

    Unbelievable. What is it about running marathons that make a select few think the rules are for other people?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,029 ✭✭✭Pisco Sour


    Unbelievable. What is it about running marathons that make a select few think the rules are for other people?

    Whats your problem? I'm not breaking any rules. Please point out to me where I said I was running in Connemara?

    The marathon I'm running has no such rules against using IPods!

    If there is a rule in place then I will abide by it (TriAthlone, TriAthy). If not, then I will wear my IPod all I like! Simple really!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,608 ✭✭✭donothoponpop


    04072511 wrote: »
    Whats your problem? I'm not breaking any rules. Please point out to me where I said I was running in Connemara?

    The marathon I'm running has no such rules against using IPods!

    If there is a rule in place then I will abide by it (TriAthlone, TriAthy). If not, then I will wear my IPod all I like! Simple really!

    Check the thread title.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,029 ✭✭✭Pisco Sour


    Check the thread title.

    The topic had turned into a general pro's and cons of wearing IPods during any race to be honest.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 454 ✭✭Alicano


    mod edit: removing personal abuse


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,442 ✭✭✭Condo131


    04072511 wrote: »
    Whats your problem? I'm not breaking any rules. Please point out to me where I said I was running in Connemara?

    The marathon I'm running has no such rules against using IPods!

    If there is a rule in place then I will abide by it (TriAthlone, TriAthy). If not, then I will wear my IPod all I like! Simple really!

    TriAthlone, TriAthy

    Really?? Think again The ITA Manual of Guidance and the ITU Competition Rules both prohibit the use of headphones. I think that people in running (only) events are at the very least unsafe and a hazard. Wearing them in a Tri event is absolute and utter madness and downright dangerous!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,170 ✭✭✭Hard Worker


    Headphones are also prohibited in running events under IAAF rules. Generally, rules are a bit more lenient for down the field runners. In my own opinion, I think people who wear them are being irresponsible.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,146 Mod ✭✭✭✭robinph


    The effort I've had to go to in some BHAA races in order to be able to sneak up quietly behind someone when nearing the finish so that I can then time the move to overtake them so that they cannot respnd back and beat me to the line, I think I'd be disapointed if I then noticed that they were wearing headphones all along anyway and I'd not needed to try and breath quieter. :D

    I can't understand why people wear headphones whilst out running, and especially for in races. Being able to notice what is going on around you is so much better, and especially if there is nothing going on around you aat the time, you then you get to notice the world.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,029 ✭✭✭Pisco Sour


    Condo131 wrote: »
    TriAthlone, TriAthy

    Really?? Think again The ITA Manual of Guidance and the ITU Competition Rules both prohibit the use of headphones. I think that people in running (only) events are at the very least unsafe and a hazard. Wearing them in a Tri event is absolute and utter madness and downright dangerous!

    I know that! I did both races. Am very aware of the rules and as I said I abided by them.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 437 ✭✭The Rook


    If it helps put your mind at rest, I did the Dungarvan 10 miler earlier this year. Before I did it I hadn't done a single run without my headphones. I was so worried about how I'd get on in the run without music but on the day it didn't even occur to me. I ran a PB and was delighted with how it all turned out. Not having music also saved me from being run over by two motorbikes that came along the course, so that was nice too!!

    Also ran the Barcelona marathon earlier this month and ran it with music (as I'd done all my long runs with music) and I have to be honest and say that I felt I kind of missed out on some of the atmosphere by not hearing everything that was going on around me. Yes there were some places that didn't have much (any) support, but I didn't realise how much I was missing where there was support. It was only as I was walking back along some of the route on the way back to the hotel and I heard the crowds cheering and shouting that I realised what I was missing while I was listening to my music.

    I've promised myself that all my training for the next one (Dublin) will be done with no music and I'll run the whole thing (hopefully!) without any music and soak up the atmosphere


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