Connemara Marathon

Dublin Spur

I really fancy this one but I'm a bit put off by their policy on MP3 players
Listening to music really helps me deal with the distance


From their website:

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


To anyone who has done this event, do they enforce this rule ? do the mp3 nazis actually disquallify you if you get caught ?


Thanks

ThePiedPiper

Dublin Spur,

I can't remember how much it was enforced as it was 2008 when I ran it and I wasn't listening to music but I'll say this much:

Many parts of the route in Connemara are fairly narrow road and in the event of a medical emergency, ambulances have to go through the race field to get back out onto the Galway-Clifden road.

There are 3 separate races happening at the same time in Connemara so you'll likely have some speedy ultra runners and even speedier half runners overtaking you. Given the nature of the course, with lots of corners, the natural racing line is often moving from one side of the road to the other. As such, I think it makes a lot of sense to be able to hear if there are runners approaching.

Anyway, I haven't answered your question, but I do agree with the ban on MP3 players having had people swerve into me in races. You'll also absorb much more of the atmosphere.

menoscemo

I'll only say this: If you are planning on doing Connemarathon and wearing an Ipod, you really are missing the whole point of the race.

It's bad enugh wearing an Ipod in a big city marathon but in connemara, it's all about the atmospehere, cameradierie, the views and the whole friendliness of the other runners (whether doing the half the full or the ultra- all the runner mix and share the whole road space). So if you need an ipod to run, connemara probably isn't for you.

Taltos

Ran the half 2 years ago - I saw one person at the beginning - but did not see any others out there.
As above the route is a bit dodgy for ambulances - on my day got passed by a few including motor cycles - actually now I do remember pulling one person out of the way of a motor-bike that they just did not hear....
(wonder if I can blame them for my rotten time)

dernipper

I would agree that Connemarathon is not for you if you need to listen to music. I have done the half a couple of times and the full once and I can understand why they have the ban in place due to emergency and race vehicles having to use the course and also the years I participated the roads were not closed to traffic, not sure if this is still the case. They do enforce the ban but to what extent I am not sure.

However, I would disagree regarding the atmosphere and the views etc to be somehow unique or the 'point' of Conn, to my mind these were great and really enjoyable but are no better than the majority of other events I have participated in Ireland. There are stretches of the full in particular where the views are not great and it is more lonely than anything else, yes the views of Killary harbour, Mann cross etc are superb but there are stretches where the view is pretty much restricted to Coillte forests.

I don't think listening to music will in any way take from this or any other event BUT in this case it is enforced and the ban is justified based on the nature of the route and the number of events (half/full/ultra) all sharing large sections of the same course,,, If this is the only reason stoping you entering I would suggest just go and enter the half,, it is a good experience

menoscemo wrote: »

I'll only say this: If you are planning on doing Connemarathon and wearing an Ipod, you really are missing the whole point of the race.

It's bad enugh wearing an Ipod in a big city marathon but in connemara, it's all about the atmospehere, cameradierie, the views and the whole friendliness of the other runners (whether doing the half the full or the ultra- all the runner mix and share the whole road space). So if you need an ipod to run, connemara probably isn't for you.

RoyMcC

Like menoscemo I'm bemused at how anyone would want to blot out the sheer magic of this event - although the magic has been diluted by sheer weight of numbers in recent years. Indeed the pleasure of doing ANY organised race comes from the occasion, the surroundings and the interaction with other runners. With Conn you're paying out a fair whack for a quite memorable experience so why compromise that.

But if there's a rule in place for safety reasons then it shouldn't even be questioned.

belcarra

I know it's all been gone over before but...

I don't listen to music when running at all whether training or racing. I used to in the early days as an aid to keep the boredom at bay but I then began to go without as the music was keeping my mind away from focusing on good running form, etc. It took a while to get used to running solo but I got there after a few weeks. At this stage I don't think I'd ever go back.

But, having said all that I totally understand why some runners do like to listen to music. Not everyone looks towards Connemarathon for the scenery (I do!), some have heard about the challenge of HOTW and want to be able to brag that they beat it, etc. That's a different type of race prospect and just as valid.

So, although I don't wear earphones I wouldn't have a huge issue with people who do, but as has also been mentioned earlier, for the likes of races ran on roads open to traffic especialy, perhaps it would be more prudent to avoid wearing anything which would diminish your concentration and reactions - which will be below par anyways due to the task in hand of running a long distance as quickly as you can!

Dublin Spur

Thanks for the info, fair play to anyone who can hack 26.2 miles without any music.

The thing is, I need it as it takes my mind off the distance and the discomfort, I'm not a big running enthusiast, I run to keep the weight off and I need to have a goal/event to aim for in orfer to keep my motivation up to do the training. I have done 1 marathon in my life (Edinburgh this year) and I can tell you I would have been in trouble mentally if it wasn't for my MP3.

I really liked the idea of Connemara where I could switch my attention between the music to scenery to help me along. I just couldn't beleive it when I read about the ban.

Anyway I guess this one is just not for me.

RayCun

How do you know you couldn't hack it without the music? Have you ever raced - longer or shorter distances - without an MP3 player?

Cabaal

Started listening to music back when I did couch to 5km. Though after awhile I sometimes found I could keep a better pace without (suppose I was try to speed up depending on the beat).

The last and only event I used my ipod during was Dublin Half Marathon back in 2010, I realised during this event that everyone was right...you get disconnected from the crowd and whats going on.

I've not used my ipod since and I really dislike people wearing with headphones at events, they don't tend to pay attention to whats going on around them which can be very frustrating.

As for the policy for Connemara, for me its very much a positive thing so unlike last year where I missed out due to various reasons I plan on entering it this year.

Dublin Spur

RayCun wrote: »

How do you know you couldn't hack it without the music? Have you ever raced - longer or shorter distances - without an MP3 player?

I've done a few trianing sessions without music (battery flat) and found them a bit tougher/boring.


Listening to my favourite songs helps pass the time, horses for courses I guess.


I think some of the anti-music sentiment is a little stong. Each to their own is surely the best attitude.

dernipper

Agreed, the anti music thing is a bit much,, I run as many races with as without music and there is no difference either way in terms of race atmosphere, believe it or not there is a thing called volume that can be adjusted !!

I suggested trying the half in conn because the shorter distance might suit if not used to running without music, slowly start to wear your iof on runs but not use it and before you know you can take or leave music, I would not let this be a reason to miss conn.

Quote=Dublin Spur;74641717]

RayCun wrote: »

How do you know you couldn't hack it without the music? Have you ever raced - longer or shorter distances - without an MP3 player?

I've done a few trianing sessions without music (battery flat) and found them a bit tougher/boring.


Listening to my favourite songs helps pass the time, horses for courses I guess.


I think some of the anti-music sentiment is a little stong. Each to their own is surely the best attitude.[/Quote]

RayCun

Dublin Spur wrote: »

I've done a few trianing sessions without music (battery flat) and found them a bit tougher/boring.

Sure, and most of the solo training runs I do, I listen to an ipod.
Which is why I asked about races. There's a lot more to pay attention to in a race.

TFBubendorfer

Dublin Spur wrote: »

Anyway I guess this one is just not for me.

dernipper wrote: »

Agreed, the anti music thing is a bit much

Seriously, if you cannot imagine running without music and are not even prepared to try then don't sign up for Connemara and let someone else take your place. That race always sells out months in advance, and I'm sure we all agree that the limited places should go to runners who actually want to do the event.

There are very good reasons why they don't want you listen to your headphones while running. If someone got hit by an ambulance, that would be terrible and I'm sure you don't want that person to be yourselves.

menoscemo

One of the reasons I like Connemara so much is that nobody (ok then very few ) wears Ipods/mp3s. This helps with the cameraderie/race atmosphere. If lot's of people were listening to music then i probably wouldn't want to do Connemara so much.

Like others here, I also listen to music/the radio in solo training runs. Races are a different story.

Dublin Spur

RayCun wrote: »

Sure, and most of the solo training runs I do, I listen to an ipod.
Which is why I asked about races. There's a lot more to pay attention to in a race.

Ah okay, races. I've never ran a race in my life.

As I said I did the Edniburgh marathon in May, but I don't think of a marathon as a race, more of a challenge and I don't care who finishes ahead of me.

I'm just happy to finish (hopfully somewhere between 5 and 6 hrs)

RoyMcC

Fair play for not thinking of Edinburgh as a race - most of us would. A tough one in May as well.

The mp3 thing has been tossed around here many times. I'm always trying to persuade people that disassociating from whatever you're doing is a bad thing. I honestly believe that engaging with the task in hand, embracing it and concentrating on what you're trying to achieve is the way forward.

dernipper

I think you will find that I had already stated that in this instance due to the nature of the course and the number of events that the ban on music was justified.

My point was in relation to the number of general comments about not understanding people who listen to music being a bit much, I have seen many more instances and near instances in races by people not wearing music,,,, its peoples attitudes to other runners that are the issue and not music,,

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

Seriously, if you cannot imagine running without music and are not even prepared to try then don't sign up for Connemara and let someone else take your place. That race always sells out months in advance, and I'm sure we all agree that the limited places should go to runners who actually want to do the event.

There are very good reasons why they don't want you listen to your headphones while running. If someone got hit by an ambulance, that would be terrible and I'm sure you don't want that person to be yourselves.

Dublin Spur

Signed up for Belfast in May

Let the training begin !

ThePiedPiper

Dublin Spur wrote: »

Signed up for Belfast in May

Let the training begin !

Fair play to ya Dublin Spur. Enjoy the base training over the winter and best of luck for Belfast.

tHE vAGGABOND

Did the Conn half last year, LOADS of people wearing earphones [indeed, I think every single picture of me has someone with earphones in background].

There is zero policing of the ban at all.

That said, I wish there was and I wish it was enforced, but that has been done to death on this thread already.

Dublin Spur

RunForestRun wrote: »

Fair play to ya Dublin Spur. Enjoy the base training over the winter and best of luck for Belfast.

Thanks

Oisin11178

I love the way people think there is a uniform way you should behave during races. No ipod and you must talk to people and you must look at the scenery, you must high 5 the kiddies. To be honest do what you want its your money and the best aspect of conn is the fantastic organisation. Second to none in my opinion.

TFBubendorfer

Oisin11178 wrote: »

do what you want its your money

I hate the "I've paid my money, now I do what I want" attitude.

I ran the Ultra in 2010 and by my own calculations overtook 392 marathon and 888 half-marathon runners, the majority of the second group over the last 6 miles. Can you imagine how busy that road was?

The vast majority moved aside when they heard me coming, but of course the ipod brigade did not. It took a lot of weaving around, and if you have already run more than 30 miles that is incredibly tiring, mentally as well as physically. Personally I think of these runners as selfish.

pconn062

Was thinking of running my first Connemarathon next April. Just wondering how difficult the course actually is? I've looked at the elevation profile and I know about the hell of the west, but I'd like some personal experiences from people who have completed the race. Cheers.

RoyMcC

The Half? Two major climbs, one at the start then the HOTW 10 miles in. Other than that the course is very manageable. You'd be wanting to do some hill practise in your training but otherwise it's a course to look forward to.

Micilin Muc

pconn062 wrote: »

Was thinking of running my first Connemarathon next April. Just wondering how difficult the course actually is? I've looked at the elevation profile and I know about the hell of the west, but I'd like some personal experiences from people who have completed the race. Cheers.

I did it as my first half-marathon last year and the elevation gain is just over 200 metres. I did most of my LSRs on hills, some of them over 400 metres and I was well prepared for the day.

dernipper

Whilst I appreciate what you are saying and agree that the ban on music is justified for this event,,,

But I believe a valid alternative view piint could be made that you are being selfish expecting those that are running their own personal race to accommodate your race. Is there a hierarchy to be adhered to by participants based on the event they are participating in?

If the organisers of this event believe so they don't reflect this in the price as from memory each event costs the same, maybe the issue is the route for the events just cant cater for all,,,,

Don't get me wrong It drives me nuts on race day when participants do not follow what I would consider proper competition etiquette and move to the side for faster runners, I am personally always conscience of it however they are also running their personal race and as pointed out have the right to do so as they paid the entrance fee,,,

I just think some reasonableness on all sides and just a basic duty of care and we'll all just get along ok !

Yours in 'time to get back to work' !!

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

Oisin11178 wrote: »

do what you want its your money

I hate the "I've paid my money, now I do what I want" attitude.

I ran the Ultra in 2010 and by my own calculations overtook 392 marathon and 888 half-marathon runners, the majority of the second group over the last 6 miles. Can you imagine how busy that road was?

The vast majority moved aside when they heard me coming, but of course the ipod brigade did not. It took a lot of weaving around, and if you have already run more than 30 miles that is incredibly tiring, mentally as well as physically. Personally I think of these runners as selfish.

TFBubendorfer

dernipper wrote: »

But I believe a valid alternative view piint could be made that you are being selfish expecting those that are running their own personal race to accommodate your race. Is there a hierarchy to be adhered to by participants based on the event they are participating in?

That's nothing to do with hierarchy, it is common courtesy to make room for a faster runner coming from behind.

dernipper wrote:

you are being selfish expecting those that are running their own personal race to accommodate your race

That is an outrageous statement. I do not expect anyone to accommodate me, I do not think anyone else's race is less worthwhile than mine and I have full respect for each and every single runner who takes on the challenge of a rather tough course. You are completely out of order.

dernipper

I think my post when read in its entirety is balanced,

I stated that I agreed on many of the points you said and highlighted that it infuriates me when other participants do not follow what I also consider to be proper race etiquete and move aside however I appreciate that they are running their own race and have paid for the right to do

This was the general point I was trying to make, a degree of reasonablesess from all and a care of duty and I happen to think it is a fair comment and view.

my comment regarding 'you are being selfish expecting those that are running etc to accomadete your own personal race' was a general comment and not aimed at you specifically, I do acknowledge that it does read like I was accusing you directly so aplogies on that.


As you can see I happen to share many of the same points of views as you do, what I was looking do was to state an alternative view and way of looking at things, I have often seen heated verbals at races where runners demand other runners to 'get out of my way' race etiquette works both ways,,

As I said, I think that is a fair and balanced view

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

dernipper wrote: »

But I believe a valid alternative view piint could be made that you are being selfish expecting those that are running their own personal race to accommodate your race. Is there a hierarchy to be adhered to by participants based on the event they are participating in?

That's nothing to do with hierarchy, it is common courtesy to make room for a faster runner coming from behind.

dernipper wrote:

you are being selfish expecting those that are running their own personal race to accommodate your race

That is an outrageous statement. I do not expect anyone to accommodate me, I do not think anyone else's race is less worthwhile than mine and I have full respect for each and every single runner who takes on the challenge of a rather tough course. You are completely out of order.

Quote=TFBubendorfer;74673634]

dernipper wrote: »

But I believe a valid alternative view piint could be made that you are being selfish expecting those that are running their own personal race to accommodate your race. Is there a hierarchy to be adhered to by participants based on the event they are participating in?

That's nothing to do with hierarchy, it is common courtesy to make room for a faster runner coming from behind.

dernipper wrote:

you are being selfish expecting those that are running their own personal race to accommodate your race

That is an outrageous statement. I do not expect anyone to accommodate me, I do not think anyone else's race is less worthwhile than mine and I have full respect for each and every single runner who takes on the challenge of a rather tough course. You are completely out of order.[/Quote]

TFBubendorfer

dernipper wrote: »

As I said, I think that is a fair and balanced view

And I think you are merely drawing out a pointless argument.
Which is why I'm bailing out of this discussion right here and now.
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Anyway, the official rule at Connemara is not to wear headphones. I strongly recommend to anyone to at least give it a try, you might be surprised.

dernipper

That is fair enough but I would like to state that

(a) it was an alternative point of view put forward to discuss, agree or disagree, not an argument

(b) I do not post on topics to cause offence, I rarely if ever strongly disagree with an alternative view on here, I apologised when I re read my post and accepted it could be interpreted differently to my original intention, I replied to clarify that, I did not attempt to draw it out

But I agree it is pointless

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

dernipper wrote: »

As I said, I think that is a fair and balanced view

And I think you are merely drawing out a pointless argument.
Which is why I'm bailing out of this discussion right here and now.
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.
.
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Anyway, the official rule at Connemara is not to wear headphones. I strongly recommend to anyone to at least give it a try, you might be surprised.

elvis jones

Now that the OP has stated that they are running Belfast in May should this thread now not focus on the actual race or be closed to open one on the 2012 race ?

I'm thinking of doing this as a means of staying focused in the winter.

RoyMcC

I'm still waiting for the first 'I'm thinking about entering this but the entry fee is outrageous who else thinks so' post

elvis jones

RoyMcC wrote: »

I'm still waiting for the first 'I'm thinking about entering this but the entry fee is outrageous who else thinks so' post

Entry fee is fine..............16 quid to get the wife and kids to the finish line isn't:D;)

Oisin11178

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

I hate the "I've paid my money, now I do what I want" attitude.

I ran the Ultra in 2010 and by my own calculations overtook 392 marathon and 888 half-marathon runners, the majority of the second group over the last 6 miles. Can you imagine how busy that road was?

The vast majority moved aside when they heard me coming, but of course the ipod brigade did not. It took a lot of weaving around, and if you have already run more than 30 miles that is incredibly tiring, mentally as well as physically. Personally I think of these runners as selfish.

I had all the same things in the ultra last year but i went around those people and didnt let it bother me. its like the race series and people starting in the wrong waves. Yet can moan about it till your blue in the face but it wont change it.

RayCun

elvis jones wrote: »

Now that the OP has stated that they are running Belfast in May should this thread now not focus on the actual race or be closed to open one on the 2012 race ?

I'm thinking of doing this as a means of staying focused in the winter.

Are entries open yet?
You can start another 'proper' Connemarathon thread if you like (and if you could dig out the links to last year's thread, the Garmin routes, the race website, and add a poll, that would be fantastic )

Bugsy2000

I had always assumed that headphones were banned from all races for safety reasons. I used to use an ipod for the first couple of years when I started running but eventually copped on it was more of a hindrance. It used to have my pace all over the shop. I'd nearly need to create a playlist custom made for each course for it to be of any use now. (easy start, pick up the beat in the middle section & a bit of hard rock to sprint home)

Just on Connemara last year, it was only my second half marathon but my first where there was full & ultras coming from behind too. At various times throughout the race I drifted out to the right hand side of the course and was roared back into line (for want of a better description) as the marathon runners were coming through. A couple of times I was oblivious to them but that was more to do with my inexperience than anything else as I wasn't wearing any headphones. At one point I only heard the shout at the last second, tried to make a quick hop right only for the other runner to do the same & we collided. I'm sure he was bulling (and every right to) but he was sound about it. After that I just hugged the left hand verge just to be safe - even if it meant taking the long line around the bends.

For that reason I'd definitely agree with the headphone ban. I'm all for concentrating on my own race but I don't exactly want to ruin anyone else's race either

RoyMcC

mp3s seem to be encouraging a generation of runners who 'can't' run without music. Strange how millions of runners before them found it easy enough to do. And even stranger that the better runners don't suffer from the affliction.

The Jersey Marathon was plagued with them yesterday. I spoke to the race referee afterwards and he said that he'd warn a runner, they'd take out the earpieces only to start replacing them as he drove away :mad:

I gave up applauding runners as they crossed the finish line as they were oblivious to it.