USATF bans music devices during competition - JP Fitness Forums

Phaedrus49er · 04-12-2007, 07:40 PM

According to a recently-adopted change in USATF competition rules:

144.3b - "The visible possession or use by athletes of video or audio cassette recorders or players, TV's, CD or DVD players, radio transmitters or receivers, mobile phones, computers, or any similar devices in the competition area shall not be permitted."

***THIS RULE TAKES EFFECT BEGINNING SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2007***

Visit the USATF website to see if a race you're considering running is sanctioned by this organization. Two weeks is a long time to wait for your MP3 player to get back to you.

twinsavsvikingsfan · 04-12-2007, 09:14 PM

Up until recently, I never ran with my iPod. However, the past couple long runs I've done I've used it. I can't imagine using it during a race. It is nice if you want to not concentrate on running and have the time go by. But during a race I want to concentrate on my pace, my breathing, and everything else that's going on around me. Part of racing is the experience. If I was just going to go out for a jog and listen to music I wouldn't pay an entrance fee.

BamaDave · 04-13-2007, 05:49 AM

I don't even have an iPod, but even if I did... I can't imagine running with one. I need my ears when I'm running for traffic and dogs!

One of the things that freaks me out about biking is that I can't hear traffic coming up behind me very well when I am going fast and the air is rushing by my ears. Curvy roads = ears needed!

MissDee · 04-13-2007, 07:23 AM

I ran all last year without one, but I got one for Christmas, and I love it. For the most part my runs are not in traffic. I don't wear it for speedwork. And I will not wear it in a race.

It's like cell phones in the car. On a neighborhood street, I think you need to hang up the phone and watch where you're going. There are times it's safe to make a call. And times it isn't.

On long runs, I listen to books. Part of what gets me out there on my longest runs right now is that I want to know what's going to happen next.

ODB · 04-13-2007, 10:05 AM

I hate running without my ipod. It actually makes me more focused. Without it I tend to daydream and lose total focus. At least the music keeps me moving. I spend a good amount of time trying to select just the right songs and figure out about where in the run they will come. My headphones allow for hearing what is going on around me.

Phaedrus49er · 04-13-2007, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODB

My headphones allow for hearing what is going on around me.

As do mine (I just pretend I can't hear certain people)

Seriously, though, they cite "safety" for this. I can understand that thinking--though there'd be no way to enforce it--for practice runs, but competition is a controlled environment. What kind of situation would have to arise repeatedly to declare an MP3 player unsafe in a race?

AF-Temp · 04-28-2007, 12:31 PM

best thing about an ipod is having the rocky theme song come on when you're nearing the end of your long run... always gives me an extra boost of energy!