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Sept 7, 2009 10:25:43 GMT -5
Post by frankie42 on Sept 7, 2009 10:25:43 GMT -5
hi guys at risk of sounding like a big baby i cannot run without headphones. it is a whole mental anxiety thing that i have never been able to get over. this is my first season back to the sport in 12+ years. i am an old lady now and not at all concerned about time (for the most part ha ha) i am doing portage sprint and plan on attempting to use headphones somehow someway. i need feedback. don't care about having official time just don't want to be kicked off course. in Cleveland tri i did not do headphones and race was awful. i noticed that they would have never known anyway. Findley tri i used them and won my age group. it felt great. my bigger problem is i am reaching for the 1/2 iron at cedar point next year and am feeling devastated about the headphone thing as it seems it is going to be USAT sanctioned. ABSOLUTELY cant do that kind of distance without headphones (bike or run). for some reason in my 20s i don't remember this ever being an issue. maybe ignorance was bliss or rules not as strict then. trust me I cannot adapt to racing without them. I have HUGE irrational anxiety issues running and am grateful just to be back in sport let alone trying to overcome them now.
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Sept 7, 2009 10:38:54 GMT -5
Post by chuckm on Sept 7, 2009 10:38:54 GMT -5
The no headphones rule is a big safety issue, especially at Portage lakes. The sprint and Olympic courses both use the same roads for multiple laps, with bikers and runners on the same road at the same time, along with cars. With headphones you won't be able to hear whats coming from behind, putting yourself and everyone else at risk. Please, for everyone's sake, ditch the headphones.
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Sept 7, 2009 11:31:59 GMT -5
Post by Tiffany on Sept 7, 2009 11:31:59 GMT -5
Frankie, I feel your pain! I have the same issues and have struggled with running without the ipod all season. While I prefer headphones on the bike, I truly see the need to be able to hear - I see the safety advantage, so that's a concession that is a bit easier to make. As for the run, I know exactly how you feel! I truly believe that my run is way worse without the ipod. I've struggled with this all along. I don't feel it's as big of a safety issue on the run. And trust me, I've seen plenty of people using the headphones on USAT sanctioned events - I've seen a few get a 2 min penalty, never saw anyone pulled from the course though. I wrestle with keeping it in my SPIbelt then discreetly weaving it up under my top so it's not so obvious. Every race this is a decision I have to make. I think I'll stick it out and suck it up for the Oly distance, but my 70.3 - screw it, it's do or die with that distance and I NEED the music to help me survive that. Just FYI, all USAT sanction events will prohibit the headphones. They just, finally, started allowing them on USATF races (half marathons and marys) - THANK GOD!! Got my first Mary in Oct. and I'm just not sure I could mentally do it without my music!!!
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Sept 7, 2009 12:10:10 GMT -5
Post by MarkD on Sept 7, 2009 12:10:10 GMT -5
I'll offer a few perspectives:
- The only way to conquer an anxiety is to take it on. No, you do not sound like a baby; however, you really should consider this a personal challenge and give the non-headphone thing another try at Portage Lakes.
- Take the challenge to the practice field. What I mean is - when you are training, do part of your run with the music on - part of it without. That way, you can begin to get used to doing without. Over time - it may prove to be an easy transition. Smokers and drinkers may have to go cold turkey - we certainly don't.
- If you are not up for the challenge (at least for this race), carry your headphones in your hand. When you get a good distance away from transition, put 'em on. You'll be less likely to get thrown off the course this way. Just bear in mind: it IS against the rules, so there's a morality issue to it as well, regardless of whether or not you get caught...
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Sept 7, 2009 14:03:20 GMT -5
Post by Aussie Rob on Sept 7, 2009 14:03:20 GMT -5
Here's what i would do -
If you're anything like me, you use music as a tool to disconnect from the pain. Perhaps try going for a trail run or something in the woods, and concentrate on listening to the sounds of nature. I frequently forget to charge my ipod and it dies on me mid run. When that happens i connect with my tree hugging hippy side and focus on how nice it is to be outdoors. You might be surprised what sounds we ignore if you actually open your ears to your surroundings.
That's another idea - don't charge the ipod, but run anyway. It will then unexpectedly die on you and you'll be forced to run without music, or walk home. It won't happen often, but it will happen from time to time. You might surprise yourself.
Ultimately though, you just plain need to make the decision to leave the ipod at home and go running anyway. It sounds like it will be hard at first for you, but i believe in the power of decision making. You've decided to do triathlon, now decide to do it without music.
Easy? No. Simple? Yes.
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Sept 7, 2009 15:08:01 GMT -5
Post by frankie42 on Sept 7, 2009 15:08:01 GMT -5
i have no idea what HTFU is. not sure i want to know either.
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Sept 7, 2009 15:24:19 GMT -5
Post by frankie42 on Sept 7, 2009 15:24:19 GMT -5
i think i figured it out. very disheartening comment coming from a moderator. any other tri clubs in the area?
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Sept 7, 2009 15:47:40 GMT -5
Post by karming on Sept 7, 2009 15:47:40 GMT -5
don't take Aussie Rob's comment too seriously. he's a nice guy who happens to be very good. most of us attempt tris to challenge ourselves so think of this as another one of those challenges. HTFU is a good nature ribbing that we might tell our friends over a beer. I used to run with music and couldn't bear to be without it but as I have morphed into a "almost" runner, I now run and enjoy the silence. there aren't many opportunities for quiet in today's world that it can be refreshing. just start slowly and turn off your music for a mile at a time and then gradually increase it to 2 miles, etc. You might just come to appreciate the solitude. During the race, just say hi to all those racing with you and I guarantee that you'll feel better than if you were running in your own world of music. afterall it's a community.
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Sept 7, 2009 16:20:46 GMT -5
Post by Aussie Rob on Sept 7, 2009 16:20:46 GMT -5
Clearly we throw the "HTFU" saying around too easily these days, i apologise.
My point was that there isn't an easy solution to your conundrum, and that eventually you're going to have to either make a difficult decision and force yourself to do something you'd rather not do, or violate the rules of the race (something ill never suggest).
I get that it's hard, and i get that it will suck at first, but i honestly believe that anyone can do d**n near anything if they make the decision to do so. You've already HTFU'ed by involving yourself in this sport and committing to a half iron, you're more than capable of kicking the ipod habit if you want to imo.
Best of luck, and please don't let a poor choice of words on my part colour your opinion of the club (I'm not a mod btw).
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Sept 7, 2009 17:00:29 GMT -5
Post by gvale on Sept 7, 2009 17:00:29 GMT -5
- If you are not up for the challenge (at least for this race), carry your headphones in your hand. When you get a good distance away from transition, put 'em on. You'll be less likely to get thrown off the course this way. Just bear in mind: it IS against the rules, so there's a morality issue to it as well, regardless of whether or not you get caught... We all need to play by the rules! Whats next? Dont draft when your by transition and hope you dont get cought the rest of the ride? The rules are there for the saftey of all the competitors not just the elite and fast age groupers. Leave the IPOD in your transition bag or better yet at HOME. If I could not race by the rules, then I would run a marathon.
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Sept 7, 2009 17:09:09 GMT -5
Post by MattCollister on Sept 7, 2009 17:09:09 GMT -5
Rob is sort of like an Australian Dr Phil for triathlon.
But, I'm with George on this one.
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Sept 7, 2009 17:33:48 GMT -5
Post by frankie42 on Sept 7, 2009 17:33:48 GMT -5
I had no idea what a fuss I would create. Rob I appreciate the retraction. You sound like a nice guy. As far as the suggestions I will give some a try. What have I got to lose right? My training is a journey I will just take a turn and see where it leads. As far as the tone of some of the posts. I would like to say that I am not some rebel rule breaker, and can appreciate the safety issues. God knows I am not trying to be reckless and put fellow athletes is harms way. When I do wear headphones they are in one ear and on low. I dint think I ever missed an announcement, someone passing or any horn honking. However like I said I will try some suggestions. Lets just all remember that my understanding of this club is that it is open to all levels of triathletes. It is not easy opening up and admitting issues to a group of people I do not even know. I cant imagine I am the only one with this issue, so maybe we have helped someone else discussing it. Lets go easy on our fellow clubbers and try to relate. I love having access to all the experiences on this forum and again thanks for the feedback. LIVE LIFE...TRUST GOD
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Sept 7, 2009 20:24:05 GMT -5
Post by jen on Sept 7, 2009 20:24:05 GMT -5
I used to always run with headphones but now rarely do (usually on the treadmill it's a must). I have actually found I think I run faster without them! I think it's easier to get lost in your own thoughts without them and during a race in particular you are better able to take in the experience, even a marathon. I know a lot of people run long races with them but I think you'd be missing out but that's just my opinion. I know for myself at first running without them is a bit of a struggle but you may find it's more enjoyable.
Another suggestion-find people to run with. Most don't wear headphones and chat while running. You can check out the training page here or Second sole has running groups as well as the other running stores.
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Sept 7, 2009 21:10:43 GMT -5
Post by kfoster on Sept 7, 2009 21:10:43 GMT -5
And still, no one has mentioned the water...
We all start the race without even the possibility (mostly) of headphones - if we can take the mind-numbing hours in the pool or lake, why do we need them any other time? Like Aussie said, at least outside you have nature sounds to take in. Not much interesting to listen to in the water - besides your own repetitive breathing...
But really, I'm personally with Karming on this one. I actually enjoy the quiet - the disconnect - when training ALL the disciplines.
Of course, with young kids, about the only thing on my ipod are the wiggles and veggie tales...
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Sept 8, 2009 7:22:13 GMT -5
Post by MarkD on Sept 8, 2009 7:22:13 GMT -5
I actually disagree about the safety issues, but, that's a subject for a different post... I do however believe in playing by the rules - even if I disagree with the rule. That's why, as an individual, I don't use 'em in competition. ps: If you created a fuss, that means you've hit on a nice subject for lively debate. Nice work !
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Sept 8, 2009 7:41:24 GMT -5
Post by jimdehner on Sept 8, 2009 7:41:24 GMT -5
interesting thread - i'm old school - or at least old - and have never used headphones - frankie - I agree with george about playing by the rules here - it may seem like a snall point but you've put in the work and you plan to go lon in an HIM - after all the work - does it make any sense to risk a DQ due to headphones?
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Sept 8, 2009 22:02:27 GMT -5
Post by unlimited on Sept 8, 2009 22:02:27 GMT -5
Frankie.......you will be amazed at how much more in tuned to your body you will be, your breathing, your form, etc once you DROP the headphones! As a previous IPod addict, I now only use them for long, lonely runs (and on the treadmill in the dead of winter). And actually when those get really hard for me, I turn the music off.
Slowly wean yourself off. It will be so good for you. You don't realize now how distracting they are to you as a runner. Really!!! I resisted the change, but now am so glad I did.
I totally agree with Rob (?) when he said to try the trails, the sounds are amazing out there. You would be missing all that with the headphones on! Plus, I love the idea of only half charging it so it dies half way through your run.......then you only have one choice to get back home......without it!!!!!
I am about the most laid back racer there is, and I must admit, that I get really peeved when I see someone with headphones on during a Tri. If the rules say NO IPods, then I think your cheating by sneaking them on the course. You have worked your tail off to get to the point of being able to race, why diminish that by cheating with an IPod? Don't do that to yourself. You don't want other racers seeing you as a cheater!
I think if you wean yourself off of it, you will be happy you did. Go slow..........you can do it!!!!!!!
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Sept 13, 2009 18:29:14 GMT -5
Post by Kim Zepp on Sept 13, 2009 18:29:14 GMT -5
How did it go Frankie?
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Sept 14, 2009 21:15:08 GMT -5
Post by erinj on Sept 14, 2009 21:15:08 GMT -5
i know...it's a total suck to run without music...but pick a few good songs ahead of time to get "stuck" in your head...and play them over and over...there is usually enough going on and enough other people around during a tri to get you through it...(i like cake's "the distance" best - it conjures images of slow-mo ironmen) i can't wait to run my first long running race WITH headphones! - thank you usatf, now i don't have to stew about the people breaking the rules while i'm suffering...i also usually only use one ear, and have it very low...it's like my elevator music...i can usually tell you word for word the conversation going on 10 feet ahead of me cause i listen to it so low in a race....but i really use it to stave off the "thinking" too hard thing... but for races man, i always play by the rules...hope you can find a way to survive without it too! welcome back to triathlon!!!! hope you had a great race!
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Sept 15, 2009 5:51:34 GMT -5
Post by frankie42 on Sept 15, 2009 5:51:34 GMT -5
the race was great Time not to impressive but so what. it was the first time i was not nervous and really enjoyed taking it all in. i think i am making progress how about that? thank you all for the support
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Sept 17, 2009 23:33:57 GMT -5
Post by unlimited on Sept 17, 2009 23:33:57 GMT -5
YEAH for YOU!!!!!! Congrats!!!!!!!!!
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