Question From Newbie

[lauraspark]

Hello!

I've lurked around for a few days, and love this forum!

In one of those "it seemed like a good idea at the time" moments, I registered for a sprint triathlon and am getting myself ready (despite recurring doubts). This event is sanctioned through USA triathlon or some such governing body.

I've never done this before and have a teeny question...can you use mp3 players/earphones/music during the run?

Thanks in advance for your support and any info you can provide.

Laura

[KnottedYet]

Don't be surprised if you can't wear them. The organizers usually want you to be able to hear race marshalls through-out the entire race. And they'd like you to hear your fellow competitors if they need to ask you to move left or right so they can pass.

Often the simplest way to guarantee everyone can hear and avoid liability is to simply ban headphones entirely.

[Bluetree]

Welcome Laura!

Agree with Knot.
Also, be sure to train without the music at least a few times before your race. I did my first race in December and ran without the iPod for the first time. I was surprised at how "trained" I had become to run to music, and it made my run more difficult than it could have been.

If it is a sanctioned USAT event, the rules will probably be more restrictive than an unaffiliated, local race. My coach is having me run in some minor sprint tris and 5k/10ks (more for fun, learning about transition, race etiquette, etc) before going to a USAT event - which can mean bigger fields and much more experienced competitors.

Good luck! You will find a lot of supportive and helpful women here.

[roadie gal]

In USAT sanctioned races headphones are not allowed.

Check the website for the race or the USAT website. Both of them will give you all the rules (no headphones, no drafting, etc.).

Have a great race! That first race is always so exciting (and nervewracking) but most people are really supportive of the newbies and are happy to share their sport.

Some other helpful websites for you, if you haven't already found them are:
www.trinewbiesonline.com and www.beginnertriathlete.com. Beginnertriathlete also has some very good, free training programs for sprint, olympic and half-iron length tris. And their web sites have great forums.

[roadie gal]

Oops, make that just www.trinewbies.com.

[lauraspark]

I appreciate the information and the warm welcome. I'm sure I'll be posting other questions throughout the next 4 months, and beyond. This is a great site!

[KSH]

Hello Laura!

Your question has already been answered, so I just wanted to welcome you.

Let me tell you though, I wish to heck they let MP3 players on the course. Most people boo-hiss me for this... but I hate running without music. Although, in a race, the time goes by quicker with all the other people around.

BTW, www.beginnertriathlete.com, is a wonderful place to log all your workouts! If you sign up, let us know... a few of us post over there and will "inspire" you along your journey. And if you pay for an upgrade to your registration (it's free otherwise), you can get workout plans that you can carry into your training log.