NO ipod?!?!?!?!?!??!?!

[Brina]

USTA rules forbid headphones, ipods, mp3, etc

I can understand on the bike, but on the run? This just sucks. I hate running without music. It keeps me motivated and prevents me from hearing the sound of my thighs rubbing together.

uuuuuggggghhhhh

[Running Mommy]

Yes, that's right... No ipod.
Personally I am pro "no ipod" rule for races. I just think that you would miss out on the race atmosphere if you were zoned out to your tunes. And then there are the safety issues. I know it sounds odd, but if there was an emergency vehicle trying to get around a bunch of plugged in runners it could be ugly. I know it's an off chance, but it only takes once....

Now don't get me wrong, I do TRAIN with an ipod, I just don't race with one.

And I'm not sure about the race your doing, but at the IM they were enforcing the rule.
Hope you can enjoy your race anyway!! Find a new buddy that's in the mood to chat, that's what I do.
Denise

[LynneK]

My strategy is to pick one song that gets me the most psyched, play it over and over and over and over ... then start singing it to myself as soon as I have the shoes on.

This summer the song is Franz Ferdinand, "You're the Reason I'm Leaving".

[Tri Girl]

Bummer, I know! Really, tho- you'll have so much to be looking at and listening to- the crowd, other participants, people cheering you on. You won't miss it for the race! Don't worry.
I used to run with mine ALL the time, but in prep for my IM, I quit running with one, so I wouldn't get used to the music then dread the silence on race day. Weird thing- I actually like myself enough to be alone with my thoughts for hours on end. I didn't know I could take that much of me.

Enjoy the sounds of nature, other racers, spectators, and even your thighs rubbing together (it might make a calming, peaceful sound).
Have fun out there!!!!! I can't wait to hear all about it!!!

[Bella]

If it is any comfort....snorkels and diving masks are legal on the swim.
I only saw two athletes actually wearing them, but the USAT official nearby confirmed they were perfectly acceptable.

[Lise]

If it is any comfort....snorkels and diving masks are legal on the swim.
I only saw two athletes actually wearing them, but the USAT official nearby confirmed they were perfectly acceptable.

Snorkels. That's wild. I guess it would solve the "I can't breathe off my right side" problem!

[Brina]

I saw a couple of guys with snorkles as well. I was amazed. Cause turning your head is too physcially challenging.

Lise, I was thanking God during that swim that my natural breathing side is the left. I can do either, and alternate in a pool race, but the left is definitely my more comfortable direction.