To race with an ipod or not?

While some races ban the use of iPods, when there is an option to race while listening to music, which do people prefer? I've done both and would have to say that that for shorter race I prefer to listen to music, while on longer races (particularly those well supported) to run with an iPod would be to block out the experience. Which do you prefer?

Why go to be with all those other people if you're then going to 'zone out' and be alone with your i-pod?

Music whilst training - fair enough (unless like me on the narrow lanes round here you have to keep your ears open), but at a race?

Sorry, I just don't get it - seems to me a bit like going to a football match and then staying in the bar to watch it on the tele - pointless.

Depends entirely on the race I think. In March I took part in the Be A Gunner Be A Runner ten lap race around the Emirates stadium. I can tell you that running around the same thing 10 times is mind crushingly boring and I would have giving my right arm for my iPod just to make things a little less boring. 

Some people also say that listening to upbeat music can improve your performance so I can see the benefits of using an iPode even when you're running in an event. 

I just think you get a more wholesome, more enjoyable, more memorable experience if you interact with the people around you - might be even better than normal doing laps 'cause you've a chance of meeting the same people twice .

I totally agree. I think each to their own really. I'd go mad if I had to go for that amount of time (Marathon or Half Marathon) listening to my own thoughts. And I don't half think up a load of old carp when I'm out running sometimes 

Me too - I like my iPod on the whole time!

I always listen to my ipod when I am training but not sure I would for an event, I guess that makes me a not so experienced runner.

I think that it makes perfect sense to run with an Ipod when training. Come raceday though surely you'd want to get hear the full hum of the crowd. Can't understand having it in on race day.

When I run the Silverstone Half Marathon next year I think I'll keep it on my anyway so I have the option of running with or without it 

I'm definitely not an experienced runner, but I would definitely prefer to listen to my ipod for both training and the event. Far from spurring me on, I feel self-conscious running in public so would rather drown out the crowd! Also I think I'd just get bored running for any significant length of time with only my thoughts for company.

For nearby races (Reading, Wokingham in my case) I listen to the local radio station coverage on a pocket DAB radio. That way you still get some of the atmosphere - interviews with some of the runners (ordinary and famous) but you can also zone out - and its not wall-to-wall, so you do get a bit of a break from it as well. And you get the running songs (almost invariably these include a certain Spencer Davis Group song)

listen to your ipod but only if theres upbeat or running music on there.....i doubt you will have an incredible run lsitening to depressing music whilst jogging

Yeah radio head no surprises would slow you down somewhat!

I definitely feel more motivated for running when listening to music, and I think I would need all the motivation I can get if I was to run anything long distance!

Quoted from LucyCaboosey

Playlist inspiration please LucyCaboosey!

Top of my list this week - Edge of Glory - Lady GaGa

Great song! I'm doing a race next month - going to leave my iPod at home though I think - I think I zone out a bit when my music's on, so hopefully should take more in without it.

I like to mix it up. Sometimes I get really bored running, especially in the winter, so an iPod is perfect for these times. But as you say Carly_A, at other times it can be a distraction

Another thing is that if you don't enjoy running and your doing it for a challenge you could ruin all your favourite music by listening to it when your in strife!

That is a really good point Jack! I've ruined many an album by having it associated with bad times, and I could definitely see that happening with running if you were struggling with the race!