Running in a Race

by Jill

I'm a new runner, and signed up to my very first race/fun run (a 10k) in a couple of weeks!

Here's my question: in training, I always run with a water bottle and my MP3 player.


I am wondering if it's allowed to use these in a race (and would you advise to do so)?


Answer by Dominique:


Hi Jill,
Thanks for your running question. Very exciting that you are going to participate in your very first race!

You are definitely allowed to run with MP3 player and/or water bottle. Depending on how big the race is, you may want to turn the MP3 player off for the first few minutes.

In the beginning many people will pass you and you will pass many people.
Without the music, I find it a lot easier to concentrate and to make sure I hear the people behind me and around me.

As the field stretches out after the beginning minutes and you have some space around you, then you can safely put the MP3 player on.

All the best in your race and, if you feel like it, post a race report with your experiences in the YOUR Running Stories section after the event!


Kind regards,
Dominique

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Running Training Helpline.



Like this page:


Share this page:
Follow Best Running Tips:


What's New?

  1. In the Army - Improving my 2 Mile Time

    I am a 36 year old male who just joined the army. I have not run any long distance so I tried on my own to train and was doing ok but my times are still

    Read more

  2. Marathon Diet - Improve Nutrition to do Better at the Marathon

    I have got a question about my marathon diet. I have been an athlete all my life; mostly a runner, but cycle long distances sometimes. I am training

    Read more

  3. Beginners Running Program 3 - Go from 0 to 30 Minutes of Running in 12 Weeks

    beginners-running-program-03.jpg
    The third beginners running program of Best Running Tips might be the best one. It is definitely the most popular. Get from couch to 30 minutes of solid running in only 12 weeks!

    Read more

  4. Calories Burned Calculator - Calculate the Calories Burned While Running with This Calculator

    This calories burned calculator calculates the calories burned while running, based on your weight and the distance you ran.

    Read more

  5. Asthmatic Non-Runner With a Need to Run - 1.5 Miles in 13 Minutes

    Truth be told I am NOT a runner. I can walk a 14 minute mile all day. But running, not me. I have had asthma since I was a child - severe through all

    Read more

  6. Second Half Marathon in a Month - Should I Run It or Not?

    Hi, I ran a half marathon a month ago, but have not done any great distances since, 6 miles max. I'm thinking of doing a half marathon this Sunday

    Read more

  7. Running a 5k - Can I Be Faster at 30 Than I Was at 18?

    I started running at 13 in high school. I ran cross-country, indoor and outdoor track. My track coach was very informed and my PRs were 800 - 2:22,

    Read more

  8. Faster Minute Mile for 5K races

    I'm 40 years old and I started to run consistently four months ego. My running pace went from 9 minutes miles to 7:30 minute miles in a 5k. Is it realistic

    Read more

  9. I Need a Good Marathon Running Program

    I am devastated. I ran my second marathon last weekend. I ran a marathon six months ago as well, but at about the 19-20 mile mark my legs cramped up...

    Read more

  10. Is 20 to 30 Training Miles Enough to Run a Half Marathon

    I have been a committed runner for a year and a half now and have completed two half marathons with over a dozen 10k races! I have been keeping running

    Read more