Sunday, February 7, 2010

I joined the Pod

I'm heading in to my third season of triathlons. When I first started researching this sport, I quickly learned that audio devices (we'll just call 'em iPods for the purposes of this post) are illegal in a race and you can get penalized if caught using them. I also quickly learned to train like you race.

So, because you can't listen to an iPod during your race, I didn't want to train using one because I didn't want it to throw me off come race day.

With it being so cold and my reluctance to venture outside increasing, I started going to the Y to hit the treadmill. As usual, it's difficult to go even a half mile before I begin to daydream about the belt malfunctioning and me fatally hitting my head.

This boredom presented a dilemma. Because I'm training for a half iron distance, I need to be putting in more mileage and if the treadmill's the most practical place to get it done, I needed to find a way to make it work.

I decided to revisit my iPod philosophy.

I've heard so many say how much easier it is to get through a treadmill run with an iPod. Despite my aforementioned reasons for not using one, I went to Best Buy and purchased an iPod Shuffle.

WOW! Why did I wait so long? The first time I used it, I found myself at mile three with the desire to go even further! The only reason I didn't is because I had to get ready for spin class.

What a gift! I feel like my training has a sense of renewal and I'm hopeful about keeping up my running mileage the remainder of the winter.

Maybe I'll ditch the iPod when I go back outside running, or just practice running without it a couple weeks before a race.

What I will do is never, ever head to the Y without this little buddy in my pocket to keep me company.

Thank you all you technology people!

15 comments:

KC (my 140 point 6 mile journey) said...

i swear running with my ipod makes me run faster...no doubt about it! and i absolutely love my tiny shuffle like the one you have pictured. technology is a beautiful thing!

Caratunk Girl said...

Yeah Lora! I just got one this year too - it definitely helps.
Cheers, Mandy

Corky said...

Your not kidding ! Read my post on my Blog today !

ONEHOURIRONMAN said...

I trash them everytime I go for a ride. Probably due to the massive amount of sweat. I am going to have to look into waterproof ones..

n/a said...

I used mine on a run for the first time in almost a year and had an amazing run. It definitely takes your mind of the monotony of running on a treadmill. Keep up the great training!

ciro foster said...

threadmill runnning is boring but necessary. I use a simple but cool object: Sandisk MP3 reader.It works great!

Anonymous said...

Yay, I'm glad it's making your running better. A new toy always helps jumpstart I think--we're no different than kids!! :) Like Bob, when I bike, my ipods die. My latest one *just* came back from the dead and fingers crossed I don't kill it with sweat. . .AGAIN. I think I need one of those silicone cases for it.

Pete32 said...

Check out "Podrunner" Great podcast to subscribe to if you enjoy running with an ipod.

ShirleyPerly said...

I never run with music outdoors but nearly always do indoors for the same reason. If you're used to running w/o music for the most part, I don't think it'll be tough to turn it off once you get back outdoors. So enjoy your pod!

Beth said...

Welcome to the iPod world! Glad you found something to make the treadmill more fun.

Unknown said...

I love training with music. I know that I can't race with it, but then again, at races there's so much more to look at! :) Yay for you enjoying it! It'll help!

Karen said...

oh my yes! Nothing better than a little ipod friend to run with you. On super long runs, I download audio books. THE BEST EVER.

Mel-2nd Chances said...

I love running to music. Not so much that I pay attention to the actual songs, it's more just background noise, but I know what you mean about the triathlons. For some reason... the lack of music doesn't really bother me during a tri. Must be the race atmosphere and the rush of getting off the bike... because running races only. Need.My.Music :)

Sara Cox Landolt said...

Interesting! I don't have an ipod and don't train with music, though I've heard how much it helps. I do train with music/movie while on the bike trainer though! I may have to check out a minipod for running, nice to have affordable options. :-)

Jen said...

When I run outside, I never run with the iPod. I like hearing what is going on around me. I like paying attention to how I feel as well. It's also one of my few moments I get to myself, and often use that time to think about issues on my mind.

On the treadmill? A different story. I want to block out everything around me and just put in the time/miles and the iPod seems to make it easier when at the gym.

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