I've read a couple of articles lately about Tri and running events banning the use of mp3 players citing them as competitive advantage. Of course, I haven't seen any swimmers sporting these at events yet, but I was wondering if there has been any discussion in the swimming community.
I just recently received one as a gift and use it in training, and it's great. Would it aid me in the 3K-5K OWS events? I think so. It can be a great motivator, and it would give me a bit of an advantage over those who didn't have one. I think it might even be a greater advantage in a swimming event than in a running or cycling event where greater advantages are possible through equipment (shoes and bikes). In swimming, the only advantage granted is for those who use wet suits, but they are already typically divided to another division.
What do you think? Should mp3 players be allowed or disallowed at OWS events?
For me, part of my connection to the water is hearing it, and simultaneously the sensory deprivation aspect. I love the fact that swimming takes away the "noise" of every day life. And I have to say, when I swam with an SwimP3, I found myself feeling like the workout was longer, like I was more distracted, and less connected to what my body was actually doing. With how pathetic my left arm entry is, I have to concentrate!
That being said, I'm a person who doesn't run with music either. I never have, and just don't like it, unless, miserably, I have to run indoors on a treadmill. I only do that if the temperature gets below 8 so it's not often. I find my workouts to be the one quiet part of my days.
I would never use music on an open water swim since I've been on so many courses where jet skiers are out, where I needed to hear my kayaker, where there were so many variables I wanted to be aware of.
For me, part of my connection to the water is hearing it, and simultaneously the sensory deprivation aspect. I love the fact that swimming takes away the "noise" of every day life. And I have to say, when I swam with an SwimP3, I found myself feeling like the workout was longer, like I was more distracted, and less connected to what my body was actually doing. With how pathetic my left arm entry is, I have to concentrate!
That being said, I'm a person who doesn't run with music either. I never have, and just don't like it, unless, miserably, I have to run indoors on a treadmill. I only do that if the temperature gets below 8 so it's not often. I find my workouts to be the one quiet part of my days.
I would never use music on an open water swim since I've been on so many courses where jet skiers are out, where I needed to hear my kayaker, where there were so many variables I wanted to be aware of.
