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?
Parents
Former Member
I think training with musical devices is a great thing; it's a distraction which helps a long distance swimmer possibly avoid the boredom that can set in. But having been a long distance swimmer for awhile now, the thought of using one during an actual open water event makes little sense to me for a variety of reasons.
Because I am no longer "bored" by hours on end of swimming, I don't really need one, but I certainly advocate its use by others who do get bored. For me, using one during an event regardless of how long the swim is, would be counterproductive. I'd get lost in the music, get too comfortable with possibly a slower swim, and not enjoy the possibility of getting into that autonomous zone whereby my body and mind have the opportunity to separate for a bit and my body does the work. This is a great experience to enjoy because when the mind takes a little break, the body can do so much more.
But for those who enjoy these devices during an open water event, just make sure you don't pick Lawrence Welk music; you may end up taking a nap and finishing slower than you wanted (LOL).
Donna
I think training with musical devices is a great thing; it's a distraction which helps a long distance swimmer possibly avoid the boredom that can set in. But having been a long distance swimmer for awhile now, the thought of using one during an actual open water event makes little sense to me for a variety of reasons.
Because I am no longer "bored" by hours on end of swimming, I don't really need one, but I certainly advocate its use by others who do get bored. For me, using one during an event regardless of how long the swim is, would be counterproductive. I'd get lost in the music, get too comfortable with possibly a slower swim, and not enjoy the possibility of getting into that autonomous zone whereby my body and mind have the opportunity to separate for a bit and my body does the work. This is a great experience to enjoy because when the mind takes a little break, the body can do so much more.
But for those who enjoy these devices during an open water event, just make sure you don't pick Lawrence Welk music; you may end up taking a nap and finishing slower than you wanted (LOL).
Donna
