when I run my half marathon in march. how am I gonna cope?
anyone have any advice who has done half marathon on whether no music will make a big difference. I cant imagine training without music but suppose now Im going to have to start going out without anything. aaaaarghhh. this will drive me insane!
do you think a parkrun will help? the only time I have run without music was race for life & I had my daughter to talk to them but will be running on my tod.
sorry to ak but why can't you use music?
not allowed headphones of any sort. could use daughters phone I spose as that plays without headphones but am so used to having it in my ears.
I rarely run with music now and once you get used it, it Is fab. The first few times are really weird as you can hear your breathing. I started without music at my parkrun so give it a go.... As there is lots going on ou forget you havent got music.
thanks ali. may have to give a park run a go.
& sometimes I can hear my breathing over my music!!
Ha I know that one! I haven't run with muisic for ages and couldn't imagine going back to it now. I love the quiet and the company of my own thoughts.
Though it took me a few runs to get used to hearing my breathing 
I never realised I did such a good Ivor the Engine.
I didn't run without music until I joined a running club - then I had to learn to talk while running ! I agree with AliB1, the strangest thing is getting used to hearing yourself breathing. After that, I found it quite easy to adapt to running without music and haven't run with music for weeks and weeks, apart from the occasional treadmill session. There'll be enough going on at your half-marathon that you shouldn't miss the music too much.
talking & running. Ive only just mastered drinking & running! but yes, the heavy breathing was worrying me. I think it may be that which people hear in front of me who move to let me pass. either that or the thumping of my feet 
thanks for your reply.
Don't worry about the breathing - the people running near you at a similar pace will probably sound the same. I was told last week that my thumping feet were quite loud - and I thought I'd got a lot quieter !
Talking and running? The only talking I do is muttering responses to Laura! And I am with you on the drinking and running. I am trying to learn to inhale through my nose - partly because of the cold air, but also because it cuts down on midges you inhale!).
I have to concentrate sometimes to remember to breathe in AND out through my nose while I sip some water. While concentrating on my pace, whether I am about to run off a kerb, what I'm doing with my arms, how long is my stride..... Talk about multi-tasking.
Yes I've only just noticed this when looking at some races I was thinking of entering. In fact I've now turned my nose up at one I was going to enter next weekend! I'm not sure if I could pace myself properly. I've maybe become too dependent on audiofuel!
hmmmmm. audiofuel...
We should start up an audiofuellers anonymous group shelley!
<<Stands up
"Hello my name is mark and I am an audioholic!"
know the feeling.... I love listening to my music using jog.fm as it chooses tracks for my pace and the music really gives me a boost! I wonder if I would want it still while running in a crowd? I like to be aware of what is going on around me and often run with just one earphone in, the other clipped to my top!
I wore headphones for my 10k race thinking that I'd need the motivation/beat etc but actually took them off half way around, it was easier to run without the music blaring into my ear. It's so busy with all the other runners and you're trying so hard to do well, that your brain doesn't need the extra stimulation! You might find the same.
I would still use music for most of the training if you like it; but just choose the odd run to go without so that it's not a complete shock on the day.
thanks tj. it was just a bit of a shock to think that Id have to run without it for almost 3 hours (hoping for 2hrs40ish)
may have to rethink training or join a club. just found out about a ladies only club that meets once a week nearby. x
I recently read that you should try and run without music for every 3rd run you do to get used to it for situations when you cant use headphones. I may try this once I have graduated.....
I've just come back from doing the C25K+ stamina run - or rather an attempt to do it! I started off alright listening to the beat and the not-too-bad music, and then my ipod died. No more music, no more Laura. I just carried on and found that it was more enjoyable. The time goes faster and you have the space in your head to really think about your running. I've run before without music but wanted to be pushed by the beat on the podcast, but I think I'm going to carry on without it from now on. I know it sounds silly but I feel more like a real runner (what's that?) on my own without the beat and... dare I say it, without Laura.
I have been wondering myself about running without music, because I love being out in the countryside. But another part of me appreciates the boost my music gives me, sometimes I run to the beat and it keeps me going.
The ladies running club sounds like a good plan. You might find that running with others means you don't want the music. Being in company could keep you going nicely without the music? Good luck with your half marathon!
I've actually started to like music free runs - unless I do something specific liked timed intervals, etc. I find the ipod either stays at home or in my pocket more and more!
thank you for all your replies. I am going to take the plunge & give it a go for part of my long run tomorrow.
wish me luck
Good luck
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