Grandma's Marathon (Read 702 times)

I think I'm going to do this one, then I can train for Detroit in October if I don't BQ here. One question though. I was looking on the website and it said no headphones or similar devices. Are they pretty strict on that? I usually prefer to have a little musical motivation whenever possible, especially for the long runs. Does anyone know more about Grandma's no headphone policy??

If you are considering Grandma's, you need to send in your applications TODAY. I see folks on that course wearing headphones. That said, I too enjoy music on long runs but never find it necessary during actual marathons since there is so much else and so many other people to keep me moving.

I sent in my application form earlier this week. I was planning to stay in the dorms, and avoid the whole hotel searching mess. For those who have run Grandma's before, is that a bad idea?

Only if you share course secrets. This will be my first Grandma's, and only my second marathon. Also, hopefully, my Boston qualifier.

Oh Lord, they cashed my check. I guess I'm really running this thing.

Congratulations guys!!! You will love it. Grandma's Marathon and Duluth, MN are great!!

Obviously, if they're prohibited, nobody knows for sure that they'll ignore their own prohibition (well, nobody who isn't pals with the race director). But as far as I know, every big race specifically prohibits headphones (mainly for liability reasons - lawyers suck). And I've never seen a race that actually enforced that prohibition. Somebody around here was talking the other day about some marathon that had a picture on their website right next to that PROHIBITION on headphones, and in the picture people were - you guessed it - wearing headphones. But with all that said ... I'd make sure to have a drop bag available, or a friend you can hand the iPod to, just in case they do decide to actually enforce it. Shorter version: take the iPod - but have a back-up plan, just in case, unless you don't mind losing it. P.S. Have to add it (if I don't, somebody else will) ... but since it's your first marathon, you might want to skip the music. In fact, if you're like most people, you won't listen to it much, anyway. As I've said before, I always carry music, and just about never listen to it. Too much to see and do.