I did the cherry blossom in April with my music, most of the people were wearing ear buds. I don't think it is strictly enforced. I also don't think I could run that far without music.

OP here. Thanks for the feedback. I'll try my long run this weekend without and see how it goes.

You won't need your music. I train with music as well. During the race there is so much going on around you that you really won't need the distraction, I promise!

I've run hundreds of races all over the country. I have two favorites- The Marine Corps Marathon and the Army 10-Miler. You'll have a great time! Good Luck!

Every race I've run has had that rule and it has never been enforced. I couldn't run 10 miles without my music and it has not been an issue at all. I'm very aware of my surroundings. I'll be there with my earbuds in.

That is one of the reasons i don't run with music that and the othe rreason is safety/ comon sense if you ask me.

IMO, way too many people ignore the rule and it isn't enforced. It's one of the reasons I no longer run the race because it's a major pet peeve of mine.

As for how to run without them, train like you race. When training for distance races I'd always do my hard, short training runs with music to keep me working hard but always did the long runs without my iPod so that I was mentally prepped for the race itself.

There are plenty of music-legal races, next time maybe choose one of them?

Can you do some longer runs without them to get used to it? I run with earbuds on shorter runs, but do my long runs without.

Running the ATM for the first time. Question for those who have done it before... Do people abide by the rule that you can't wear earbuds with music?? How in the world am I going to run for 10 miles without my tunes?? I keep it low enough that I can hear what's happening around me...just curious how serious they are about this rule.

Any other tips for a first timer?