i've run 7 marathons, including boston 5 times. brought the ipod along each time and suspect i'd lose my mind running a marathon without it. every marathon, boston included, has long, quiet stretches of road where music can really help push you along. that's when the sound of music (no, not the corny flick about vermont's trappe family) is your best friend. important caveat: don't crank the volume! it's both risky (you need to hear that over-zealous runner shooting the 18" hole between you and the hot girl next to you) as well as an impediment to hearing the incredibly powerful cheers of the crowds along the route. as far as the usatf rules applying to those of us not in the elite field, really, who gives a crap? you've trained long and hard for the marathon and paid a hefty entry fee... as long as you act responsibly, there's no reason to leave your music at home. rock on and run strong! -alain www.bostonrunner.com