When I was in HS and College, I wouldn't wear a watch during races, but, i also had coaches calling out my splits at the mile markers. The only place I cared about my time was at the mile marks. So, now when I race, I wear a watch, so I can still check my progress at mile markes, etc. I've got a GPS watch that automatically beeps at me when I hit a mile, wheter its marked on the course or not. But, I have to sometimes keep myself from looking at it too often, especially when I'm having a shitty race...then I look at it all the time. So...you might have to practice a little will power with a watch on. But, everyone is different, so, figure out what your more comfortable with.