Kit Adviser - Headphones

Thank you to everyone who has sent in recommendations and advice regarding headphones.  And thank you to our very own Ladies Captain, Wendy Gwinneth for the playlists as pictured on this page!  

Headphones or Headspace?  

I need to be able to have both for a long run. Having the time to think things through and put some order back into my life while out for a long run is really valuable... but once the voices in the legs start getting a bit loud I need some tunes to distract my brain from focusing on the stiff and aches setting in. 

Tunes that keep me going vary but here's a few pictures of my playlist.  A good mix of old school and recent(ish) ones too. Out of all of them I think (sadly) the best song to make me run just a little bit faster is One Direction -That’s what makes you beautiful!!  - Wendy Gwinneth

I generally find in-ear headphones work better for me rather than over the ear headphones. Mostly they are lighter and don’t cause as much sweating or discomfort on long term use.  Problem with in-ear headphones is keeping them in place. There are several ways companies have tried to keep them in place. There is the around the ear loop or the rubber bung. I find this type hit or miss. You might end up getting frustrated putting them back in mid run. The mechanism I have had most success with uses a little hook to look into your ear (Betron headphones).  Make sure you get them in right for the best results! - Daniel Smith

I like to listen to podcasts when I'm running by myself. I started out with regular headphones and carried my phone with a handheld strap, but that was a little awkward. I switched to wireless bluetooth headphones and have experimented with a few different cheap amazon purchases. I think it partly depends on how your ears are shaped as to how well they fit, as well as to what degree you want a close-fitting sound-excluding design or to be able to hear traffic and other things around you. I personally find I get on best with the sort that have little "wings" that slot into the top of the pinna, like these. That helps to keep them in place, and I can also wear a headband or hat that goes over the little wing bits for added security without needing to cover up my entire ears. I've tried some completely wireless headphones like a cheaper version of airpods, but if they don't come with the wing-bits I just find they fall out of my ears once I start running. - Nicola Tanner  (see Noticeboard section for Nicola's podcast recommendation)

Discount Alert

The most highly recommended by several club members (thanks to Rachel Philips, Ian Mussell and Danny Smith) is Aftershockz headphones "EA endorsed, bone-conductors which means you can still hear traffic, people etc. while running. They do wired and bluetooth versions".  They do blow the budget somewhat but for all those in the club with EA affiliation take a look in your membership pack recently sent out as there is a 20% off voucher included for these headphones