Earbud Review

After years and years of running with music in my ears, I consider myself an authority on what works – and what doesn’t!

See previous post:
Not Another Earbud Review

The folks over at yurbuds were generous enough to send me a pair of their latest earbuds to try out and review. (Thanks again Mike.) They say their product will stay in place despite the sweat and sound great while working out.”

I took them out on a short run this morning. Despite looking quite large, they were easy to slip into my ear. [Before you purchase a pair from them they photo measure your ear. I’m a size 6, not sure if that’s a big or little ear?]

What Works:

• I was surprised to find they had a great sound despite the silicone cover.
• They were very comfortable – like nothing in your ear!
• Secure – they did not budge when I turned my head or adjusted the cord.
• And did I mention; "They sound great!"

What Doesn’t?

• For me the cord was a little longer that I was used to. But this might be a plus for other runners.
• Because they fit snuggly – I began to imagine my ears were heating up… (Probably just a phase I’m going through…)
• They do cancel out more background sounds then regular iPod buds. I like to hear the traffic when I’m running on the streets.

I will definitely be using these for travel, the gym and when I run off road. And I look forward to winter days when these buds will provide extra protection from the cold and rain!

Yurbuds has kindly provided me with an extra pair to give away. Please leave a comment mentioning your all-time favorite running tune. (I will us a random generator to pick.)
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Podcast Potpourri

Now that I have an authentic iPod (Thank-you Santa)
I can link up directly with ITunes to find the latest and greatest podcasts. I'm currently running with 18 – though many don’t update weekly.
I usually split my run time by listening to intelligent talk first and then music. (But there are days when I just listen to the FM.)

Some of my Favorite running podcasts are:

RunRunLIve
Chris mixes it up with his own personal stories and great interviews. Plus he wraps up each session with a great run home song.

Run Vegan Run
Unfortunately Megan doesn’t spend a lot of time talking about her vegan lifestyle - but the recorded runs with her husband are amusing!

Running in the Center of the Universe
I’ve just started listening to Dave and I’m already hooked. Sadly he mentioned in his latest a reduction in his posts. Hopefully not throwing in the towel like....Trilogy Running.

Two Fit Chicks and a Microphone
Listening to Carla and Shauna chitchatting always inspires me. Topics covering everything from weight loss to weight lifting!

Stuff You Should Know
This podcast is from How Stuff Works. These guys cover all sorts of crazy topics like Witchcraft to how Braille works.

Freakonomics
This is a new podcast from the boys over at NYT. They explore the hidden side of everything. Last week's post tries to explain how careless we’ve become when we are over protected.

Filmspotting
I love the in-depth discussion these guys have to share. Their total knowledge of movies is displayed with each movie they review. Best yet is the friendly banter when they disagree.

Any podcast recommendations?

Win a $10,000 iTunes Gift Card - 10 Billion Song Download Countdown


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"Mise en place"

“Everything in its place.”
Pronounced "meez on plas"

It is a chef’s term meaning everything from ingredients to preparation tools should be decided on before you start cooking.
I use this approach in preparing for a run. It is especially important nowadays!
We run with so many gadgets…Nothing worse than getting halfway down the street and discovering you've forgotten your earbuds and gloves. And... your Garmin battery is at %10.
So I attempt to keep everything in its own place along with their accessories - auxiliary items such as chargers and plug-in cables.

Equipment
Mp3 player, Garmin, chargers, plug-in cables are stored right beside my computer. That way I can quickly upload a podcast or add to a playlist at a whim.
[When I return I can easily upload my miles to my system as it recharges and I stretch!]

Clothes
I don’t plan the night before as the weather is so flippant around here. But one of the first sites I visit when I get up is Accuweather to view the temperature and scan the local Doppler for rain. Then I decide what to wear.
I do keep long sleeve, short sleeve running tops separated.
Running caps hang together on my weight rack. I can grab one before I head to the bathroom. The last stop before putting the runners on.
The Sunscreens are applied, lips, hands and face.
Almost ready…

Runners
Gloves and runners live side-by-side in the garage. Nearby is a handy step stool to sit on.
Ready set - Go!



Are all runners this organized?

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Not Another Earbud Review

Like most runners – I have gone through a number of earpod headphones. Admittedly, they take a lot of heat, thrashing and sweat.
I wish deciding on a new pair was more straightforward!
Why can’t we try them out before buying! Unfortunately - due to strict hygiene polices this option is rarely available.
So, we carry on the best we can… We read thousands of reviews – which end up being more confusing then helpful. And grill total strangers on what they are currently using.

This time I ended up with a pair by Philips. ($50 range)

Pros

• Nice high notes. Even the FM is clear.
• Good depth. Bass apparently resonates from the back of each ear piece?
• Nice and light in the ear.
• Has detachable rubber ear plugs that come in 3 sizes.

Cons

• The cable is actually too light / thin – it tangles!
• Not sure how long it will last with my gorilla like finesse.
• Cable is interrupted with an extension plug. I guess for people who wear their players on their arms. I actually saw a hat with an ipod holder...

Eval

• So with just one run on them – 6.5/10

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