Roadbud » Music

Keeping earbuds locked when you run

Mike — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:04:05 +0000

Earbuds up close

Silly question:
Ever have a problem with earbuds falling out while you run?

Met up with local runners last week at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Newark. One fellow mentioned his quest for the perfect headphones – because of the annoyance of earbuds dropping out.

I’ve been vexed by the same indignation. One moment, your legs are effortlessly pushing out the miles and your head is pleasantly thumping to Macy Gray. Suddenly an earbud is dangling with hopes of pulling out the other side.

The hipster silhouettes on iPod commercials never suffer this problem.

Strangely, this appears to be a common problem – there’s even a dorky earbud leash to catch your earbuds when they inevitably fall out.

Some days the earphones fit fine and didn’t ever fall out. Other times, the buds had Mexican jumping beans inside – just waiting to bounce around. Do my ears shrink on very cold days? Pretty baffling.

I experimented with many ideas – I subdued the buds with a knit cap. I twisted the buds into different positions. I even used the squishy earbuds that go in your ear canal (yuck!).

Then I finally read the subtle grey lettering on the buds – “L” and “R”. I’d always ignored left/right (stereo either way, no?). However, Apple builds the buds off-center – each is designed for one ear.

I tried placing the left bud in my left ear. Works like a charm – I’ve never dropped a bud again.

Lesson learned: I might need to invest in a speed reading course – took me months to read two letters.

Update: some readers comment that they’ve tried my left/right trick and it didn’t work for them. If you’re having this problem, left/right works for some (me, for one) – but not everyone.

Why run with headphones?

Podcasts for runners

Mike — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:46:08 +0000

The world awaits your ears

I used to have a big problem running – sheer boredom stopped me before I worked up a sweat. The iPod was heaven sent for my personal enjoyment. I stopped grinding through my runs and began grooving.

No more restless mind telling me to stop. Just a little Miles Davis as I cruise along the river. By the time my legs realized I was running, I’d travelled a half mile down the road and was ready for more.

Music has been terrific for me, but I bumped into a podcast (regularly updated audio content) of a guest article I wrote on A Smart Bear.

Never really messed with podcasts before, but I took a flyer. I downloaded a few “blog articles” about software startups to my iPhone (simple – didn’t even need wires) and went for a run. I also took along RunRunLive (a fun running podcast with music, interviews, and lots of running talk.

Turns out, podcasts are wonderful. If you’ve ever been forced to web-surf instead of taking the time to really consider a deep article, this is for you. Plus, it keeps your mind off the pain.

RunRunLive was great in a different way. Chris (the host) is a hoot – he throws his own music among the interview clips and corny jokes. His podcast feels like a chatty running partner (which I sometimes really like).

Podcasts in my playlist

Download a podcast without wires

Tap the Itunes app
Search for podcast (Example: ”RunRunLive”)
Press “FREE” and then “DOWNLOAD”
After the podcast finishes downloading, tap the iPod app
Select Playlists
Select On-The-Go (will get easier in upcoming iPhone OS)
Add the new podcasts to On-The-Go

Tip: I like listening to smart startup talk like A Smart Bear and Bob Walsh. But hearablog.com is happy to add more runner-friendly blogs. Let me know if there’s a running blog you want to hear. I’ll pass it on (I already asked for Mark’s Daily Apple).

What do you listen to? Let me know in the comments.

Workout hack 6 – great music

Strong song – Hella Good

Mike — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:28:24 +0000

Gwen Stefani rocks California cool

Time to admit a nasty little habit – I sometimes enjoy “girly” music.

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Too much Pink Floyd warped my musical sensibilities as a kid. I mindlessly accepted that “Disco Sucks” and spent a long time painted in that corner.

The day I caved is seared in my brain. A friend gave me Madonna’s debut album. I’d always thought Ms. Ciccione was strictly for guys with too much product in their hair. This CD seemed like nothing more than a gag gift. Played it anyway, expecting high lameness.

Hard to accept, but Madonna has deep talent. Her CD stayed in my car stereo for a week. And I stopped sniffing at disco music.

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No Doubt is definitely girly music too, even with a heavy overlay of ska. Helps that No Doubt also rocks (and front woman Gwen Stefani is simply hot). Just apply headphones on if you have any insecurities around the fellas.

I ran to the entire Rock Steady album for a few months last year. The album is perfect: really helped me pick up my foot turnover and gain good speed.

I bore too easily for a long warmup. The first track on the album is slowish but just the right length (27 seconds) to focus me on the workout. The rest of the songs have a heavier beat and really move you. I liked the album enough to start timing my runs to it. By now, I know if I pass a certain tree before “Underneath It All” starts, I’m cooking pretty good.

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Still can’t shake the feeling that listening to sexy dance music isn’t much different than wearing something silky underneath. If you’re same way, just cool down with The Man In Black for a little balance.

Strong song – Badlands

Mike — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:08:44 +0000

Bruce Springsteen, game face on

This post starts a weekly series of “strong songs” – music for digging deeper.

I listen to all types of music when I run. Fast and slow. Jazz and rap, alternative and country. Once, I even tried an NPR podcast. The idea is to take me out of my head, where I think about pain. Some runs call for more inspiration so I keep an eye open for strong songs.

I grew up in New Jersey, a few towns over from Bruce Springsteen. Around here, it’s mandatory to honor Bruce whenever possible. Therefore, The Boss leads off this set.

Badlands is the perfect song when you’re pushing harder. It’s centered on being down on your luck and yet unbowed. Plus it’s got that driving beat. If you’re reading this post in Borneo and are unfamiliar with Bruce, sample Badlands here.

Everyone in Jersey has plenty of Bruce stories.

Delivering flowers to the Rumson mansion past groupies camped at the base of the driveway and his grandmother in Freehold (sweet lady!)
My high school classmate stalking Bruce at his Red Bank gym – and then staying friends with him to this day
The family friend who named her daughter “Rosalita” in honor of The Boss

But my favorite “Touched by Bruce” is my friend’s uncle who played against Springsteen in Battle of The Bands in high school. The dude lost. I’m sure he can dine out on that story anyway – but imagine if he’d won.

…

I will cover lots of different music in this series – probably across every genre except polka. Let me know your favorite strong songs in the comments. I’d like to try them and pass some on. I especially want inspiring rhythm from bands you’re friends with.

Workout hack 6 – great music

Mike — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:59:34 +0000

Dave Brubeck Quartet

The Greeks connected athletics and music in ancient times. Hermes not only played a mean lyre – he watched out for runners. The Olympics were packed with music. And armies were marching to drums well before then.

Music has the power to carry you away from your exertion. The rhythm almost moves your legs for you. Good songs let you forget you’re working out. And great music inspires you to push harder.

Worthy exercise songs are fast-paced, but not frantic. I’ve tried free PodRunner workout music, but it’s like life inside the Bruno soundtrack. Running music can be anything – jazz, rock, hiphop, Mozart. It just has to be music first.

I can sympathize with purists who enjoy silent running. Yesterday, a flock of Canada Geese lifted off beside the running trail – wings beating louder than you can imagine. But music really is that good. Try an iPod or iPhone for a week before you write off the idea.

Free advice: don’t bike with music – it interferes with road safety.