Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Sol Republic In-Ear Headphone Review & Giveaway

I am one of those people who enjoys listening to music when I run. There are only some times when I don’t bring along my ear buds:
  1. I’m running with a friend or group. I like to try to avoid being anti social, plus if the group is talking trash about me I want to hear it and fight back.
  2. On the trails. I would prefer to hear the mountain lion, bear or rattlesnake before they attack me. And, the trails I run on tend to be overflowing with mountain bikers so I need to be aware when they are about to run me down.
  3. If I’m training for a race where music won’t be allowed. Most trail races don’t allow ear buds. Same with Ironman races. I’m a believer that it is important to train how you will race. So, when training for these races I try to forgo the tunes.
However, other than the above three instances, I usually listen to music. It inspires and energizes me. It cracks me up how some runners are quite  judgmental about people who listen to music while they run. Like it somehow makes them less of a runner. Who cares? I know the elites don’t listen to music, but I’m not an elite and never will be. I just do what brings me happiness.

Over the years I’ve gone through quite a few pairs of  in-ear headphones. My biggest pet peeve with headphones is when they don’t stay in my freaking ear. Sometimes the get jarred out with the movement of my running. Sometimes my sweaty ear canal makes them slide out. Sometimes the wind grabs and pulls them out. Whatever the cause, it annoys the hell out of me and has often made me simply leave the headphones at home.

Recently, Sol Republic, the makers of Relay Sport headphones asked me to try their product. This request came at a time when I was particularly pissed off at my regular in-ear headphones due to the reasons listed above. So, I agreed.


I’ve now run with these 4 times. Once you figure out how they are meant to sit in your ear (it’s important to note which one is for the left and which is for the right) they really don’t move. After a 6 mile run one day I noticed that I had not messed with them even once. Score. The company says they don’t move because there is a flexible ring around each ear bud, which allows secure placement in the ears.

The sound quality is decent– in my opinion unless you are wearing a full-on huge set of headphones you are not going get the most amazing sound. But, these babies are pretty darn good.

IMG_4414

Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever looked at my ear up close. I mean, it’s not like you can see this angle of your ear on a regular basis. Stare at it for a moment and think about how weirdly shaped the ear is. Right? Probably why you don’t hear too much about ear fetishes. See what I mean about how these earphones sit so nicely in my delicate and sweet ear? I think the blue accents my lobe quite nicely.

One big bonus, they are sweat resistant. This means they don’t slide out when I get moist (that must be a TWSS somehow). Also – they come with four different sizes of ear tips so whether you have an XL or an XS hole you should be covered (and ear tips are free for life if you buy a pair of  headphones from Relay Sport).

The cost is pretty on par with higher quality ear buds – on sale now for about $59.99 MSRP, plus free shipping.

Their motto (on the box):

IMG_4411

Want a pair? Simply enter below. Giveaway ends on 7/23. U.S. addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you'd like to get a pair now, use LOVEMUSIC01 at checkout for an extra 10% off!

SUAR


134 comments:

  1. Looks like something I could really use! Especially since my favorite pair just broke.

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  2. I listen to music, it motivates me and helps me relax Donna Stengel

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  3. yes, i do because mainly run alone or with my husband...and he doesn't like talking while running. :) but i only use 1 earbud to be more aware of my surroundings/more alert with traffic. i used to listen to audiobooks but quit because i couldn't concentrate on them well enough.

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  4. I have the same prob with earphones, they fall out all the time from sweating like a pig! Would love to try these out!

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  5. I am always on the look our for ear buds that don't budge. These would be awesome to try.

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  6. Wow it would be rather nice to run with two headphones actually in for once. Rad giveaway!

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  7. I use a blue tooth set that I've had for about 4 years now. Love them but they are dying. My hubby and I both listen to music but not so loud we can't hear each other or traffic.

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  8. I listen to podcasts and music! Rely on distraction.

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  9. i listen to music most times, but only with one earbud so i can hear what is going on around me.

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  10. It would be so nice to have some ear buds that are not constantly falling out of sweaty ears!

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  11. I don't normally listen to music since I have been doing shorter runs. But now with marathon training and longer runs coming up, I think that's going to have to change to keep me motivated and going!

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  12. I would love to try these headphones! I have a small bump (extra cartilage) in my left ear canal & in the ear headphones irritate my ear after about 30-40 minutes. I have tries quite a few pair with little success!

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  13. I love to listen to music while I run. I really love the peppy and upbeat pop when I'm running.

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  14. I listen to music except when running with a group, on the trail or during a race.

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  15. I like to listen to music when I run alone, I find the beat helps me with my pace. But I also like to listen to audio books, especially on long runs - it makes the time go by faster.

    Question about these earphones - I hate it when earphones "suction" in my ear and then I end up hearing my heart beat and foot steps inside my ears. Do these do that? Or am I the only weirdo that this happens to?

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    1. They don't suction at all. They just sit in the ear.

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    2. Thought I was the only one that heard my own footsteps (thud, thud, thud)!

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    3. glad to know I'm not the only one!!

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  16. I listen to music, books and podcasts while I run, walk and use the bike trainer.

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  17. I listen to music often while running. And I'm going to keep doing it too. I actually was just having the earphone conversation: I can never find good ones because they always slide out of my ears or get ruined by my insane amount of sweat. I was going to buy a Bluetooth pair on Amazon today but they sold out in minutes!!

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  18. I have yet to find a pair that stays in my ear during my sweaty long runs.....frustrating!!! I would love to try these out.

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  19. Yes! It's my chance to listen to guilty pleasure pop songs!

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  20. Sweat resistant is a plus! I sweat more than is humanly possible. I always wear earbuds. No risk of mountain lions or bears here.

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  21. I listen to podcasts or books when I run!

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  22. I run without music if I'm pushing my stroller, but I run about 60-75% of my solo runs with music. I like the chance to listen to fun songs that I rarely get a chance to play at home.

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  23. I don't listen to music because I want to hear the cars approaching. I run through a large retirement community and the residents don't have the clearest eyesight!

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  24. Need the tunes on the long runs, but leave them at home when I hit the trails or run at night. My current earbuds keep popping out with the sweat. Never knew my ears were so sweaty.

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  25. I agree with you about not being elite. I'm here to run and working hard. Sometimes music makes it easier.

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  26. I like to listen to music when I run. It's motivating!

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  27. I already have a pair of wireless head phones, but they don't stay in my ears at all! Sucks! Would love these.

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  28. Yes! Always if I'm running alone. Never if I'm running with someone.

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  29. I listen to music when training, but not during races.

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  30. I've yet to find a pair of earbuds that stay in. So frustrating wasting $. I still have to use the wrap-arounds. *sigh* Might have to give these a try. People are forever telling me that I try to "push" them in too much instead of just letting them sit naturally. I guess I still haven't mastered the art of earbud placement.

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    1. I still use the wrap-arounds. Why mess with success. Of course they look silly, so maybe I should find something better. :)

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  31. i'm with you... sometimes with music sometimes without...... but the earbuds are always falling out. i'd love to give these a try!

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  32. I listen to music when I'm alone, and my stupid earbuds always fall out. Of course, I'm cheap and buy the $2 ones. I should try a better pair...

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  33. In the Florida humidity not falling out is key!! And I need music.. too many cars and loud traffic.

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  34. I listen to music but it's funny how often I finish my run and I can't name even one song that played. I guess my mind still wanders.

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  35. I have a love-hate relationship with my current in-ear buds -- they tend to slide out when I get sweaty, which is approximately 0.1 miles into any run. But I can't wear the over-ear headphones, because I wear glasses. Maybe these would work better in my ears!

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  36. I love tunes when I run, but, like you, it depends where I'm running. I've had the same earbuds since I started running in 2010, and it's about time for a new pair. They get tangled up and even though I've tried to clean them, they're a bit icky. So yes, I'd love to try these!!

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  37. How awesome! I would totally enter but I prefer the wireless/bluetooth kind. Great review and hopefully they'll send you a wireless pair to review soon! :)

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  38. I almost always listen to music when I run and these happen to be my favorite earphones!

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  39. mom#to#crazy#threeJuly 16, 2015 at 6:22 AM

    I always listen to music when I run and would love new headphones, one of mine always falls out and I just end up having one ear bud.

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  40. I run with music less than when I started runninng a few years ago and really depends on my mood now. Never on a trail, ever.

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  41. I listen to music when I run depending on where and who I'm running with.

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  42. I am actually a podcast addict while running. Cannot run without something to distract me.

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  43. I listen to music and/or podcasts while I run. I like to feel like I have someone with me during my long runs- since I don't have a BRF.

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  44. I listen to Podrunner podcasts because it helps me keep my tempo up. I'd love to try a pair of these!

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  45. I do listen to music when I run. But I have to wear over the head head phones as most buds fall out.

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  46. I always run with headphones - but I mostly listen to audiobooks rather than music

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  47. I always run with music and my current in-ear buds slip out also. Sigh. Would love to try these!!!

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  48. I've gone through so many ear buds trying to find my perfect pair. From the corded standard ones that usually come with your phone, to beats (by Dr. Dre). Also, I've tried the LG cordless Tones, which worked really good, but they slide on my neck (too much sweat)! Now, I'm unfortunately tring the cordless Jaybird Bluebuds. The audio is the best so far, but I cannot for the life of me keep them fitted correctly. Very frustrating!! IMHO Jaybird really overthought the design, just my 2¢.

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  49. I listen to music for probably 80% of my runs, and podcasts for the other 20%. I recently washed and dried my favorite pair of earbuds (they didn't make it!), and would love a new, nice pair!

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  50. I love making up new play lists for my runs, music is a must for me!

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  51. Oh I need music when I run. It helps me relax and not focus on how long I've been out there or how far I've gone. Without music my mind starts going crazy with all my thoughts.

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  52. I would love to win a pair! I'm using my apple ear buds but only because I sweated my last pair to death. I wish I could go without but I need to drowned out the buzz of traffic if on the road, the voices in my head, the lovely whir of the treadmill and the grunts and puffs of Mr. Muscle man if I'm in the gym.

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  53. I usually just listen to music on long runs and when I'm doing speed work. Marathon training starts next week so I would love to win these!

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  54. Would LOVE a pair. Can never find ones that don't slip out or drive me crazy while running. Is it possible to win as an anonymous commenter? I don't have those other accounts but my name is Amy....if that helps.

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  55. I do listen to music while I run. I think it just gives me more motivation and it makes running more fun.

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  56. I do listen to music when I run, I feel like it motivates me better than without. I know that tunes can have a negative impact on your running depending on what song you are listening to but who cares, I try to listen to fast paced pump me up songs anyways!

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  57. Listening to music helps me tune out the sound of my breathing... :-) And I need all the motivation I can get.

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  58. I'm like you; I like to listen to music when I run, but there are times that I don't. For me, I don't listen when I do speed work on the track because I need to listen to my breathing. Of course, when I'm with someone else, I don't listen to music. Sometimes on the trail I listen, and sometimes I don't. We don't really have wild beasts in Ohio.

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  59. I never was one to listen to music and run, but after I listened to the serial podcast I've been listening to books on tape :)

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  60. So far I haven't been one to listen to music while I run (other than the one song that gets stuck in my head before I go out and I then hear on repeat the whole time) because I haven't found comfortable ear buds that stay put!

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  61. I love to listen to music when I run. It helps motivate me to go faster and to keep going. I sometimes get a bit bored without the music.

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  62. I usually listen to music when I run. It keeps me going when I think I can't and keeps me at a more consistent pace

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  63. I haven't when i am at the park but in my neighborhood I do, it's mainly safety issue depending on location and if my kids are with me or in the area.

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  64. Yes, I always listen to music. I think about the time too much if I don't

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  65. I run with music unless I'm running with a friend.

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  66. I am always listening to books on my Ipod when I run and need good earbuds. Sometimes I run farther because I need to finish that one chapter and it gets me out the door to run if it is a really good book. Granted I don't run very fast but can go the distance with a good booka1

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  67. I'm looking for some running ear buds, thanks for the rec!

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  68. i always run with music outside if I'm on the treadmill i usually have the tv on. I have small ears and haven't yet found ear buds that will stay in i would love to find some that do.

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  69. I've tried so many times to listen to music while I run. I don't like listening to music I know the words to because then I try to sing & run (not good). I can't seem to find tunes that really motivate me. Monday at the gym I did 10 miles on the treadmill (a couple tornadoes here in the Midwest) without music, watching the 26 silent tvs, wishing someone would shoot me.

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  70. I'm always trying to find great running headphones and these might be perfect!

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  71. These look sweet! I love listening to music and podcasts during a run.

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  72. I'd love to try these out but I do love my Bose set and they come with different sizes of buds

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  73. I listen to music when I am running alone and am slightly irritated that my favorite trail race banned headphones this year .

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  74. OMG I just got home from a run on the treadmill at the gym and my ear buds were irritating me the WHOLE time!!! Falling out, not sitting comfortably ..... I'd love to try these! I run outside w/o music, etc but on the treadmill, I HAVE to listen to something!

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  75. I used to be able to run without music but my post-partum comeback seems to require it. I have yet to find a pair I actually like so I usually just go with the speaker on my phone. I'm sure the older folk at the park love listening to "Bad Blood" as I pass.

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  76. I usually do one solo run a week with music - helps me run faster. For my group runs I run without music so I can catch up with my running friends:)

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  77. I run with music - I recently tried to run without, thinking I was bada$$ enough to do it. I'm not. So that's why.

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  78. On shorter runs, I make myself do without music. It used to be physically impossible for me to run without music, so I've overcome it somewhat. For long runs, I still need it. And it makes me go faster :-)

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  79. I usually listen to podcasts or audiobooks when I run, but occasionally music.

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  80. I listen to music and I'm willing to spend decent money on headphones if they're good quality. I was buying expensive headphones but the wires into the headphones would short out after 4-6 months. Not worth it.

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  81. I do listen to music when I run! I'm slow in races, though, so it doesn't matter, hah! And if there are tricky road crossings/bridges/narrow spots, I'll take off my headphones just to be careful.

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  82. I usually only listen to music during hard works like speed work or super long runs when I don't have my BRF. I stole my hubby's bose head phones but he really, really wants them back.

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  83. I generally don't listen to music unless I'm on the treadmill; then I need it just to keep myself from going insane and to be blissfully unaware of others' and my own bodily noises, *ahem.* However, I live in an area that gets a lot of hard-packed snow and ice in the winter, so I am at the indoor track or treadmill quite a lot. I also have a couple of sprinting/speedwork training programs (Tabata workouts, etc.) that I will use headphones for at the track because otherwise it annoys the crap out of everyone with the countdowns and beeps. And those are the workouts where the headphones always fall out because I'm a hot sweaty mess!

    When I run outside, I am often running in an urban environment and need to be aware, so I rarely wear headphones. I also get into a zen-like state where music would simply be too much distraction from my own wandering thoughts.

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  84. My headphones are to the point where they don't stay in my ears well so I would love a chance to win a new pair. :)

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  85. I love yerbuds but one cover keeps coming off and I'll lose it soon. Then the whole pair is shot. I would love a new comfortable pair.

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  86. Sounds like they would be great for all kinds of workouts!

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  87. I only listen to music on the treadmill, but it's a must!

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  88. I listen to music when I run to keep me motivated.

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  89. I LOVE having music on when I run. It helps me keep my pace, regulate my breathing, and keep me motivated to keep going! I like YurBuds, they're the best I've tried so far, but would love to try these for comparison! Thanks for the referral!

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  90. I love some audiobooks while I am running!

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  91. I have to listen to music when I run. It keeps me motivated. I've tried to not listen to it but I'm not a fan of hearing my breathing. LOL!

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  92. Yes- if I'm running alone, I listen to music. I definitely want it when pushing for a faster pace so I don't have to hear myself gasping for breath!!

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  93. I have to listen to music while I run because it keeps me motivated and makes time go by faster.

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  94. I listen to music because 1) I can't stand to listen to myself huffing and puffing like the little engine that could. 2) It further relaxes me

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  95. I used to always listen to music when I ran, mostly to distract me from discomfort as well as energize me. Then came the in ear buds....I have never found ones that stay in my ear. I'd like to try again!

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  96. I definitely listen to music because I get bored without

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  97. I do listen to music most of the time when running. I like audio books also ;)

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  98. There must be a name for "ear buds falling out of ears syndrome." I too suffer from this and these look great!

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  99. I use the headphones that came with my iPod shuffle! I'd love to have some "real" ear buds!!!! :)

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  100. simply yes, because running with music makes me feel like rocky balboa...triumphant:)

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  101. I don't listen to music as I run

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  102. I definitely listen to music while I fun, different songs can always pump me up and keep me going!

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  103. Listening to music blasting in my ears is part and parcel of my joy of running. I love my playlist and am always adding/removing songs. The beat of the music keeps me moving!

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  104. I love listening to music when I run, motivates me. These headphones look great!

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  105. I love listening to music when I run! it's what keeps me running in fact if my Ishuffle dies mid run I usually turn around and go back. #codepenency

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  106. Yes - always listen to music :)

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    1. Also, I do this because it helps me clear my head

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  107. I seriously had given up on running with music altogether because I thought I just had weird shaped ears. Nothing seems to stay put, so I'm dying to try these!

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  108. I do listen to music when I run. I can't stand it when I don't have music.
    I need these! I have what I call elf ears, because they are so small. My other good ones finally died and I'm using these crappy cheap ones. They constantly fall out.

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  109. I love listening to music when I run. It helps me stay motivated and keep my pace somewhat consistent. Having earbuds that actually stay in and are sweat proof would be fantastic.

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  110. If I am solo running then I always listen to music. It keeps me moving and distracted.

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  111. I almost always listen to music. It makes the run much more fun and makes the time fly by. I am careful to keep the volume low enough that I can hear cars and things going on around me though. And if there are bands/performers/people reading from James Joyce (really!) along a race route, I always pause the music and take one earbud out to listen and appreciate their hard work.

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  112. I only listen to music when I run on the treadmill. Many of the events I run don't allow music and if I run outside I get to clear my head, great therapy!

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  113. Running is a great way to destress and listening to music helps me drown out the world and almost reach a meditative state (though it is wise to keep the music low for safety reasons, e.g. to listen for car horn, yelling pedestrians, alien invasions).

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  114. Who has too many earbuds?! Not this girl!

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  115. I always listen to music or podcasts when I run.

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  116. I always listen to music while running, it helps to motivate me and set the pace!

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