The Runner’s Playlist: Are Headphones Your Friend or Foe Outdoors?

Since I spend some time outdoors running (4-7 hours/week), one of the temptations is to add some additional “use” to that time – by listening to some podcast I enjoy or audiobooks.

When I started running 8 years ago, the purpose of using headphones during my running workouts was to bring more motivation with handpicked songs, having the “right” beat and since I started tracking my running sessions with my phone (a Blackberry 9700) I opted for wired headphones, the ones I used to wear with my phone – nothing fancy.

After a while, I switched to a sports watch and I decided not to use headphones when running … just using the time for reflection, noticing nature or people around me. It was easier to connect with my thoughts and sometimes it worked fine, sometimes it allowed more time for rumination. Anyway .. going back to headphones, since I was mainly outdoors, exposed to rain, snow and sweat I decided to have a pair dedicated fitted for such environment and decided for Plantronics Backbeat Fit, which were a very good partner for several hours (6-7) of listening. The sound was decent, the controls easy accessible and comfort was great – I worn them for long training sessions or marathon races, they were great. The call quality was below average, I mean I always got complains from people who called me, but in the end I was just using them to take short calls during my running sessions and not to engage into lengthy conversations. One day, since I put them in the pocket of my shorts, I managed to complete a wash cycle and to my amazement they were still functioning , but the sound was a bit distorted (not surprise, they were not meant to stay immersed in water for one hour).

I replaced them with another pair, but at that moment I couldn’t find the Plantronics model available immediately so I picked another solution – the Optoma NuForce Sports 3 – they were proper in-ear wireless headphones with mic and controls on the wire connecting the headsets.

The sound was better, in part because of the insulation the silicon tips were adding, but the confort was not at the Plantronics level since the controls were placed asymmetrically and during the run eventually you’ll feel the right headphone being more “heavy”. Good autonomy (7 hours), better sound (also during calls), with the good protection but not comfortable enough. Also, the sound insulation was getting in the way of my navigation on streets, I had to be more explicit when looking around, since not all of the sound was reaching me. The NuForce BE Sport 3 continued to be used inside house or during more static setups, but I decided to look for another pair of Plantronics – which I did .. same color as the first ones, same quality, I still enjoy using them.

When coming back to listening audiobooks and podcasts, the Apple AirPods were very handy even if they were not designed to support sweat and rain – actually, when raining and snowing I used the Plantronics, but the AirPods were easy to use, sounded decent and shared a common treat with the Plantronics, they allow the environmental sound to get to you.

I recently purchased a AudioTechnica – ATH – CSK50TW headphones, which are in-ear and IPX4 so they could be an option for running headphones. I tried them once and remembered my preference to hear what’s around me – yes, they sound great and last long – but that’s not enough for me. Additionally, my ear canals are not identical, so the in-ear headphones (AirPods Pro included) create a different feeling for each ear .. the right one is not falling off, but it creates a feeling that it is not that stable there.

Looking back at my experiences (I didn’t try over-ear headphones though), I’d say that for outdoor use, I prefer headphones which allow my to hear the surrounding noise – so the over ear or in-ear are not my favourites. I know people who are very focused on sound quality and they prefer in-ear sports headphones from Bose/B&O, but I still would recommend them for safety reasons to be used around tracks and not on street running (or biking).

Inside, in the gym or on your trainer, you can select a good pair of sweat resistant headphones and even use the active noise reduction for immersive sensations – I just know that I’d struggle with this, the AudioTechnica remembered me why I’m not the great customer for in-ear headphones when being active. They are great inside, on the plane but not for my running sessions outdoors on the streets.

With that, pick whatever equipment makes you happy and practice safe – you don’t have to spend a fortune to be happy.

Enjoy running!