Quick Running Tip Tuesday - Cheap Headphones (March 20, 2012)

As I started this blog post, for some reason ZZ Top's song "Cheap Sunglasses" popped to mind.  I would never advise you as a runner to get cheap sunglasses.  Your eyes are too important.  Get an expensive pair of polarized sunglasses... especially if you're going to be out for many hours (20 mile run... 3 and a half hours).

But you can go cheap on your headphones.

I learned this tip first hand a while back.  When I first started running, I grabbed the best pair of headphones that I had... a pair that came with my iPhone ($30 on Apple.com).  And...... then it rained.  They were ruined. 

So I replaced them with another pair of Apple earbuds... They lasted longer... but eventually sweat, dirt, repeated uses and rain eventually killed them too. 

Then I got smart. I went to TJ Maxx and got a cheap pair (about $5). 

Now, if they get ruined... rained on... sweated on... pulled out... or otherwise destroyed... I'm out $5 instead of $30.  Sure, they aren't as nice as the Apple Earbuds.  They aren't as convenient with the remote control.  But I'm also not out as much money when they get ruined.  Because honestly, they are going to get ruined sooner or later (especially when that freak thunderstorm shows up 120 minutes into your 20 mile run). 

Go expensive on the sunglasses... go cheap on the headphones and earbuds!

Keep running friends!
Jim

Disclaimer (if you're into that sort of thing): Jim is not a professional runner nor is this blog endorsed by any company.  These thoughts are merely the thoughts and experiences on one runner.  What works and what doesn't work from a practical level.  Jim hasn't set any records, but he's run a few races (Marathon: 4h 22m / Half-Marathon: 2h 3m / 5k: 22m 57s) and he's been around the block!

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