Before this past summer, I refused to run the pavement. As a matter of fact the only training I have ever done has been in a gym. I trained for a 5k in the gym and really all the running that I have ever done has been on a treadmill. I now realize why 5ks and everything else was so intimidating to me, hitting the pavement was not something my body was used to.
I realized pretty quickly that if I was going to do this half marathon I would have to do the unthinkable – – run outside in my neighborhood. I was always terrified to run outside, and not because of my neighborhood because I see runners outside all the time and my community is safe. I was just scared that I would look like a fool out the gasping and chugging along during my runs. The first time I ran outside I ran a very very fast 2 miles… I was so scared/nervous! Gradually I got used to it and I even liked it… Say what? I learned quickly though that there was certain rules to this game…
10 Safety Tips for City Running
1) Run on popular/busy roads
2) Map out route beforehand
3) Know what construction is happening before your run
4) Let someone know about your route
5) Wear your RunID, have some kind of emergency contact information on hand
6) If you have iOS8 make sure you program your information into the Health App. In case of emergency that information can be retrieved without a password.
7) Always carry money (I learned this lesson the hard way)
8) Make eye contact, say good morning/evening to fellow runners community members
9) Trust your gut, if it doesn’t feel good, run the opposite way!
10) Keep your music low, loud music can drown out car beeps and other important noises you need to hear!
Panasonic Wired Open Ear Headphones
Panasonic sent me a set of Wired Open Ear Headphones* to try out for my morning runs. When I heard about the concept I thought it was brilliant because of course I want to ear my music, but I NEED to hear car beeps, bicycle bells and etc too. My current headphones are noise cancelling which is perfect for the train, but dangerous on the streets.
[Tweet “10 Safety Tips for City Runners #runchat #openyourears”]
I was also worried about how they would work because I have tried to run with ear buds before and it was an EPIC fail. I have abnormally small parts of my ear that refuses to hold an ear bud no matter how small they are. These headphones fit perfectly right outside the ear, and somehow you can hear every song clearly yet you can hear everything outside as well because your ears are open. It is really one of the coolest things I have ever seen.
City running is truly one of the hardest and craziest ways to workout, you have to be constantly on guard, alert and these headphones do the job of helping you listen to your favorite tunes WHILE remaining vigilant and pounding the pavement. Often times during my long runs, I cross streets like these and there are cars coming from every angle!
Wired Open Ear Headphones is an awesome innovation which transmits sound vibrations through the upper cheek bones of the face to the cochlea of the inner ear, allowing a user to listen to music while still paying attention to outside sounds—like the beep of a car horn or someone’s voice!
I would highly recommend these headphones for runners that live in very urban areas and run outside, this way you can run and not sacrifice your tunes! You can get a pair of your own here!
*I was sent a pair of Wired Open Ear Headphones for review, but no other compensation was received and all opinions–as usual–are my own!
Do you run in a busy area? Do you run with music? If so is it loud? Have you ever heard of Open Ear Headphones?
Hi! I’m Nellie. I am a busy mama of three, wife to my high school sweetheart who loves to cook, workout and stay organized! I love to share helpful printables, the best recipes and fitness tips for the modern mom. I strongly believe that every mom can feed their family well, take proper care of themselves and have fun along the way! Read my story.
Get comfortable and be sure to come hang out with me on social. Don’t grab your free fitness journal before you go!
Beth Martel
Thursday 12th of January 2017
Running with great enthusiasm is my passion. thankyou for lending us more tips and advice's to follow while running. Hoping to hear more.
Alberto Hurst
Thursday 13th of October 2016
Yes you are right these kind of headphones are really amazing as they don't damage your eardrums, I have been using Aftershokz Bluez 2S earphones which also works on the same principle and plus point they are water resistant.
Thanks for sharing this article I would really suggest everyone to use bone conduction headphones as they will really give your eardrums a longer life.
Holiday Gift Guide for the Fitness Fashionista! Items for ALL budgets! - Brooklyn Active Mama
Monday 8th of December 2014
[…] I gave these headphones a full review last month and I believe in the product so much I had to include it here. These headphones are fantastic for safety and also really great for the runner that likes to hear cheers along the race route! The technology on these babies is amazing and a great gift for those athletes that love to run outdoors. […]
Shalama
Monday 3rd of November 2014
I would amend #10 to run with just one earpiece in if at all possible. I love music and it gets me hype to keep going, but sometimes being able to hear the faintest of things helps from jumping half out your skin as well as just being alert to things that you might miss when you have both ears covered.
Nellie
Monday 3rd of November 2014
agreed! That is what makes the open ear headphones so cool...When I wear my other noise cancelling earphones, I keep one on and one off. Best of both worlds. Thanks for stopping by chica!
Leslie
Wednesday 22nd of October 2014
I can’t imagine trying to cross an intersection like that! Even though I’m out in the ‘burbs, safety is always important. Love the idea of the open-air headphones & can’t wait to find out more about them! (Plus, the geek in me is fascinated with the physics behind them)
Nellie
Monday 27th of October 2014
the physics are completely beyond me, I just know that its pretty freaking cool! haha -- you're right Safety is important no matter where you are!