Depending on what you’re training for, you could be out on a run for 1, 2, maybe even 3+ hours. When there’s not much to look at, long runs can get boring fast. Or maybe you just need a distraction to get you through a tough workout.
I’m not a huge fan of running with my clunky phone, unless I have a running vest on. I also prefer to keep things as minimal as possible. I’ve spent 5 years trying to find the perfect music player/headphone combination, and I’m excited to share my findings! I’ll also share my “runner up” music setup.
Garmin Forerunner 965
5 years ago, my current music running setup wasn’t possible. But now, many GPS running watches have music/podcast storage and bluetooth pairing with headphones. It’s not cheap, but I currently run with the Garmin Forerunner 965. I use the Spotify app within Garmin Connect to add custom playlists and podcasts to my watch before I head out for a run. Once it’s configured, you can add Spotify playlists/podcasts all from the watch interface.
Shokz OpenRun
You should always be aware of your surroundings when running, which is why I currently run with OpenRun bone conducting headphones from Shokz. These pair beautifully with my watch and allow me to hear the world around me in addition to my music. The battery life is solid; I’ve only ran out of juice during my ultra-marathons (5+ hours). If you do decide to use your phone instead of your watch, you can also take calls with these headphones.
Runner Up
There used to be a popular iPod perfect for running called the iPod Shuffle. If you’re looking for something similar in the post-iPod era, then check out Mighty. It worked well with the openrun headphones, and easily clips onto your shirt/shorts. I used the Mighty for about a year, and my only negative feedback is that without a screen, it can sometime be challenging to pair and sync songs with your phone.
Happy Running!!