Going deaf

[1slowcoach]

Just completed W3R1 and found it a toughie especially the second 3 minute run as I found myself negotiating a hill. My main problem is I can't hear what the person is saying over the traffic. If I turn the volume up when they stop and my music is returned it blasts my ear drums to near bursting. Think I will have to try running without the music but am worried boredom will set in.

[trevorjl Graduate]

It's best to avoid having the volume too loud as this can lead to hearing damage, but you don't have to go without music altogether.

The obvious thing would be to find somewhere quieter to run, but I'm assuming that's not an option.

What type of earphones are you using? A well fitting set of in-ear 'phones should block out a lot of outside noise and allow you to keep the volume down.

[1slowcoach Graduate in reply to trevorjl]

At this time of year the quiet place's to run tend to be wet and muddy so try to avoid them knowing my trainers won't be in a fit condition to run in for the next run. Other quiet areas are a good distance to drive to and want to avoid using the car.

I have in ear earbuds that seem to fit quite well but they don't seem to cut out surrounding sound. I might need to invest in some more expensive ones.

[Midriff_Crisis Graduate]

I've never used headphones when running and (at week 5) I'm pretty used to the sound of pounding feet and heavy breathing. Of course, those are punctuated by the sound of birdsong and erm ... badgers (perhaps). It could be something you actually enjoy ... I certainly do. Give it a go and see how you get on.

[1slowcoach Graduate in reply to Midriff_Crisis]

I will admit I find running very boring so for me to be trying this is an achievement in itself. I have tried running with no music in the past and found that without that distraction all I would think about was how tired I was feeling and how much distance I still had to go. I'd give up running soon after those thoughts crept in and walk the rest of the way I will give it another go though will just the app because at least there is going to be the occasional word of encouragement to wait for.

[Midriff_Crisis Graduate]

Everyone's different, so you must do whatever is best for you. You could try getting headphones which are rated as being better for sound isolation I guess, but you should really retain some sort of awareness of what is going on around you. Alternatively, you might try tinkering with the sound settings / equaliser on whatever you are using, to see if you can make the speaking bits (at least) more distinct.

[1slowcoach Graduate in reply to Midriff_Crisis]

Don't think my phone is fancy enough for all that. If all else fails I could listen to the commentary before I go for my run so I have some idea of what they are saying and when.