The curious case of the dead headphones and missing running mojo.

As a knowledge worker, I’m behind a computer screen consuming media for most of the day. It’s constant stimulation: DMs, email, meetings, phone calls, etc. Going out to run in the morning or at lunch is my way to free the body and the mind. I’m suddenly out of the chair, away from the dings and beeps, running free down the trails with time as the only constraint.

When running started to suck

I love this free feeling. It’s what drew me to running many years ago. A couple months ago, though, I found that feeling wasn’t there during the run, and I didn’t feel rejuvenated or empowered afterwards either. I couldn’t figure out why. Instead, I felt mentally exhausted, and it kept piling on day after day. The joy was disappearing. What was happening?

*Runner adjusting their headphones pre-run.*

The case of the dead headphones and missing mojo

Deep in a training block, taking a long retreat to reevaluate my perspective and purpose wasn’t really an option. Instead, I just kept trucking along like a rusty old robot in desperate need of something to light my soul. Then one day, I went to grab my headphones and realized I forgot to charge them. No big deal. I enjoy running without them, so I just decided to go.

The accidental solve

Arriving home an hour later, I could not tell you where I went or what I thought about. My mind was blank for the entire hour. I just settled into the grooves on the trail, went where my feet wanted to go, and came home with that old spark of freedom and clarity I used to have. Whoa! What happened? Was it the trail? Was it my energy that day? Some superfood or special supplement I had unknowingly taken?

Then it hit me. I had been using my runs to consume things, media to be specific, trying to “maximize my time”, caught in the productivity trap. Audiobooks, podcasts, phone calls, music. My mind was getting that dopamine stimulation all day long at work and now my runs, which had previously been a break, were part of the stimulation tornado too. I’d been sucked in.

Reclaiming running free

Realizing this, I started leaving the headphones at home, any expectations alongside them. I didn’t have anything planned to think about. I just ran and let my mind do whatever it wanted to do. Daydream? Sure. Brainstorm about work? Sure. Nothing? Sure. My runs were once again my mind’s playground, and I felt energized and free.

Media while running: In or out? Or can a happy balance be found?

I’ve always been someone who takes big pendulum shifts of change in my life. That cheesy pizza last night upset my stomach, so today I’m cutting out dairy completely. Terrible choice by the way, pizza is magical for runners, dairy too. I’ve come a long way in realizing that I need gradual change not drastic change. This experience also fell into that category.

It was drastic at first. No media while running. But now, I’m in a much better place. I still don’t do podcasts or audiobooks, but I did reintroduce music. Anything that enhances, not detracts, from the running experience is what I’m looking for. Cue Bertha by the Grateful Dead for an easy trail run. I’m looking for a way to escape the noise, the stimulation, and business of modern life. I’m looking for the pure form of something, something that connects me to nature, to myself, and makes me feel whole afterwards. If music enhances that, then plug me in.

*Runner logging some miles without consuming media.*

How to reevaluate your own media while running relationship

As a coach and runner, I’m always looking to fulfill mind, body, and spirit: the holistic running experience. I want to set myself and my athletes up for long-term success and enjoyment in the sport. As I look back at this experience with media while running, I realize that sometimes you just need to reevaluate what you’re doing and why. I don’t want to lose the joy and freedom I find in running. When that joy and freedom disappeared, it was a big red flag for me. Both my performance and my mental health suffered. If you’re feeling this way, take account of how you’re treating your mind during runs. Are you giving it the space it needs? Are the things you’re doing during your runs serving you or hindering you?

For me, I needed to reclaim that calming space that running gives me. I’m a more free and peaceful version of myself on and off the trail by giving my brain some time to just be, without the headphones. If you’re the opposite and find that consuming media truly adds to your running and life, great, keep going! Figuring out how you want to feel before, during, and after running can start with you asking yourself “what’s here for me today?”. Or, as in my case, with forgetting to charge your headphones and involuntarily reclaiming the calm, peace, and simplicity of a daily run and realizing what you’ve been missing all along.

Ryan Williams is a parent, proud dog dad, athlete and coach who believes running is a metaphor for life. He specializes in forming positive bonds with runners of all ages, distances, and abilities from couch-to-5k to ultramarathon.

Running headphones have certainly evolved quickly in recent years, look no further than Suunto Wing headphones. We’ve gone from running with giant, over-the-ear Sony Walkman headsets, to the tangled cords of your iPod Shuffle, and earbuds that fall out from one drop of sweat. Today, the newest iteration of running headphone tech takes listening to audio as you workout to a new level! While bone conduction headphones have been on the market for a few years now, they are still finding their place in the market. For this review, TRR Coach Kyle Fulmer took a look at (and ran hundreds of miles with) the new Suunto Wing Open-Ear Headphones.

TRR coach and social media master Kyle Fulmer running with the Suunto Wing headphones. PC: Kyle Fulmer. — *TRR coach and social media master Kyle Fulmer running with Suunto Wing headphones. PC: Kyle Fulmer.*

Key features:

Tough and Weatherproof: These headphones are fully waterproof and dustproof (IP67 rated), making them perfect for sweaty workouts, rainy runs, or even dusty trails. The build quality feels robust, ready to handle rugged use.
Open-Ear Bone Conduction Technology: Instead of blocking your ears like traditional headphones, they rest on your jawbone, leaving your ear canals open so you can stay aware of passing cars, wildlife, or the sounds of nature around you.
Safety Features: Built-in red LED lights provide visibility for night runs or cycling. While the lights are a thoughtful touch, they could be brighter, so are not a substitute for headlamps and reflective gear.
Battery Life: You get up to 10 hours of playback, plus an extra 20 hours from the included power bank. Quick charging is another bonus—just 10 minutes gives you about 3 hours of playtime.
Comfort and Fit: At 33 grams, they’re lightweight but might not fit snugly on smaller heads. We had no issues with the fit.
Hands-free: Forget fumbling for buttons—just nod your head to answer a call or shake it to skip a track. Suunto Wing’s hands-free operation free up your hands for activity.
Usability: Control your audio with multi-function buttons that allow you to play/ pause tunes, adjust volume, skip and rewind tracks. You can also answer and hang up phone calls, turn on and off the lights too.

What do we like about Suunto Wing most?

Suunto Wing headphones are ultra lightweight, fit snugly, and can even be worn with glasses: a must for anyone running with sunglasses or prescription eyewear. Most importantly, the sound quality is amazing, all while still allowing outside noises to be heard.

Kellen Fulmer also put these headphones to the test, proving that one-size really does fit all! PC: Kyle Fulmer — *Kyle’s little one also put these headphones to the test, proving that one-size really does fit all!*
*PC: Kyle Fulmer*

From personal experience, the 10 hours of battery life advertised seemed to be about right. I have run several times, chatted on the phone during walks, and listened to some podcasts while doing chores, all before needing to recharge the Wing! And with the powerbank included, you can get an extra 20 hours on the go! This makes Suunto Wing headphones a great option for runners doing the longest ultras and multiday adventures without access a power outlet.

What don’t we like about Suunto Wing headphones?

Not much, except the cost! At $199, they’re an investment (but, in my opinion, a worthwhile one). The price is easy to get over when you can change songs by just shaking your head, answer phone calls by nodding yes, and have headphones with such outstanding durability and battery life!

Additionally, it takes a few tries to memorize the functions, such as changing songs or answering a call by simply moving your head! Other buttons allow you to manage calls and adjust your audio and volume. As with any new tech, it takes a bit of time to remember all the actions but, just as they did with your phone or iPod of the past, soon all the functions become second nature!

*Pro runner and TRR Coach Genevieve Harrison running with Suunto Wing headphones. PC: Genevieve Harrison*

What are the best uses for the headphones?

Running, of course! Add to that listening to tunes whilst walking the dog, vacuuming, doing the dishes, and basically during any other activity you’d like audio for. Forget being able to hear traffic when running or riding, the open-ear bone conduction technology comes in clutch when you’re parenting and want to listen to a podcast while still being able to hear when the baby wakes up!

What do the Pros say?

ON-sponsored professional trail runner and TRR Coach Genevieve Harrison also put Suunto Wing headphones to the test. Here’s what she had to say:

“For ears like mine, they’re a game-changer! Suunto Wing rest comfortably around your neck when not in use, making them super handy at aid stations. Plus, they let you stay tuned into nature while on the trail—perfect for me since I often encounter mountain bikers where I run so need to be able to hear them coming. These headphones are definitely worth a try! They’d also make an incredible gift for the runner in your life who loves staying connected to their surroundings.”

Kyle Fulmer is a coach with Team RunRun and our social media manager extraordinaire. He is an experienced trail and ultra coach and athlete based in Boulder, Colorado.

Should You Be Consuming Media While Running?