Ipod for Half Marathon

[mnasf]

My husband is running the Disney Half Marathon next month. I was trying to think of Christms gift ideas for him. He has an iphone, but I was thinking an Ipod Nano or Shuffle might be something he could use in the run. I'm not a runner so I'm not sure if it is even something he'd enjoy. Any thoughts or ideas? Thanks so much!

 

[luvmythree]

I run marathons and I can't run without listening to something. It helps me focus on the run and I have my kids voices interjected during songs saying *Go MOM...You can do it....We love you.....keep on truckin' *family joke* and other sayings* as well as great music that I love to listen to. Granted I run full marathons but for a half I would assume it would still be helpful. I hope your DH does well. I LOVE running!!!

 

[mnasf]

Do you think a Shuffle or Nano would be better? Is there a good way to attach these when running. Way to go on the full marathons! And your kids voices sounds like a great idea.

I run marathons and I can't run without listening to something. It helps me focus on the run and I have my kids voices interjected during songs saying *Go MOM...You can do it....We love you.....keep on truckin' *family joke* and other sayings* as well as great music that I love to listen to. Granted I run full marathons but for a half I would assume it would still be helpful. I hope your DH does well. I LOVE running!!!

 

[dapookie09]

There are arm straps for mp3 players that are made just for that! I got one at Meijer (a midwest store similar to a supertarget) for around 10 bucks that fits a Nano.

 

[mrsxsparrow]

My husband is running the Disney Half Marathon next month. I was trying to think of Christms gift ideas for him. He has an iphone, but I was thinking an Ipod Nano or Shuffle might be something he could use in the run. I'm not a runner so I'm not sure if it is even something he'd enjoy. Any thoughts or ideas? Thanks so much!

I use the shuffle because it is the smallest, lightest iPod and it has a clip which is super convenient. After I clip it in place I can't even feel it there. I use an iPod touch during training for some of the running apps but when it comes to the race I always go back to the shuffle.

 

[DVCBELLE]

I would get him the Ipod that the nike plus running attaches to - I think it is the nano but they have changed so much since I got mine it might be a different version now.

I have one and it was nice to have my pace and time and distance readily available!!

I would definitely make sure that it is one that he can see the songs on - I never liked on my shuffle that I could not read the song or pick one I wanted.

 

[pumba21]

I have both...and I love my nano but for long runs esp. races I think the shuffle is better. The arms straps for the nano start to bother me and fall down, the shuffle you can just clip on and go and if you want to change songs all you have to do is push a button. Happy running!!!

 

[rubato]

I run with the older shuffle because it just clips onto my clothing wherever I want. No need for the arm band. I have to make sure to only put stuff on it I want to run to. And, it can be set for a continuous loop instead of the random shuffle. It's about 2 or 3 inches square, which is so tiny I don't even realize it's there.

 

[sillylily]

With the newest generation Nano, it's smaller and clips on just like the Shuffle. If he were using it nonstop every day, I'd go for the Nano. If he onle uses it when he's running, I'd go Shuffle. I have the iPhone as well, but for convenience in the gym and on the road, my Shuffle has been tried and true! Happy hunting !☺

 

[poohs4me]

I read the shuffle reacts to sweat is this not true anymore? I would hate to be out running and have my player conk out.

 

[amy-momofthree]

I would recommend the shuffle. It is small and has its own clip. Very easy to use and holds quite a bit of songs, mine is an older model and holds 250 songs but I think the newer ones hold more? Also, the shuffle is under $50.

If he already has the iphone, then he most likely has all his songs on that since it holds A LOT. He just needs something small and simple for running.

The buttons on the shuffle are simple that if he wants to skip over a song, he can do so easily while running.

I have both an iphone and a shuffle and like the shuffle for running. In my opinion, an ipod touch would be too much like the iphone.

 

[KTSMOM]

I have run with all 3 devices and my personal favorite is the nano. It's lighter than the touch but allows you to choose your music and set up your own playlist unlike the shuffle. You can run with a touch and it's not that bad, but it is a bit heavier than the nano and can be a bit more cumbersome on your arm.

 

[Shleedogg]

When I was training for the Princess Half last winter I told my DH we had to buy an armband so I could bring my ipod with me. He had run the full at Disney in 09 and told me that technically ipods aren't allowed on the course but a ton of people use them anyway. He just said to hide it at the start. I was worried about that because I have a giant classic ipod. Moot point because I had to have an emergency appendectomy 3 wks before the half.

I'd go w/ a nano. My mom just got a 6th gen and they are tiny, same size as the old square nanos. The plus is that then you can then have playlists and the option to see what you're listening to. I bought DH a $30 old style shuffle for long runs and he'll only put running music on it. You can get arm bands for any size, but I do think you don't need it for the new nanos, they have clips on them. I wonder if the new nanos have video capability. That would be great to pass the time too, even just listening.

 

[KristinU]

I run regularly with my HTC Evo using a running app (Endomondo is my current favorite). I have done armbands with a nano a Zen and my Evo, but the setup I love is using Motorola bluetooth headphones (newegg.com has some great prices) along with an Amphipod clip on pouch. I clip it on my waistband behind my back so it is out of the way. The Amphipod pouch I have has a clear front and is made for the iPhone. I've run two half marathons with my Evo wireless setup and I love it.

 

[ragtopday]

I've used all the Apple devices mentioned for running. I own an iPhone and iPod Touch but dislike using these for running because of their weight and the fact that I find the arm bands very uncomfortable. I also don't like that if I want to skip a song or change the volume I have to basically stop, unlock it and then make my adjustments. Not something I like doing on a run.

So about a year and a half ago I bought a refurbished Shuffle that clips onto my clothes. I love it! I swap out podcasts mostly (you CAN set up a playlist for the Shuffle, but you have to do it in iTunes and then drag the whole playlist over).

All that said, I bought myself the new Nano for Christmas because I've started using the Nike+ app which is not available on the Shuffle (I've gone back to using my iPod Touch temporarily just to use this app). This app keeps track of my distance, pace, etc and I really like using it.

If he only needs something to listen to while running the Shuffle is a very economical choice and it weighs practically nothing. The new Nano's are also very tiny with a built-in clip (my fave feature!) and it can do lots more.

Good luck to him in the half marathon!

 

[dislvr74]

I have an old shuffle and it has served me well through 11 half marathons. It's cheap, light, and doesn't require an armband.

I struggled to find headphones that would stay in my ears and wouldn't bother me when wearing a hat and sunglasses. I bought these http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Mdr-As20...HRFK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1291829993&sr=8-3 about two years ago and love them. They are the only pair that work for me.

 

[Kit'smommy]

I couldn't get through any of my longer runs without my music. I would get the new Nano that has the clip.

 

[mnasf]

Thank you, thank you everyone! You all had such great personal experience advice. I'm going to look at all the options everyone gave me and try to decide. I really appreciate your time and suggestions. it really helps me understand some of what he needs and options out there. Thank you for your help.

My husband is running the Disney Half Marathon next month. I was trying to think of Christms gift ideas for him. He has an iphone, but I was thinking an Ipod Nano or Shuffle might be something he could use in the run. I'm not a runner so I'm not sure if it is even something he'd enjoy. Any thoughts or ideas? Thanks so much!