runners | (no subject)

As my long runs get longer, it's becoming clear that I need to be listening to music or audiobooks or something while I run, in order not to die of boredom. The problem is, I do pretty much all my running on the street, especially right now when everything is still covered in a bunch of snow, and I live in a fairly densely-populated suburb with lots of car traffic. There aren't any long off-road paths near my house. I've always been nervous about using earphones while running with traffic around, because I'm afraid of not hearing traffic.

So I'm wondering, what's your experience? Do you think I could get away with having one earbud in if I stay on lightly-trafficked roads? Should I just bite the bullet and drive somewhere I can get a long run in on a path? Should I leave off the music and get even better at daydreaming? I'm running out of work problems to solve while I run. [g]

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Don't get earbuds that are too good. I have those that have this... arch-y thing to hook behind your ear, so I don't have to push them all the way in.

I can even hear a bike coming up behind me...

Yeah, that's a good idea. I've got way too many earbuds floating around, so hopefully I can find some that don't block out all the noise but also don't fall out.