Best/Cheap thingy to play music when running

[rookiemater]

I'm training for a half marathon in May and finding the long runs bl**dy boring a bit tedious , so I need to get myself a music providing device.

Last time I purchased such a thing it was a sony walkman around 1992.

I have just been on ebay and there are loads of ipod nanos which I think is what I want, but loads of different generations and differing ££s

What would you recommend for running ? Preferably cheapest option as after paying £123 for new trainers with orthotic soles, I'm feeling a bit skint. Oh I'm also not terribly technical so needs to be easy to download music onto it.

Thanks for any advice

I use an ipod shuffle to run with as it's so tiny - I pop it into my bra! The major disadvantage is no display unlike the more expensive models, but if you set it to shuffle you get a good selection (it holds about 500 songs). I've got an ipod on my phone but it's far too cumbersome to carry around, plus the shuffle is only £30-something.

How are you finding the training for the half?

Cool that looks exactly what I am looking for, am looking at a few in ebay - do you pay to download the music as well, is that expensive? Funnily enough its way cheaper than my walkman was back in 92, funny how technology moves on.

Training is going okayish. First few weeks was buoyed up on enthusiasm and in reality have done pretty well to get from nothing to be comfortable if I had to do a 10k next weekend I'd be fine, its just the long run per week that I find a chore, plus getting some aches and pains in my legs.

Hopefully the trainers and orthotic soles will sort out the niggly bits and once I get some upbeat tunes I won't find it as dull to keep going for long periods.

Are you training for anything?

I've got an itunes account, but usually just load my cds on using the pc (free) - DH buys a bit, I think it's usually about 80p per song?

Sounds like the training is going well, you've got plenty of time. I'm training for my first marathon in 6 weeks time. Why don't you come over to the Happy When We're Running thread, lots of support on there?!

I've got an MP3 similar to this:-

www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-NWZB153B-Walkman-Player-Unique/dp/B003I640WM/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1298846106&sr=8-5

Brilliant and lightweight too.

Just wanted to say that my ipod shuffle has arrived ( love the name it is so apt) and its fab. I can't believe how tiny it is. I have been treating myself to some i-tunes and will do some downloading today.

Thanks for the recommendation.

Fantastic, glad you like it - I've found a bit of music makes all the difference on a long run. How is the training going?

i look forward to running just to listen to music...!

Ooh I'm at the tough bit now,thanks for asking pawsnclaws I know i should join the running thread but haven't got round to it.

I know I have done really well to get from nothing(ish) to 10k fit in 6 weeks but I still have to do the same again to get to half marathon fitness so its the long haul at the minute.

Listening to music is funny all my old stuff seems too slow, but the new music I bought is very fast and I find myself running too quickly - may start a thread to get music recommendations.

Sounds like you're doing well - there is a definite "hump" to get over at 6/7 miles, but once past that you'll breeze through - and before you know it you'll be over 10.