When we talk about being active and wearing headphones, it can be a little controversial, especially when it comes to running.  Can runners hear traffic, other people passing or even steward announcements during a race?  If not, it could be dangerous.

However, we have just started stocking Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction sports headphones and these are game changing … or run changing!  The way these kids wireless sports headphones are designed means that as well as hearing whatever you’re listening to, you can hear what’s going on around you as well. 

‘Bone conduction’ sounds a bit strange doesn’t it but it’s the conduction of sound to the inner ear through the bones of the skull.  Unlike other headphones, with bone conduction headphones, there isn’t an earpiece that goes in the ear.  Instead, they hook over it. We stock both the Shokz Open Run Pro and Open Run headphones in both a regular and a mini size which is a better fit for a smaller head.

Here are the benefits:

• Allow wearer to hear surrounding sound as well as whatever they’re listening to.
• Nothing goes in the ear itself which is good from a hygiene point of view but it’s also great for those with ear canal sensory issues.
• Wireless so no chance of getting tangled up.
• Once charged can last for around 8 hours so fantastic for long runs or walks, bike rides or just long training sessions of any sport.
• Bone conduction means that sound travels via vibrations so they are ideal for those with a hearing impairment.
• They’re comfortable to wear and easy to use.
• There are sizes for children!

But how do we encourage our children and young people to go for a run in the first place?  I love to run.  You can do it whenever it suits you, you don’t need much kit and it’s not weather dependent!  Running in the rain is quite invigorating!  Now my teenage son sometimes comes with me or goes off by himself – he’s really into cross-country running. 

When we talk about sport we sometimes overlook the most basic of activities, walking and running.  These are as valid activities as something organised like football, netball, swimming (the list goes on!) and so easy to do! 

How to encourage children to run

Running apps

You have probably all heard of the ‘Couch to 5K’ app – the app designed by the NHS but has been copied all over the world now.  Over an eight-week period, you follow their programme of running and walking three times a week until you’re running the whole way.  It is a huge success and there’s no reason why children can’t do it too.  There is a running commentary (excuse the pun!), words of encouragement, telling you to walk / run, warm up or cool down so sports headphones would be a good bit of kit.

Run to a beat … or whatever they like!

Your teens might like to run while listening to something.  Music and listening to a podcast or the radio can be a good distraction for those reluctant runners and for the rest of us, music can provide the running tempo.  Some people have a playlist that they only listen to when they run - the motivation to get out there is to listen to their favourite songs.

In this case, these kids headphones are an absolute must.  They’re less likely to fall out than other brands, and I can’t stress enough the importance of being able to hear the world around you when you’re out and about.

Junior parkrun

Parkrun really is a fantastic way to be active every week and junior parkrun is fun for kids.  It’s not a race, it’s just children running together over a set course 2km long.  Running in a group, with friends, can help motivate children (and adults!) and can boost your pace (even if it’s not a race!)

Junior parkrun is all over the country, and, of course, for those that fancy it, there’s no reason why your child can’t run the adult course with you.  

Often, when you run a race or run in an organised way like Parkrun, you’re not allowed headphones from a safety point of view.  Organisers want to ensure that runners can hear traffic or instructions from stewards.  However, because Shokz sports headphones allow you to hear surrounding noise, they are allowed at Parkrun and in many other races, giving them a clear advantage over other brands.

Mental health benefits of running

The physical benefits of running are well known.  It helps to build stamina, speed, strength and boosts overall physical wellness.  Running benefits our mental health too and at a time when we’re all worrying about our teens’ wellness, jogging and running is an easy way to help them.

Running can ease anxiety and can help teens feel calmer and more relaxed.  For some, it can also help with depression.  It’s no myth that the surge of endorphins from being physically active can be a mood booster and it can also be a great way to break up revision or homework at the weekend – being active can assist with focus as excess energy is used while running. 

And while they’re being active, they’re not on their phones so that has to be a good thing, right?!

Safety for children running

As much as I’m an advocate for running, there are safety issues to consider whether you live in an urban setting or the middle of nowhere. Shokz sports headphones are good for this as kids can hear what’s going on around them but, they can’t protect them against every danger.

I would definitely recommend running with your child.  You can teach them key skills and educate them on potential hazards … but it’s also fun and spending time with children and teens doing something you both enjoy is invaluable bonding time.

It’s up to you when you feel comfortable about them going out alone.  I’m not going to tell you what age is the right age as every child is different and there are many variables (maturity, location for example) but whenever you think it’s ok, I would recommend

• Tracking them on one of the many apps that do this.
• Asking where they’re planning to go, their route.
• How long you think they’ll be.
• If it’s a long run, ensuring that they have water and suitable snacks.
• Suggesting that they run with a friend – running with someone keeps you going when motivation dips and you’re being sociable at the same time.
• Asking that they keep in touch if any of the above changes or they stop for a water break.

Stretching for running

Stretching pre and post exercise is such a useful habit to start at an early age. 

Dynamic stretching benefits runners and children will often enjoy these rather than stationary stretching.  Ask your child to tell you what they can feel as they stretch so that you can help them identify parts of their body – calf muscles, hamstrings etc. 

You can use stretching apparatus like bands and foam rollers – make it interactive and fun and then children will enjoy it!

Encourage them not to skip this part of exercise and it will help minimise injuries during their running, or any sport, career.

My son has loved going running on his own around the country lanes where we live especially during major exam time.  It’s definitely a stress-reliever for him and helps to clear his mind.

So, this summer, get your trainers on, put your Shokz on and introduce your child to running.  It can start with a run around the block and you can build from there.  It could be a gentle jog to footy training or swimming lessons to warm them up.  Or if you’re new to it too - why not do Couch to 5K together?!  Running could become the easiest exercise that you didn’t realise you could do!