Tuning In To Your Surroundings | AfterShokz Review

Disclaimer: I received Aftershokz Trekz Titanium Mini headphones to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Running while listening to music clearly has its advantages.

I used to only use music for training runs but last year I raced my last two marathons while listening to music. Running with tunes is proven to boost mood and motivation. And I believe it! Those races ended up being my second and third fastest marathon times.

The downside is, when my earbuds are in, I'm zoned out and tuned out to my surroundings.

The ear buds eliminated nearly all of the surrounding sound, though running with one ear bud out did make the practice more safe. (Notice the dangling extra ear bud in below picture.)


As a BibRave Pro, I received the wireless Aftershokz Trekz Titanium Mini headphones. This has been an exciting opportunity as my first step into the world of wireless music enjoyment.

The Trekz Titanium Mini headphones are unique because they utilize bone conduction technology that delivers music through your cheekbones, ensuring ears remain completely open to hear ambient sounds. That means I can enjoy my music without sacrificing the safety of hearing my surroundings!


With my Wireless Trekz Titanium Mini headphones, I received a drawstring carrying case for the headphones, two rubber ear pieces (to keep the headphones from resting on the ears), a charging cord, a pair of ear plugs (not shown due to toddler confiscation) and a user guide.

The headphones are available in black, pink, blue and green.


Features listed on the AfterShokz website include:

  • Bone conduction technology (like I mentioned above)
  • Titanium wraparound headband is lightweight and flexible for durability and portability 
  • OpenFit™ design ensures maximum situational awareness and comfort during long-term wear 
  • PremiumPitch+™ guarantees a premium audio experience, including wide dynamic range and rich bass 
  • Wireless Bluetooth® 4.1 connectivity and convenient multipoint pairing 
  • LeakSlayer™ technology significantly reduces natural sound leakage IP55 certified to repel sweat, dust and moisture, from workouts to wicked weather 
  • Enjoy six hours of continuous music + calls on a single charge 
  • EQ presets boost bass and reduce vibration on the go 
  • Dual noise canceling microphones exclude surrounding noise, effectively enhancing speech 
  • Audrey Says™ voice prompts guide users through power, pair, play and talk 
  • Hassle-free 2-year warranty

Over the past month, I have worn the Trekz Titanium Mini headphones on an assortment of runs both indoor and out and while listening to podcasts in the house. The bluetooth easily connects to my iPhone and I'm able to listen whatever podcasts or music I feel like that day!


What I LOVED about the Trekz Minis:

  • Wireless. There aren't any cords to deal with like on my regular ear buds. Less tangles, less hassle.
  • Safety. I am able to hear my music while being aware of my surroundings. If your surroundings are very loud, it will be harder to hear your music/podcast BUT your safety is worth it.
  • Ear-Free Fit. My ears are easily irritated by certain ear buds but the bone conduction technology keeps my ears free of any obstructions and therefore I'm able to listen comfortably for longer. 

What I DIDN'T love about the Trekz Minis:

  • Don't fit well with sunglasses. I run with sunglasses often and I felt like the headphones and the sunglasses were both competing for the same spot on my ear. I was able to wear both at the same time by placing my sunglasses on top of the headphones but it wasn't particularly comfortable and I adjusted often. 
  • Not compatible with my iPod Shuffle. (Granted this is a personal problem and at no fault to the headphones) I prefer to run with my iPod Shuffle because it is so tiny and light but bluetooth is not an option. Thankfully AfterShokz has an array of products both wireless and wired! The Sports Titanium headphones would be a nice option for running with the Shuffle.


Overall, I think these headphones are a win! They are very versatile - yes, you can even use them for making phone calls - and the "Mini" size is just perfect. The wireless Trekz Titanium Mini headphones are available for $129.95 with a 45-day money back guarantee.

And as a BONUS: When you order your AfterShokz here, you will get a complimentary 16-oz. Stainless Steel Water Bottle with your purchase ($14.95 value for FREE). Use the code "FREEBOTTLE" at checkout!


Join us for #BibChat on Twitter hosted by AfterShokz on May 23rd at 8PM CT for a chance to win your own pair of Trekz Titanium Mini headphones! 

And here's my quick weekly workout wrap up combined with a "bump update". I'll spare you the weekly bump photos and instead show you an enticing picture of fruit comparable to the size of B3.

Our baby is... a lemon :)

Source: "The Bump" App

B3 Pregnancy: Week 13 Wrap-Up

MONDAY: 

3-mile grocery run with the double stroller and dog. We stopped to let Saul swim in the river and enjoyed a perfect May Day! Upon returning home, we reseeded grass and that was sure interesting with the little ones' help.

TUESDAY: 

Strength Training - 3 x superset of thrusters, rows, bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, flies, and "running arms" with 10# dumbbells followed by bodyweight lunges.

WEDNESDAY: 

(Treadmill) 3.03-mile run followed by weeding in the front yard.

THURSDAY

Stretching Day. Lots of walking and a fun morning at the park with friends. The sun and heat feel amazing and we were all pretty tired out!

FRIDAY:

Driving to Grandma & Grandpa's farm!

SATURDAY:

4-mile solo run!!! No double stroller, no treadmill!

SUNDAY:

Off - Rest Day

Name one song on your favorite running playlist!



Linking up with Holly and Tricia's Weekly Wrap Up.

Comments

  1. In my last two years of running, I just recently ran my first race listening to music! I've only used headphones while on the treadmill at the gym, because my time running outdoors is my "quiet time" and break from the real world. I had read that listening to music is equivalent to the pain reduction of a Tylenol, so I tried it out during a half marathon. Not sure if it made things better or worse, but my finish was rough and my time was much slower than anticipated!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Listening to music feels like a must while running on the treadmill! I agree though, running outside can be such a perfect quiet time :)

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  2. Thanks for the honest review. I don't usually run with sunglasses but could see where it would be an issue. I do love running with my Shuffle. I love the fruit posts. A lemon already? Thanks for linking, Amy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aren't Shuffles the best?! I suppose it's "old school" now but I don't think you can beat the lightweight and tiny size :) It's great... minus being super easy to lose because it's so small.

      Delete
  3. I have hears so much about these! You know I hardly ever run with music anymore! In fact I only pulled out my headphones to listen to S-town while my hubs was watching tv!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These Aftershokz were so fun to try! The wireless feature is definitely a new thing to me.

      Delete

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