Free Swag Product review and Giveaway! Yurbuds and the role of music in running

A few weeks ago, the folks at Yurbuds contacted me to review some of their product. Yurbuds are a soft cover for headphones that are designed to improve fit, comfort, and enhance the listening experience while listening to music on the go. Each pair is individually sized to your ear, so you can get the perfect fit.

When I was first contacted by the company, I was a bit skeptical but agreed to the review. I had seen a similar product at the Chicago expo that retailed for $300 or so....a price which is just ludicrous. When I run, I use the sony sport headband so I don't have to worry about the earbuds falling out...but after 20 or so miles my ears start to ache from the earbuds.

So anyways, back to Yurbuds. I was planning on sending the company my sizing info right after I returned from the Honolulu marathon expo. So, imagine my surprise when I turn a corner and see a Yurbuds booth! I introduced myself and got to test out the Yurbuds. I was amazed. The soft rubber (or whatever material) locks into your ear canal so the headphones stay in, but you can barely feel it. Here is what they look like:

I believe one of the sales reps took a video of me shaking my head and exclaiming: "I can't get them out! I can't get them out!"

So, how do these work? Well, they have a series of sizes that will fit any ear. They do not make them custom to your ear like the $300 varieties, but rather they have a size range that anyone can fall into. You simply take a photo of your ear, upload it to their website, and then they will tell you what size you need. The buds have special recessed grooves molded in to help reduce pain, and the design of the buds allow you to lock them in your ear. You simply put them in with the tube down, twist so slightly, and voila!

What I also like about these is that the sound is channeled in your ear better than typical headphones, so you don't have to play your music as loud. One of the reps was showing me how I could clearly hear the music yet still be able to hear everything in my surroundings. This makes listening to music much safer. I am definitely going to wear these during my ultra, and may even consider using these on bike rides.

So, yeah, they sent me these for free, but the true question is...would I pay for them? Absolutely! They are only $20, and in my opinion, a great investment. You can also find them at bestbuy.com. They come in a pack with two of their popular sizes, which can fit about 90% of the population (if you don't have time to upload your ear photo).

But...why buy them when you can WIN THEM HERE AT FRAYEDLACES!

Yep, the kind folks at Yurbuds offered to giveaway a free pair of Yurbuds to 10 lucky readers. How to enter? Simply leave me a comment below of your favorite motivational song to listen to while running or working out. Winners will be selected at random and I will post the names of the winners. Contest ends Monday, Dec. 21 at 6pm Central Time. Good luck!

Speaking of motivational music, another company contacted me to alert me of their service. Audiofuel provides downloadable music to match your stride. I used something similar (although it was free) when I first started training. Running to a beat helped me shorten my stride, increase turnover, and stay on pace. If you're looking for some new musical tunes to help in training, I suggest you check them out.

Now, it wouldn't be fair for me to ask you your favorite motivational songs without sharing some of my own, now would it? Here is my playlist I put together for the ultra. All of these songs light some sort of fire in me, so I know they will pull me through.

Lady Gaga: Poker Face, Just Dance, Boys Boys Boys

Jordin Sparks: Battlefield

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists: Me and Mia, The one who got us out, Bleeding Powers

Ne-Yo: Closer

OAR: Shattered

Miley Cyrus (don't judge!): Kicking and Screaming, Party in the USA, Time of our lives

Black Eyed Peas: I gotta Feeling

Keri Hilson: Knock you Down

Michael Franti: Say Hey

One Republic: All the Right Moves

Shania Twain: Man I feel like a woman, That don't impress me much

Warrant: Cherry Pie

Beyonce: Single Ladies

Kelly Clarkson: My life would suck without you

Muse: Uprising

Papa Roach: Lifeline

Pussycat Dolls: Jai Ho

The Killers: Spaceman

Aerosmith: Just push play

Anna Nalick: Breathe

Carbon Leaf: Life Less Ordinary

Carrie Underwood: Before he cheats

Chantal Kreviazuk: Weight of the World

Charlotte Martin: Up all night

Fall out Boy: Hum Hallelujah

Hellogoodbye: Here in your arms

Josh Groban: You Raise me up, you are loved, All'improviso Amore

Kanye West: Stronger

Keane: Is it any wonder

Liz Phair: Extraordinary

Metallica: Master of Puppets

Rhianna: SOS, Breakin Dishes

U2: Beautiful day

Sting and the Police: Every breath you take

Daft Punk: One more time

Club Mix: Everytime we touch

Tunnel Alliance: Sandstorm