Inventor helps long distance runners g-ear up!

Sometimes, when you are logging in those long miles, it helps to have some tunes to groove to. When you are as avid a runner as Terry Madl, you know how important choosing the right headphones can be. "Every time I wore earbuds, they kept slipping out of my ears when I ran," recalls Madl. No matter which brand he tried, Madl could not find headphones that worked for him. None of the products on the market were very runner friendly. Thus, G-ear was born.

The device is quite simple, a cross between a bandanna and a pair of headphones. The silky-soft, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial fabric adjusts to fit around your head and then ties snugly in at the back. On either side are two slots to fit in the custom-built flat headphones that fit comfortably over your ears. The wire from the headphones goes through the fabric so it does not get in the way when you are running.

Simple. And it works. Many runners find traditional earbuds too invasive to be comfortable, and wraparounds are not everybody's cup of tea, so they turn to more complicated systems. Usually, these elaborate designs compromise sound quality or they cost an arm and a leg. Sony MDR-Q23LPPS w.ear headphones are the perfect example of such a complex system. The cushioned clip-ons are comfortable enough, but the sound is one-dimensional and the cushions get sweaty during workouts.

The G-ear system not only feels good around your head, it also sounds good. The dynamic audio is crisp and clear. The headband, if not fashionable (it actually is quite fashionable and it comes in three distinct styles: jam, a continuous headband look, flō, a headband style that ties, and hȳp, a bandanna style that ties in the back) is completely functional. It wicks sweat and cools the head on hot days. If you don't get to washing the fabric after a couple of runs, the antimicrobial fabric will prevent germs and harmful bacteria from forming.

Madl is a 57 year old ultramarathoner whose list of accomplishments include finishing the infamous Badwater race through Death Valley and completing the Marathon des Sables in the Moroccan Sahara. If anyone knows what it takes to endure those seemingly endless workouts, it's him. “There are times when I choose to immerse myself in the environment when I am running, but there are also times when I absolutely need music. During races, I always bring music or books with me.”

With research and planning of his product ongoing, Madl is optimistic about the future of G-ear. If you would like more information about how you can purchase this product, feel free to contact Terry Madl at terry@getintog-ear.com.