Now, the rest of this post I'd planned to devote to the aforementioned new gear since I've found myself completely enamored. Not to mention, loving the fact that I've come across this new combo right before I'm scheduled to begin my marathon training. Having the right gear setup goes far in giving me confidence that I'll be well prepared and ready for race day rather than suspecting I'll be uncomfortable, annoyed, and fidgeting with my shit during every one of those long 26.2 miles. As any long-distance runner knows, it can become torturous to be stuck with something uncomfortable (or worse yet, something just plain not working which just becomes dead weight) on your body during a long run, and it can even bring me to the brink of rage or mini breakdown. Think: this little girl and her poor, exhausted, trying-to-make-a-point little self:
However, since I've indulged in a bit of a gear binge recently, I'm only selecting the top pick to discuss in this post--mostly because some of the gear leads me down long-winded tangents . . . so I'll spare you for the moment and focus on the #1.
FlipBelt - I AM IN LOVE! The concept of this accessory is so simple, and yet it is everything I have been looking for without even knowing it. A product of pure ingenuity. What is it, you ask? Imagine cutting the waist off of your favorite running pants and sewing up the open seam. Then take that and slash four horizontal holes in the middle of the fabric, and you've got the FlipBelt. Basically, it's a fanny pack without the pack. Just a stretchy piece of fabric that lays flat against your body and carries all your crap. The best part? It doesn't move! Since it's stretchy and comes in various sizes, it's made to be snug and did not move or shift once during my run.
As a bit of back story, I was recently looking for a replacement for my iPod workout armband. That's when I came across this sweet li'l mama. I'd been impatiently waiting for it to arrive for days before I was able to put it to the test. In its debut run, I stuffed it with: my iPod nano, two Gu packets, and my iPhone (which I stored in a little waterproof plastic bag FlipBelt sent me for free as added protection). Since the belt is hollow the whole way around, that meant that I could situate the phone in the back, iPod in the front, and a Gu on each side.
I think my running life is forever changed. I have always been one to avoid the fanny pack and water belt situation at all costs. The idea of having something bouncing around my waist or hips as I ran was unbearable. Yet, now, with something that actually stays put and that I can literally forget I even have on, I am transformed. I can now bring my phone on runs, which will be reassuring as my marathon training will require many pre-dawn and post-dusk runs several times a week. Not to mention, I am now free to use my phone for taking photos and using my MapMyRun app. (Read: added bonus for this blog.) I also don't have to stash my Gu in my sports bra anymore. (Thank God!) And if I feel the need on a long run, I can stash cash, a debit card, and/or ID. I'm so sold on this, I don't even know what to do. And I feel more symmetrical when I run since I don't have the armband . . . which also means no more armband tan! Score.
Tonight, I might get on my knees and pray to the gear gods for such good fortune. "Thank you gear gods for blessing my sweet hips with your benevolent FlipBelt. I will honor you by offering up to said FlipBelt delightful technological trinkets and nutritious mid-run nourishment. And by offer up, I mean 'cram in your hole.'"
My only complaint is that putting things in the back of the belt, depending on their size and shape, can make it a bit bulgy. But that's purely aesthetic, and since I'm (so far) unable to stare at my own ass while I run, this doesn't bother me too much. "I bow down to you, oh, wonderful FlipBelt. May I always be worthy of your love."
