FlipBelt: My New Running Essential

As a long-time runner I’ve always had to come up with creative ways to store all the “extras” I tend to need when it comes to training runs. Once I became an “adult grown-up runner” I found that I was needing to bring more stuff on runs, like my car keys or house key. For safety purposes, I’ve also grown accustomed to bringing my phone on runs. In addition, I usually need some type of fuel be it an energy gel or sports beans for my longer runs. Carrying all of these extras and making the process hassle-free was starting to become a huge annoyance.

Yes, I’ve done the key in the shoe method. While that system doesn’t change my actual run so much, the process of taking my key off the chain and looping it through my laces is annoying since I generally like to get out the door and running ASAP! I’ve also somehow tucked an energy gel in the side of my pants or shorts (yay for sweat covered wrappers right?!). Yes, I’ve risked the life of my phone by actually holding it in my hand during a run as well. I’ve tried the arm band for my phone and iPod, but none seem to fit my skinny arm well enough to suit me. And the ones that sort of do fit me tend to feel bulky and uncomfortable.

FlipBelt details!

For longer races, especially those I do for my beloved runcations via Run Disney, I always know I’m going to need a way to store my extra things that I will need while on the course. Because of this, I searched and searched for the perfect running bag. I tried on several and bought my first “running fanny pack” from Nike. While the bag itself stored many things, it really wasn’t comfortable and I found myself constantly having to adjust it during runs! Talk about annoying! The husband tried it a few times and even wore it during our Run Disney Tower of Terror 10-Miler race and agreed that it was very uncomfortable. I kept Mr. Ole Nike Fanny Pack and started to think that maybe I just wasn’t used to running with it. I ended up reading about other runners using the FlipBelt. Almost every runner that talked about their FlipBelt seemed to LOVE it. My curiosity was officially peaked! However, looking at pictures of the FlipBelt I was still extremely skeptical. I thought “yeah right how can that flimsy looking thing really hold out that stuff safely and securely?” I also wondered how on earth the FlipBelt would feel “so comfortable like it’s not even there” as so many people described.

I held back on ordering a FlipBelt for myself because I was so unsure. It wasn’t until my BRF Cailyn got one that I really started to believe that the FlipBelt was actually the magical running accessory must-have toted by so many. With my Run Disney Princess Weekend coming up, I knew I’d be able to try on a FlipBelt at the Expo so I again held off from ordering one online. I also could avoid shipping costs if I bought it at the Expo (because I’m cheap y’all!). Finally our magical runcation arrived and after we got our necessary race bibs and swag at the Expo we hit up the FlipBelt booth. I tried one on and even stuck my phone in it and jumped up and down as well as jogged in place. I am sure I looked super cool doing this! I was already amazed at how I barely felt it and my phone didn’t seem to move, but I still had a slight degree of skepticism since I tend to be overly picky about running accessories. I trust my BRF Cailyn’s opinion enough though that I decided to go ahead and purchase one in basic black. Anything over that bulky Mr. Ole Nike Fanny Pack!

The next day I wore my FlipBelt for the Frozen 5K as well as all morning and afternoon at the Magic Kingdom. I wore it the following day during the Enchanted 10K as well. The rest is history as I was now am an official FlipBelt believer! I also recently volunteered at Habitat for Humanity twice this summer and wore my FlipBelt the entire time on both days. If you aren’t familiar with Habitat, when you volunteer you are assisting in the construction of a new home. I spent my days climbing ladders, crawling underneath a house to work on plumbing, carrying and installing drywall as well as many other tasks. During this time I was able to keep my phone with me and never worried once about dropping it while I was perched on the ladder working.

I currently use my iPhone 6 with my FlipBelt

The FlipBelt basics you need to know:

Options to wear your FlipBelt: 
1. You can flip it so that the pockets are facing outwards for easier access to your items.
2. You can flip it so it faces inwards, which provides a more safeguarded approach for your items.

Either way, the FlipBelt provides awesome storage for your essentials. I tend to wear mine option 1 style, and I’ve never had an issue with my items not being secure. Sometimes if I do a hillier run, I flip it inwards just for extra security, but usually I don’t think this is necessary. It’s all a personal preference!

FlipBelts come in sizes extra small through extra large. I tried on two different sizes and opted for the bigger size since I prefer to wear my FlipBelt more right above my hips compared to my waist area. Again, that's a personal preference so choose what you are most comfortable with. In addition to my black one, FlipBelts also come in a variety of other colors, including hot pink, royal blue, neon yellow, neon green, and carbon, to name a few.

I have already converted more friends to loving their FlipBelt. So, if you are looking for an easy, non-annoying way to store your items when working out, give the FlipBelt a go! For more information, visit https://flipbelt.com/.

All opinions are my own. I did not receive compensation from FlipBelt to write this review. I genuinely love this product.

Successful Streaking: 2015 RWRunStreak Review

Hello friends! I hope everyone had an awesome summer! Personally, I am PUMPED that FALL is in the air. Sorry for the lack of posts in July and August, but it's been a crazy, busy summer for us!

I'm a RWRunStreak Finisher!!!

Despite the constant never-ending rain and humidity we’ve had this summer in West Virginia, we are still trying to make the most of the Olaf’s favorite season! If you are a frequent reader here, you already know that summer is not the ideal season for me. I live in an area that specializes in sweltering, “can’t breathe through the humidity” summers. Throw in the aforementioned rain, and that’s been my summer 2015 weather in a nutshell. To help get myself out and active during the hot/humid temperatures, I’ve gravitated toward Runner’s World’s annual summer run streak challenge for the past three years. I am proud to say that I recently completed the RWRunStreak Summer Challenge for the THIRD year in a row! (#humblebrag)

In case you aren’t aware, the RWRunStreak Summer Challenge is to run at least a mile every day from Memorial Day until the Fourth of July. This makes for 41 total days of running. Each year that I’ve done the streak I’ve faced both similar and different challenges. I was happy to see the streak end as I needed some rest time, but I’m also happy that it kept me motivated to get my runs in on days when the weather was awful or I just flat out wasn’t “feeling it.” In similar fashion to my 2014 RWRunStreak review, I’ve decided to review my thoughts on this year’s challenge by using my The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, (& the Great) system! So here we go!

A post-LATE NIGHT run selfie
during the streak. Lots of late runs this time!

The Good: Motivation! I would rather run outside in 20 degree weather, compared to the hot/humid summer temperatures here. Running in the heat often makes my runs feel slower, even if I am going the exact same pace as usual. I don’t enjoy feeling sluggish. Also, frankly I tend to go through a “burnt out” period during the summer, which is likely a result of consistent winter and spring training. The RWRunStreak once again made me hold myself accountable with a goal in reach. I needed the motivation of the streak several days during this challenge. If I wasn’t streaking, it’s a safe bet I probably would have skipped those days! The social media community on Facebook, Instagram and especially Twitter were VERY encouraging during the streak as well. Each year I connect with other run streakers. Their support gets me excited to keep going. I am a goal-oriented person and the RWRunStreak kept me in check and moving forward!

The Bad: So as I mentioned in The Good, I tend to suffer from the “burnt out” feeling this time of year. This made some days really difficult to put one foot in front of the other to get started. Also, like with most years doing the challenge I could feel that period when I was ready for the streak to end. I did more hill runs this year, which I did enjoy, but those definitely contributed to even more muscle soreness and fatigue. Biofreeze became my bestie for several days. As with previous challenges, I also struggled on the “easy days.” Sometimes running “just a mile” plays mind games with my mental psyche. It doesn’t make sense as those days I wouldn’t be running at all, but my brain tends to think “well if I am doing a mile a may as well do two instead.” Fortunately, I did handle this better than last year as I made a conscious effort to do so! Overall, for “the bad” I think soreness is the main thing. I am a runner that thrives on rest days and I can tell a major difference when I don’t take a day off for an extended period of time.

The Ugly: I was pleased that I didn't deal with an ankle injury toward the end of the streak like last year, but as mentioned in the bad I did combat some sore muscles and general tiredness. I'd also say the constant rain here this summer played a big part in the ugly. This put me on the treadmill many days, which often meant I was running much later in the evenings. For some reason when I get home after work I tend to sit around before exercising. This is why I generally bring my gym bag to work and run when I'm off before heading home. Needless to say some of my runs were taking place as late as 10-11 p.m.! I'd finish just in time for the streak, but I could tell the late runs threw my schedule and routine completely out of whack, which probably contributed to my overall tiredness during the streak! Better late than never of course, but as a creature of routine the erratic running "schedule" I adapted at the end of the challenge was certainly the worst part and is why it falls in the UGLY part of this review!

The GREAT: Despite the fatigue and obstacles along the way, it wouldn't be called a CHALLENGE if the RWRunStreak was easy! This year, however, the streak seemed to come more natural to me and I just stepped right into it with no hesitation. I'm not sure if it was the third year doing it or what, but I liked that! It flew by this time! Like I said in The Good, motivation to keep going is what made this year's streak worth it. But what made it GREAT was the sense of accomplishment afterwards. As a competitor and goal oriented person at heart, I love setting the bar high and achieving my goals. It was a great self confidence boost. Often times I tend to doubt myself and that's just not good folks. Completing the RWRunStreak Summer Challenge makes me proud of my efforts and shows that my hard work does pay off. It's nice to feel good and believe in yourself!

Now what? Well since the streak ended I did take a much-needed break and have been back at establishing a regular running/exercise routine. I look forward to some cooler fall runs followed by a delicious pumpkin spice latte! Did you participate in this year's RWRunStreak Summer Challenge? Drop me a comment and let mw know how you did! Also let me know how you've enjoyed your summer!

The husband and I celebrated my RWRunStreak Finisher status  at the Pirates baseball game! We've enjoyed lots of baseball this summer!!

Happy National Running Day!

Happy National Running Day everyone!!! I hope all my running friends are celebrating today! As someone who has been involved with running since the third grade, I am so excited that National Running Day exists to celebrate both this amazing sport and community!

2013 WDW Half with the husband!

While running has significantly increased in popularity over the years, it can still often be "the forgotten sport." Ask any cross country or track runner and they will likely agree. Running isn't the glamorous, money making sport like football or basketball. Heck to outsiders watching people run or wondering why they would choose to do so might even come off as "boring" or "crazy." I remember in high school when my school's football team received a parade, yes a PARADE (small towns for the win lol), for winning the state championship. My cross country team also won the state championship and I'm not sure we even got a mention in the school morning announcements. Seriously. We did get recognized at a football game. Because of course lol! My track team also took home a state championship title and we were undefeated that season as well! Again, not much recognition came of it other than an article in the town newspaper. 

I get it. Running like I said isn't the money making sport or the one that brings the spectators. Running is sweaty, messy, repetitive and HARD. When I was younger and competitive I found the lack of recognition a bit grating, but now looking back I realize it makes it all the more special. As a runner, it's almost like we have our own little world. Runners no matter what level all share a connection. We GET each other! Like the saying goes "our sport is your sports punishment." Because running can often be ignored, save for every four years with the Summer Olympics, I think that's why those within the running community are so well-bonded and connected. This spans from the cross country and track runners, to the competitive road racers, and to those of us running for fitness and training to race for fun!

Runcations with my BRF's make running even more fun!

The running community is one I am proud to continue to be involved with. I am very happy that running has become more popular over the years. I also LOVE that more and more people are realizing that they, too, can become a runner. If you finish first or last, you are still a RUNNER. I have been to many races where the person who crosses the line in last place is just as celebrated as the winner. While this isn't always the case, it happens enough to make me proud to be part of this sport. I have participated in other sports, but none have offered the support like the running community does. I have friends I've never even met face to face because of the social media aspect of the running community! 

What are some of my favorite things now about running other than the supportive community? Here are five big ones:

1. It makes me feel good. Even the worst run is better than no run. I always feel better about myself after a run.

2. Running allows me to still enjoy treats like pizza. And ice cream. And popcorn. Well food in general, I guess!

3. Runcations! As I've come to this phase of my life as a runner, I've found that planning vacations around races "runcations" can be a great motivator to keep running. 

4. Run Disney! Did I mention runcations? Run Disney races are the best type of runcations! My Disney addiction and running go together like peanut butter and jelly! Running in my favorite place?! Yes please!

5. Running is the best stress reliever! When I am in my running zone I am able to blow off steam and let the annoyances of the day trickle away.

Run Disney makes running fun! It's not everyday we run as Darth Vader and Maleficent! 

National Running Day is a day when runners nation-wide declare their passion for running. Today's celebration is a wonderful way for seasoned runners to reaffirm their love of the sport, but it's also for beginners to take that first step out the door! If you have always wanted to try running, stop thinking "I can't" and get out there and do it! What perfect way to start your running journey than on National Running Day?! I encourage everyone to get their run on today!

After my first half marathon, 2011 Flying Pig Half! 

How did you or how do you plan to celebrate National Running Day? Why do you run? Let me know in the comments below or tweet me @lilrunner. You can also find regular running updates on my Instagram @lilrunner1485.

And as always, the race bling from running (like my 2014 Glass Slipper Challenge medals here) isn't too shabby either!