Friday, February 5, 2016

5 new things to love on the run!

It's the month of love, right? I've been trying out some new fitness related items! Besides the SLS3 Dual Pocket Run Belt that I'm reviewing and giving away below, what else am I loving on the run? Or the bike....or the mat?


For inspiration: 
For Christmas, my sister gave me a Momentum wrist wrap with the mantra "just breathe" written on it. I'm sure she had no idea that so far this year I would need frequent reminders to do just that. I wear that bracelet every day and am grateful for the prompting. I just love it. My friend Zenaida hosted a giveaway on her blog, and I won a Momentum wrap from her! That one reads "stronger than yesterday". Sometimes I wear both. I need all the reminders I can get to stay tough! Since you can customize the mantras, you can make the wrap all your own. I had one made for my coach Becky with her favorite mantra "good vibes only". I can't believe she didn't already have one. I also ordered a wrap for one of my little patients who just finished a year and a half of chemo and radiation. Hers says "you are your own superhero". She is my superhero.

http://www.designsthatmoveyou.com/home/wraps
photo courtesy of Momentum designs
For fun!
One of my readers, Barbara Valentin, reached out to me about the book club. She's an author of contemporary romance novels and wanted to know if I would be interested in reading her book, False Start (affiliate link). The story is about a newspaper reporter who gets assigned to train for and run the Chicago Marathon. The catch is that she has to work with a coach, who just happens to be her ex fiance's brother. While this isn't the book genre we read for the book club, the book sounded like it would be a fun read. Valentin offered to send me a copy for my kindle, free of charge. Valentin is a great storyteller, and this light entertaining read would be enjoyable for anyone looking for something fun to read. Plus it's about running, and that's a win!

affiliate link
For the bike:
So it's no secret that I've been spending time on the bike trainer. I really enjoy this form of cross training. But how to track my speed, my cadence, and my miles when I'm not moving forward? I did my homework, and instead of buying a bike computer, I bought the Wahoo Blue SC Speed and Cadence sensor. (affiliate link) This device works via bluetooth with my iPhone. It's compatible with Android as well. I downloaded the Wahoo fitness app, but you can use it with a variety of fitness apps. Being a numbers person, it's been fun tracking my rides. I'm looking forward to the warm weather rides and road testing it.

affiliate link

But wait...how do I use my iPhone on the bike? Have no fear, there are plenty of handlebar mounts out there. Again, I did my homework and chose the Koomus Bike2Go Universal Smartphone Bike Mount Holder Cradle (affiliate link) (KB2GUSBMHC for short). I had my son install it for me, which he did in no time flat. I love it. The cradle is adjustable and holds a variety of phones. You can also adjust the tilt. There's a tether that inserts into your headphone jack in case the phone slips out of the mount. I've only used the KB2GUSBMHC on the trainer, so I'll fill you in on it's performance once I'm back on the road.

affiliate link

For the run:
Ok, now to that SLS3 Dual Pocket Run Belt. I knew that when SLS3 asked me to review it that I was already going to like it. Double Pockets? Yes, please. Waterproof? Yes, please. You know I love my SpiBelt. But even though it stretches, it doesn't hold everything I need. Plus I hate having everything all in one pocket. I'm always afraid I'm going to drop something and lose it.  The SLS3 Dual Pocket Run Belt solves that problem for me. Now I have a pocket for my phone and one for everything else. The pockets are large enough to hold my iPhone6. The waterproof material is a plus since I run outside no matter what the weather. It comes in a variety of colors. The belt is wide, adjustable, and comfortable. The only problem I had was since I like to wear the belt low around my hips, it would tend to slide up and I had to keep adjusting it. Other than that, I really can't recommend this belt enough. I'll be taking it out for a long run this weekend, so we'll see how it really performs!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017DRIKFY

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017DRIKFY
you know that's not me!
photos courtesy of SLS3 and Amazon.com

What running/fitness gadgets are you loving lately? Any running related books you want to recommend?



59 comments :

  1. Not quite a new running gadget but I just got a new activity tracker - the Garmin Vivosmart HR. Of course I'll be sharing more on that soon but I am interested to see my resting HR over a few days.

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    1. So many people are getting activity trackers! I've heard the Vivosmart is a good one.

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  2. So much fun and great stuff!! And, as a Momentum ambassador, I know how much those are needed sometimes. So glad you have three little "reminders!" Now you need a necklace and foot notes!!
    Have a great weekend!

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  3. I'm just getting excited that I might put my Garmin (with the step tracker in it) back on soon! I haven't worn it in over 3 months. BIG MOMENT

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  4. That does sound like a fun read! You know, I need to participate in your book club. I still haven't propped open a book this year, and one of my goals is to read more. The SLS belt looks really good, I still need something to hold around my waist for my shorter runs.

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    1. I like the double pockets! Then I don't have to pull everything out to get one thing.

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  5. So much good stuff in this post! My sister has been wanting one of those momentum wraps and when holidays and bdays come around I keep forgetting. I definitely want to read that book since I am a runner and write for a newspaper too! I have a friend I think would like it as well. Do you know if it comes in paperback as well as kindle? also, I need to check into that mount for the bike for my husband! Wow this post as everything for the whole family! Love it all Wendy! -M

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  6. Ooooh, I really want to get some of the Momentum Jewelry. I've seen it posted a few times and it's so cute! The running belt looks pretty cool as well - I'm kind of shocked that it can fit you phone given how small the pockets look but that's awesome that it does without looking bulky!

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  7. I love that the belt is waterproof! I have a flip belt, but it's definitely waterproof.

    Run Like a Girl by Mina Samuels is one of my favorite running related books!

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  8. I want that bike mount! That'd be so helpful for directions when I'm riding somewhere new. Also - LOVE momentum wraps. I have 2, but I might have to get one with Becky's mantra. I love that!

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    1. The bike mount is, in a word, awesome! I can't wait to road test it.

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  9. I need to get one of the phone holders for my bike too. I am also really liking the SLS running belt-it stays in place

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  10. I really want to try Momentum Jewelry, and this running belt looks perfect too! Also, I'd love to learn more about your book club! Can anyone join?

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    1. The book club is super informal. I post the book at the top of the blog and if it interests you, feel free to join in. If it isn't your cup of tea but you want to read something else, it's ok to post on that too. The book club "meets" here on the blog on the 3rd Friday of the month. Bloggers can link up their reviews for 2 weeks. If you don't blog, you can share your review in the comments (which never close). The more the merrier!

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  11. I'm completely in love with my new Stryd (https://www.stryd.com/) running power meter! I've had it for almost a month and it's starting to make sense. Seeing my power numbers go up when the road turns up but my pace slows tells me I'm still working hard. I don't know what all the numbers mean, but 200 watts is pretty good and anything over 300 watts hurts! Full review coming soon...

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    1. I'm looking forward to your review! You know I love my gadgets!

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  12. No running gadgets to recommend, but I do love Katherine Switzer's book, Marathon Woman. It is a must read for female runners, since she gave us the marathon and distance racing with her bold running of the Boston Marathon so many years ago.

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  13. The Momentum jewelry is so cute! I'm currently reading Older, Faster, Stronger by Webb. Thanks for the recommendation on the belt. I've been looking for something to hold my huge phone.

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  14. I've been on my bike for a while too (as you know) but I still haven't gotten anything to track my workouts. Lol! Call me lazy or cheap, not sure which. I just ride by time I would be running. :)

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  15. I love that belt as well. I NEED to keep my phone separate from keys and other stuff.

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  16. That book sounds like a fun read!

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  17. Pretty neat about the author reaching out to you huh? That is a great deal on the belt. I'll have to give it a try. :)

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  18. I also tested the belt, and had pretty good luck with it. Mine also slid its way up to my waist, but EVERY belt I've ever used does that. I think it's my body and not the belt LOL This one, however, was the least annoying (of all the other belts I've tried) in doing so ;-)

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    1. The spibelt doesn't move when I place it on my hips. But it doesn't hold all my stuff. So I have to use different belts for different distances.

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  19. What a fun post idea! :) I was thinking about getting a running belt. Will have to look into this one

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  20. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on the belt after your long run. I have the flip belt which I've only used once since it bothered my back after wearing it with my phone in it. Not sure if I was wearing it incorrectly?...
    I just finished reading Older, Stronger, Faster. In the midst of reading Taking the Long Way Home for your book club and interested in Scott Jurek's Eat and Run book (not sure if you've read that one already).

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    1. I read Eat and Run before I started the book club and loved it! But you can always share your review in the linkups! I sure don't mind...

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  21. I liked the SLS3 dual belt too. Those Momentum wrist straps are nice!

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  22. I love my Momentum wrap!! Such fun finds and I'll have to give the belt a try :)

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  23. I love your items! I haven't heard of the run belt. I will have to check it out!

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  24. Such great items here! I need that Cadence monitor!!! Hope your Big Sur training is going well!

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  25. I bough myself a momentum brown leather wrap.... I got 2 mantras that I interchange... one is "Find Joy In the Journey" and one is "Live Every Day With Intention"..... I love mine... I wear it all the time.

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    1. Those are 2 of my favorite mantras! The hardest thing for me is deciding on a mantra!

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  26. I think it is great that someone reached out to you for the book club. :) We all need a little light reading too some days.

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    1. I already know how it's going to end, but you know what? Sometimes that's ok!

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  27. I love all the things you mentioned! I have a Wahoo KickR Trainer and it is amazing, love there products!! :-)

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  28. I liked the belt as well! It does like to hang around the waist and not the hips but it did not move around after it settled in :) Fun that authors are reaching out to you, that is super cool!

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    1. I've had authors reach out to me a few times, but most aren't about running books. Kind of interesting when that happens.

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  29. I really wish I liked wearing a belt like that around my waist, but no matter what I try it just doesn't work! Glad it works for you! And I LOVE my Momentum wraps!!

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    1. I wear it around my hips. I can't stand stuff around my waist!

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