Saturday, August 20, 2011

Gear Check - Amphipod AirFlow Microstretch Belt

Just a quick gear check today. Last week, I went for a bike ride that turned into a bike carry. My first mistake that day was leaving my cell phone at home... A decision I made because I didn't have any pockets to keep it in.

Last year I bought an Amphipod AirFlow Microstretch Belt. (I had to look up the specific name for it. I just knew it was a waist belt for running.) The belt is designed to hold anything you might want to carry on a run. Your wallet, cell phone, some emergency money, a Powerbar, some GU, etc.


I bought the belt before the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon with the intention of carrying my cell phone so I could take pictures. I was also hoping it would hold some GU packs in my next marathon. This particular pouch is made of a somewhat stretchy mesh and can hold more than you would think. As an added bonus, the belt comes with toggles that can be used to attach your bib # so you don't have to put pins in your shirt.


Unfortunately, I found that the bounce of my stride caused the belt to ride up as I ran. I tried adjusting how tight it was, but it kept creeping up to my belly. I spent the whole race pulling the belt back down and trying to find a position that didn't bounce it as much. I just didn't find the belt comfortable while running.

But... if I had slipped my phone in the pouch and clipped on the belt before my bike ride last week, I might have been able to call a friend for a faster (and less painful) ride home.

Liz has a similar pouch that she has used successfully and I know a lot of people find them useful. There are even water resistant models available. It isn't a good fit for me on a run, but I definitely plan to use it on more rides.

Saturday
Goal For The Day: Rest.
Distance: 0.00 Miles.

Notes: We had a great time hosting a baby shower for Ben and Maja. A lot of family, friends, and food. That's how to spend a day off!

Daily Miles: 0.00 Miles.
Blog Totals:
  Run - 188.28 Miles.
  Bike - 98.53 Miles.
  Swim - 7,200+ meters.
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3 comments:

  1. nate areAugust 20, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    I love mine. I got one from Nathan Sports (what can I say, they had a good name), http://www.nathansports.com/our-products/runners-paks-music-carriers/runners-paks/shadow-pak

    I think i first saw it at the expo in Disney with you guys...

    Anyways, I put my phone in it, but I have my phone with me on runs anyways since I use the iMapMyRun ap for the android phone. I also haven't had any problems with it riding up, but then again i have a little extra above my waist that might keep it in place.

    I also used it to keep some energy gels on my half, which I appreciated. I'm not sure the gels did anything for me physically, but i'm okay with the placebo effect.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cindy huntAugust 21, 2011 at 7:21 AM

    I use the belt that I had for a portable CD player that I used to use to listen to tunes when I walked (yes, I am old.) My phone fits in perfectly.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kurt M. BoemlerAugust 22, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    You say, "Amphipod AirFlow Microstretch Belt," but I hear:

    FANNY PACK.

    Nerd.

    ReplyDelete

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