Running has definitely gone from being a barebones hobby (just grab a pair of sneakers and go) to some runners looking like they are trying to run with enough gear for a combat pilot. It has made running to be somewhat complicated as well. Now, if many runners are going to head out for a while, they will grab a phone, credit card, money, gels, MP3 player, and headphones. That adds up to a lot to carry!
Don’t get me wrong, I am one of those runners that like to listen to stuff while I run. I also carry cash for fluids along the route (after I have gone through the water in my bottle that I also carry). In addition, I always throw a credit card in the mix as well. And, of course, I never leave home without my GPS watch. This can make me quite the well-equipped geek runner as I make way around town. 🙂
The SPIbelt
Fortunately, there is an awesome accessory out there that helps to streamline the runner’s gear as well as allow you to carry all that is important to you. Say hi to the SPIbelt. If you have spent anytime at any marathon expo, I am sure you have seen these belts there. They are very well-designed and very slim to wear.
The original SPIbelt
Believe it or not, this does not bounce at all as you run. It stays nice and snug to your body and that pocket you see above stretches to accommodate your various running accessories. I have fit my iPhone, a second phone (just to try it, I don’t run with two phones!), a couple of credit cards, cash, and two gels in it before. Now, it did look a little lumpy but it fit it all and let me run with it!
One of the nice things about it is the type of material it uses. It is nice and soft so no worries about the pocket damaging any of your electronics that you may keep inside. There is no headphone hole in the pocket, so I normally wear my belt “upside down” (only way you know is the text on the belt is upside down) so that I can have my earbud cable enter just to the right of the zipper when zipped. It works tremendously well.
This belt is a fantastic accessory that makes running with a lot of stuff easy and efficient. I know that not everyone runs with a bunch, but it is very handy if you ever run with a phone, money, gels, etc. The pocket will expand to 6″ x 3″ x 2″.
There are many different colors to choose from as well as different kinds of the SPIbelts (including an awesome SPI messenger bag). The original SPIbelt costs $19.99. To view all of their products, check out their website here. My current one is the original SPIbelt but my next belt will be their SPIbelt Endurance as it has race tags (for your race bib) as well as gel slots, all in addition to the pocket.
The SPIbelt Endurance Series
Not just for running!
This is a great accessory for the traveler as well! Imagine putting all of your pocket items in this belt before you get to the airport. No more little bucket that you are put all of your pocket contents in as you struggle to get them all. No more sticking those objects in your carry-on as you approach security only to not be able to find them in the bottom of the bag after clearing security! Just put all of your wearable contents (phone, wallet, watch, money, passport, etc) in the belt, wear it to the airport, take it off at security, and throw it back on after! Not only is it efficient, but it will still leave you looking ready for a business meeting and not like you brought your fanny pack from the 1980s! 🙂
Summary
This is easily one of the best running accessories you can get. It is so light that you will forget it is there – until you need to grab an item that you stashed in it.
nice! Kim makes a good product.
She sure does! I am looking forward to increasing my SPIbelt collection! 🙂