Thursday, March 22, 2012

First Taste: iFitness Running Belt

Considering that global warming robbed us of a true winter and spring has already become summer, my fears about where to put my phone now that I'm not wearing a vest have been realized. 

And considering that sticking my phone where the sun don't shine (I know you were thinking it) would inhibit my running form, I have opted for a product to solve my issues. 

After a couple runs that involved me carrying my phone in a small plastic bag to protect it from my hand sweat, I decided to purchase the iFitness neoprene single pouch running belt.

iFitness Running Belt, MSRP: $23.95
Thoughts Out of the Box
The inch-wide, adjustable elastic belt allows for a snug fit and is designed not to bounce or ride up. The waterproof neoprene pouch holds my phone and keys, and it has a separate liner to hold a credit card, money, ID or something else of similar size. The belt has too reflective strips on the front and one in back to help with night visibility.

First Run
While I hate to admit that I'm basically wearing a fanny pack, the iFitness belt is sleek enough to hide under my shirt so at least I don't look like I'm wearing a fanny pack. I wore this product during Monday's barefoot run, and it performed as advertised. The belt fits comfortably, it didn't so much as jiggle, and I barely noticed it was there.

Testing Points
I only ran three miles with the belt, so I'm curious if the belt will become more noticeable at longer distances. I'll be wearing it this weekend during the race, and that will provide a good gauge as to weather I will opt to wear it at future events. It'll also be interesting to see how much crap I can stuff inside the pouch to supply multi-hour runs.

Marketing Note
One last observation deals with the packaging of the iFitness belt. You will notice the torso region of a female sporting the product, but if you look closely I believe we're all seeing vaginal sweat. Couldn't they airbrush that out? Yes, we all know we sweat in the nether regions, but I don't want my new running toy to shove it in my face.

Nice crotch sweat stain, lady!
That is all.

H/T: Sun Runner for the recommendation.

6 comments:

MCM Mama said...

I just bought one their armbands to wear my phone and I LOVE it! I haven't tried their belt, but other belts I have pull my shorts up (and I don't really need a wedgie while running), so I decided to try the armband instead.

Sun Runner said...

I have worn my iFitness belt in three marathons, and it remained as comfortable at mile 26 and it was at mile one. I wish *I* stayed that fresh.

Thanks for the shout-out. I like to know I'm making a difference in the world. ;)

C said...

After the second paragraph, all I could think about was the movie Bridesmaids when Meghan asks the air marshall where he keeps his gun. You should have tried tape first before buying the fanny pack. Now that's a review your blog following would want to read.

Spike said...

I love that you called it a fanny pack.

And that product pict...ummm...needs some work.

Nitmos said...

Is there room for lipstick in your purse?

B. Jarosz said...

I am normally anti Photoshop... but you've got a point. That photo needs help. How hard would it have been for them to take a photo of a non-sweaty model?