What's Up Wednesday!

Hola!

Today will be the first "What's Up Wednesday"! This will be a post that describes a running tool that I use that has been AWESOME for me! Tool of the day: FlipBelt and FlipBelt water bottle! I cannot wait to tell you about these two pieces of equipment that are VITAL to my running!

*Pictures from www.flipbelt.com

Have you ever used one of the arm band things to hold your phone while you run?

I use to, and I hated it. I could never get it to stay up, it was ridiculously hard to get my phone out when someone called, and I hated the mark it left on my arm for what seemed like the remainder of the day (sensitive skin city over here!).

Regardless, I had no other option, as I didn't like the fuel belts that were available. The bouncing was ridiculous. I read about the FlipBelt somewhere online (it's been a while- I got my first FlipBelt in March of 2015!), and ordered one to try it out. I ordered it from Amazon, so I got it in two days (hello, Prime!). I tried it out and I remember LOVING it on the very first run! My phone fit in it, I could fit my keys and key fob (there is even a spot to hook them for extra security!). But the absolute BEST part?? I COULDN'T EVEN FEEL THE BELT! It never moved. Not an inch. I didn't even know it was there! I couldn't believe it.

The things last FOREVER! I got a new one this year (my Momma bought me one!). It is a little wider than my original, which is awesome, because I have the iPhone 7 Plus. The phone fits without any issues (especially when you have a thinner case, like mine. The OtterBox case I had on it gave me some issues- it would get stuck a lot, but that was because of the material of the OtterBox, not the FlipBelt.). The fact that it lasted for 2 years of constant use is amazing. My old one is really still usable, there is just a small tear in one part and it was getting to the point that it was getting a little loose. After two years, I'd expect that!

Depending on how far I am running, I usually keep these things in my belt:

1. Key-less Entry Thinggy (Like that fancy terminology?)

It's so nice being able to only have to take this. My key ring is INSANELY huge, and not having to take it makes me happy. Plus, it goes easily on a little hook so I never have to worry if I've lost it!

2. Phone and iPod

I love having my phone with me. It keeps me feeling safe. I know help is just a call or text away. I can change up my route and call someone (usually Aaron) to come get me. Plus I can take pretty pictures ;) Having the iPod with me is awesome because music. Ha! I have an older Nano and a newer Shuffle. The Shuffle clips to my belt and the Nano fits beautifully in it!

3. Gun

Speaking of safe, I am a big supporter of gun rights. (If you're not, that's great, too. Different strokes for different folks!) There are times when I am alone or out with someone in a very remote area. I like knowing I have the ability to protect myself if absolutely necessary. I don't always carry my gun, but it's nice knowing I have the option. I carry a .380 when I do take one with me. It fits beautifully in the belt and literally doesn't move. I can't tell a difference from when I'm carrying it or when I'm not. Amazing.

4. Gu and Blocks

The slide right in, slide right out. I can even shove the trash back in the belt when I use the fuel and throw it away after my run, or right before my next one... Remember, procrastination is my thing ;)

5. My ID and Checkcard

Sometimes (usually when I carry my gun), I take my ID with me. I also have the option to take the checkcard and stop for water/gum/whatever during my runs. I don't usually stop, but it's really nice knowing I have that option.

6. My Throw-Away Gear

Sometimes when you start runs early in the morning, it's cold. Then, as the hours go by, it gets miserably hot. That's the case for where I live Every. Single. Day. I can stash my gloves in my FlipBelt when I'm finished with them. It's great being able to take them and not worry about what I'll do with them when I warm up.

7. My Water Bottle

This bottle is specially designed to fit easily in the FlipBelt. It is SO easy to pull out, grab a drink, and slide it back in. I love having water with me and not worrying about where whether or not I'll get thirsty! This is really nice in the winter when all of the public water fountains are turned off on the trail!

I cannot say enough great things about this belt! It is easily cleaned (throw it in the washer on cold, hang dry), barely noticeable when wearing, and crazy functional! You really HAVE to try one for yourself!

You can order one from Amazon, or directly from FlipBelt! They usually have some sort of coupon on Facebook for around 15% off. I'm all about saving money! My mom got my new FlipBelt directly from the company, and I got my water bottle directly from them, too. The shipping was so fast! I have yet to have any issues with either product, but if I do in the future, I'm confident their customer service would take care of it! They were awesome regarding my questions about the water bottles!

Now just a recap of my Wednesday!

It started off well, Aaron was scheduled to work his short day (8 hours is short?) today, so he didn't have to go in until 11. He offered to take Lynny to the sitter this morning so that I could sleep in. That is a blessing! However, I woke up with my left eye matted shut. 10. Days. Before. My. Marathon. TEN DAYS!

It kinda stayed red and puffy all day. And it was a little runny but felt dry. I still haven't figured that out? Nurse Paula ignored my screams of distress and told me, "you're fine". Typical school nurse response!!!! (By the way, Happy National Nurse's Week!)

Lunch with Paula consisted of grilled chicken legs, edamame, broccoli, and rice. Aaron grilled the chicken when he was grilling the hot dogs so that we'd have lunch for today. Told you I hit the jackpot! I didn't get a picture of this, but I did get a picture of the cupcakes Paula and I shared! Since Monday was Teacher Appreciation Day and this week is National Nurses' Week, we shared cupcakes to show we appreciate each other ;)

Salted Caramel... so delicious!

Drinking H20 like it's my job! Countdown to marathon!

After work it was off to get Lynny and get her ready for gymnastics! AHHHHH her outfit!!!

She was "a little bit hungry" and also wanted to play so I figured I'd grab her a snack at McDonalds and let her play on the playset there. Killing two birds with one stone in the Hagy family ;)

Waving to her new friends!

She ended up eating an entire meal... Gymnastics can really make a girl hungry!

Then it was home to play for a few before Daddy got home. Sandbox play in a leotard... why not?

I gave Aaron the night off and fixed spaghetti for us ;)

I sautéed zucchini and onion and used it for my base instead of a ton of noodles... I just added a few noodles (very few). It. Was. Delicious!!!!

Lynny ate AGAIN... growing girl!! ;)

After dinner someone requested ice cream from the "Pink Store". She is very serious about her ice cream ;)

Her father put her in a "I love snow days" shirt... in May... I think it was to drive me nuts...

See? Very serious!

I took a Benadyrl attempting to get rid of whatever it is that I have (I'm thinking allergies), and passed out last night. I was suppose to run 4 miles, but opted to rest since I am still not feeling well. I will be running 4 today sometime. I'm beginning to feel much better!

What are your favorite pieces of running equipment?

What is your favorite water bottle? (Mine is my hydroflask!)

What things do you use vegetables as a substitute for?