Fiber Fool

Not that those two things have anything in common. My dad is not a runner. Though, when I was younger there was one spring/summer where dad, my sister and I all trained to run a mile at the June is Dairy Month Milk Run. The person to guess their time the closest was a winner in addition to the first finishers in each age category. At the time, my sister was amazing at sprinting and I’m pretty sure she took home some ribbons for shorter races. I’m not certain how we did at the mile. We trained at the track at the Junior High near my grandparent’s house. I think about those training runs sometimes when I’m out running now. How odd that things eventually come around full circle? Dad was probably just a bit younger than I am now when we did that.

I have a question for any of you runners out there, or those who like any form of physical activity outdoors - how do you carry your phone with you? I’m developing an armband tan line and I’m not pleased. I could, in theory use a shuffle or nano for runs, except that my heart rate monitor talks via Bluetooth to my phone. Plus, for safety it is nice to have my phone with me. I will admit to wearing it when mowing and gardening as well, which is really probably the source of the tan line as when I run outdoors it is usually pretty early in the morning. But sometimes I chat with mom or DH while I’m gardening.

I had the opportunity to talk with some REI employees on Saturday at the volunteer event so I asked them what they suggested and they said to stick with the arm band because the waist packs chafe? I know that is a common way to carry water and as we get warmer I could use something in that direction as well. What is your experience? Waist packs bad? Okay? I tend to wear semi-high waisted compression bottoms to hold my excess skin in place while exercising. As long as the waist pack is over the pants I shouldn’t chafe should I?

I’ve been contemplating a FitFannyPack. It wouldn’t provide hydration, but it seems like it wouldn’t chafe and would give me a place to tuck house keys, my ID and my phone. But, I’m kind of between sizes… Is there something somewhat similar that would hold hydration as well?

I’m also getting up to needing new headphones. DH gave me a pair of the higher end Apple ones several years ago that allow you to switch out the size. I have odd sized/shaped ears and tend to have difficulties with ear buds staying put. These mostly do, but they are dying. I occasionally get small shocks in my left ear when I’m wearing them. Do you have a fav that has flexible sizing and the mic/remote? I’ve been contemplating some form of YurBuds for a few months now. I’d love to hear some personal experience on those or others.

I’m trying to decide on my usual yoga tonight with a substitute instructor or trying a group run for the first time… Hmmm….