The Best Running Belt [Review]

There have been many times where I need to take my keys or my cell phone (or even some cash) with me on a run. After borrowing my husband's running belt for a 15K race, I have wanted a belt for myself! I love being able to store a good amount of items and carry them on my hips. The Stealth Tech Running Belt can be used for running, hiking, exercises of any kind, and even like a modern fanny pack!

Stealth Tech Running Belt      

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
Snug fit, no slipping or bouncing
Machine washable and dryable
Sports fabric stays dry

Stealth Tech Running Belt is designed to fit most smart phones and smaller phones, plus other items like credit cards, cash, keys, and other small items. The fabric is synthetic and has a good stretch to it, but also fits snugly over the hips.

Fit: The running belt comes in sizes from XS to XL and fits sizes from 0 to 16 for Women and 23-38 for Men. I ordered XS. My usual pant size is 2 and the XS fits very well. The belt is snug on my hips, but not too tight. The belt lies flat against the body. Running belts should fit snug so that they stay in place during the run.

Usage: Here is a tip about wearing and loading the running belt. You put the running belt on with the pocket openings on the outside. Load all the items that you intend to take with you, then turn the belt over so the side with the pocket openings is on the outside. Everything will stay in place!

The belt is super easy to wash because it can be washed in the washing machine and dried in the dryer. To prolong the life of it, I am going to let the running belt air dry.

My Thoughts: I like the fit of the running belt. My iPhone 5c fits very well inside (horizontally) and does not move. The key clip is useful because a key does move around in the belt, especially if the belt is fitting a little lose. I plan on using the running belt not just for running. When I am out with my toddler at a park or somewhere where I do not want to bring my purse, I usually bring the car keys, water bottle, phone, and DSLR camera. Most of the time, it is a juggling act to hold everything plus carry a tired toddler. I plan on wearing the running belt to store the car keys and the phone, along with anything extra like a credit card or cash.

Stealth Tech's Best Running Belt is a great accessory for running, outdoor activities, and travel.

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own and are honest. Reference ID: pm17a8e6855aeeeebe0b2e132f87a71a53.

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Sports Armband for iPhone 5 [Review]

Listening to music during exercise is a must for me. Running is my therapy. When I run, I like to let my mind go wherever, or nowhere. Sometimes, I prefer to listen to a specific genre of music to hear what it is telling me. Other time, I prefer upbeat songs to get through a hard run. I decided to finally get a sports armband for my iPhone so that I can not only have the ability to listen to music, but also the ability to make a phone call or send a text message. Limm Sports Armband is a fully adjustable armband that is slim and fits tight around my skinny arm.

Limm Sports Armband      

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
Sports fabrics to keep iPhone dry	Key holder difficult to access
Slim design

Limm Sports Armband is designed to be used with the following iPhones: 5 / 5s / 5c / 4 / 4s and iPod Touch 4 /5. The armband is meant to fit iPhones without the case, but might be able to fit a phone with a slim case. The case is made from Lycra and Neoprene, so the fabric stays mostly dry during a hard, sweaty workout. The Neoprene fabric plus the screen protectors are a great feature if you get stuck in a light rain during your workout. The fabric has a little bit of a stretch to it. The velcro is strong.

The key holder is a nice feature, but I found that it was not very functional. The key opening was hard to keep open while trying to fit the key and the key was challenging to remove when I returned home.

The phone armband comes in two sizes: Slim and Average.

Slim fits arm sizes of 8.8" to 11.0" in circumference.
Average fits arm sizes of 10.6" to 16.1" in circumference.

Fit: I received the Average size so that my husband could also use the armband with his iPhone 4. The Average size did fit my upper arm, but I had to tighten it as much as it would go. It was a bit loose during the run, but once I started sweating a bit, the armband started sticking more to my skin. If I were only using the armband myself, I would have ordered the Slim size because I have skinny arms and most armbands are usually too big for me.

My Thoughts: I like that the fabric helps the armband and the iPhone to stay dry during sweaty workouts or during light rains. I also like that the armband itself is very slim (does not stick out very far from my arm). The armband needs to be cleaned by hand, but that is easy to do. I usually take it in the shower with me and use soap to clean it, then wring and air dry. Since the key holder was not very functional for me, I will probably put the key behind the iPhone in the same pocket.

Limm Sports Armband is affordable and will do the job that it is intended to do. I do wish the key holder was more accessible and easier to use.

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own and are honest. Reference ID: pm9f60ab2b55468f104055b16df8f69e81.

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Train Bulletproof Picasso Album [Review]

Music is a big part of my life. I love listening to music while I am cooking or working around the house, while driving in the car, and while running, among many other times. Though I do have my favorite artists and songs, I always love to discover new artists and songs. Train is a group that has been one of my favorites for quite some time. Train's new album, Bulletproof Picasso, has a distinct musical style and lyrics that connect with you on a personal level.

On the drive to the grocery store and back, I started listening to the album. I love how the songs are pretty representative of Train as a group, but also vary in their styles. Some songs reminded me of being on the beach, while other songs, like Cadillac Cadillac, would be great motivational songs during my runs. Don't Grow Up So Fast and Baby Happy Birthday touched me on a personal level. Overall, the songs were upbeat and put me in a good mood.

Bulletproof Picasso Album Tracklist:
1. Cadillac, Cadillac
2. Bulletproof Picasso
3. Angel In Blue Jeans
4. Give It All
5. Wonder What You're Doing For The Rest Of Your Life
6. Son Of A Prison Guard
7. Just A Memory
8. I'm Drinkin' Tonight
9. I Will Remember
10. The Bridge
11. Baby, Happy Birthday
12. Don't Grow Up So Fast



Train will be on tour during the dates below and will officially release the record on September 5 at 5:00 PM EST with a live performance on the QVC channel. Bulletproof Picasso album can be pre-ordered on iTunes and on Amazon.

Train On Tour:
8/28 Gilford, NH Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook
8/29 Lenox, MA Tanglewood
8/30 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel and Casino

Record Release Shows:
9/5 5pm ET Live 1-hour performance on QVC
9/17 Los Angeles, CA Pantages Theatre
9/18 Los Angeles, CA Pantages Theatre
9/21 San Francisco, CA The Masonic
9/22 San Francisco, CA The Masonic
9/25 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall

Disclosure: I participated in the Train Bulletproof Picasso album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

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PRO Compression Marathon Socks [Review]

Running has become one of my favorite stress reduction and energy boosting activities. Though I am a minimalist when it comes to running accessories, I do enjoy a few key running accessories to support my running. A great pair of running shoes is essential to support the feet, the legs and the spine. A great pair of compression socks is beneficial for reducing lactic acid build up and sore muscles.

Compression Marathon Socks    

   ($50.00)
Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

Coupon Code: use COMP40 to receive 40% off marathon socks and sleeves.

The Good	The Not So Good
Sized, non-slip design	Might need to supplement with sock
Moisture control
Help to reduce muscle soreness
Made in the USA

Marathon full-length compression socks encompass the whole bottom of the leg, the foot, the ankle, and the calf up to the knee. PRO compression marathon socks use graduated technology to improve blood flow, which results in better and more consistent performance. The compression socks also help to reduce the amount of fatigue experienced and help to recover quicker. Compression socks support muscles and tendons to reduce inflammation, swelling and soreness.

I was looking toward trying full-length marathon compression socks because I always battle calf soreness and aches after long runs and after hard runs. I was looking for something that would reduce the need for me to get up in the middle of the night and stretch my calves because the cramps would wake me up.

Being a little worried about being too hot in the full-length socks, I chose a cooler day to run on. PRO Compression Marathon Socks are made from a blended synthetic material that is lightweight and provides moisture control. I prefer to wear the minimal amount of clothing required when running, especially on days where the temperatures are above 80 degrees. I did not think that wearing full-length socks was going to be easy.

On today's run, I chose to go a longer distance on a hilly route. My calves get a good workout when running up and down hills. Perfect for trying out the compression socks!

One of the downsides to the socks for me is that I need a thicker sock for my current running shoes. I had to wear a thinner sock on top of the compression sock to comfortably fit in my running shoe. If I purchase new running shoes, I would probably be able to wear the compression socks on their own.

I got over the fear of being too hot in the socks once I realized that the moisture control helped to keep my calves and feet cool. I liked the support that the socks provided for my calves. The sensations is a bit different when wearing full-length compression socks. I became used to it after a few minutes and focused on how good my calves were going to feel afterwards.

That evening and during the night, my calves felt better than they usually do. A little soreness, but not the usual aches and cramps in the middle of the night. Success! The PRO Compression Marathon Socks did their job! If you are looking for a way to increase your performance and reduce pain and aches, try a pair of compression socks.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

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6 Ways to Naturally Relieve Stress

This week, I noticed some of my telltale signs of stress - shallow breathing, holding my breath, feeling anxious. Maybe it was that my 14 month old son has started waking up in the middle of the night on a regular basis again (at least once per night, plus waking up earlier in the morning). Maybe it was all of the discussions my husband and I have had over the past 1.5 weeks with relation to family items. Maybe it was the extra strong coffee I made.

I was running around feeling productive because I was getting so much done around the house, yet I could not stop feeling anxious when I sat down for 5 minutes. After a few minutes of reflection on how I arrived at this point, I focused on how to relieve stress at home. Here are the 6 ways to naturally relieve stress that I use on a regular basis.

Running

A good cardio workout helps to get the blood moving through the body, oxygenates the blood and the brain, and gives a rush of energy. Running helps me to reflect, process and clear my mind. Running on a regular basis helps me to stay calmer and be more patient with my toddler.

Going Outside

Breathing fresh air is always good for our bodies! A walk around the walk for 5 minutes has helped me many times to calm down, relax and regroup. There is something about nature that is calming. Going outside can be a walk around the yard, the neighborhood, or running an errand.

Cleaning and Organizing

Organizing clutter, like piles of clothes, toys and other random things lying around, by putting it away in its rightful place is therapeutic. Cleaning out weeds in the garden or the yard helps to focus my mind on one task instead of my mind running in many different directions. Scrubbing dirt helps to get some of the aggression out.

Talking

Keeping emotions bottled up can increase the stress level. A quick call or text message to my husband or a friend to let them know of an aggravating situation eases the tension. No details need to be given, just the point of acknowledging the stressful situation helps my mind to refocus on moving forward.

Prioritizing

Being a full time stay at home mom is a 24x7 (plus more) job. Keeping the toddler changed, fed and happy while keeping the house clean and in order is a monumental task on most days. I constantly have to tell myself that the game has changed and I need to change my expectations by prioritizing. Focusing on one room per day or spending 5-10 minutes cleaning up clutter is more realistic.

Taking a Bath

Taking a bath with calming essential oils like lavender is a great way to unwind the mind and the body. After the running, the cleaning and organizing and carrying around a 24 lb toddler, my body aches. A hot bath is the perfect solution for my achy body. The quiet time helps me to reflect and the hot water relaxes my tired muscles. I am always ready for sleep afterwards.

These are some of the techniques that I use to help myself relieve stress naturally. Though an adults-only all-inclusive beach vacation or a regular massage at a spa sound heavenly, they are not always possible or feasible. Techniques that can be used on a daily basis to keep myself calm and sane work better in the long run. I can assess how stressed I am and if I need to do anything about it. Remembering to focus on myself for a few minutes every day is a great reality check.

>> What are some of the ways that you relieve stress on a daily basis??
  

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PRO Compression Marathon Socks [Giveaway]

Compression socks are a beneficial accessory for athletes, runners, travelers, and professionals who are on their feet continuously. PRO Compression Marathon socks offer graduated compression to help increase blood flow to the legs. Increased blood flow helps to reduce lactic acid build up and recover faster with less fatigue.

Coupon Code: use COMP40 to receive 40% off marathon socks and sleeves.

Enter to win a pair PRO Compression Marathon Socks of your choice (depending on stock availability) below!

Please use the Rafflecopter entry form below. Open to US only. All entries will be verified. Duplicate and invalid entries will be deleted. 

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PRO Compression Marathon Socks ($50 value)

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Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. No compensation was received. All Natural Katie is not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations. All opinions are my own. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
  

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Keeping the Trash in the Trashcan [#CTWW]

This week's challenge:

This week, pick up litter and dispose of it properly. As you go through your day, pay attention to the area and clean as you go. You might see trash as you walk between your car and your office. Perhaps you'll see plastic bags, etc. in the parking lot of a market. If you enjoy nature walks, browse the side of the trail. Get your kids involved and take litter walks or organize a neighborhood cleanup of a local park. The idea, this week, is to rid the area of litter!

An overfilled recycling box is open to the elements, like wind, that can blow paper and small containers out and down the street. Therefore, I would assume that moving from recycling boxes to recycling bins with lids with reduce the amount of trash that litters the yards on our street. Nope! On every run and every walk, I spot at least one piece of trash in several of the neighboring yards. I assume (hopefully correctly this time) that the trash escapes in between the worker picking up the recycling bin and the contents being emptied into the garbage truck. I also suspect that trash, usually empty cans, gets thrown out of cars that drive down the street. We live in a nice, mature neighborhood, so trash in the yards is not something I expect to see. Therefore, I have formulated a simple plan.

With the warmer weather, I will be getting outside more with the baby. We will bring a bag with us and collect any trash and litter we see in our neighbors' yards. We will then appropriately dispose of it by recycling, trashing, or composting (I have found a whole orange in our front yard before!). Change the World Wednesday challenges us to be the small change that collectively results in bigger changes. The baby and I will the small change to clean up our street. As he becomes older and starts to communicate more, I will ask him to help me find stray trash in our neighbors' yards. This will be a great way to make a positive impact and educate about taking care of the environment and the Earth.

>> How do you keep the trash in the trashcan??
  

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Dr. Scholl's Active Series Supports Your Foot [Review]

One of my favorite hobbies is running. In my mind, there is nothing better than getting out for a run and processing all of my thoughts, worries, and experiences as I drift away to the music on my iPod. Although running shoes are made with standard molds, everyone foot is different. Not only should you get fitted for running shoes, but you should also get fitted for insoles to support your foot. Our feet support our body all day long and should have the right type of support themselves. Dr. Scholl's Active Series insoles provide triple zone protection to reduce the impact on our feet.

Dr. Scholl's Active Series insoles        ($24.99)
Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

I am a firm believer in having the right insoles to support physical activities such as running. The insoles that come in shoes are usually not enough. If you do not support your foot, you will experience pain eventually. Dr. Scholl's Active Series inserts provide the right support everywhere. To fit the insoles into my shoes, the inserts needed to be cut to fit my shoes. I took out the insole that came with my running shoes and measured the correct size for the Active Series insole. I love that I can get a customized fit for my shoe size.

I currently have inserts to support my high arches. I tried to put both the insert and insole inside, but it did not quite work well together since the Dr. Scholl's Active Series inserts have reinforced arch support. I might try ditching the high arch inserts and see how the Active Series work by themselves.

I traded the standard inserts for Dr. Scholl's and have loved running in my running shoes. Active Series inserts provide cushion and support for any physical activity like running, walking, or cross training. Remember to replace every 6 months or at the first signs of wearing.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from Influenster. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Hello Winter!

Ok, ok, maybe not Winter, but definitely a cold Fall! It seems like we skipped from 70 degree weather straight to 40 degrees with very low temperatures overnight that prompted me to pick the remaining peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes. My running gear has transformed from shorts and a tank top to pants and a long sleeve shirt. And baby wearing, well...I don't know that I would call it. You decide for yourself. Let's just say that my husband's Addidas jacket make for a nice cover for the baby and me. I am sure the neighbors were wondering what the blue covered head sticking out of my jacket was. Either way, the baby and I had a nice walk around the neighborhood.

 

>> How is the weather changing in your area??
 

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Gym or No Gym

Today's goal was to exercise. I finally convinced myself that I was going to in fact exercise today. No more excuses. I feel lethargic. The last time I exercised was on Saturday (eek!). Over the past two hours, I have been battling whether to go for a run or go to the gym an do the elliptical. Of course, the elliptical is easier than running, but I do not want to drive to the gym and back. Even though it is 10 minutes away, I feel wasteful. It is such a gorgeous fall day and right now is the perfect whether for running outside - not too hot, not too cold. I know that I will feel better after running outside in the fresh air. So, I guess I convinced myself. Running it is!

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To Run or Not to Run?

To Run or Not to Run?

That was the question this afternoon! My goal for this evening was to complete a cardio workout. My options were spinning class, elliptical machine, or running outside (cannot pass up the amazing weather). I was laying out my options to a friend at work. I mentioned that I probably would not go for a run and my reasons. To be honest, I sometimes chicken out. Some runs are amazing; some runs are not so good. I am always apprehensive because I hate having bad runs. I realize that not every run will be a great run, but I sometimes do chicken out. It happens to the best of us!

As we were ending the conversation, my friend said, "You're going to go for a run."

I looked back at him with surprise, "I'm going to go for a run?!?" Did he know something I did not know?

"You're going to go for a run."

"Ok, I'm going to go for a run." "Why?"

"Because I cannot."

I knew exactly what he meant. I understood. I smiled and nodded.

"Because I cannot go for a run, you are going to run for me."

My friend was in a really bad bicycle accident and experienced great injury to his leg/foot. He cannot run. I can run. I went for the run. I felt amazing! I sent an email to my friend thanking him.

>> What motivates you to "run?"
 

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