ARMPOCKET SPORT 20 Review

On Wednesday, I received my ARMPOCKET SPORT 20 just in time for our 2 mile run on Thanksgiving Day.  This thing rocks!  www.armpocket.com .

I have been looking for a good solution to carry my iPhone on my runs.  I use the Nike plus GPS app while I'm running to track my speed and distance (review on the Nike plus GPS app coming soon).  Not only did I find a solution for carrying the iPhone; I found a solution to carry a number of other items that usually get in the way on runs:  keys, ID, gel packs, etc.

Here is what the armpocket looks like from the front.  I used the flash on my iPhone to show the reflective piping around the screen protector:

Here is another picture with the iPhone4 inside to get a good idea of how big this thing is:

Although the Armpocket is rather large, I found it to be very comfortable during my run.   You are able to access the screen through the screen protector to select the app needed, or play a different song on your iPod app.   Contrary to what is in the picture, the iPhone actually goes in upside down and has an audio port out the bottom for your headphones.   This is handy, because you can turn your head, raise your arm, and then view the iPhone as you normally would to access the touchscreen.

As you can see, the inside compartment is perfect for not only fitting your iPhone or other Smartphone device, but also has enough space for other items you normally would have to put in your pocket or fannypack.   There are two slots on the inside for credit card or ID, and the middle part could be used for keys, gel packs, small energy bar, etc.   There is an inside band that holds your iPhone/Smartphone/iPod close to the plastic screen, and therefore separates the armpocket into 3 separate compartments:  Credit Card/ID area, Keys or other items, and Smartphone/iPhone/iPod compartment.

I've tried other armbands on the market for the iPhone, and they just don't come anywhere close.   I tried the InCase and Belkin Profit and FastFit.  All 3 of these felt cheap, and looked cheap.  They also worried me, as the iPhone is pressed right against your arm with nothing separating it from sweat except the cheap "water-resistant" material.

So, if you want to take your iPhone or Smartphone out on a run with you and don't want to carry your keys or ID in your pants pocket,  purchase an armpocket!

$29.99 and worth every penny!

My first mobile blog! I wanted to see how this works!...

Living History Farms Race 2010

This past Saturday, November 20th 2010, a few of my fellow co-workers and I ran the Living History Farms Cross Country Race.  The Living History Farms Race is a 7 Mile Cross Country Race through open fields, woods, and creeks.

It was my first Cross Country race, so I was a little nervous about how I would handle it.   I was also worried about the 7 Miles, as I have never ran more than 4 or 5 miles at a time (I'm planning on running my first full marathon next year).   We arrived at the race at 7:30 AM.  It was 27 degrees and local weather forecasters were saying it felt more like 18 degrees.  I can tell you, it definitely felt like 18 degrees!

As we all stood around freezing, we discussed the many costumed people gathering around us.   One thing I forgot to mention about this race is that everyone normally wears costumes or funny outfits.  Don't ask me why...tradition I guess...

Our costume choice was a t-shirt that said "What's In Your Cloud?", and we also wore clouds around our waists.   It was a fun idea that I came up with for a play on a company radio ad.   I was hoping that when we ran next to other people, they would suggestively ask us "What's In Your Cloud?".  The theme worked out perfectly!

The race started at 9:00 AM...although we were all confused on when the race actually "started".   We were stuck behind thousands of people meandering towards the woods.  We assumed the race had started, but we were walking so slowly we couldn't tell for sure.   The crowd of people was so loud, that we didn't hear the gun shot start.   I started my timer on my watch as soon as we spread out enough that I could start running.

We eventually came to our first creek crossing.   I made it across without getting wet only to realize that at the next crossing, I would have no other choice than to wade through it...

So, there I was only about 3 miles in, and my feet were wet with ice cold water.   The rest of the race I felt like I was running with sponges on my feet.   I was getting muddier and muddier, but I was still having a ton of fun.

I made it until about mile 6 without really feeling tired.  Once mile 6 ended, the last creek crossing was up the steepest, muddiest hill yet.   By the time I made it to the top, I was exhausted.  I still was able to run most of the rest of the way to the finish.  Mainly only pausing while getting stuck behind some slower runners.

I had a blast, and I'm proud to say I finished my first 7 Mile run!   Above is a picture of my team.  I'm 3rd from the right.   I've always looked so goofy in a hat!....pick a hat, I bet you've never seen a goofier face in it!

My finishing time was 2 Hours, 10 Minutes, and 13 seconds.   Getting stuck behind thousands of people at creek crossings really hurts your overall time!