What is “FlipBelt” and how did such a thing happen? Well, I’m glad you asked and I will be happy to tell you.
Like many other kids across the country, mine started their first day of Kindergarten last week. It was rough on me. From what I can tell, there are two mommy camps on this subject – the moms who think it’s fantastic their kids are going to school, and are emotionless to seeing them get on a bus or walk into a school for the first time. Then there’s my camp. I cried the day of, I was emotional for days and weeks leading up to it and, in general had a hard time with the change, beyond my excitement to have four hours of “alone” time everyday. Which is pretty damn exciting.
And they’re off…
In general, and with most anything you can imagine that has to do with child-rearing, moms are brutal to one another. This transitional adolescent time was no exception. I got a lot of “Are you serious? They will be fine!” No shit. Of course they will be fine! I’m not concerned about their safety! I’m concerned that I have twins, which means they are both making this change at the same time. I also have no other kids (and will not have any more ever, ever, ever) which makes it a little bit harder. One of the boys has been having separation anxiety all summer, and had never had it in the past, so I was concerned about him actually getting on the bus and staying there. I also can’t get this image out of my head:
Yes I dressed them alike all.the.time when they were this age.
So, I did the only logical thing a mom can do when her babies start Kindergarten – I went for a run.
I had to try out my new FlipBelt, it was past noon and about 90 degrees out, so it seemed like a logical choice. I decided to drive to a nearby trail to at least get some shade. Normally, I’m a minimalist runner in everything but my shoes. I take nothing with me on runs shorter then 10 miles. However, on this particular day, I thought it wise to bring my cell phone if, by chance, the school needed to call me.
I usually never run with my cell phone, even on days I know I should. First of all, it’s big. It’s an iPhone and it’s just large and hard as a rock. Second, I sweat like a beast and other times I’ve tried to bring it with me, it has gotten wet, and that can’t be good. But, feeling all responsible, I stuffed it (easily) into my FlipBelt, along with my car keys and some chomps and off into the forest I went…
When I started, my mind was swirling but, as the miles ticked by, I started to feel better about everything. This is what running does for me. It quiets my mind and let’s me see things for what they really are. I also have to say, I felt 100% better running with my phone on me. I knew that if for any reason, the school would be able to reach me and I was able to take pics on the run! In fact, I should have titled this “FlipBelt Made Me A Better Mom and Blogger!” How’s that for a piece of fabric with pockets that costs $28.99?
Seriously though, the thing I most loved about FlipBelt is that is STAYED PUT! My biggest worry was that it would ride up, and I would be constantly trying to shove it back down into place. There is nothing (short of poison ivy) more annoying then having to keep a belt in place on a run. I’m happy to report this was not the case with FlipBelt. Also, it wasn’t heavy or annoying in any way. It kinda just felt like it was part of my running shorts.
And my phone? Dry as a bone! I seriously could not believe it, since this is how much I sweat on that run:
Did I just take a shower with my clothes on, or go for a 6 miler?
In the end, there were no phone calls, the boys had a fantastic day and I had a great run with my new toy. Of course, the boys were less then thrilled that this process repeats itself each day. Wait until they have a real concept of time and realize they have about 15 years of this ahead of them! At least they’ll know they can call their mom anytime – even when I’m on a run!
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What “camp” of moms are you in when it comes to school?
What do you use to store stuff on the run?
Do you run with your phone? Where do you put it?
I don’t run with anything. I prefer to run with my phone but I haven’t found a comfortable way to take it along. Maybe I need to try a Flip Belt 🙂
I was YOU before FlipBelt. I hate running with more then I need but, I can honestly say, I will wear this thing and feel a lot better about being able to be reached…not to mention reaching someone else if something happens to ME! 🙂
I run with my phone because I am a scaredy cat! I have an arm band for it which I don’t love. But in the past, I couldn’t stand any belts riding up on me. Hmmm.
Big A is going into 4th grade (read as this isn’t my first rodeo), and I am finally starting to calm down on those first days of school. I am not worried about them. I am just anxious to hear about how awesome their day was. I usually can’t get much done because I am too busy thinking about them all day long so I just take the day off. It’s a nice reward after killing myself for weeks to make sure everything is ready.
You should give it a try. The arm band thing would kill me!
I hear ya on the first day of school. I could not wait to see them and hear all about it!!
I could likely benefit from one of these belts. I don’t carry anything with me except for my water, but I would feel much safer with my phone as I am out in the country a little bit!
Exactly! It’s the first one I’ve found that’s actually comfortable.
If I ran, I would say get one of these, because I need my phone on me at all times too with Emma now starting kindergarten. Yup, we are starting today and like you I am a complete hormonal mess. I have a feeling I will be crying before this day ends for sure, too! Glad your boys did so well and thanks for letting me know it does get better after the first day initial reactions.
Oh Janine!! I hope she had a GREAT day!
I probably run with too much. My keys, my phone, my headphones and a water bottle. Thank you for this review because I literally bought one last night, like 12 hours ago lol! We are always on the same wavelength!! I am so in the emotional camp with you my friend and I agree having your phone close makes things a bit easier.
OMG that is too much!! You will LOVE it!
I think I’m a middle of the road mom. I was super excited, but when I dropped him off, I lost my mind 🙂 And then that subsided and now I’m excited again 🙂 Is it only half day kindergarten? We have full day. I have a flipbelt and I love mine too, although I don’t wear it as much since I do a lot of my shorter runs on a treadmill where I don’t really need it.
Yes, it’s only half day. Is that insane or what?
Maybe you should wear it on the treadmill just for snacks 🙂
I just bought a SpiBelt yesterday for my walk this weekend but the flip belt might have been a better idea!
I’ve never heard of that? Must Google now…
I’m like you–I run with nothing. However, there are definitely times I think it would be wise to bring a phone. You have convinced me on this one–pretty cool little add on.
Let me tell you–my oldest is in 8th grade and I still get sad when they head back to school. I love having them around (most of the time) and they are ours for a very short period. I am definitely in the “hate to see them go” camp!
That’s a huge part of it – I love being with them. I’ve also been with them for most of the day, everyday since about two years ago. Habits are hard to break!
If you try the FlipBelt, let me know what you think…
I could definitely use one of those. I actually sometimes resort to carrying shit in my hands when I run. I’m with you on the teary eyed first day of school. I felt this way today when my baby (17) started his senior year of high school today. *Sniff*
OMG high school? I can’t even!!
In your hands? Oh Kris – you need one of these ASAP! 🙂
What ‘da FLIP!? I could use something like this. Not much of a runner, but still… I want it.
Get some!
Well, this is genius, obviously.
It could come in handy around the house for the twins! You could put snacks in it, pacifiers, burp cloths – you name it!
That photo of your boys on the bus peering out the window just kills me. They are so darn cute! I can’t imagine having to go through all the firsts with both of your kids at the same time! But they always have each other to help them get through, which is really amazing.
Right now I’m in the opposite camp. I’m already planning a sans-baby trip for next summer to Napa (adult Disney obviously) for a wedding. But we’ll see what actually happens after I meet him! 🙂
You may change your mind – but you may not, and either is absolutely fine. I definitely cherish my alone vacations with my husband!
I’m in the middle camp – always have been. A little sad to see my kids go, but a little glad to have some time without them. I run so infrequently that I don’t have a good system for carrying my phone – I just switch it back and forth between my sweaty hands and hope I don’t drop it!
Hahaha! Now that is a good system…and it keeps your mind occupied too.
I’m sure I’ll be happier and happier to see them go as the years pass. There’s just something about that first day and the first bus ride. It all just seems like it happens way too fast!
Oh cool!! I love the flip belt! I mean, its no sock pocket, but still 😀 And congratulations on making it through the first day of school!! (Congrats to the boys of course too) but you did it 🙂 I have no idea what i’m going to be like when i have kids one day. Of course right now im thinking “eh whatever” but i’ll probably be teary all summer.
I too once felt the “eh whatever” and would probably have made fun of my now 39 year-old self. It’s definitely something you have to experience. Like skydiving only less scary 🙂
And no, it’s certainly not on par with the sock pocket!
You’re right – I need a Flip Belt! As soon as I get my new iPhone !!! it’s hard to concentrate on that flip belt though – I kept getting distracted by your abs
And don’t forget to bring ID with you when you run!!! In the words of every mother – you could get hit by a bus, fall in a ditch…. always bring an In Case of Emergency # and ID – so I”ll fit my ID and my new, huge iPhone 6 I hope.
Yes mom.
Hahaha!!! You are too funny Stephanie! Now go get a FlipBelt 🙂
I wondered how you and the boys did with the start of school.
I struggled when Jordan went to Kindergarten because it was all day (over 8 hours from the time he left on the bus until he came home) but the day Hunter started I had a brunch for all my friends whose “babies” were off to school!!!
I don’t know if it’s because I taught middle school in my life before kids or what but the start of middle school and high school were the things that were really traumatic for me – Jordan’s 7th grade year I was a wreck on his first day!!
That is so nice that you had a brunch for the moms! I absolutely love that.
And yes, I’ll be curious to see how I react as the years pass. Where did our babies go??
You know I’m in the same boat as you! I’m taking lessons from you because I’ll be going through the same thing next year. My coworker who has 13 year old twins and I were talking about college. We lose ALL of our kids at the same time. Wahhhhh!!!
I know, I know!! It’s a plus that “they have each other” but that doesn’t do anything for US while we’re all alone, crying at home 🙂
I think I’m in my own “weird” camp of having PTSD of my own youth while being really hesitant to let her go, although she’s ready.
I keep remembering baby Scarlet too. Or Scarlet at age two, like Des. SOB!
And. It hasn’t happened yet for us. Friday. We don’t even have a school bus to come pick her up but I think that would be hard. Or easy. I don’t know!
Oh I know! Yes, all those things! I wasn’t sure about the bus either but they actually love getting on it. When it comes up the road, they yell “Hi school bus!” and wave like crazy. It makes me feel A LOT better. Good luck on Friday! I’ll be thinking of you!
I run with my phone and keep in in my FlipBelt. It is so much better than any other belt I have used in the past. I’m marathon training right now and my gels and phone always stay put on my longer runs.
I’m like you. I left my 3 year old at preschool for the first time this week. We both smiled when it was time to say goodbye but it was so hard to actually walk out of that classroom! I did it though and she had a fantastic day. I’m glad your boys had a great first day and that you were able to get a run in!
I’m so glad I found it! It’s really the perfect thing for me. Glad you like it too!!
It’s definitely a bittersweet thing, to leave your child for the first time, but I definitely had a great day too…and all of them since.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
I TOTALLY need one of these, not just for working out but in general because I don’t like to ALWAYS carry a purse around with me!!!!! Looking into it – NOW! 😉
Running with a purse would make for an interesting fashion statement !
Absolutely! And yes, but if anyone could pull off running with a purse, it’s YOU! After all, you do live in LA. No one would look twice. 🙂
I will definitely be in Camp “No! Why do they have to get on the bus and leave!!”. I don’t even want to think about it because I know how quickly it will arrive. I LOVE my flip belt. It’s the first waist pack (or hip pack, I guess) that I’ve been able to forget about because it’s so comfortable. I also like having my phone on me just in case.
It was tough, and it kinda still is but this growing up thing has to happen I guess. It’s a real bummer!!
Glad you love your FlipBelt too. I haven’t heard anything negative about that baby!
I’ve thought about trying the Flipbelt, but I need somewhere to store my water (my hands get so clammy so quickly… Ew). 🙁
I love my Nathan and highly recommend it for water AND cellphone/food storage. I use it on my runs longer then 10 and it works fantastically!