As part of my "self therapy," I've been doing a lot of shopping and drinking a lot of shamrock shakes, but I've also been enjoying some swim-run-yoga fitness therapy. Few things can calm the mind like a good workout or yoga class! So, I'm really excited to tell you about a great product I had the opportunity to try out recently! In this post, I talked about my recent frustration with the fact that my running tights and capris are all pocketless. Seriously, whose bright idea was that?? I recently had the opportunity to review a great new product: the SPI Band (pronounced "spy" band). From the SPI Band website:
SPIband creates a more compact way to keep track of the tiniest belongings without interrupting a productive workout. With SPIband’ s compact, yet roomy design, users can keep the smallest personal items around their ankle or wrist. With the safe and secure fit, users can work out without the worry of keeping up with their smallest, yet valuable belongings such as car keys, house keys, gym membership cards, cash and even wedding bands.
Similar to the Banjee, the Spi Band is a stretchy wrist band with a pouch for holding keys, ID, etc. It has a few features that are different from the Banjee, though--first of all, it fits much more snugly, which is a big plus in my opinion. When I first opened the package and took out the Spi Band, I was worried it wouldn't fit! It is nice and stretchy though, and fit perfectly. I have really little wrists, so I had my dad try it on too to see if it would fit over a bigger hand/wrist, and it fit him great too. (I have since learned that there are multiple size options for SPI bands, and the bigger bands can work as anklets too.)
I was sent a reflective SPI Band to try out. The inner part is a black stretchy fabric with a silvery reflective band over it. My keys fit perfectly inside the fold-over flap pocket, and they stayed COMPLETELY put on my run. Seriously, this band didn't move at all, and the keys didn't move once. LOVE! There's no danger of anything falling out of this little guy either--the flap pocket is super secure. Another awesome plus is the price. These little guys are only $9.95 for a regular band, and $11.95 for a reflective band. Overall, I think this is an awesome product.
This band only has two tiny drawbacks in my opinion. I did notice that my wrist got pretty sweaty inside the snug-fitting band. I tried it on the treadmill in a sweaty gym, and my wrist was a little hot by the end, so I think this might get uncomfortable on a hot summer run. Also, it is pretty small so there isn't room for Gu or anything. I would definitely recommend this band for someone who, like me, is frustrated about not having a pocket for keys in their running clothes, or who doesn't trust some of those waist band pockets! (I always worry about my keys falling out...) For long runs when I need to carry fuel, I'll stick to the fuel belt or the slightly larger banjee, but I will definitely be using this band on my shorter outdoor runs!
A winner!
Oh, and last but not least, here's the winner of the See-Me-Run giveaway!
Vanessa G, email me at juiceboxesandcrayolas AT gmail DOT com by Monday to claim your prize!
DISCLAIMER: I was provided with one SPI Band to try out for the purpose of writing this review, but was not compensated in any way to express a particular opinion. All thoughts expressed in this post are my own.
I am very sorry about your job situation. Teaching is not a safe line of employment at all. Very stressful. I wish you the best on your next adventure.
ReplyDeleteAmy, as I look back on the years between the age I am now and your age, I can clearly see that certain things that happened in my life (job-wise, relationship-wise, etc.), while devastating at the time, lead me to better things. I am hoping this will be true with your current situation, and that you will see this with the benefit of hindsight and breathe a huge sigh of relief that it turned out this way! The best of luck to you!
ReplyDeleteHi Amy.....I am so sad about your news that is a huge bummer! Teaching is so personal.....how can one not take it that way.....I have had some criticism from parents this year and it makes me so sad! Been a crazy year with occupy oakland(hubby is a police officer) while my kids were all sick, then my gallbladder attack, and now recovering from surgery......so I have been out quite a bit! Makes for unhappy people.....but my principal is so supportive! So....I am thinking that this will be a nice, although scary at first, change for you! I am in California.....if you decide to come our way....let me know!
ReplyDeleteQuestion.....how do you end up getting to sample cool running products? I am new to blogging....just started in January with our family blog, then after finding your blog I decided I needed a blog for my teaching, running, reading, and crazy mom stuff! I love linking up and all the fun giveaways! When you have a chance would love to hear more.....
I'm just reading your last post. I am very sorry to read this. I was in that situation once - well twice actually but fortunately got other jobs fairly quickly. Good luck with that.
ReplyDeleteYour school sounds like my school. We had big changes last year - the biggest being put into multiage teams rather than straight grades. I have to say it has worked out okay for me. My team is doing great.We work well together and get along. The other teams - not so much. Morale is quite low.
I don't think the general public has a clue of how stressful teaching can be. The most stressful part for me is the pace and how much there always is to get done. It is impossible.
I hope this becomes a good change for you. I'd tell you to apply in Vermont but it is really hard to get teaching jobs here. One friend who lost her job because her whole school closed because of low enrollment - now has a permanent job after lots of long term subbing.