Pages

Thursday, March 6, 2014

New Running Favorites

Running Favorites

Three (new) favorite things I’ve added to my running lineup since Princess Half Marathon Weekend include:

  • Sparkle Skirts
  • Flip Belt
  • Crown Shwings

For starters, the following companies did not provide compensation or ask for this review. I purchased all of these items on my own and I loved them so much, I decided to share my discoveries with you!

#1 – Sparkle Skirts

I originally purchased this yellow Sparkle Skirt as a piece to my Snow White costume for the Princess Half. I’ll be honest with you, the price tag on this skirt scared me away at first and I did NOT expect to fall in love with it as much as I did! 

Sparkle Skirt

Apart from the beautiful bling, this skirt has pockets…and I mean POCKETS!

Sparkle Skirt 2

Pockets for a phone, pockets for a camera, pockets for GU, Kleenex, Tylenol…these pockets will hold just about anything – and they are big, too!

Sparkle Skirt 3

Apart from the zipper pocket at the waist, this skirt also has two large pockets on the sides of the shorts.

Sparkle Skirt 4

Another bonus – when I heard people say they never had a problem with the shorts riding up, I didn’t believe them at first. I quickly discovered they were not lying! These shorts do NOT ride up at all!! Amazing!

Princess Half Marathon Snow White

Sparkle Skirts also make a beautiful addition to any race costumes! :0)

#2 – Flip Belt

I’d heard of Flip Belt prior to the Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Expo I attended this year, but had never seen them in person nor had a chance to try them on. Unfortunately, our area experienced a huge freeze the week before the race, so trucks were unable to deliver the Expo shipment in time.

So - when I saw the super friendly Flip Belt team at the Princess Half Expo, I knew I had to snag my opportunity!

Flip Belt

Flip Belts come in a wide variety of colors and include several sizing options. I found their sizing guide to be true to its word.

For starters, let me say that I am not a fan of any belts that clip around my waist or hips. They all give me major muffin top and bounce like crazy.

Flip Belt 2

I love this Flip Belt because it includes four pockets and even fits my iPhone 5 (complete with Otter Box)!

Flip Belt 3

I wore this Flip Belt for the Enchanted 10K and absolutely loved it – no muffin top and definitely NO bouncing!

You can see a clip of me wearing this Flip Belt at the beginning of my Royal Family 5K video.

#3 – Team Sparkle Shwings

This one might sound kind of silly, but I saw these babies at the Princess Expo and knew I had to have them!

Team Sparkle Schwings

Created by the lovely ladies of Sparkle Athletic, they slip over your laces and stay put – you don’t even realize they are there! Also available in fairy wings and red/white polka dot bows, they are the perfect snazzy addition to any running shoe!

Team Sparkle Schwings 2

I still have these on my shoes and I am not sure when (if ever) I’ll take them off!

There you have it – my newest running accessory favorites!

What are you loving lately? Do you tend to stick to the tried and true or do you like to be adventurous with new running gear?

26 comments:

  1. I would love to try a Sparkle Skirt that has shorts underneath and pockets! It's adorable! I am adventerous, I like to try new things and am always on the lookout :)
    Karen @karenlovestorun

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ahh...love these products Karen! As you know, I worked the Sparkle Skirts booth not one, but two days at the Princess Expo. It was so much fun helping ladies choose the right skirt, or two! My closet has far too many, but they are the perfect race skirt with the pockets.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed!! Glad you had fun working the booth at the expo, Pam!

      Delete
  3. I've been debating over adding a Sparkle Skirt or two to my running wardrobe, but just like you said, the price tag is scaring me off a bit. I'm glad to hear the shorts didn't ride up at all though. I'll be thinking more about it and depending on what I want to wear for a future race will seriously consider a Sparkle Skirts purchase.

    ReplyDelete
  4. That sparkle skirt is awesome! You know I love my skirts...I've never tried the sparkle skirt brand. ;-) And those crown shwings are so cute!!! I really want the polka dot bows for my shoes!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I just adored your outfit for PHM! Since those types of skirts are a bit pricey, I always try to re-purpose them for a future race. Do you think you can use that skirt again for maybe a Belle outfit? My sister was Belle for the 10K and I think I might re-purpose her Yellow skirt as a snow white outfit for a future race! Love how roomy your flip belt is! I have never seen those shwings before I watched your video the other day, cute. Do they come as a pair? I am loving my shoe charm lately ( from gone for a run NOT beecause).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's such a great idea and definitely something I've considered!! Yes, the crowns come in a pair. :0)

      Delete
  6. I honestly haven't changed much about my running since I first began as far as what i use! I am always adding new gear, loving Under Armour stuff lately, but no new accessories.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you found things that work for you! That was my main problem...I didn't like my spi belt (never have) and needed something different.

      Delete
  7. Ok, so I had no idea that Sparkle Skirts had that many pockets - awesome! I have looked at them before, but the price always scared me away so I never bothered trying one on. I may have to give one a try!

    I have been curious about the Flip Belt too, but haven't tried it yet because I am afraid all the items would either 1) Be hard to get out if I needed them or 2) They would move/fall out. Did you have any issues with that??

    ReplyDelete
  8. I knew you would be hooked on Sparkleskirts once you had one! Try getting one with less glitter that you can train in and you won't want to ever run in anything else! I have a Sparkleaddiction! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That will probably be my next one! Great idea!!

      Delete
  9. The price tag for Sparkle Skirts still scares me. . but I'm sure I'll give in one day- those pockets!!

    Did you take your phone out while you were running? How did that work out?

    I love my shwings!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I did! My phone stayed mostly in that pocket but I did text and tweet throughout the race without a problem!

      Delete
  10. Welcome to the Sparkle Skirt fold Princess! They are so addicting. I started with one over a year ago, and now have 5. This is due to EXTREME hiding from when they release new skirts. Oh and that I would go broke. haha.

    I can't wait for it to be warm here again so I can wear my sparkle skirts instead of sweat pants:-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!! I know what you mean... I love so many of their skirts but I have to stop myself! :0)

      Delete
  11. I've never bought a Sparkle Skirt, but this year I have started a flight obsession with Team Sparkle skirts and visors...I think I have decided that even races outside of Disney, must be raced in costume :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love those skirts, too! Such a cute accessory to a costume!

      Delete
  12. i have been wanting to get a flip belt for weeks now. it's not quite in my funds yet, but once i start increasing my distance, i think i'll justify the expense!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's great, I really like it! Hope you do as well! :0)

      Delete
  13. I stick to the tried and true, not very adventurous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Completely understand!! Tried and true is good! :0)

      Delete