I have been collecting a list of thoughts/goodies to share with you guys – here are some things that I’m LOVING right now.

 

First:  I love the fact that our anatomy ultrasound is in TWO WEEKS.  I am so excited because we haven’t gotten to see the baby yet at all.  I just want confirmation that he or she is healthy and on track… I am so anxious for this appointment that I am almost bursting!

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Listening to the heartbeat rocks, but seriously – I want that ultrasound!!

 

Next up:  The Roo Sport.  So when I have to carry stuff while I run (like during a race or a long workout), I used to use a SpiBelt that wrapped around my hips.  Bouncing was minimal but still present, especially if I jammed a lot in there.  I got a sample of the Roo Sport at the Heartbreak Hill Half Marathon, and this thing is AMAZING.

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It’s kind of hard to photograph, but it’s basically a big, soft wallet with a magnet flap.  You tuck it inside your pants and close the flap.  The magnet is super strong, so there is NO BOUNCING.  I ran with my phone and fuel in the Roo Sport, and it was perfect!  There’s even a zipper pocket for keys.  I swear – I don’t think I’ll ever use my belt again.

 

Another freebie from that race – I’m lovin’ the Impact Tunic Tank from New Balance.  Literally, none of my workout clothes fit me right now (because I stopped running so soon with Henry), so this is the one and only top that I’m wearing!   It’s super long (hence ‘tunic’) so its flattering and comfy. 

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For sizing reference, I have it in a medium.

 

One more sample from that race – I’m lovin’ these Balega socksI don’t own a lot of ‘nice’ running socks – these socks are SO much better than my typical cotton ones.  They are just as awesome as my Thorlo socks <— here’s my review of that sock.  Nice socks are worth the investment… I should suck it up and get a few more pairs.

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I really like how the Balega socks have a roll in the back so your ankles are super protected – no blisters back there for sure!

 

You may remember the Soulutions posts on Depression/Miscarriage and Sexual Assault on the blog a few years back.   Well, those stories (plus many others) helped inspired the final version of the Soul Models book by Elizabeth Bryan and Angela Daffron.  I am TOTALLY loving this book!

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“Soul Models: Transformative Stories of Courage and Compassion is a collection of stories proving that when we use our challenges to fuel actions that make a difference to others, we feel valued, discover our purpose, and live happier, healthier lives.Soul Models shares the extraordinary journeys of ordinary individuals who have witnessed or overcome incredible hardships like loss, depression, illness, abuse, bankruptcy and everything in-between. Instead of giving up, they “stepped up,” using courage and compassion to take charge of their lives and fate. They founded non-profits, wrote bestselling books or simply helped everyone in their path. None of them started out with many more advantages than you – in fact, many had much less. Their stories prove that compassion is the key to overcoming challenge. In Soul Models, they have come together to offer advice and “Soulutions” that can empower you with all you need to live a more fulfilling, happier life.”

 

You can get Soul Models on Amazon, and I really recommend following them on Twitter – they have such an uplifting Twitter feed.

 

Oh – here’s another book that I’m lovin’!  The Firestarter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte.

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As the creator of DanielleLaPorte.com–deemed “the best place online for kick-ass spirituality,” Danielle LaPorte’s straight-talk life-and-livelihood sermons have been read by over one million people. Bold but empathetic, she reframes popular self-help and success concepts:

  • – Life balance is a myth, and the pursuit of it is causing us more stress then the craving for balance itself.
  • – Being well-rounded is over-rated. When you focus on developing your true strengths, you enter your mastery zone.
  • – Screw your principles (they might be holding you back).
  • – We have ambition backwards. Getting clear on how you want to feel in your life + work is more important than setting goals. It’s the most potent form of clarity that you can have, and it’s what leads to true fulfillment.

 

The Firestarter Sessions would be a great book for: anyone who owns their own business, new college grads, people looking to make a career change, or those who enjoy their job but want a little bit ‘more.’  I really enjoyed this book – it’s laid out in a fun way – and it helped change my thought process about a few things that I’m doing professionally. 

 

And last, but not least, I am lovin’ this sentiment:

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Do you agree?!

{ 31 comments }

 

  • Kathleen Ojo @ My Ojos June 16, 2014, 5:41 pm

    I am very intrigued by this Roo Sport pouch! I have a fuel belt that will hold my water, phone, and two gels, but that’s about it. I’m training for my first marathon and soon I will need to carry my keys and more fuel with me, so I will definitely look into this!

  • Meagan June 16, 2014, 5:52 pm

    Ever since a gal at my local running store suggested Balega socks to me, they are the only thing I run in. They last forever (but do pill at the back near the tab) and I’ve had some pairs for way over 3 years now. I reuse them too, since they’re 10$ a pair. My favorite are the “hidden comfort” type, in black, so they blend in with the inside of my shoe. I really want to try Iniji socks though – they have toes, so I think it maybe good for toe blisters! Also compression socks over the gastrocs are next on my list. New socks are fun! But expensive 🙂 BUUT necessary!

  • Sarah June 16, 2014, 6:22 pm

    I love Balega socks too. The roll at the back really helps keep the sock from slipping… which has to be one of my least favorite feelings ever! Seriously, I’d rather have dental work than try to run with my socks slipping down over my heels. That little roll feature on the Balega’s is pure genius!

  • Cate June 16, 2014, 6:27 pm

    I’m also intrigued by the Roo Sport pouch. What size to do you? I’m also training for a marathon and am looking for a pouch to use. There’s only so much room in the tiny pockets in my shorts and top.

  • Sara June 16, 2014, 8:25 pm

    What Fetal Doppler are you using & How soon were you able to hear your babies heartbeat with it?

    • Caitlin June 16, 2014, 8:44 pm

      Oh sorry! I only get to hear it at the doctors office. I don’t have a Doppler at home.

    • Jillian @ Reshape Your Life June 17, 2014, 12:13 pm

      I know you weren’t asking me, but I have a Sonoline B fetal doppler and I could hear the baby’s heartbeat starting around 9 weeks, it was hit or miss then though. It wasn’t until 10-11 weeks that I could find it easier, now at 18 weeks I find it immediately.

  • Emily @ Fit as a Mother... June 16, 2014, 9:59 pm

    Oooh – I need to find the Roo Sport! I’m tired of my Spibelt. It bounces like crazy. I can never seem to position it just right.

  • Patty June 16, 2014, 10:19 pm

    Hilarious quote! I laughed out loud. The husband wanted to know what was so funny…I told him he wouldn’t understand!

  • Katie M June 17, 2014, 12:28 am

    Hi Caitlin,
    With such a strong magnet in the Roo Sport, could it damage electronics or demagnetize credit cards (or hotel room keys)? I’ve heard a number of times that magnets can cause those kinds of problems, but I’ve never actually experienced any issues, so perhaps it’s a story told to scare us? 🙂

    • Caitlin June 17, 2014, 7:29 am

      I don’t know !!! Good question. Do magnets have the same impact on phones? Because my phone was fine.

  • Runner Girl Eats June 17, 2014, 6:36 am

    That snap wallet is genius! I need to get that asap. And I could not agree more with that quote. There is no better feeling than taking off that bra at the end of the day.

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed June 17, 2014, 8:18 am

    I am definitely a workout sock snob! I never thought they would make a difference, but once I owned one night pair, I couldn’t go back! I love that tab in the back.

    Also, yes! Get that bra OFF of me lol.

  • Laura@SneakersandSpatulas June 17, 2014, 8:39 am

    I have about 5 pairs of Balega socks and LOVE them! They are so soft and comfy. I can’t tell from your pic if yours are like mine, but mine have an extra thick cushiony layer at the bottom and then a thin air conditioned top layer. So perfect for long runs.

  • Kim June 17, 2014, 9:27 am

    Balega socks are the best, I only have one pair from Track Shack and save them for my longest workout every week. Totally agree on the bras – who needs ’em? I read once that Sherry at YHL only owns one bra, she’s my role model 🙂

  • Lainie June 17, 2014, 11:23 am

    The impact tank is on sale on amazon today in the color “sunny lime” for $23.10.
    I ordered it!

    • Caitlin June 17, 2014, 12:17 pm

      Ahhh gonna buy it!!! Thanks!!

      • Alexa June 18, 2014, 11:02 am

        Are you buying a certain size while pregnant? Granted, I’m farther along, but think postpartum as well and want to compare.

        • Caitlin June 18, 2014, 3:06 pm

          I’m a medium right now, but I think I’d be a small otherwise.

  • Julie June 17, 2014, 11:33 am

    I am also at 16 weeks and have the anatomy scan in 2 weeks! For some reason, my OB hasn’t used the doppler on me yet. I went at almost 13 weeks and they did a super quick U/S to look at the flickering because “the baby still might be too small to hear it from the outside.” Really? Not complaining, though!

    I’ve seen the baby a few times now, but I feel like it’s been forever since I’ve had an appointment and the anatomy one is particularly, um, detailed??

  • Caitlyn @ City and the Cubicle June 17, 2014, 11:33 am

    I remember you didn’t find out the sex when you were expecting Henry. Are you waiting to find out again or will you find out in two weeks? Sorry if this was in earlier post and I missed it 🙁

    • Caitlin June 17, 2014, 12:16 pm

      Yup waiting again!

  • Jillian @ Reshape Your Life June 17, 2014, 12:10 pm

    So exciting about the ultrasound! We have our anatomy scan on Thursday, haven’t seen the bean since 8 weeks! I can’t imagine if I hadn’t seen the baby at all yet!

  • Amber K June 17, 2014, 4:54 pm

    That last quote is hilarious. I’ve never once done that. I guess it’s “Men and Amber will never understand…” lol

  • Erin m. June 17, 2014, 5:30 pm

    That last quote is awesome! Totally agree with that!

  • Alissa June 19, 2014, 3:58 pm

    I have recently been on a search for something to hold my stuff when I run. I typically go with my fiance who just carries our keys, but that doesn’t allow me to go alone. I was hating the idea of wrapping something around my waste or my arm (I feel constricted) but the RooSport looks awesome! I went on the website- they have a large and small. what size do you have? Does it hold what you need?

    • Caitlin June 20, 2014, 9:45 am

      I have the small!

      • Sara August 5, 2014, 2:40 pm

        It said the small doesn’t fit iPhone 5 and higher? And on the large I saw a note about the magnet (I saw someone else mentioned that): *Please do not use a RooSport with the iPod Classic. The iPod Classic harddrive uses an older magnet sensitive technology. Any other iPod will work fine.

  • Breanne July 23, 2015, 5:53 pm

    Hey Caitlin! I thought of this post immediately when I realized that my iPhone 6 no longer fits in my arm band and I have a race coming up in a couple weeks (I’d just been carrying my phone or using my iPod if I didn’t care about tracking). How does this (and your previous SpiBelt) do with sweat? One of my old armbands the neoprene didn’t protect my phone/ipod from sweat at all and I want to make sure I don’t run into that problem again. I love the idea of something that won’t bounce though.

    • Caitlin July 24, 2015, 10:26 am

      They have a waterproof spibelt!!! Try that one!

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