An expensive running habit and an important question.

First, the comments from this morning’s post made me cry.  I am so lucky to ‘know’ you guys and I am so thankful that you are so willing to share what you’ve been through and how running has helped you.  You guys are incredibly strong and inspire me to be better.

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At Target yesterday Brooke and I both chose a new water bottle.  She went with santa and I went with purple… typical.   With 19 days until race day I am hydrating like you wouldn’t believe.  

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People say that running is a cheap sport… well, not exactly when you are addicted to hand warmers.  Below 30 degrees = I need hand warmers because freezing fingers take the fun out of running for me.  These babies keep me nice and toasty and I don’t care if the rest of me is cold as long as my hands (and ears) are happy.  

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I had pretty much the same run today as I did yesterday.  An hour easy (8:09 pace) with some hills.  Tomorrow and my long run involve speed but with the taper I am cutting back in mileage and intensity.  I want to keep my legs fresh and moving with some fast stuff but also rested and ready to go.  

It was cold and windy this morning but the drift 1/2 zip kept me warm and seen (I love wearing a color that makes it especially easy for cars to see me while running).   

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Also, random question…. I’ve ALWAYS worn my fuel belt with it on my back.  I put my phone, key and fuel in there and just reach back when I need something.  But recently I’ve seen a bunch of people wearing it in the front which makes sense because then you can grab stuff out of it easier but I feel like it might get in the way.  People that wear a fuel belt—>  front or back?  PS I use this one because it is water resistant!

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We got to spend some time with the one and only Megan and Brooke clearly didn’t want me to be in the selfie…

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 Eventually she let me in.

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JUST TWO days left to get your DONUT FORGET TO RUN SHIRT!!!

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And a very important question for you to answer.  Is it too early?

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Fuel belt—> front, back or you don’t wear one?

 What are your Tuesday night plans?!

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97 comments

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I wear my fuel belt in the back because I have a large butt to rest it on :) I vote that it’s too early for Christmas music because my birthday is at the end of November and then everyone can start celebrating!

About to run, make dinner, then blog! all the good things

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Same! My birthday is December 3, and nothing Christmas happens until the 4th! :) Happy Birthday!

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My birthday is 12/29…so can all things Christmas cease & desist by 12/28?? ;)

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You guys are all hilarious. I’m June 13 so…I’m good, right? ;)

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It’s never too early for Christmas music!! I could listen to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” all year long! :)

Tonight will be full of Netflix, college basketball, and hanging out with my foam roller.

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Try Michael Bubles version of that song. Totally different feel.

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Obsessed with Nathan products. Love their belts. I wear mine in the front but I’ve always wondered if you back wearers are really the ones who are doing it “right”. Good to know I’m not the only one who is unsure.

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I listen to Christmas music all year. I just like some of the songs!

I wear my fuel belt on my back. I did keep my phone on the front of my flip belt during my last marathon and that worked well, but most of my chews and such were in the back.

My Tuesday night plans – a massage! in approximately 40 minutes I will be a very happy girl! :)

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I could WATCH Christmas movies all year long and I do :)

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I do too!!

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I usually wear it in the front because I put my phone in it and that’s what I use to listen to music, so it’s easier access for changing music and for the headphones to get to my ears. I feel like it sometimes bounces too much if I wear it on my back. But I don’t mind workout pants that have the small pocket on the back for keys or fuel.

Christmas music is alright, as long as it’s not the sappy depressing kind. I actually cleaned my house the other day listening to some good old latin Christmas music. It’s basically just salsa, so I spent most of the time dancing, haha

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My favorite belt is spibelt- love it and wear it during most races! I always wear mine in back too! Sometimes I move it to the front to grab GU etc and forget about it, but I think it’s much more comfy in back!

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I have a flipbelt so I can stash stuff all over, but my phone is always in the back, during races I miss my mouth with most of the water and it goes all down the front of me so nothing that can get ruined goes in front. For me things bounce or move around less on my back too.

I am not a huge Christmas fan, so unless I am at a Christmas Party or it is Christmas Eve/Day it is too early or too much.

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December 1! :) Although, the week of Thanksgiving is somewhat acceptable

I have a crazy night on the sofa! I ran earlier today, then treated myself to a manicure and pedicure, so I plan to be lazy tonight. Have a good one!

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It’s never too early to listen to Christmas music! Running in general is not cheap for me when you take into consideration shoes + sports bras + clothing + expensive accessories that I probably don’t need but purchase anyway. I would like to think it is a lot cheaper than cycling but I only paid for my bike once and then from there don’t spend too much on that. I have never used hand warmers but then again, I live in NC. Don’t know much about sub-30 temps :)

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Which part of NC? I live here too :) (near charlotte)

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Christmas music has to wait until after thanksgiving! Then it’s everything Christmas until New Years.

I wear a roosport and I wear it in the front.

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I wear my fuel belt in the back because otherwise my mom is allowed to call it a fanny pack and make fun of me.

Christmas music should wait until after Thanksgiving. Then it can play all the time.

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Haha! That’s why I wear it in the back too!

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I haaaate wearing fuel belts but if I absolutely must, then I wear it on my back. Tuesday night plans? Going for a 10 mile run with my friend Lora in torrential rain and wind. Boooooo.

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Hand warmers sound amazing! I need to get some. I don’t wear a fuel belt but if I did I would wear it in the back. I would keep looking at it if it was in the front (I get distracted easily). Tuesday nights are pilates for me!

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I have to say, I look forward to your posts every day. As a mom to 4 boys, I just think Brooke is adorable. She is so lucky to have such a kind and caring mom. You are clearly doing a great job with her! Best of luck with your race! I have a 1/2 this weekend. Hoping we don’t get snow!

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FOUR BOYS… girl, you are busy!!! Wow. Good luck this weekend, you will rock it! Thank you so much for your sweet comment. Made my afternoon:)

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I have 4 boys, too!

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I have 4 girls! (ok, I really had 4 girls IN A ROW, but then I had to go and have a boy and mess up my perfect streak…and then another girl after him) ;)

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Never too soon!!!!! The Michael Buble Christmas album is my jam. I love the Christmas season! I like to prolong it as long as possible!

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Agreed! Buble is the epitome of Christmas music. Plus he is a really good person..

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I don’t listen to Christmas music until Advent starts, but then I’m weird and listen to it through Epiphany in January. I wear my spibelt on my back – I can’t tolerate things touching my stomach while I run.

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I wear my fuel belt in the back, it annoys me in the front. It feels like my phone or water bottles dig in more.

As much as I love Christmas music I say too early. On the other hand, I observe the 12 days of Christmas and listen to my tunes until Epiphany. (Little Christmas)

Compared to a gym membership I guess running is cheap but moving comfort sports bras (which I love) and my supportive sneakers aren’t exactly inexpensive. Not to mention race fees!

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I do everything in my power to not carry anything when I run, but when I have to, it’s either a fuel belt (on the back) or my hydration pack for really long runs.

Tonight I’ll be doing a bit of yoga and cooking dinner. If I ever get up off the couch…

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Ha! Lots of things resonated with me on this post! Just this morning I heard Christmas music which I LOVE. But then I thought “I should really wait until after Thanksgiving because I don’t want to get sick of it.” That said, Thanksgiving is so late this year so I think I need to begin NOW. Plus, I never get sick of Christmas music – who am I kidding?

Fuel belt – hilarious. I used to always wear it in the back. Then I suddenly had an epiphany and it is SO much easier getting stuff out when worn in the front. Who knew?

I hope you have a beautiful day too, Janae :)

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I wear my belt on my hip, on the side. So neither the front or the back…am I the only one?? It’s great because it doesn’t bounce and it’s pretty easy to access! You post this morning made me tear up. Running is great, sometimes it’s the only way to go through the emotions. I sure love your blog! And I’ve started listening to Christmas music with my kids because it makes them so happy {we have only thanksgiving decor up though!!} and they currently need Santa on their mind so they remember how to behave ;)

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Me too!

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I don’t wear a fuel belt. It’s so annoying to me that I can’t handle it. But then, I can’t wear gloves while I’m running either for the same reason. I always just pull my sleeves over my hands because gloves bother me so much.

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What about rice hand warmers, you can reuse them and just warm them up in the microwave before your run. I would love to send you some of the ones I make if you are interested?

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How long do they keep warm? Won’t they feel bulky in running gloves?

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I have a Flip Belt….it’s amazing….I usually only have my phone in there and it’s up front for easy access.

90 minutes of hot yoga torture on tap for the evening. This is my second class ever and it’s still really, really hard (mainly due to the heat)

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I’ve never run with a fuel belt, but I am thinking about what I’d prefer, and I think I would definitely prefer to run with it in the front. I would always feel like something was falling off of me if it was in the back. But idk, I think it is just a matter of personal preference and it could really go either way!

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO LISTEN TO CHRISTMAS MUSIC!

Tuesday night plans: I am an RA for the freshman here at San Diego State and we are running a program for them all about the oppression of minorities! I am actually super excited to put it on and be apart of this, especially given the timing with all of the recent, horrific and traffic events.

Have a wonderful night, Janae!

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Ha, I always freak out if my nose is cold…it doesn’t usually happen when I’m running but sometimes in the morning when I get up it does. I hate it!!! Haha

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I wear mine in the back….feels like it bounces or something if it’s in the front!

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Love hand warmers and toe warmers! they’re a must for skiing for me. Costco in Canada sells boxes of them and I plan on stocking up for the winter.

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Front for my Fuel Belt but I have a roo pouch and put it in the back for my marathon.

Never too early for Christmas stuff!!!

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Too early for xmas music!

I wear my belt in the front because I keep my phone in it so it’s easier for changing up my music.

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I have 2 fuel belts – one I wear in the back, the other goes on the side because my water bottle is on the back. I don’t think there’s a wrong or right, whatever doesn’t annoy you while you’re running is best!

I’m pretty sure I’ve listened to Christmas music as early as July, but as a choir director I get a pass. I don’t decorate until after Thanksgiving, but bring on the music!

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I always wear it on the side of my hip.

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A local radio station here in AR started playing Christmas music on November 1st, so I’ve been listening since then and plan to until they take it off! :) NEVER too early!!!

I need to try a fuel belt! They look awesome!

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I wear it in the front and definitely not too early for Christmas music (I had some on my ipod for my marathon on Sat)…but I still have my Thanksgiving decorations up :)

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I have the same Nathan fuel belt as you. I always wear it in the front. I have never even felt it. My thought is that if you have water bottle(s), then wear it in the back, but if its just a fuel/phone/etc. then wear it up front.

I just have to have one holiday over before I start celebrating the next one. Hmm maybe the same reason I don’t want my food to mix. :)

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I was scrolling through the comments looking for someone else who does this, and was starting to think I was the odd man out. I wear my spibelt with the pocket in front (and never really thought to wear it in the back??), but if I wear my hydration belt, it’s with the pouch and bottles on my back.

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Yup, too early for Christmas music. Wait until the turkey is carved.

I wear my fuel belt on my hip- less bounce.

Tuesday night plans- getting to bed early for 4am run.

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Too early!! I’m at the end of a construction/remodel. We are planning on moving into our new place Dec 5th. However we just moved in July into a temp home/storage. The 12th my daughter finishes Loyola and we move her home from Chicago. I can’t even think of Christmas at this point. Oh ya…January 9th I’m running a marathon so I’m also running a ton! But no fuel belts. Only run with what I can cram into my pockets.

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If there’s a ton of stuff in it I prefer the fuel belt in the back, if it’s light I can keep it in the front. Tonight I’m headed to Aerial (my one cross training activity) and watching a Seinfeld rerun before!

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Fuel belt in the front! Use to wear it in the back and one day I switched and has been that way for years!

Too early for Christmas music in my home life. My work has the biggest indoor Christmas tree in the city and once that gets brought in (second week in November, yesterday!) it is all Christmas, all the time at work!

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Too early for XMAS music! Macy’s has it on now when I walk through the Minneapolis skyway. Too soon!

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I wear a flipbelt during long runs and races, and so I’ll sit gu’s and other necessities evenly distributed around my hips.
No matter the length of my run I’m usually wearing leggings (usually the lululemon pace rival crop) where my phone sits in the pocket right at the small of my back. I like snaking the cord through the back of my sports bra so that the Y of the headphones cord is on the back of my neck, if that makes sense? This way it minimizes cord bounce, and if i need to take one earbud out to listen for traffic, I just tuck it under a sports bra strap.

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I like the way you think Mags– I’ll have to try putting my phone in the back zipper pocket. I just always assumed my earbud cord wouldn’t be long enough. Thanks the the tips.

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No idea on the fuel belt (haven’t graduated to actually taking in fuel during a run!), but I have the same running gloves! Costco, right?

Tuesday night = grad school applications. #partyanimal

Christmas music? Well…let’s just say David Archuleta’s Christmas album is playing as I type this, soooo… :)

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In the front!! It’s easier I think.

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You can get boxes of hand warmers at Costco for cheap! I think there are 40 pairs for less than $15.

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Fuel belt in the front.

NEVER too early for Christmas music, I love it…my very favorite song is ‘The Christmas shoes’ . So emotional , always makes me cry.

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i always wear my fuel belt on the back too! It seems to fit more securely over my butt than it does in the front. My plans for last night was a tempo run but my teething baby said I don’t think so! :(

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I definitely agree it ends up being such an expensive sport! I had no idea it would get like this when I started running! I’m a sucker for a good head warmer–I have so many things to cover my ears it’s a tad ridiculous. What is your most memorable and worthwhile running purchase?

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Fuel belt to the side…always!

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I had always worn a fuel belt but it was driving me insane! It would always fall down and I’d be messing with it the entire marathon so I gave up, and put my gus in my sports bra and call it a day!

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The belt I wear (flip belt) has openings all the way around so I shove stuff everywhere but always start with stuff in the front :)

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I wish I needed hand warmers! I have just moved from Sydney Australia to Darwin (a real tropical, outback town). Darwin is 35-40 degrees Celsius all year round and currently 99% humidity because it’s monsoon season. I am trying to acclimatise but so far can only manage 5km runs here :(

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Hand warmers are expensive but so necessary. If my hands aren’t warm, I am a grumpy girl.

I am that runner that stores my gels in my bra and my key under my doormat. #Minimalist

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So envious of the half zip. It’s on my Christmas list…as well as the rest of Brook’s winter line…and New Balance’s glow in the dark stuff. I wonder what people who don’t run ask for for Christmas?

Also no! I love Christmas music and I’ve always said that if Thanksgiving had music…I’d listen to it, but it doesn’t so Christmas music will just have to do.

And fuel belt in the front, but slightly off to the left for me.

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It’s NEVER too early for Christmas music! I usually start listening in October… lol.

As far as the belt goes… I’ve done both and I’m not really sure which is “better” so it kind of just goes with whatever my mood is that day!

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I actually prefer my fuel belt in front (if I’m not carrying water). I do feel a bit like a marsupial or a tourist Dad wielding a fanny pack, but meh, it works for me.

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I always wear my Spibelt on the front, it’s just holding my phone so if I need to change songs or read a text quick, I can. I have that same purple water bottle, and for some reason having the oz markers right there huge on the side helps me get in plenty of water all day! :)

It’s always too early for Christmas music! I’m kind of a scrooge, I really can’t stand Christmas music…ever :)

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mittens keep your hands much warmer (sometimes too warm) than gloves. I buy the cheap $1.00 ones and have never needed hand warmers.

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We don’t play/listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving :) My hubby fights me on this though, he really doesn’t like Christmas music.
Usually I wear my fuel belt on the front so that I can get into it and it just feels “right” to me.

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No, no it is not too early for Christmas music. I’ve had mine on for awhile and I don’t care, it’s wonderful, I mean, the Nutcracker music is basically classical music which makes me cultured so… that’s a win-win.

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I wear my belt facing my back … if I wear it facing the front, I feel like my phone bumps up against my bladder!

I always wait until after Thanksgiving to listen to Christmas music, personally. I think if you stretch out the Christmas season too long, it dilutes the special-ness of it.

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I used to wear my SPiBelt on my front and it would bounce and irritate me. I moved it to my back and I feel like it is less distracting. I find it harder to reach my phone but that may be good because I am less tempted to use it during my runs.

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Definitely wear my fuel belt on the back like you do. I think it looks like a fanny pack on the front. Plus who wants that jiggly thin jumping up and down in front of you when you’re run. It’s uncomfortable!

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I wear my belt in front. I like to have fast access when I want something. I hate reaching behind me. I always feel like I “look” like a dork because everyone else I see wears them on their back. It’s more comfortable for me in front though.

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I’ve always worn mine on the back! All I carry is GU so I don’t need access as often, but it feels super comfortable and honestly, I don’t want something making my gut look any bigger and I sure don’t like the fanny pack look!

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Yes! It is too early for Christmas music. And also… Dear Tampa malls, it’s too early for Santa as well!

I wear my fuel belt in the front, but really it’s all about what is comfortable for you!

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Never too early for Christmas music or Christmas movies!

Tuesday night plans involved dinner and a movie with mom! It was rainy and ugly out in Chicago so we stayed in, made tacos, and watched Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel :)

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It’s definitely not to early for Christmas music! I’ve been watching Christmas movies the last few nights. I don’t know how, but I forgot how funny Elf is. I needed a good laugh that night too!

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Running really is the best therapy!! You can just forget about everything else like you said for at least a little while.

I dont think it is too early for christmas music (I LOVE christmas music) although I havent yet started listening to it myself! Not sure why.. I have just been pretty busy and havent felt in the christmas spirit yet. Its also been in the 60/70s in Ohio lately which is UNHEARD of so i think my body/brain doesnt realize christmas really is approaching! haha

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I have those gloves! They keep my hands soooo toasty, wore them this morning actually.
I haven’t found a fuel belt that I love yet. I usually wear them on my back, but makes sense to move it to the front.
Christmas music seems like it should wait until after Thanksgiving, but its just so darn good and hard to wait :) And with Thanksgiving being later this year I think its totally acceptable to listen to it before Thanksgiving.

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i tried the fuelbelt in the front but i didnt like it made feel too heavy in the front but it does make it easier to grab things. im used to reaching behind me now though so maybe i would get confused lol. christmas music…i like to listen to it only in december that way i dont get sick of it and its like a magical holiday treat. too soon and it spoils it a little for me.

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I have worn my fuel belt both ways. It feels more comfortable in the back but I have to turn it around to get stuff out of it. Maybe it’s just me.

So love Xmas music…thinking about buying Pentatonix’s album That’s Christmas to Me. White Winter Hymnal is pretty cool.

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I generally only wear my SpiBelt in races, and I’ve always worn it in the front. Now I’m going to have to test it out in the back.

I love Christmas music, but refuse to listen to it until after Thanksgiving meal. On the way home, the station goes on and the season begins!

Tuesday night didn’t involve much of anything good, except playing with my new puppy and having her curl up and sleep in my lap. Swooning.

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I wear mine on my lower back. it fits nicely there.

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i wear a flip belt, you can put things in front & back–i prefer back though!

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I wear mine on the back, out of some weird assumption that it makes my stomach look big in the front – LOL. And it is NEVER too early for christmas music!

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Fuel belt in the back – it just seems to fit snugly back there and not bounce around. Wearing it in the front makes me feel one step away from a fanny pack! :)

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I wear my spibelt on my front with my phone I use for music. I need to get a mini for my tunes but it’s worked so far for me.

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A radio dj in Northern Ireland played Christmas music the day after Halloween, but I think he may have been being ironic. I suppose once we hit December it’s ok??

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I wear my spibelt in the back because I feel like I mentally get thrown off and my form gets funny if I have it in the front. Probably doesn’t but I feel like it does, so that is enough reason for me to keep it in back.

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I wear a flip belt and love it. I stick my phone in the front usually but by the end it tends to move to the back some days!

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I love everything about Christmas – the food, the decorations, the fun stuff in stores – except the music haha. I love going to the mall to shop but I get so sick of hearing the same songs everywhere haha. I think I am probably in the minority on this one!

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Considering that I already wrote almost all the list of Christmas gifts to buy and usually I buy them before the end of November, the answer to your question is NO isn’t too early to listen Christmas music( I’m already into Christmas mood:P)

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