Anonymous wrote:If your only reason for running with phone is GPS, get a GPS watch, such as the ones Garmin makes.

Phone needs to come with me. I'm using a C25K app on my phone that tells me when to run and when to walk. It also ties into GPS to figure out my pace and distance. And plays my music. And if I have an emergency (sprained ankle, injured dog), I can call home.

If your only reason for running with phone is GPS, get a GPS watch, such as the ones Garmin makes.

OP update. Thanks for the ideas and feedback.

After doing five "runs" (still a lot of walking, but I'm making progress!), I am a convert to the spibelt. Phone with Otterbox fits in. I positioned the pouch close to my hip and no bouncing. And not noticeably warmer either. Tomorrow morning I'll get to try it with a key as well (no house key on vacation). Before my spibelt arrived, I did a run with my phone in the "mp3 pocket" on my running shirt. Barely fit in (probably stretched the shirt out), and bounced all over the place. I ended up tucking that part of the shirt into my shorts just to keep it from flopping around.

Anonymous wrote:I also purchased an ipod instead of a phone. The ipod is not as cumbersome.

+1

I also purchased an ipod instead of a phone. The ipod is not as cumbersome.

Anonymous wrote:Shorts with pockets are out of the question?

I agree. Just doesn't work for me

I got the Reebok Bose armband from the Apple store. I also have the otterbox cover on my iphone. The phone fits right inside the armband case but i do have to take the cover off each time. I thought it would be really annoying to do that but it doesn't bother me much. The armband and earbuds are awesome but ran about $150.

OP here. Thanks for the ideas and recommendations.

My shorts have pockets, but not big enough for my iPhone. I looked at a shirt with an MP3 player pocket, but I don't think my phone will fit in there, either. When it gets cooler out, a jacket with pockets will probably work, but that is still a ways off in DC.

As far as I know, nano and shuffle don't have GPS and probably don't run apps. I think I am going to be pretty dependent on the C25K app to keep me on track. And I'm a massive nerd, so I'd like to use GPS to know how far and slow I'm really going.

Water bottle holder looks pretty cool, but I really want to keep my hands free for the leash. 120 lbs of dog requires both hands at times.

I think I'm going to try thy SPIbelt. If H&M were Amazon-prime eligible, that might have won out.

Shorts with pockets are out of the question?

I run with a Nathan water bottle holder. http://www.nathansports.com/hydration/handhelds

They have different models, so make sure you buy one that will fit your phone. I just zip my phone into the little pocket--and I love that I also am able to carry my own water easily--I don't even need to grip, the handle keeps it on my hand well.

I've tried belts in the past but found they didn't stay in place as I ran and it really irritated me to keep adjusting it.

H&M has a belt that works pretty well when I run. You probably can't fit too much in it - keys, maybe a couple bucks if you need it, and iphone. I keep my phone in its case, and it still fits in the larger pouch. I little the little hole for your earphones.

In stores, I've seen one that's silver/blue and also solid black.

http://www.hm.com/us/product/09383?article=09383-A

I run with the shuffle ...

http://www.apple.com/ipod-shuffle/

after breaking an iphone.

Love my SPI belt. I've been running with my phone in one for two years now. It's super tiny, and won't bring attention to your waist. I wear mine under my shirts. It doesn't bounce, esp the waterproof version. If you get the waterproof one, you'll need to take it out of the outer casing for running though b/c the fabric won't stretch enough to fit the whole thing.

Holding my iPhone in my hand is not an option, as my hands are full with the dog's leash. And I'm a klutz (hence the Otterbox).

The armband I bought isn't big enough for the Otterbox. Hoping for recommendations.

Considering a Spibelt, but not convinced of the no-bounce thing. And I don't love bringing attention to my waist.

thanks!