Running in Converse: The Fanny Pack Revisited

This past weekend I ran the Brooklyn Half Marathon. The night before, I spent more time coordinating my outfit than fretting over what my splits would be. I wore my aqua Brooks Trail Runners running shoes, my black and neon yellow Brooks running shorts and a black Nike tank top. The look was completed with black & hot pink trim Oakley sunglasses. Black with florescent accents…Stephen Sprouse would have been proud. With my outfit taken care of, I needed a place to hold my keys, subway pass, money and Tylenol. The pockets on my running shorts were too small to even be considered pockets. Tying items to my shoes was not an option. I was not going to wear a backpack for it would be too bulky, nor was I going to wear an armband, as I find those irritating. My only other option was a fanny pack? What an option.

Prior to purchasing my Amphipod “Airflow Endurance Pack,” (I do not care what you call it, hip pack, waist pack, or belt bag, if it sits around your waist and can hold items, it is a fanny pack.) I had not worn a fanny pack since the time it was from the Gap and contained my BFF heart necklace, Juicy Fruit gum and on a good day, some Lisa Frank stickers. It had been a very long time and I was hesitant. To paint a better picture the fanny pack did not jut out but rather sat extremely close to my body. The biggest item it was able to hold was my cell phone. Anything wider would not have made the cut, I was embarrassed… concerned. My fanny pack was black and I wore a black tank top on purpose so the pack and its strap would be less noticeable.

Come race day, I was weary. The pack compartment rested against my back and the clip was in the front. Worst-case scenario if I became extremely annoyed with it during my run, I planned I would sling the fanny pack over my shoulder. I was hoping it would not come to that and it did not. The fanny pack turned out to be absolutely fantastic! I loved its versatility and snug fit. The adjustable strap and life vest like buckle held everything in place. No damage was done to my cell phone. The ultimate testament – I did not notice it in the least bit during my run. My appreciation for the fanny pack mounted.

Which made me wonder, why have we held so much anguish against the fanny pack? Just because the over weight tourists make it look tragic, there are people in fashion who can make it cool. The most note worthy example is by one of my favorite stylists, Patricia Fields. She adorned Sarah Jessica Parker with the Gucci Canvas Belt Bag (*cough* fanny pack) in an episode of Sex and the City. No one denied that she looked anything but fantastic and a trail of copycats followed suit.

Another fanny pack graced me with its presence just recently. One of my friends wore one while out one evening. Unlike me, she was not trying to hide the fact she was wearing it. Her fanny pack was made of a silver metal mesh and made no apologies of hanging out half a foot to the side. I gagged at first from the sight but then I enjoyed the versatility it gave her throughout the evening. Unlike a clutch, she did not have to worry about holding her drink, she was able to dance with her hands raised above her head, and no one had to hold her purse as she used the restroom because the door was devoid of hooks. With the fanny pack, everything you need is right around your waist. No need to worry if someone is going to pick your pocket, for if they are grabbing you where you fanny pack rests, you have more to worry about than losing your chap stick. I have begun to realize the benefits of a fanny pack are numerous. Anyone out there want to design me one I can wear post run? You know I love neon.