I have used the same fanny pack/water bottle holder for about 9 years – I finally had to replace mine last year. It’s this one: http://www.rei.com/product/752154 but you can get it anywhere. I take my keys, iPhone, license, $20, and I can jam at least two gu in there if necessary. It looks like there’s a newer version out now that has an MP3 holder on the outside, but you’d have to see if it really works (it’s hard to slide in the iPhone with headphones because the zipper only goes in one direction, my headphones go another, etc.

I would definitely get a pack that has an angled back – a water bottle that stands straight up in the back sucks. And if you’re running and training this summer, keeping hydration with you is key, so I always recommend the water (we had a woman who ran with us a few years back who did not hydrate and paid the price with issues).

Fuel Belt also makes some good stuff, but frankly, I don’t like their setup – it’s a large elastic band, and it always rides up under my chest. The Ultimate Direction one is adjustable, and it doesn’t weigh a lot – without the water, of course

Sal

thanks
misty