In case you missed this fantastic little treat in a past 4you, I think it’s worth mentioning again.

Comfortable And Practical: A Sports Bra With Pockets

If you run, you know the issues: What do I do with my keys? Where can I put my iPod? The power gel? The asthma inhaler?

Lauren Grace Updyke knew it so well, she decided to do something about it. This year, Updyke, a fitness trainer who lives in Apex, N.C., created a sports bra called the Power Pouch, which has an easy-access, zippered storage pocket with three compartments on the front, designed to comfortably carry all the workout essentials.

Updyke came up with the idea while training for the Boston Marathon several years ago.

So she teamed up with her mother, who sews, to come up with a sports bra with a pouch that didn’t chafe when loaded down with an iPod or keys. Then she tracked down an apparel manufacturing company to make the bra. She launched the Power Pouch this year.

It’s ideal for storage, and the bra doesn’t leave out other elements of a good sports bra. It’s made of a spandex-polyester blend fabric that wicks away moisture, and it comes in three traditional sports bra styles: a long tank, a short top and a cami. The long tank costs $38, and the two smaller tops cost $33. They come in black, blue, green or pink.

Buy them at her Web site or at one of the many running expos she’ll be showing at this year, including the expos before the Chicago and New York marathons.

--Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer

Gracie sent me the Pink Short Power Pouch, and I got to test it out yesterday.

I stashed my iPod mini in one of three compartments over the middle of my chest. You can zip up the pocket to keep everything secure, and there’s a small opening to run your earbuds through. Keep the earbuds from swinging around by hooking them through a loop on the left bra strap.

Ingenious!

I slid a card key behind my iPod, and another pocket held my key perfectly.

During my run, I hardly noticed anything weighing my chest down. I was surprised.

There was no jostling, which was important. Everything was held snugly in place.

There was only one downfall: My iPod was SOAKED after my run. It’s too bad the pocket liner isn’t waterproof.

Of course, most humans don’t sweat like pigs like me, so this could be a personal problem. I think I’ll put the iPod in a plastic baggie in the Power Pouch next time.

It’s worth the buy if you’re interested!