Jul 15, 2013

Experimenting With New Things

I forgot to mention this last week but I tried something new on my long run. The weather has been so hot so I was looking for a new way to beat the heat and stay hydrated. I normally run with my Amphipod belt and 2-4 of the 10.5 ounce water bottles and then make periodic stops at fast food restaurants to refill my bottles if needed.
 
This means that I have to plan my routes around these places and sometimes I get strange looks when I enter these places all sweaty and wet! I really like the belt and I am used to it. I know lots of runners don't like the belt but it doesn't bother me at all. My iPhone and my GU fit perfectly into the pockets but my water does not stay cold for very long. I was looking for a way to carry enough water with me so that I would not have to stop and fill my bottles. I decided to experiment with something new and gave this hydration vest a try during my 18 mile run last week.  I don't think I am a fan. 
PROS: I loved the way the fit of the vest and I loved the front pockets. This particular Nathan hydration race vest fit me perfectly and was really comfortable. The front pockets fit my iPhone and my GU perfectly and it was way easier to access them than with the belt. 

CONS: I did encounter a few problems though. I did not like the weight of the pack on my back and the sound of the water moving around while I was running. I also felt like I was not able to get enough water out of the tube when I needed it. I guess I am used to the squeeze bottles especially when I am swallowing my GU. Gulping down my GU with the water tube was a bit difficult for me. I also finished my run with a little sore on the middle of my lower back from the backpack rubbing. I could feel it burning while I was running and kept adjusting it. I could not find my Body Glide that morning so maybe that would have played out differently had I applied it. My biggest issue was not being able to pour water over my head to keep myself cool during my run. I do this quite often and it is a must for me. Maybe I just need to get used to the vest or was I not using it properly?

So for now, I have decided to stick with the old hydration belt that I have always used and possibly use the vest for some other purpose.  I paid $100 for the hydration vest so I think I better take up trail running or hiking now that I own one.


Your Turn:

1) How do you stay hydrated on your long runs especially on hot days?


2) Do you run with a hydration pack/vest or hydration belt? I am interested in hearing your opinions (pros/cons) of both.

12 comments:

  1. I toyed with wearing a hydration belt a few times but I just didn't like the feeling of having it on my hips. I carry a handheld...and pray it doesn't run out!!!

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  2. I used to hate the handheld but I have actually gotten used to it and take it on my shorter runs. My biggest fear with the handheld is that it will run out and I won't be close to a place to fill it!

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  3. I wear a CamelBak when my runs start getting really long, but like you I hate the swishing noise. Belts bother me more, though. I guess I'm just high-maintenance. One mental trick I try with the CamelBak is telling myself wearing it will make me feel light on race day, when I don't have to wear it.

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    1. That's a good way to mentally trick yourself :) I might give it another try and look for ways to make it work.

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  4. Beautiful items indeed, but I prefer to run without any stuff on my body.
    When I did long runs I chose paths with many fountains and here this is possible.
    I tried to run with the belt but it was not a good experience.

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    1. I would prefer to run without anything as well but I don't know of a place that will allow for it. I used to just hide water in bushes along my routes but sometimes they would be gone or I would just be too lazy to do it. The belt does not bother me at all but I am sure the weight of it makes a difference.

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  5. I'm with you. I like the weight at my hips and not my back. The straps on my Camelback chafe, but I do like that the water stays colder longer. They are perfect for hiking! Hopefully you get some use out of yours still.

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    1. I also noticed that I probably need to wear a shirt that covers my shoulders because it was kind of bothering my bare shoulders too. I am thinking of signing up for a trail run so maybe I can use it for that.

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  6. I've never used a camelback, but I wear a water bottle on my waist for long runs or anytime it's hot…like now :)

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    1. Isn't the heat just horrible. I have really been struggling with it for the past few weeks. Training for a marathon during this heat wave is really tough!

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  7. I use a handheld that I stop and fill up or a fuel belt but Allan runs with a Camelbak and loves it. He says he'd rather wear that than carry anything so I guess the added weight doesn't bother him at all.

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    1. I don't think the weight so much bothered me as much as not being able to get as much water out of it! I have learned to like my handheld a little more lately but I used to be very bothered by it.

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