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?
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.
