it all pretty much comes down to personal preference. i have tried many different ways now, and my methods are still changing as time goes on. here is what i have tried, why i like it, and why i don't like it.
first off you have to decide if you want to carry your own water or use the water stations. this is always something i have gone back and forth with in my mind.
water stops
on one hand, it is so nice to run free without having the extra weight of stuff strapped on you or in your hand, but on the other hand i HATE dealing with water stops. i am clumsy, i spill, i have to slow down, and i don't get enough water because i feel rushed going through them. people are all over the place and it can be come a congested mess. on top of that, when i train i drink water very frequently... i consider myself a frequent sipper. i don't ever drink that much water, i just take little sips often, so i am used to that. i try to do everything in races just like i would in training runs, since that is what i am used to.
i have run one race without water, the san francisco half marathon, and i was just running that for fun. i used it to test out my water stop capabilities, and danica even has a video of me attempting to conquer the water stop. i remember just wanting water more often than there were stations. i wanted to take my salt and gu when i wanted to take them, not around where the stops and all the people were. i wished i had carried my own that day. that always makes me nervous thinking back to that day, that if i was in a race i was serious about, i don't want something like not having my water throw me off.
if you do decide to carry your own water, what options are there? here are the ones i have tried...
fuel belt
i use the nathan speed 2 fuel belt. i used it for my first 4 marathons and most of my half marathons. for some reason this summer i stopped wanting to use it. i had no real reason besides not wanting something strapped around me, even though it's not that bad. i love this fuel belt since i can wear it low around my hips and it doesn't bounce once you get it into place. it holds 20 ounces of water, so i have had chris give me new water bottles (or a whole new belt since we have 2) in my marathons.
i bought a nathan pocket to attach to my fuel belt which i love. it holds my gu and is a little bit easier to access than the pocket on the back of the belt. the pocket on the back that can fit more gu and your phone and keys if you want them also.
pros: holds more water, empty hands, stays put most of the time, can wear lower
cons: can be heavy and tight around your waist
large handheld
i used the nathan quickdraw plus handheld all summer long. i raced with it in napa and the buffalo stampede and did a majority of my long runs with it. it can hold up to 3 gus in the little pocket and the bottle holds 22 ounces of water. it never bothered me at all until the second half of cowtown marathon. for some reason that new bottle just felt sooo heavy, even though i had refilled it midway during training runs before. must have had something to do with marathon pace and effort or could have just been a bad day. it is really comfortable and you can adjust it easily to fit your hand tight. it is also easier to refill during a marathon than the fuel belt. since its strapped around your hand, you can just take the lid off and dump water in it rather than messing with refilling both bottles in the belt (i did that in san diego and it was a hassle)
pros: holds more water, waist/stomach area isn't restricted, bigger pocket, easily adjusts
cons: holds more water = heavier
small handheld
(picture from fuelbelt.com)
this is the handheld i mentioned on friday - the fuel belt sprint 10 oz. palm holder. i just got it and used it during the healdsburg half and loved it. it was a perfect amount of water for me that day since it was a cold race. it holds 10 ounces of water and has a tiny pocket that can fit one gu. i hardly noticed it at all during the race. my only complaint is that it isn't as easily adjusted to fit tight around my hand. other than that i love it. i used it on my long run this weekend and just stopped to refill it half way.
pros: small, light weight
cons: only holds 10 ounces of water, not as easily adjusted
spibelt
with both the small and large handheld i use my spibelt when i am doing training runs. i can put my phone and key in it and it works pretty well. when i try and put anything else in there it tends to bounce and make me crazy, so i just have to stick my gu various other places (sports bra, little pocket in the tempo shorts, in arm warmers, etc) depending on which handheld i have and how many gus i need that day.
i am still trying to figure out what i want to do for race day. i don't really want to run with my large handheld again, but the small one doesn't hold enough water. i might just have to buckle down and wear my fuel belt to be safe, but we will see how it goes. i know a few people who carry a cheap water bottle with a sports top, so they can just chuck it whenever they are done with it without feeling guilty about throwing away a water bottle you spent money on.
what do you do for hydrating during races? do you have any suggestions on ways to improve any of the above methods?
***************************
i got up bright and early (or maybe dark and early?) this morning to meet up with tara for a run. seriously, if you struggle at all to get up in the morning try and find a running friend as crazy as you are for wanting to run at 5am because its the BEST THING EVER. i don't think twice about getting up when i know i am going to meet someone.
we ran around town, both our legs were pretty stiff so we just cruised along and got 9.1 miles done while watching the sun come up!
9.1 miles/1:26:22/9:29 avg pace
69 comments:
I don't even know what I'm going to do. Leaning toward jerry-rigging some plastic water bottles so I can throw them away if I get annoyed. And taping gu and Jack Daniels labels to them :)
I love the hydration belt. I have one with 4 8oz bottles, but in the marathon I used 2 10oz bottles which I bough separately, and had my husband meet me half way for an exchange. Like you, I am a sipper, and dislike water stops. Plus, in the 2 marathons I ran, water stops alternated from one side of the road to the other, which would have meant more mileage for the marathon. I put my belt on my waist, not on my hips and I don't even feel it. I think people get in trouble when the belt is too tight or too lose!
The thought of wearing one of those belts just makes me cringe. I can't imagine... I mean I see everyone wearing them but I just don't think I can do it. I have a hard enough time when I wear my spibelt... I'm a very hippy girl. I have stuck to just using water stops in all my races including Chicago Marathon although in hindsight I wish I had at the very least brought my handheld to the Halloween Halfathon since there wasn't enough water stops. I find that if I just go through and catch water at the end of the stop rather than the beginning I can get through the traffic fairly quickly without massive spillage or stoppage. But like you said, to each their own.
I used an hydration belt in my first two half-marathons and then found I was stopping at the waterstops and not drinking as much water as I thought I would and by the end it got heavy and I dumped most of the water in it.
My third half I didn't take water and it worked much better for me. The water stops were a bit annoying, but I didn't mind them too much.
I have never tried a handheld, but I don't think I'd like it, it bothers me just to carry my ipod or keys in one hand.
I'm a big fan of the nathan water belt. I finally used it in my last marathon after years of relying on the course aid stations. I've become like you a constant sipper! It worked great despite nearly missing my hubs for the replacement bottles.
That video cracks me up every time. My commentary is so stupid! ha ha. I'm down with using water stops and running with little bottles it seems lately. I know that it changes though, perhaps one day I will once again like my fuel belt.
You and I have almost the same running wardrobe! I just don't have the bigger handheld.
I used to do fuel belts in all races, because I was terrified of the water stops running out. Now I have run without water at all and with just my handheld. The thing I always do is grab water at every station to stay hydrated before I get thirsty. If you get thirsty, you are already on the road to dehydration! However, it has been cooler at the races I've tried... I don't know what I am going to do in Barbados!!!
I am already learning SO much by reading your blog! I love this! Also, I love that I can find other running blogs through yours.
Re: water bottle.
If you are running this race to RACE then just do what has worked best for you in the past, even if it isn't necessarily the most comfortable. The heavy water bottle situation in that one marathon was probably a fluke if that was the only time it felt so heavy.
I am spoiled because with my training group he puts out gatorade, water and gu every two miles for our long runs. I'm a baby and won't even try a fuel belt because they scare me, but sometimes I use the Nathan big hand held if I am going more than 8 but less than 15. I think it is good you have a variety to choose from and with your frequent sipping I would carry my fuel as well. Their is nothign more frustrating then wanting to down a gu during a race and not having any water!!!
I do not have a fuel belt and I am not sure if I can handle one. I just bought the small handheld, so I will see how that goes. I always rely on the water stops in a race and go to the end of table so there is less congestion.
During my training runs, I will go up to six miles between looping back and getting a drink, so when the water stops are only two miles apart, it feels like a treat!
Then again, maybe if I drank more, I could be faster...
I use the Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Pocket Black ( I got the idea from Girl In Motion Blog) for my first ever half marathon.
I have grown to be a water sipper and would panic if I didn't have my water. I honestly loved having this I only stopped twice to refill the bottle (ladies at the water station even helped). It was great to go around the crowds of people at all the stations and to have my water when I wanted. Also the zipper pocket on the back was great. This holds 20 oz of water, but they have a liter one two. I like this one because of the curve to the hand it has. It allows me to keep my hand relaxed.
Good luck!
I will be running my first marathon in December and was wondering what I wanted to do about hydration. I have a hand held like you have that I used for my 30k race and a nathan fuel belt taht I have used during training runs. I like the hand held but I would need another one but I don't have anyone who will be at the race. The water stops are every 2 to 3 miles and definately would need more water.
Excellent reviews of all your bottles. I go back and forth between hand held and that Nathan fuel belt, but I can't imagine just carrying a regular, old water bottle. The idea of having to grip it the entire time sounds awful to me!
Try them all out and see what you feel like on race day!!! ♥
GREAT GREAT post! I think I will invest in a handheld to test things out. I have the same belt as you and I LOVE it..but it does feel heavy..
I need a spibelt or pocket.
I'm all about the free water in races! I am a water stop girl. But, lately, I have had my water sherpa with me, so I guess that doesn't count. I just can't carry anything. I've tried. I've failed. Kudos to you guys for being able to use one - I might be a better runner if I could ever handle that extra weight! :)
What about wearing your belt and having Chris keep a refilled belt and BOTH handhelds ready for when you see him ... that way if it's getting to you, you can quickly swap for another option.
The best strategy I ever used was to find out what containers the water was being given out in at the race. I then carried a cap for that type of bottle and just carried that. Chucking the bottles when I was finished and keeping the cap.
I would recommend it if it's possible.
Hi, I just came across your blog and love it :).
I ran multiple marathons with a fuel belt because I have bad dehydration problems and felt more comfortable having water when I needed/wanted it w/o having to deal with the water stations. But this past year I finally weened myself off of it because I felt it was just weighting me down so much. I always wear a shirt with a pocket in it to carry Ibuprofen and Perpetuem (I can't stomach GU) and it works...and I find races that have many water stops and find that the crowds of them actually help give me a small break now and then. I feel liberated now! :)
This is a really great post and it poses a good question. I haven't had a long enough race to use any hydration methods, and even in small races I hate stopping for the water stops...but I don't drink too much H2O beforehand either. Hmmmm.
I recently purchased the Nathan 2 Fuel belt and I really liked it for my long run. I didn't like it too low on my hips, so I wore it on my "natural waist" and it was very comfy.
Thanks for the other recommendations, I'll look into them more. :)
I do a combo of the two. I carry a water bottle in my hand and then stop at water stations too. I only use the water in my hand to sip when I need it or to take gus and stuff. For some reason that just seems to work for me.
my fuel belt and i dont get along well either. i hope we can again soon because its super convienent but it hurts my back and my back hurt enough after a marathon... i dont need it hurting more because of the extra weight of that too! haha :)
Aron,
I'm big on the hand held method. I noticed very few runners using this method in my kast marathon but I think over all it is the best. You can run through several water stops, it's easy to keep full and refill, you can take gu or salt tabs anytime, not dependant on water stops,
I carry it on every run! After my last marathon I had no soreness at all in my sholders, arms, It's like part of my body!:)
I always use a fuel belt for long runs and definately half and full marathons. Maybe I'm a control freak..but you never know what can happen at those water stops..Sometimes they run out, or it's just so congested you don't even want to go near it! On top of that, sometimes there aren't as many stops as advertised and I like the security of having my own liquids. Sometimes I get fuel from the first few stops so I can save my G2 and Coconut Water for later. I use an Amphipod with 2-3 bottles, depending on the mileage and the weather (I carry more liquid in hotter weather) and a pocket for my fuel gels/gummies, ibuprofen, safety pins, etc...I over pack my luggage too...in case you were wondering! :)
Thanks for sharing your hydration experiences. It doesn't seem like there's any perfect option. Did it take you awhile to get used to the handheld?
My 7th marathon was the first race I've raced with my own water (I've always relied on waterstops) and it was a revelation to me. Like you I'm a sipper so it's much easier and being able to refill at water stations if necessary was also good for me. I carry my gus in an elasticated belt with loops in it around my waist - the loops fit a gel and you can get loads in.
When I train I use a camelbak and i'm toying with buying a small flashflo to have in races..
Where I live they had no running stores, so I stashed water every 2 miles to simulate the race. My first marathon had cytomax and the thought of that stuff makes me sick. Ugh it was so sugary. I bought a belt and I was AMAZED! Next distance race, I'm just bringing my own water and gatorade.
I always go through this exact same process for every 1/2 and full marathon. Like you, I like the idea of running without carrying anything, but I just can't ween myself from the independence of having my bottle with me. Also, there is always SOMETHING that I want to bring with me, GU or body glide, or whatever. Seems that when I decide to take one thing, anything, I jump back on the carrying-my-own-water bandwagon.
I never carry water during a race because it gets annoying after a while. I usually just grab a drink at the water stations and hope for the best. So far it has worked for me.
On training runs, I always carry a water bottle. It is so wonderful to not have that added weight on race day!
I have the pink one, which I *think* it was you who recommended it last year, and I like it.
The time I didn't carry my own water, was Napa-Sonoma Half, and they ran out of water at Mile 7. It happened at Midnight in Modesto.
The thing about water/fuel, is I get to run MY race...it's not determined by when the aid stations are, but by when I need fuel and hydration.
I carried at Nike, and had a lot of re-filling, so it worked for me. BTW, was that Gatorade yummy goodness or what?
Great post...thanks, Aron
So far I've just relied on water stops but I can tell that once I get back into racing and really trying to get some PRs, that will change and I'll be carrying my own. I use a fuelbelt for my long runs and love it, but I also have the large handheld. I like it ok in the winter but in the summer the water just gets too warm being in my hand. It's a tough decision for sure!
I heart my handhelds, in fact I have both models you posted, and I like the small one for shorter runs, and the larger for longer marathons. I don't find the weight bothers me, but if it does go for the little one, and just dump the water station cups in as you run by (I take off the lid as I approach and then 1-2-3 cup dump it in and put the lid back on). It sounds rough, but it is actually quick and efficient and the bonus is that you can sip whenever you want, not just when there is a H2O station. I am a constant sipper too, and I think its important to stick with the needs of your body rather than a water station. Good post!
I am a sipper too, so I always run with my own bottle. But I would love to be fuel belt free one day!
I carry two Ultimate Direction handheld bottles for longer races. Depending on how hot it is, they can last me for about 15 miles. I like races that loop, so I can refill them from my own supplies. Some races I do, ask runners to bring a gallon of water, but some DBags fill up an old jug with nasty water. If I am doing a 50k and am out on trails with many miles between stops, I don't want to trust race water unless it is in sealed bottles. I typically fill one bottle with Gatorade and one with water. I stuff some Gu's in my pocket to avoid waist packs. When climbing over rocks, dead trees, or crossing rivers, I put both bottles in one hand.
Hi Aron...excellent review of all your water options...
I have personally never had problems with just using water from water stations...if I need, I will purposely slow down to take an extra cup or two and speed up a bit after the water station to regain some of the lost time, it has always worked well for me.
For training runs, I'm one of those who carries a cheap gatorade bottle when I run...even on tempo and track workouts. I have gotten so used to it that it feels uncomfortable not to have it and I get a bit freaked out without one. They usually last me about 10-12 miles in summer and 16-18 miles in the winter so I just have to make sure I know where I can refill it or buy a new one.
Don't know if this help at all, probably not, but this is what I do.
So many choices and things to consider. I have only used a feul belt on training runs. I opted to only use the water stops and have my hubby meet me at two strategic locations, but if I could do it all over again, I would def. have my own water with me. The disposable sports lid is a great idea since you KNOW your gonna get sick of that thing eventually.
I am going to try one of the handhelds for one of my next long run. I am sick of having the water bottles all over my waist.
Great review.
I love and hate them all!!! hahaha I cnat stand my fuel belt, can tolerate my handheld, and am loving just carrying a water bottle free...I think it distracts me at times and gives me something to focus on...I actually feel like I'm more relaxed when I just have a reg water bottle as opposed to my handheld...maybe give it a try and see what you like :)
ps....you're the best running buddy ever! seriosuly I would have totlaly slacked on some of these runs & they would have been dreadful without you, so THANK YOU!!! ♥
The small handheld just so you can bypass the first couple of water stops should workout fine but a cheap water bottle works much better (pick one up free at the expo) since you can get rid of it when the water runs out by a water stop.
I'm used to waterstops at races so that's just what I do. However, every race I think about using my fuel belt and then I decide against it.
I just started using a handheld for runs and at first I hated it, but lately I've been getting used to it.
I still need to invest in a spibelt, but headlamp must come first.
I use that first one (nathan double one) and I like it. I don't know if it is necessary w/ all the water stops but as soon as I don't have it, I'm thirsty! plus I like having my gu in there.
Like you, I am a constant sipper. My fuel belt has almost become like my safety blanket - I can't run without it. On the other hand it is annoying to have it around my waist. When I went up to Portland I forgot the fuel belt! I almost died but Alisa let me borrow a handheld which wasn't that bad. I even went and bought one but don't like using it on long runs because it honestly isn't enough water for me and I feel like I have to keep switiching arms.
*sigh* I wish there was a better solution but for now I have to stick to the fuel belt.
I never do half marathons with fuel but have always been scared to do a marathon without my own fuel. I usually stop at water stops too...what can I say I'm a thirsty runner =).
I don't mind the handheld for runs shorter than 10 miles...anything over that I can't deal =).
for my winter training program we are required to BYOW - our water fountains are all shut down. I have a single bottle belt but am thinking about switching it up....
I have a fuel belt for any distance over 10 miles. I used to have it with me for anything over 5, but found that I really only need it for anything over 9 unless there are some major hills or intervals. For races, I never have one. I've learned some tricks with getting water from aid stations that work for me.
I don't every use a hydration belt. I just get it on the course. On long runs, I use a camel back. I figure the extra weight helps in for the actual race. I just use a fuel belt that holds keys, gu, etc and try to get water on the way. When I did Santa Rosa and Cowtown both were hot and I really thought that I should have had one. We shall see!
i love my large handheld for longer runs...i would go with that if i were you...
I hate carrying during a race but it's the only way to guarantee you get what you want, when you want it. Those stooopid aid stations are a cluster most of the time anyway.
I've always used a large handheld for training runs and then just the aid stations for races (I HATE carrying anything during a race). That being said, I KNOW using the aid stations slows me down a bit, and I have also encountered the unfortunate event of a couple aid stations running out of water in the middle of a HOT race . . . I might actually have to rethink my methodology when I really start trying to decrease my marathon times. Thanks for your reviews! They will be very helpful!! :)
i use a large handheld in training and aid stations in races. i hate carrying things/wearing things around my waist - too frustrating for me.
you can fit a gu in your tempo shorts pocket?!? mine always sticks partly out and chafes me! lol.
I trained with a handheld bottle (12oz) for shorter runs and a Camelbak for longer runs (which I refilled once along the way). During Chi, I didn't carry anything because I didn't want to weigh myself down. I ended up drinking from probably 80% of the stations, but it was also pretty cool that day, unlike my training.
Thanks for the reviews!
I have a water belt but need something new as it is just too big on me now. I fear not carrying water in a race as it will be the one race where they run out. I am going to ask my clinic buddies if someone has a handheld to try out so I don't waste money.
I really like the size of the 10oz bottle. I feel like it helps me control my arm swing without being too heavy. However, when I need to replace mine (which will be far too soon) I think I'll be switching to the Nathan version. The hand strap on it seems much more sturdy and comfortable, and it's all fabric, so there's a lot less chance of having it rip, as opposed to the rubber straps on the fuel belt version.
Thanks for the review! I thought about buying a handheld/fuel belt for the summer and just never got around to it. The closest I got was carrying random water bottles and refilling them at the one water fountain I run by.
I don't like carrying water (heavy!), so I just take water at the water stops...slowing down to walk so it doesn't go up my nose!
Great review. Thanks for the info. I have never carried anything with me on a training run or in a race. On my really long run 17+ miles, I have dropped water at places ahead of the run or I have my pacer extrodinare carry for me. In a race, I hit water stops or rely on my support people (when I have any). Now I am wondering if I could bring my speed back with a bit more fueling. Thanks again for the info. It really makes me rethink my approach!
Great Review. I have always hated carried water with me. On long runs I plan ahead and figure out if there is any stores near the route if not I just deal with carrying a bottle. I do like the idea of the nathan handheld. Belts never worked for me I've tried a few.
I want to get one of the spibelts - they look pretty cool. Stinks you cant hold more stuff in them. i also want one of those hand held bottles! Good thing Christmas is coming!
I hate running without water unless it's going to be a really short run. I love my Amphipod handheld -- the contoured bottle is really comfortable! Though my bottles are getting old and leaky. I put a couple on my Christmas wishlist!
I have a Nathan 10K waist pack for long runs when I need nutrition (or want to take photos!). It holds a lot, but often causes chafing on my lower back. So I guess I should try something else. I put a SPIbelt on my wishlist, too!
Running my first half this Sunday and still don't know what I'm going to do regarding water. Most likely stick to the water stations for now, since I don't even have a fuel belt. But maybe for a full marathon I'll think about it.
I've gotten used to my fuel belt, and like you, it doesn't bounce. My preference is to have water when I need it... but I don't like running with things in my hands, so the best is the way to go for me! :)
I have the amphipod handheld 20 oz. I LOVE it!
that's awesome about the 5am run!!
as for the water sitch--i am a water-stop person. I don't carry anything and feel I get enough with the cups (in college, we had to practice drinking from cups at water stops during training runs--literally, we'd run back and forth and there was a table w/ cups that we took and drank from, over and over and over.. eventually, you perfect the pinch, swig, and chuck method ;))
Very timely post! I was just debating what to do for my next race - I don't enjoy having my fuel belt strapped around my waist. I LOVE my handheld, until the last few miles of a run when I'm sorely tempted to hurl it across the road.
This weekend's going to be on the warmer side though, so I think it'll be prudent for me to carry my handheld instead of trusting the water stops.
I admit, I haven't read all of the comment (holy catfish, you get a lot of comments!) so I'm sorry if this is redundant.
First, you mentioned that you "have had chris give me new water bottles (or a whole new belt since we have 2) in my marathons." I just wanted to point out that while harmless and likely ignored for us 'normal' runners (i.e. not in the money), it's against the rules. Just this summer, two women were D.Q.d from the Lakefront Marathon in Milwaukee for 'accepting outside aid.' I'm not mentioning it to get down on you, just to let you know in case you care.
Secondly, I picked up a Nathan Speed 4 (4x10oz.) for training over the summer and I, like you, turned into a sipper. In my first marathon (in April), I had a few moments where I really WANTED water, whether it was real or simply mental, and was frustrated/distracted by having to wait for it. So for Chicago, I decided I'd wear my belt. I pre-loaded each bottle with Gatorade powder, but I only added water to the front two bottles before the race. I sipped when I wanted AND grabbed course water or Gatorade when I wanted. Around Mile 15, one bottle was empty and the other was low, so I filled my other two bottles - one each at two different aid stations. I ended the race with 3.5 empty bottles and had Gatorade at the ready when I crossed the finish.
For me, that plan worked perfectly. It was cold, though. Were it a warm run, I'd have had to rely more heavily on the aid stations, even with the belt.
@Oblivion
Great post. I have used a fuel belt and been unhappy with it (bouncy, bouncy) but I really would like to get a handheld, it is a pain to plan my runs around stops, and taking your gels etc.
I really want to get a Spibelt and a handheld. I used my fuel belt a lot last year for marathon training, but would like to have a ligther option.
I've been thinking of getting a belt for awhile now, there's no water where I run so I just have to wait till I get back to my car and that really sucks. Thanks for all the suggestions.
Great review. I am still trying to determine what I like. I have three different fuel belts, but only 1 that I use (it has 4 8 oz bottles) because I did not like how the other fuel belts bounced. I like the fuel belt because those water stations always seems to screw me up and I end up spilling most of the water. I have thought about trying a large handheld.
I prefer my Fuel Belt with 1 or 2 10 oz bottles. Even though I can drink from aid stations fairly well (i.e., not slow down much), I prefer to wear my Fuel Belt and carry at least one 10 oz bottle with me. I like to drink more often than once every 2-3 miles, which is the usually how far aid stations are in the (standalone) marathons I do.
I've considered running races with my own water to be "green" but haven't yet. I may consider in my HM next month using my fuel belt with the yellow Nathan bottles because I don't care for handhelds.
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