Sunday, June 10, 2007

Hydration Belts

Great run Saturday everyone! As you can tell the summer weather arrived early. With it has come thirsty runners. I will begin today preaching the importance of staying hydrated during a run. To put it bluntly, you will never make it through the summer unless you drink on your runs. The summer in North Carolina is brutal. Even if you run early or late, the heat will make three mile runs feel like 13. To combat the heat you need to drink. If you think you will be tougher because you don't drink, you will end up sick or injured.

On our long runs we will have fluids available in strategic locations. If you do not mind carrying a bottle in your hand, you can stop reading now. If however you want your hands free during runs, there are several options available to runners.
  • Multi Bottle Belts: Lots of little bottles evenly distributed around your waist (Fuel Belt is the most common)
  • Single Bottle: One large bottle that fits in the small of your back (Lots of options)
  • Fluid Bladders: A bladder device with a long drinking straw (Camel Back is the most common)

All options have advantages disadvantages. Check them out online, and ask other runners about theirs. Whichever you decide, choose something.

These products can purchase directly through the links above, through sites like Road Runner Sports, or at local stores like Raleigh Running Outfitters. If you have questions, ask any of the runners in our group. We have all options in use at some time or another.

8 comments:

  1. You should get the kids to set up lemonade stands on your route, quarters weigh less than water bottles!

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  2. Anonymous9:57 AM

    All kidding aside, Eric is right. Take money with you, and swing by a gas station for Gatorade when needed.

    When you go in a store hot and soaking wet most people look at you like you are about to rob the place. LOL!

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  3. Anonymous10:07 AM

    Hey--let the Millers know when you will have Crosswinds on the route--we are good for some hydration and cheerleading (see mug from Carol for details!!)

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  4. Anonymous10:12 AM

    I have the camelbak version and LOVE it.(now that I actually have to carry it myself) You do have to wear it snug--have never had any chafe problems--again have to wear it in the right spot and snug.

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  5. Anonymous2:47 PM

    I have a Camelbak, Fuel Belt and Amphipod and prefer my Amphipod over them all. It seems not to cause so much chaffing and not as much bounce. The bottle holders are also removeable so you can add as many as you like and position them on your waist where it is more comfortable. It also comes with a removeable storage pouch for keys, map, money etc.

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  6. Anonymous4:02 PM

    I also have a Camelbak and a Fuelbelt. I can use either one. Both have to be pulled tight to avoid chaffing. I have to drink from all the bottles on the fuelbelt at different times in order to not be lop sided.

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  7. I use an Amphipod as well and have had great results; no bouncing or chaffing. A great product for a reasonable price.

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  8. i have used a 6 bottle fuel belt for years and do as much as 22 miles at a time and have never had any problems with chafing or bouncing at all.

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