Need hydration bottle advice

[sweetiesparkles]

I Need hydration bottle advice.  

Is it better to get a belt or handheld?  How many bottles?

Or are these entirely nerdy and/or not needed for someone who might be training for a half. (my current training is a 10k)

[hannahb]

I've had both. I like the handheld better. The belt would slip on me and cause chafing. I thought the handheld would be annoying but have ended up loving it.

[bostonmichelle]

I have a handheld and love it so far. I'm thinking of getting a belt for half training this summer though since it holds more water.

[Mushe]

I use both, for different things. I'll take my handheld on long runs when it's not that hot, but use the belt for 10+ and when it's really hot. I've used the belt for two half marathons, and really liked it.

[skwcm80]

I just picked up a Nathan speed 2 hydration belt for summer training. It's been in my car for the last week and a half, so I don't actually know if I like it yet.

[shellfish26]

Honestly, it depends on you. You really have to try both out for yourself to see what you are most comfortable with. I wear a belt, and wouldn't have it any other way. For me, it's not the least bit bothersome and I don't even know it's there. I've tried running with a handheld, and I am constantly fiddling with it and it just doesn't seem right.

You can usually find inexpensive belts at TJ Maxx or Marshalls. I'd recommend starting there and giving them a try.

[archaeominx]

It's definitely a personal thing. I hated my handheld, it drove me nuts having the straps across my hand. Using it made me realize I really really like to have my hands free while running. I have two different Fuel Belts, a four bottle and a three bottle, plus I got a bunch of different sized-bottles and pouches to switch out on it.

[AAM2012]

May 27, 2014 20:24:37 GMT -5 archaeominx said:

It's definitely a personal thing. I hated my handheld, it drove me nuts having the straps across my hand. Using it made me realize I really really like to have my hands free while running. I have two different Fuel Belts, a four bottle and a three bottle, plus I got a bunch of different sized-bottles and pouches to switch out on it.

Agreed. There's no right/wrong answer as it's all personal preferences. I prefer handheld rather than belts because I haven't found a belt that I liked and didn't bounce around, chafe, etc. I even have carried two handhelds (one in each hand) during my ultra training and it was no big deal for me.

Unfortunately the only way to figure out what you prefer is to either borrow or buy (ugh!) and try them out.

[mrshandy]

I love my Nathan 2-speed belt. Do you ever anticipate going above a 10K with your training?

If so then I would probably do a handheld. Longer distances you'll probably need a belt since it holds more water.

[biomaj5]

I prefer belts because I don't like having to carry things in my hands. I run a certain half every October, and a 2 bottle fuelbelt works fine for that. I also have a 4 bottle belt-I use it most often on long runs because there aren't any water stops; I will always use my 4 bottle belt for marathon races.

If you get a belt, I'd recommend getting one with plastic bottle holders rather than fabric. My 4 bottle belt has plastic, and it works perfectly. My 2 bottle belt has fabric, and sometimes I have a hard time getting the bottles back in.

[libbygrl109]

I prefer my belt, too, because I don't like to have anything in my hands, but will use a handheld for really hot days when I'm not going to be out too long.

[cinco]

I like handheld. I have a 20 oz insulated for longer runs in the Summer, and a smaller 10 oz for shorter runs.

[no0b]

I personally prefer handheld. Right now I have one of the tiny fuel belt ones with the handheld glove and that barely covers the long runs in the summer. I need to get a larger one but not feel weighed down by it.

Threadjack: For those that use handhelds... what kind do you have?

[cinco]

May 28, 2014 8:01:16 GMT -5 no0b said:

I personally prefer handheld. Right now I have one of the tiny fuel belt ones with the handheld glove and that barely covers the long runs in the summer. I need to get a larger one but not feel weighed down by it.

Threadjack: For those that use handhelds... what kind do you have?

My 20 oz is the Ultimate Direction Insulated (a must for Summer. Hot water is gross) . The 10 oz is Fuel belt, b/c it was the cheapest.

[runaways]

I have a Nathan 20 oz handheld. I stop at water fountains or home or corner stores to refill for long runs, especially in the summer - that usually only gets me about 6 miles, maybe 8, in the middle of summer here.

no0b

[hannahb]

May 27, 2014 19:16:24 GMT -5 sweetiesparkles said:

I Need hydration bottle advice.  

Is it better to get a belt or handheld?  How many bottles?

Or are these entirely nerdy and/or not needed for someone who might be training for a half. (my current training is a 10k)

I can send you my belt if you want. It's old but still functional. See if you like it. It's got 4 bottles.

[jordylee]

I prefer a handheld, but have to switch what hand I'm using pretty frequently or my arm gets really tired. I used to use a belt, but I feel like my hips were always feeling really tight and sore, so I stopped. My favorite method of carrying fluids is begging my DH to ride his bike beside me while I run to keep me company and carry all of my crap

[runnergirl]

I'll throw out a third option of a hydration pack. I have an Ultraspire pack that I use for long runs during marathon training. A waist belt drove me crazy and while I can do a handheld, I really prefer the pack. For me I don't even notice it once I get going.

[finallykrisb]

I use both. My hand held I like for anything less than 8 miles. Anything longer and I need electrolytes and water and my arms get tired of carrying it, so I use a belt.