Handheld vs. waistband water for trail run

[theoriginalbean]

I have a waistband water belt that I use for training but not for racing, because it's super inconvenient to get the bottle out and back in again. I have to pretty much completely stop.

I'm "running" the Leadville Marathon next month, and from what I've read on race reviews a lot of it is more of a fast hike, with hands-on-knees climbing up steep mountain roads. I'd prefer to get a hand-held, but do you think it would be a giant pain in the ass? I don't like carrying things, but I dislike the water belt, too.

So, recommend your hand-held or a better waistband option! I have the Nathan hydration belt - this style.



Also, do Spi-Belts really not bounce and ride up?

[Wines Not Whines]

If you're going to be using your hands to climb up rocks, you're probably going to want your hands to be free. I have a Nathan hydration belt with two small bottles, and it's pretty easy to get the bottles in and out. I don't have to stop to do it. I think it's called the Speed 2 belt.

[jgleespen]

It sounds like you would want a hands free pack. I have a camelbak and love it.

[keweenawlove]

Good Luck! I have a friend who did the Leadville 100 and she used the Nathan Intensity hydration pack (http://teammegatough.wordpress.com/2010/09/10/andreas-leadville-100-race-recap). I'm not sure if you'd need something that intense for the marathon but I agree with pp that I wouldn't want a handheld one. Fuelbelt makes some good models with 2-6 bottles. A lot of it is personal perference. Whatever you get, just practice "drinking on the fly" before the race.

[grk2012]

Nathan Speed 2 is my favorite. WAY less hassle than one of those single-giant-bottle deals. And if you want a no-ride, no-bounce belt, look into the FlipBelt. They were displaying them at the Colorado expo, and I bought one. LOVE IT. I can run with my phone and *forget* it's there. It doesn't fit well in my Speed 2 belt.

[shauni27]

I have a 2 bottle fuelbelt and while it does bounce at first when I start out, once I adjust it a few times I am good to go for the rest of my run. Getting the bottles out is super easy as well.

[theoriginalbean]

Thanks! I'll check out the speed 2 for sure. Husband has a camelback but it seems like overkill to me, plus it's heavy. And Kaweena, your friend is a badass! Thanks for sharing her blog.

[shorty20]

May 16, 2012 8:43:45 GMT -5 grk2012 said:

Nathan Speed 2 is my favorite. WAY less hassle than one of those single-giant-bottle deals. And if you want a no-ride, no-bounce belt, look into the FlipBelt. They were displaying them at the Colorado expo, and I bought one. LOVE IT. I can run with my phone and *forget* it's there. It doesn't fit well in my Speed 2 belt.

This, I love my Speed 2!

[jenniferjanec]

I absolutely love my handheld, but for trail running and difficult terrain I'm learning that it is a bad option. Two weeks ago I fell on a slippery incline and my handheld prevented me from catching myself properly. I went down hard on my shoulder and hip because of it.

I'm going to look into some of these recommendations on belts too for that very reason.

[daisysle]

Whenever I run a trail race, I also use a 2 bottle Fuel Belt. I've experienced a few falls and like having my hands free to catch myself!!

[Kimsy]

May 16, 2012 9:02:50 GMT -5 theoriginalbean said:

Thanks! I'll check out the speed 2 for sure. Husband has a camelback but it seems like overkill to me, plus it's heavy. And Kaweena, your friend is a badass! Thanks for sharing her blog.

Not sure where you live, but keep in mind that if you are visiting Leadville and are not used to altitude, you'll want to hydrate extra well. I live in MO and visit Colorado a couple of times a year, and I get really dizzy and a bad headache if I don't drink extra water when I exercise. So if you aren't used to altitude, the Camelback is probably a good option.

[aurora]

May 16, 2012 15:54:29 GMT -5 @Kimsy said:

May 16, 2012 9:02:50 GMT -5 theoriginalbean said:

Thanks! I'll check out the speed 2 for sure. Husband has a camelback but it seems like overkill to me, plus it's heavy. And Kaweena, your friend is a badass! Thanks for sharing her blog.

Not sure where you live, but keep in mind that if you are visiting Leadville and are not used to altitude, you'll want to hydrate extra well. I live in MO and visit Colorado a couple of times a year, and I get really dizzy and a bad headache if I don't drink extra water when I exercise. So if you aren't used to altitude, the Camelback is probably a good option.

I agree with this. You'll probably need twice as much water running in Leadville than you do at sea level. Though, you'll also want to be careful that you're getting enough electrolytes when you increase your water input. They make pretty small Camelback's but I would want a medium-sized one for the Leadville marathon (unless there are a ton of feed stations).

[theoriginalbean]

May 17, 2012 11:04:24 GMT -5 aurora said:

May 16, 2012 15:54:29 GMT -5 @Kimsy said:

Not sure where you live, but keep in mind that if you are visiting Leadville and are not used to altitude, you'll want to hydrate extra well. I live in MO and visit Colorado a couple of times a year, and I get really dizzy and a bad headache if I don't drink extra water when I exercise. So if you aren't used to altitude, the Camelback is probably a good option.

I agree with this. You'll probably need twice as much water running in Leadville than you do at sea level. Though, you'll also want to be careful that you're getting enough electrolytes when you increase your water input. They make pretty small Camelback's but I would want a medium-sized one for the Leadville marathon (unless there are a ton of feed stations).

That is an excellent point. I live about as far from altitude as possible, and that is definitely a concern of mine. From past experiences, I know that I handle the change in altitude relatively well. Of course, I won't get lucky every time, and things might not go as smoothly this time around. I'm hoping for the best. My only goal is to finish in the 8 hour time limit.

[katinthehat]

waist belt for sure. And most trails/ultras have lots and lots of aid stations, so if you drink at the station, plus a refill of your bottles and a cup to go, you should be covered