The best hydration method I've found is...

Neither my sister nor myself are very good at hydrating on a run or in races for that matter (which we realize is bad, we know), but I'd like to share some of the things I've tried and how they worked out for me.



1. I first started with just a regular hand held water bottle. I actually carried this with me on training runs and during my first half marathon and then a couple more races and runs after that, until the bottle started slipping out of the sleeve.

 I tried holding it together with a zip tie and that only worked for so long. I then got a new handheld that worked like a charm and I used it during all my long runs when I was marathon training. It wasn't enough water for all those miles and to tell you the truth it was kind of making my should sore carrying it.


2. I then started running with the Camelbak Hydration belt. This belt held two 8 oz water bottles. I took it on a few training runs just to see how I would handle running with the extra pound around my waist. I got this belt in a size small and let me tell you it was small. There is only one velcro strap and no room to really adjust.  During the training runs it worked out okay and I figured it would be find for race day.

When I wore it on race day, I ended up stopping twice to use the restroom (which I've never ever stopped to do during a race before). It turns out the belt kept pushing on my bladder falsely making me think I had to go. After the second bathroom stop my sister (who was running with me) said that's enough of this stuff and she took the belt off my hands. We didn't make any more stops after that...lol

3. My final way of staying hydrated on the run is the Flip Belt bottle.  I've had the Flip belt for some time now but never knew that there was a water bottle to fit in it until I read Judy's blog!  I knew that was something I wanted to try and so my sister bought me the bottle for Christmas.  Since I don't drink much water anyway, the 6 oz bottle works just fine for me (you can buy them in 6 oz or 10 oz).

The bottle slips right into the slit on the belt and sits sideways.  I worried about it leaking, but it didn't.  I took it on several training runs because I was planning on using it for the NYC half marathon. During my runs, I didn't even remember it was there because it was so light weight and comfortable. I didn't end up using it during the race only because I had planned on wearing layers (because of the temps) and wasn't sure I could conveniently get to the belt for my water. I ended up stopping at two water stations  which may have cost me some time, but it all turned out okay.

So far, THIS is my favorite hydration method! -M


We will be linking up with the gals from TOTR!



22 comments:

  1. It's funny, my favorite way (so far) is still to use those bottles in my pockets. I really don't like stuff around my waist -- although I do it sometimes for longer runs when I do want the larger bottle -- because I am good at hydrating & have even tried to up my hydration game this year!

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    1. Since those flip belt bottles are kind of flat, they actually fit in the pocket of my windbreaker. I like that!

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  2. I like the idea of that Flip Belt Bottle but it's TOO SMALL for my long runs. I still have to carry a 24 ounce bottle with my Tailwind in it. I've been running with an Ultimate Direction handheld, but that only holds 17 ounces. It's better once the bottle empties. I was going to write about this as well...it's a huge dilemma for me!

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    1. There are actually larger bottles you can get for the flip belt and you can fit several bottles in at one time.

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  3. I am not the best at hydrating during races either. I've had a flip but have not tried the bottles for it yet thanks for the info

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    1. Yea, I don't know why it took me so long to discover you could put bottles in it!

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  4. I'm bad at hydrating. I don't carry water stops.

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    1. The NYC half was the first long distance race where I didn't bring my own water and just depended on the aid stations and it worked out just fine!

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  5. You know what... I think I actually have one of those & forgot all about it. I wear my flip belt on every run & think I got that because I LOATHE carrying a bottle. Now... where did i put it...

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  6. I can't believe how you can run with so little water - must be the difference in heat/humidity here in Texas vs. other states? I carry a 24 ounce bottle in a backpack (Orange Mud's Hydraquiver) for my long runs - and I'll refill it if I'm going more than 5 or 6 miles!

    My friend (who only runs 3 miles) uses the water bottle that fits into the Flip Belt and likes it...I'm not a fan of anything around my waist, so the backpack works for me.

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  7. That's good to hear! I love my flip belt but just recently learned that they had bottles available.

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  8. Say what?! The flip belt can hold a water bottle! I had no idea! Thanks for sharing...I'm definitely looking into this!

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  9. Hydration is important because we are made of water! Hey, tell Lacey not to run the Boston Marathon. She is running too many marathons. Does she want old bones and old muscles. She don't know. People aren't cars. Think, driving 26 miles in a car alone is long. I run 5k's so I can run forever. It's healthy. Also it's Boston and if it's pouring rain and windy. It's not fun! Boston people are mean. I was on their train and I was actually the only person who let this old man have a seat. Lacey will end up getting soaked again with a driving ocean wind. People are confusing poor Lacey into this stuff and she buys it. She don't know.

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  10. Trust me I know. I'm 42 am an extremely healthy runner. My Daughter Katherine just got a full boat scholarship to Coastal Carolina University ( closest college to Myrtle beach )and is Captain of the math team at Shepherd Hill in Dudley, Ma. I am a runner and the dumb coach was having her run every day her first season! Her calves were killing her. Only one wrong on her math SAT'S. These big corporate companies like Nike trick people into thinking marathoning is healthy. You can run every day and be healthy as long as you don't overdue it. Lacey can also get addicted to the endorphins. Now also we have the alcohol industry brainwashing runners into thinking alcohol is healthy. Make sure Lacey don't drink either. All she needs is to meet some dumb guy runner who runs all day then drinks all night and Lacey will be totally miserable. Like I tell my Daughter, tell Lacey to meet some guy who doesn't drink and is healthy. Lacey is totally addicted to endorphins already and all she needs is some guy that goes " Lacey drink now."

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  11. I have heard about the flip belt bottle and really want to try it! i never likes the belts with bottles that bounce around, and its annoying to hold something while running. I used camelback hydration packs during marathon training and those have worked pretty well for me.

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  12. I can't imagine getting by on so little water. I have an 18 oz handheld and it barely holds me for 10 miles when it's cool out. That Flip Belt bottle is cool!

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  13. I didn't know they made that either!!! Such a cool way to carry water.
    I've done the handheld and it drives me crazy!

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  14. I have tried the hand held bottle too but it changed my gait and made me run funny! I typically just don't carry anything and have to circle back to my house or car etc.

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  15. My running belt does ride up a bit on my waist, but I need to play with the adjustable strap. It's brand new, so it's taking more effort to tighten it or loosen it, so I don't have success while running. I need to put it on before my run and figure out the best tightness for it.

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  16. I've been running with a handheld and like it... that is until I get to a point that I'm too tired and it feels like I'm carrying a ton of bricks. I just ordered a hydration vest, I'm looking forward to trying that out!

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  17. The Flipbelt bottle looks really good! I have a Nathan hydration belt but it often bounces up and down too much while running and it gets awkward when the bottles are out of balance. I've been wearing the Orange Mud Hydraquiver on my back for long runs.

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  18. This is definitely something I am working on! I did not know they made a bottle to fit in the flip belt- I need to check this out! Right now I am playing with a new handheld- it is too hot to not run with something so I am going to keep playing with it!

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