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Running Belt Recommendations

KateRunsColorado
KateRunsColorado Posts: 407 Member
in Social Groups
Hey all,

I'm 2 1/2 weeks out from my first marathon and am realizing, I'm going to need something to carry all my gels in with me on the big day!!!

I've been using a Nathan hydration backpack during training, but don't want to carry the whole thing on race day, since there will be plenty of aid stations. I'm hooked on the honey stinger gummy's, and want to only use those come race day, which means I need to carry them myself. What does everyone else recommend? I've heard of SpiBelt, and I think Nathan has something....but curious what people use and if they work (no bouncing!).

I'm tapering now, but have a 12 miler this weekend that I want to try it out on, so I need something I can buy in a running store or sporting goods store.

Thanks!

Replies

  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
    I have an iftiness running belt:
    ifitness-hydration-belt_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800
    I have only done a half marathon, but this is what I decided to get for my long runs to help carry bandaids, gels, water, etc.. It has a built in bib holder (the little tabs that hang down) and one good thing about it is they sell add on bottles and even cell phone attachments for the belts. So if you feel you need more you can add more. The pocket is nice, it is double with a little cloth separator. It is an okay size pouch...I fit 2 packs of gummies in my pouch on my HM day. I know most don't carry that much, but I am still at about 02:30 for my halves, so need the extra fuel still lol. The belt has little gel holding tabs too. And it doesn't bounce, once you fit it properly. I think I spend about $40 on it. I like it though.
  • julie_emma1
    julie_emma1 Posts: 146
    Firstly, congrats on your upcoming marathon! That's fabulous!
    Secondly in regards to your question, when I used to be doing longer runs, I used the 2-bottle Fuel Belt and kept my Gu in the little side pocket on the belt, and found it didn't bounce too much for me. Here's a link: http://ca.shop.runningroom.com/brands/fuel-belt/revenge-2-bottle-belt.html
  • KateRunsColorado
    KateRunsColorado Posts: 407 Member
    Thanks for the recommendations. I will definitely keep them in mind, however, I was hoping to use something smaller, that does not hold any water (so just a pouch for my gels and maybe cell phone). Anyone tried any of those types?
  • ZenInTexas
    ZenInTexas Posts: 781 Member
    This is what I got before running my 25k and it worked great. The pocket is stretchy and can hold quite a bit of stuff. I never even knew it was there it's so light.
    http://www.spibelt.com/products/spibelt/the-original-spibelt
  • chriscm70
    chriscm70 Posts: 76 Member
    When not carrying liquids I just use the Nathan "5k" belt. It would be a good size for just a phone and some gels, and has held up very well for over a year. The printing on it has worn off but that's it.
    This one: http://www.amazon.com/Nathan-Runners-Waist-Pack-Black/dp/B0000ANG1E
    I got it at ****'s Sporting Goods.
    Good luck on your first!!
  • _Josee_
    _Josee_ Posts: 625 Member
    This is what I got before running my 25k and it worked great. The pocket is stretchy and can hold quite a bit of stuff. I never even knew it was there it's so light.
    http://www.spibelt.com/products/spibelt/the-original-spibelt

    Another vote for spibelt! :) I rarely bring water on my runs (only long runs over 10miles and in the summer) but this is what I use for my cell phone and spare money in case of emergency!
  • UrbanRunner81
    UrbanRunner81 Posts: 1,207 Member
    I really like my amphipod. It has a pocket and 4 water bottles which are removable so you take as many water bottles as you want or as little.

    Congrats on your upcoming race!
  • eabernst
    eabernst Posts: 29 Member
    I'm another SPI belt fan! If you don't carry water, it's just the right size for phone/a little money/keys/gels/ etc. It is also very size adjustable (and the pocket stretches quite a bit).
  • laurasuzanne2006
    laurasuzanne2006 Posts: 103 Member
    http://www.armpocket.com/ mine holds my iphone and 4 gels
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    I'll give you two options.

    Another vote for Spibelt. They make a belt with loops specifically for carrying gels.

    http://www.spibelt.com/products/specialty-spibelt/spibelt-with-water-resistant-pocket-and-gel-loops


    RaceReady shorts are another great option. They have several mesh pockets for carrying gels and other items.

    http://www.raceready.com/womens-running-shorts/2002LD.html
  • bert16
    bert16 Posts: 726 Member
    I race with this: http://www.amazon.com/FuelBelt-Ready-Race-Number-Black/dp/B000NWHC1A

    It's from FuelBelt; it's a bib belt that has loops designed for carrying gels; it's like a bandolero for runners. :laugh:

    I also have a SpiBelt (that I've never actually run with; I got it to stash my iPhone while walking around Disney!) that seems like it would be pretty snug, but I'd rather not have to fumble with a zipper and just grab and go.

    Best of luck on your marathon!
  • amandamurdaugh
    amandamurdaugh Posts: 138 Member
    I use the spibelt also. It's the only belt that has never ridden up on me, bounced or moved.
  • RunConquerCelebrate
    RunConquerCelebrate Posts: 956 Member
    would you guys recommend using one of these belts for a Half Marathon race? Should I carry water and gels for my half marathon in March?
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    would you guys recommend using one of these belts for a Half Marathon race? Should I carry water and gels for my half marathon in March?

    No, not water. They have that on the course and to be perfectly honest, unless it's extremely hot, you won't need the water anyway. You may want to take one or two gels, depending upon how long it will take you to finish.
  • LisaO85
    LisaO85 Posts: 152
    I use and Ifitness belt. They have several different kinds. I have the one with the single zip pocket. Perfect for gels, you can also get one with a bib holder if you don't want to pin it on you. You can get them on Amazon and other racing websites.
  • bert16
    bert16 Posts: 726 Member
    would you guys recommend using one of these belts for a Half Marathon race? Should I carry water and gels for my half marathon in March?

    I'm with Carson on this one... there should be plenty of water out on the course for you (unlike Carson, I tend to hydrate a lot during my races) and wearing a hydration belt is just extra weight and bulk to have to carry around. If you're planning on using gels during your half, then wearing a bib holder / fuel belt like the one for which I provided a link above is a definite option to consider!

    ETA: I train with a hydration belt; I just don't race in one.
  • Lyerin
    Lyerin Posts: 818 Member
    If all you need to carry is a phone and/or a couple of gels, for women, you can also wear a SparkleTech skirt from SparkleSkirts.com. Love or hate the running skirt, but the pockets in the undershorts on those things are awesome. Deep and nice and tight so nothing is going to bounce or fall out. Plus, the compression shorts don't ride up, ever, and they are super comfortable.
  • dixiech1ck
    dixiech1ck Posts: 769 Member
    This is what I got before running my 25k and it worked great. The pocket is stretchy and can hold quite a bit of stuff. I never even knew it was there it's so light.
    http://www.spibelt.com/products/spibelt/the-original-spibelt

    I can also recommend the SpiBelt. I actually used two of them during my first marathon. Sounds a bit extreme, but one had the gu holders and the other was just a plain belt that I kept bagged fruit chews and dried fruits in. The other I kept my salt packets, my gu's (on the belt in the loops) and some gum.

    Best of luck!!
  • RunConquerCelebrate
    RunConquerCelebrate Posts: 956 Member
    would you guys recommend using one of these belts for a Half Marathon race? Should I carry water and gels for my half marathon in March?

    I'm with Carson on this one... there should be plenty of water out on the course for you (unlike Carson, I tend to hydrate a lot during my races) and wearing a hydration belt is just extra weight and bulk to have to carry around. If you're planning on using gels during your half, then wearing a bib holder / fuel belt like the one for which I provided a link above is a definite option to consider!

    ETA: I train with a hydration belt; I just don't race in one.

    Perfect thanks for the info
  • ema727
    ema727 Posts: 18 Member
    I have an iFitness (now called Fitletic) that I love. I use my belt all the time for training runs and races. Sparkleskirts are awesome too. I love the pockets in the shorts.
  • schmenge55
    schmenge55 Posts: 745 Member
    Race Ready shorts. 5 little mesh pockets on the waist band http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/women-s-running-shorts.wrb.html?gclid=CNqgst-D5rsCFahj7AodqmIA-g
  • essjay76
    essjay76 Posts: 465 Member
    Love the SPIbelt! They're pretty sturdy and don't shift or bounce. They have the ones where you can stuff your gels and such outside so you won't have to unzip it.

    I don't normally wear water belts though. I always hope the race has enough hydration stations along the way.
  • kath711
    kath711 Posts: 710 Member
    Didn't read all replies so sorry if this was already said but i cannot stand having anything around my waist so i use a camelbak for water and armpocket to carry ipod and GU.

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