Runners- suggestions in gels and hydrtation belts

bmfrazie
bmfrazie Posts: 2,380 Member
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I am about to take it up a ***** with my training so I next year I will be ready to start off my season with a half. I will follow that up with a full and be at 50 for next Sept. I have been running for 20 years and have never carried water or snacks with me...even when I use to run 20 miles a day. However, I think it is time to start doing this.
Any suggestions on brands that work for you?

Replies

  • Panda_Jack
    Panda_Jack Posts: 829 Member
    I use a fuel belt, others swear by amphipods. Camelbak also makes the hand held bottles with straps if you don't like having anything around your waist.

    As far as nutrition goes its pretty individual. I use gels and shot bloks depending on what else I'm doing. I would suggest trying different brands and flavors until you can find something that doesn't upset your stomach or your taste buds.

    There are some online stores that have sample packs you can order that have a variety of flavors/items so you can try them out for a minimal cost.

    With that in mind I also know people that will pack a pb&j cut into 1/4s and just carry that since they don't like gels or bloks.
  • sjtreely
    sjtreely Posts: 1,014 Member
    I gotta admit, I didn't think they'd help much but I'm a believer in them now. When I do half marathons I usually have a PowerBar gel at the 10 mile marker. I'm not too picky on the flavor. Maybe it's just mental, but the last 3 seem to go more easily than if I don't. I also take a cup of Gatorade or Powerade or whatever is offered at each water stop - along with the water. When I'm out for a long run or if it's really hot, I take a water belt that carries 4 - 10 oz bottles. I put Poweraid in two and water in two. I freeze them if it's really hot, but it doesn't really matter because their hot by the end of the run, but for the first 10-15 miles they're cooler.

    When I was at packet pick-up for the Chicago marathon, I stopped at a booth that had things you could put in your mouth that dissolve that were equal to - I think - 8 oz of a hydrating liquid. That's something to look into if you don't want the added weight of bottles.

    Whatever you decide, I'd certainly practice with the gels close to home ... if you know what I mean. They can play havoc on your system.
  • avaloneternal
    avaloneternal Posts: 216
    Trial and error is what I would suggest. I stick with vanilla bean gu (occasionally chocolate, but I tried blackberry during my marathon and almost was sick on the side of the road). I only take gels/ water if I am doing more than an hour and a half. I have a belt for water with a pocket for gels. I don't use sports drinks until I am recovering. This is just what I have found to work for me. Good luck and have fun with it.
  • sakus32
    sakus32 Posts: 101
    When I run any long distance, I wear a small 50 oz camel back . . . . (lasts me a 1/2) . . it fits good and doesn't rub. I also use honey Stingers. They are like gummy balls, only they aren't chewey as much as the melt in your mouth. This combo works really well for me, as it doesn't disrupt my tempo, which i hate. Also, the gatorade in my camel back and the stingers don't give me a belly ache, so I don't have to worry about the trots or epigastric pain while running. The honey stingers are worth a try and come in small packs, so the initial investment is low. You can find them at ****'s, Wegmans, and other places that stock energy supplements. They have a big bee on outside of the package. Good luck
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    Hydration belts drive me crazy... but maybe I just never gave myself the chance to get used to them. I use a basic fuel belt to hold a few gels (cliff shot strawberry) and the fuel belt flasks fit perfectly in my jersey pockets.
  • Mommawarrior
    Mommawarrior Posts: 897 Member
    I have a belt that holds 2-10 oz bottles. I get a stomach ache from it though from where it sits on me. My torso is very short and it just cuts into me. Does anyone else have this problem or am I doing something wrong?

    I like the honey stingers as well. But I am very cheap and they are not so I like to have a mini clif bar with me. I love them and they love me, no stomach troubles with them and you don't have to worry about downing water with them.
    My friend uses fig newtons. She is happy with them.

    Good luck
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    The biggest problem is that they all feel good when you try them on at the store (since they are empty), but when they are full or water they all bounce. I found the single bottle waist carriers to have WAY too much bounce for my taste.

    The fuel belts help the cause by breaking up the weight into smaller portions, but I still found I was happiest with my 4 bottle belt after most of the bottles were empty.

    Eventually I went with the single bottle handheld. I use an Amphipod handheld, as I like the storage capacity of the pocket. http://www.amphipod.com/products/hydration/bottles-handhelds/handhelds/hydraform-handheld-pocket

    Bottom line, try some and pick your poison,
  • Nikstergirl
    Nikstergirl Posts: 1,549 Member
    I have a Nathan brand belt that holds 4 7oz bottles and I've found it to be pretty comfortable. I like that all the bottles are easy to get in/out and I take sips from each as I go so I don't have one side heavier than the other. If I'm out more than an hour I like to fill them all up with lo-cal Gatorade and stuff a pack of Jelly Belly Sport Beans in the pocket. Yesterday was my first 12 miler and I brought two packs which worked great. I didn't feel dead by the end. If I'm out for 6-8 I'll often bring 2 Gatorades and 2 water, but it depends on the weather too. I'm still playing with my formula. I'm looking for a little racing belt that will hold my beans and iPhone but not the water for my half marathon, but the one's I've seen so far are really expensive for what they are, so we'll see about that.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories