Do any of you use hydration belts on your long runs? I've been looking at them and can't decide if I want one or not. I don't know which would be better, one with a larger bladder similar to a camelbak or one with individual bottles.

If you don't use a hydration belt how do you drink on your long runs. Back in '99 when I was preparing for a half marathon I wore a fanny pack and just stuffed a water bottle in it.

I own two camelbacks (one large and one small) and a four bottle fuel belt. I wear the fuel belt all of the time now when running 8 or more miles. I get no jiggling or bouncing, and it is mainly a matter of personal comfort and preference. The camelbacks have pretty much been retired except for the occasional hike in the mountains.

i only use my north face bladder-backpack when i go on crosscountry runs. that's when i just head out into the woods or maybe take a train or bus out to somewhere in the midlle of nowhere and just see how i get back home. so i have no idea about the terrain and there will usually be the odd hill or so en route.

even when i do my "regular" long runs (i.e. 30+k at an aerobic pace, occasionally picking up the pace in the end for the last 5k or so) i won't take anything to drink along. the only time i actually regularly drink while training is when i do (high intensity)speed work. but that usually takes place at the track so it's no problem just leaving a sportspottle behind somewhere.

what i do before my long runs is just drink a glass or two of water and i'm good to go. i actually read in some running magazines that it's actually beneficial not to drink during training, so that your metabolism gets used to running low on fuel. of course this only works for aerobic runs. but that's (usually) what "long runs" are. this way you condition your body to run as efficiently as possible, which will aid you when it counts: during a race! and if you make sure you fuel up regularly during that race you will be able to sustain your race-pace...

but of course you guys all know how it is: for almost every theory A there is another theory B that states the exact opposite of A. and of course people are different. a friend of mine with whom i go mountainbiking every now and then always said i'm like a human camel!

James -

your sweat rate could be next to nil. I have to bring 2 shirts to the gym to lift. we will have drastically diffferent hydration rates.

If you get thirsty, its too late. you need to be consistantly topping off liquids and cals to race distance. I can't imagine a 1/2 marathon with no water, let alone a 30k training run, no mater what zone your in. but, if it works for you, that's what counts.

I have a REI quickshot water bottle holder. Very small, enough to carry water for a 90 minute run (or stops at a water foutain) small pocket for the car/house key. doesn't bounce much, and I hate fuel belts

Thanks for the feedback. Follow up question: H2O or sports drink?

I fill my bottles up with water and stick a flask of Hammergel in the little pocket. That way I have the option. I don't carry anything on runs less than an hour, and I find I need calories on runs longer than that. Not thousands of calories, but I feel much better during and after my run if I ingest 50 or so calories every 15 minutes or so. It makes a huge difference on my long runs. I did a few 2 hours runs with no water/food, and I had to resort to the slow shuffle on the way home. Everyone is different, what tends to work for you?

@zakk:

actually i sweat rather profusely. but like i said: i'm a human camel! lol

i'm an H2O advocate. i don't like the taste of the gooey sweet stuff. plus i'm a little bit of a cheapskate in terms of nutrition and hydration during workouts. i do have a box of powergels lying around, but i will only use these on really long bikerides.

imho, as long as you make sure you eat healthy nutritious meals you should be fine. unless you're out on a really long work-out!
what is a really long work-out? well, as usual that's subjective. for me it would be more than 3 hours aerobic training or more than 2 anaerobic training.

at the same time i do think it is necessary to drink sportsdrinks and test nutrition during training, so that you know what'll work for you during a race. you don't want to be throwing up because your stomach doesn't like a certain brand of energybar or gel or a certain drink. plus you will want to get used to eating and drinking while running or cycling.

Zack...check out the RunLite belts from Amphipod. https://www.amphipod.com/RL/RunLite.html I personally think they are better designed than the fuel belts and have better features.

I don't know if your back ever hurts you when you run but this thing also gives you a little bit of lower back support.