I always said that my handheld water bottle was enough for me and I didn't want to run in a hydration belt, but I recently realized that as much as I love my handheld, it just wasn't going to cut it for the long runs involved in marathon training. So I asked for suggestions from my group members as well as friends who are runners.
After an exhaustive search, I finally found a hydration belt that feels good, carries the right amount of water and gels, and, that very importantly...holds my phone!!! Yay! Actually, I found two! After several strike-outs, I found the Nathan Speed 2 and the Nathan Trail Mix. I was initially going to choose between the two, but decided to keep both. Why? I like the option of having a "sleeker" belt - the Speed 2 - for shorter "long runs" (HM distance or less) because this will hold my phone as well as up to 3 gels. But for any longer "long runs" I'm going to need a little more room for a little more stuff - so I'll break out the Trail Mix.
I ran in the Speed 2 this Saturday with the group - and liked it! It will still take a little getting used to, but I can see myself quickly getting to the point of not noticing it. There was very little bouncing, I had no problem retrieving my gel, the flasks were easy to remove and replace, and refilling them at the water stop wasn't a issue.
Just goes to show that getting out of your comfort zone can be a good thing!
Saturday's Group Run:
- 8.23 mi; 1:54:28; 13:55 min/mi avg pace
- 10 min warm-up walk
- 3.0 mi; 0:40:00; 13:20 min/mi avg pace