Wow, it looks like Spring has started across many parts of the US. The south and west have thawed. The birds have started their mating and nest building rituals in the forrest around my home. The turkeys have started with some mating calls. Woodpeckers are doing their trunk dances in groups with their distintive calls.  And the penguiins are running!!  It was great reading all the run reports this weekend.

Have any of you any experience running with hydration belts?  I would appreciate learning of your experience including, type of belt #, of bottles, the pace you run, heat/sweating/chafing around the belt, comfort re bouncing, and just the overall comfort of carrying weight around your waist.

Any input would be appreciated.

Good running

Jack

Congrats Liprippa! Feels good, doesn't it!! Keep up the good work.

Marie

Jack, I use a fuel belt with two 8oz flasks and a small zippered  compartment for ID, money or food. I strap it firmly around the waist. Sometimes I keep the bottles in front so they are easier to replace. Sometimes I put the bottles  in the back and just use then on walk breaks. The first few times I used the belt I did have chaffing on my spine, but I think it was because the belt was a little loose. I used gasoline on my spine the next couple of times and never had another problem. There was an adjustment period learning how to ignore something around my waist but I don't even feel or think about it anymore. Now 16oz really isn't that much fluid when the temperature is high. Last summer I found I had to find a place to refill during long runs. I never had a problem getting water, but it was annoying having stop, go inside and fill up. Before this summer arrives I plan to get a four flask belt. OK, I just noticed a typo and an autocorrect problem - I used vaseline on my spine, not gasoline! I'm too lazy this morning to go back and retype. Great day to all!

Jack:  I use a one-bottle belt from Amphipod.  It carries around 16 oz and the bottle fits into the small of my back.  My son uses a four-bottle setup because he likes to have both plain water and sports drink, but I go with Gatorade G2.  The belt also has two small zippered pockets for my gels, tissues and drink powder, and I can move the belt around to the front to get a gel and the move it back.  I adjust the belt tight when I start so it doesn't bounce much at all even when it's full.  It loosens up somewhat as I'm going, but since it gets lighter as I drink, I don't notice any more bouncing.  The multi-bottle setups are probably easier to reach because they aren't behind my back, but this works well for me.

Regarding refilling the bottle during hot weather, I plan my long runs so that every few miles I'm going past either my house or our city park with its water fountain and toilets.

urun2me:  I'm glad you fixed the gasoline/vaseline typo.  Otherwise I would have thought you found the miracle chafing remedy.

I've been fighting a head cold for the past week, so no running.  By Saturday, I couldn't stand being cooped up, so I went hiking with a group from my bicycle club (we do hiking/snowshoeing during the winter).  Yesterday I was so congested that I could hardly breathe, but it was worth it just to get outside.

WAY TO GOOOOO!!!

Mary sorry I missed the river run sounds like it was beautiful and finally no rain!!! Sunshine does wonders for the soul...see you next weekend!

CONGRATULATIONS Liprippa sounds like a lot of fun!!

Oh2run- I have lived in Fair Oaks since High School (Del Campo!!) with a couple of breaks...what a small world...As for shoes I started with Brooks Dyad 2009 model then got 2010 model and hated them (to clunky)...so have converted to Nike Pegasus and love them as I too have a wide foot..went up 1/2 size and they're great. I am actually going to buy 2 more pair to take with me so I don't have to worry about not finding them when they are worn out!

had such a nice run yesterday I'm going to take advantage of the weather and fit in a couple miles today...just slow and enjoyable!

Trying to find an event for march, I would like to find a 10k..so going to find something...there is a 12k April 3rd I'm considering that benefits a scholarship fund set up in memory of a police officer that was killed by a drunk driver...Retiredgirl are you interested?????????

Happy running all!

SusanBarron, I went to Bella Vista and also moved away off and on over the years...it's a beautiful area...I would much rather be in the valley enjoying your weather than up here!  Thanks for the shoe info and have a great run today!

For long runs, I have a butt pack with a diagonal holder for a 20-24 oz bottle.  In addition I always carry a 16-20 oz water bottle in my hand.  I don't use the butt pack on shorter runs.  For my Feb HM, both bottles were 24 oz, but because it was cool (mid-30'), and I was well hydrated it, it was too much.  However, when it gets warmer (65+), I probably will carry the both large bottles for any 3 hour run (if I don't have a water stop available) because I sweat A LOT.