I picked up a Nathan Elite 1 hydration pack recently but absolutely hated it. The large water bottle kept hitting my spine and forced me to shorten my stride, killing my hamstrings - I tossed the bottle into the garbage about 2 miles into a 6 mile run. As a diabetic I need a hydration pack/ belt that has a big enough pocket to fit my glucometer and other testing equipment - any advice?
Thanks!
Two suggestions:
First: Camelbak makes a fanny pack style hydration pack. I think it has a 45 oz bladder. It has a small pocket that should fit your glucometer. I use this one for cross country skiing. The nice thing about it is that it has stabilizing straps as well as the belt. You can pull the stabilizers and adjust them as you run so it never gets bouncy.
Second: If you like separate bottles, Amphipod makes a belt that you can clip up to 4 bottles on. It also has a small pouch that would fit a small glucometer and your car keys. The pouch closes with velcro. The belt is stretchy and closes with velcro. So it’s infinitely adjustable and also doesn’t bounce. You can get either 10 or 8.5 oz bottles. I use the 8.5 and haven’t had a bouncing problem.
In addition to the amphipod stuff which is pretty cool check out the Ultimate Direction line. They got a lot of great stuff.
Maybe the Nathan #020, awesome 2L pack, you hardly notice you’re wearing it!
Hi,
I’m also a Ironman Type1 diabetic. On my long runs I will use a fuel belt with four bottles. You can strap you glucometer to it. I also put my Animas insulin pump on it.
Casey
Thanks guys! All these suggestions are great!
Casey, I’ve figured out my basal rate decrease for the bike but am still struggling with it a bit on longs runs (I was diagnosed back in April so it is all pretty new to me). Do you mind if I e-mail you to ask a few questions?
Ed
Hey not a problem. I was in the same boat I’m 35years old and just got diagnosed 2 years ago. It’s kind of crazy but you will get things figured out and have lots of success!! Since getting diagnosed I have been able to qualify for boston and take a 1:30mins off my Ironman time.
Casey
The Nathan 020 is SUPER comfortable and SUPER lightweight. It’s the most often used hydration system by Ulta-runners these days. Pockets in the front will hold gels and stuff and there is room in the back for more stuff.
Karma
I had a nice 15 mile run yesterday with the Amphipod belt system. 2 8.5 oz bottles in the front, and 2 10 Oz in the back, and a nice pouch for my phone/mp3 player - could also easily fit other stuff - not sure how big a glucometer is…
Anyway, I highly recommend it…