Cool or not cool for training?
I feel like a total douche putting one on for whatever reason. I know I should give a crap less about what others think buuut…Just looking for some ST insight.
You’ll care after you start urinating blood from dehydration. I use a 4 flask fuelbelt in the summer months and I’ve got a 1 bottle fuelbelt too. Can’t say that I love either one. Nathan models might be better.
Only cool if you need it, ie 20 miles or more. Well, maybe 10 on a hot day.
Depends on the event management. Some event provides lots of water stations during runs so you don’t really need a hydration belt. For me, I don’t use them. I rather lessen the ‘load’ on my body to continue running as it will help reducing work load.
Cool for training. Hydration is important.
I do it for longer runs and wear it during actual races(talk about not cool) Everytime I see someone out training with a fuel belt I automatically think wow they must be going long. 
Um, we’re talking about a sport where we run around in spandex, compression socks, sleeveless cycling jersies, and wetsuits all day long. A majority of the guys have smoother legs than most runway models, and you’re worried about whether a fuel belt makes you look “cool” or not?
Just saying…
Normally only on runs longer than 8-10 miles
jaretj
.
I use one (Nathan 2 bottle) on trail runs over ~8 miles and less than 15. Over 15 I use a Camelbak. My road run routes all have water available along the way if needed (drinking fountains, garden hoses, etc.).
They are not “cool” as in runner chic (i.e. you won’t see the local college team out training with them), but they aren’t compression sock dorky either. “Real runners” plan long routes where you can stop at a drinking fountain or readily available garden hose, or stash gallon jugs behind marked trees the day before the run. We came up with all this before fuelbelts existed and haven’t really changed.
I use them for any run of 10+ miles. Sure I could run 10 miles w/o water, but it lets me practice running with some fluid in my stomach (which is how we all race), and it lessens the recovery time.
I agree. I use them primarily for longer than 10miles and almost always when alone and on the trails. Other than that…should not be needed.
Like most I use them for anything over about an hour and a half. Anyting shorter and I most often run on a golf course that has ice cold water jugs every few holes.
I once listened to a lecture from a female pro ultra-marathoner who said that she carries fluids on anything over 3 miles. Since then I have always done the same. I typically just carry a handheld bottle with a hand strap because I don’t like the feel of the Fuelbelt so much. If I’m going long on trails far from refueling spots I’ll wear a Nathan race hydration vest. Hydrating is more important than the slight annoyance of carrying fluids or looking uncool.
I don’t care. No way I’m either carrying or wearing a full sized water bottle. I got back from a longish midday run at work one time. One of my coworkers saw the fuel belt and asked where my glow sticks were. Actually pretty funny …but what might be funnier is watching that guy attempt to run at all.
“Real runners” plan long routes where you can stop at a drinking fountain
Thats funny, because I thought real runners did not stop and thats why they carry fuel belts.
“Real runners” plan long routes where you can stop at a drinking fountain
Thats funny, because I thought real runners did not stop and thats why they carry fuel belts.
In training we stop whenever there’s a valid excuse. You never see “real” runners jogging in place at a stoplight.
never. I have one and only use it when I’m out skiing all day.
The only time I need something mid run is when I’m running in the 2hr + range, which is a VERY small percentage of all my runs. Those runs, or really hot days, I just run routes with water, or loop courses that bring me back by my house or car every 30 min or so.
My wife jokes about the appearance of most of my triathlon gear and the hydration belt is no exception. And I tell her it’s not about looking cool, it’s about functionality, and that’s mostly true. I would not have been without my hydration belt during the summer when I was doing mid-day runs in 100 degree heat/high humidity. But now that it’s colder, I don’t bother with it.
I wear one every day. If it’s a shorter 5-8 mi run, then I’ll only take two bottles. 10-14mi I’ll take 3 bottles. 15-20 I’ll use all 4.
this time of year, it’s so dark when I’m running, that it really doesn’t matter what I look like.
Personally- I think they look cool. It says that you’re not out for a 3 mi jog. You’re an endurance athlete.