Where do people stash their gel packets or flasks while running a stand alone marathon? Note: I will not be wearing tri shorts, tri top or tri suit during this run.
Any good suggestions for where to put the gel flask?
A lot of running shorts have small pockets that rest on the back of the hips. I have a few pairs of shorts that I can put 2-4 gels in my back pockets and because of how they are positioned, I don’t really notice them bouncing around during the run. You may also get a small water bottle that has a pocket on it that you can carry in one hand. I did this in my last marathon and it worked out great.
I wear an elastic belt that velcro’s together in front. My race # pins to it rather than on my cothes & it has a pocket on each side for gels, keys, etc. The pockets have small straps on back where they slip on/off the belt & I can move their position.
In races where time matters less (or long bike rides), I’ll wear a small fanny pack that is comfortable and really doesn’t bother me. Gels, cell phone, tubes/tire tools, etc all fit. It will even stash those $30-$50 nice hats, gloves, etc that people throw to the ground at around mile 3. Hey, once they’re washed, they are a really nice benefit !! Good luck.
If you are wearing gloves you can stick one on top of your hand and one in your palm. Easy way to carry 4.
I wear a tri top and put gels in the pockets. I don’t care if it’s not “right” to wear a tri top for running races- I’d rather take my four gels and have them ready instead of relying on aid stations.
I wear a visor for my marathons. You can stash them between the visor band and your head. They don’t move much, if at all, and are easy to access, plus you’re only limited by how big your head is (which, considering this crowd, is probably a lot!)
I just put them in my shorts waistband. Worked great!
I think you just gave me an idea for a new running shirt.
Running shirts are too loose and don’t ususally have pockets for putting gels in. A few gels in a loose shirt would flap around way too much.
Tri tops look kinda dorky in a running race (although I have worn once before.
Pokcets in shorts can work, but you also have the “flapping around” thing going on.
Why not make a running shirt that has a built-in, elastic waist. Kinda like a girdle. Think about putting the lower half of your tri-top sewn into the waist area of a running singlet.
Anyone? Who wants to pony up the first million in seed money?
you can get a gel belt like a tri number belt with elastic loops on it, mind you they weigh about 1kg fully loaded which isn’t great. i did the nottingham marathon and that gave out gels which was great.
Nature’s Pocket
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Nature’s Pocket
I am sory that I followed this one . . . I feel icky now.
I picked up a couple pairs (from Trisposts) of Asics running shorts with several small pockets near the back half of the waist band. I used them for all my long runs during training and then for my marathon. I was able to carry 5 gels (one in each pocket) during the race.
I took 1 cup of gatorade at mile 3 and then 1 cup of water at almost every mile based aid station after that.
I run in compression shorts, most have a back pocket that I can stuff with enough. If I decide on a pair that has no pocket or I’m deciding to bring a lot I just use a race number belt with loops for them.
I put 2-3 velcro dots on each gel pack and at comfortable points on my favorite shorts (near waistband), worked fine. The dots peel off easily after the race.
Before the race I have a volunteer stash one especially for me at every aid station.
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I use a SPI belt, I store up to 3 gels in it. I pin my number to the belt as well.
I use shorts with these things called “pockets” :)…
My running set up is usually a pair of nike dry fit spandex shorts and a favorite pair of adidas training shorts with pockets over top. Sometimes I “carry” a water bottle in my hand and tape a few gels to that. I personally don’t see why this puts so many runners off. “You mean you HOLD that bottle the whole time?” Works fine for me, I switch hands once in a while, and if anything it reminds you to fuel frequently :).
Kind of depends on what the weather is like and what I wear on race day. Once, just pinned them on the inside of my shorts around the waistband (trim edges first), be sure to keep away from man parts - hence out toward the hips. Race ready shorts are great. I also have run in my close-cut cycling jersey. In the cycling jersey, if it is cut right, there is little bounce at all. While many think about gels etc, I think hydration is probably most overlooked and equally if not more important element to a fast marathon (in particular when it is cool and you don’t want the fluids). Be sure to learn to consume water/fluids on the fly. Best wishes.
I wear shorts with pockets (Pearl Izumi Infinity Long Distance shorts OR Brooks Sherpa shorts), I don’t notice the gels bouncing or anything. If I use a flask I just hold it in my hand and toss it at an aid station when it’s empty, usually by mile 13, I only put 3 gels in the flask and water them down for easier digestion.