I have my first half marathon coming up. How many people actual use fuel belts during half marathons? They will have aid stations but I’m not sure if having small bottles that are easy to drink out of during the run will be more helpful?
Pointless. Most aid stations are located every mile during almost any half way decent race. If you can’t make it a mile without water, you’re doing something wrong before the race for hydrating. I’ve also never found that cups while running are hard to drink out of. Just squeeze the top together and its pretty simple.
Pointless. All you need is a couple cups of water/Gatorade and maybe a gel at about 1/2 way. Learn to drink from a cup while running or use a Geetah Straw.
pointless. if for whatever reason you need something special as fuel, just put it into a flask and hold it in your hand. Otherwise just take gatorade or whatever they are serving at aid stations.
That’s about it for me too. Honestly in a half I don’t even drink most of the race unless it gets really warm out. I think a lot of people are underhydrated going into races so they have issues. You really shouldn’t need water for the first few miles anyways.
pointless. I usually take a gel around mile 4 and some water or gatorade on the course around mile 7-8.
Pointless. Just one more thing to worry about. Keep it simple and you’ll be less stressed.
OK, I’ll go against the grain… To me, it depends. How far apart are the aid stations? How hot will it be? On a scorcher with aid stations every 1.5 to 2 miles (i’ve seen this) I would carry a bottle of my own.
I used mine in my last half marathon and enjoyed having it for a few reasons:
- The course only had 4 aid stations and I felt I needed a bit more fluid
- I trained with gels and didn’t think I could grab enough water to wash down the gel and hydrate without spilling water all over myself.
- Its got a little pocket to hold gels.
Yeah, With a race lasting around 90 minutes I really just drink to wet my mouth and to distract me for a few minutes. I’m not sure how legit it is but I heard the rule of thumb is that it takes about 20 minutes to absorb fluids so I plan for that. No drinking for the last 3 miles, etc
only if you wear compression socks, visor, and a cape.
Pointless…unless you sweat badly and have trained with it constantly. I would just use a 8-10 ounce hand bottle.
Pointless…a 13 mile run is a training day at best. You could do it with out anything
Personally I find it unnecessary, but why don’t you just try some training runs with and without the a belt?
well i use my fuel belt during training runs because i dont have any other way to get water.
Seriously? You need more fluid than you can get at 4 aid stations? I have a book suggestion for you: http://www.amazon.com/Waterlogged-Serious-Problem-Overhydration-Endurance/dp/145042497X
I’m doing a 10 miler in June and plan to bring my fuel belt with a single bottle. I can go super fast and get a full gel with 8oz of water right on the go for the simple weight of 8oz. It will save me at least 30 seconds and just comfort as well. I train with the belt for all my long runs so I’m used to it.
Good luck…
Totally depends on how long you are out there. If you are out there 3 hours then a fuel belt may be something to consider.
Under 90 minutes and you really shouldn’t even need water unless it’s hot.
Thanks. I’m well aware of my hydration needs, especially as I’m kidney stone prone.
I like bringing a bottle belt. Does it slow me down much? No. Does it provide me psychological comfort that I have a back up incase I miss a handup? Yes. Did I train with it all winter? Yes. Do I care if I look like a tool wearing it? Not at all.
shrug
I use a friend as a pacer/ water bottle holder for races 5k and up…
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