Fuel Belt - what do you recommend?

[Deleted User]

Hi guys, 

I have some questions about your long distance run training.  Tired of stopping by my car each time I need to hydrate...

- Do you use a fuel belt on your long runs?  What distance run would you wear it?  

- How many bottles?

- What do you put in the bottles?  Just Gatorade Endurance to simulate race day?

- What brand belt do you recommend?  This one has good reviews on Amazon

THANKS!

 

 

Joe Matchette

Ashton,

Personally I use the Fuelbelt Helium series (EN Discount available -- http://members.endurancenation.us/Store/TeamDiscounts.aspx). 2-bottle for shorter runs, 4-bottle for longer runs.

-For the shorter runs where I am not going to 'fuel up', I just use water.

-For my longer runs, I use the 4-bottle belt with 3xWater and 1xInfinit NAPALM (<---- my preferred run course nutrition at the moment. NOTE - since WTC has switched to Gatorade from that dreck called Perform, I will reexamine this decision later this year). In the heat of the summer, I sweat profusely so I try to consume a minimum of 32oz/hr, therefore the 4-bottle belt with approx. 1hr loops for the run itself. <br />

 -- sweat test spreadsheet here --  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnROJZ4wXMC8dFJtM01QR21fLWFnNVVKUzRUVWdid1E&usp=sharing 

 

Hope this helps.

Al Truscott

Once I started doing long runs AND learned about the importance of adequate nutrition and hydration, I started using Fuel Belts. I worked my way up to one which would carry 6 x 10 oz bottles. But more and more I started getting irritated by a number of things: the trouble it took to get the bottles out and back in; the geeky appearence of the mass around my waist; the bulk of the thing; feeling thrown off kilter as I ran; the need to refill the thing anyway on runs longer than 60-90 minutes; keeping all the little bottles clean; carting the thing around when I went on trips or just drove to a run location.

So about five years ago, I found myself evolving into other strategies. For REALLY long runs, I operate from a central base, where I can do 50-60 minute loops, ideally 2-3 different loops for variety. "Shorter" runs, I either run routes which have water sources ( fountains) along them, and/or carry a 32 oz bottle which I can refill as needed. Luckily, there's a path 2 miles from my house which has a couple of fountains along the way.

For nutrition, I do one of two things to mimic what I do in races. I might bring half strength mix of whatever sports drink I'm using, or I might bring a flask of gel, and take a swig every six miles or so. Both in races and training, I never use full strength mixes, as that usually means I take in way too many calories considering the amount of fluid I consume - it pays to do the calories calculations on this, you'd be surprised how quickly you get over 3-400 calories, which will mess up GI function real quick when running. In races, I will always mix water and sports drink at the aid station, pouring one cup into the other to dilute.

William Crawford

I also sweat a lot and use different things for different distances. For shorter runs, I like the Nathan handheld, but for longer runs I use an Amphipod belt with two 12 ounce bottles.

Due to the amount I have to drink, I only carry and fill up with water. I use e-gels for my nutrition as this is how I get my calories on the run on race day.

Like Al, I have used the belts that carry more bottles and did not care for the hassle and the extra weight around the waist.

thekidduxc

I live in the desert. So it is very hot and there are almost no fountains on local runs.

Has anyone experimented with a camel pack?

I am training (with a friend) for the Roma Marathon on 22 March. I have been extremely lucky that during my long runs we have used my training partner's driver. He literally meets us every few miles with water, gatorade, and GU.

I realise I am spoiled but this won't last during my IM training when I am running by myself. Hence why I was looking at the camel packs.

Edwin Croucher

I use the fuelbelt revenge. It carries 4 bottles. I can get 12-14 miles of running with this much fuel. I wear the belt for every run from 5 miles up. I learned from Tim Cronk how to get the long runs done. Either run as Al has stated where you can loop by your base every 50 minutes or so or do an extreme track run. Last year I did an 18 mile run on a track. The track provides lower impact and you can set up your fuel so. Also, the mental work to run 72 laps is valuable.  Good luck

Steve West

I wear a Nathan hydration pack with 24oz bottle and pocket for gels. Almost all of my longer runs are out-n-back and I know of a few places I with outside faucets I can refill at. On a few occasions I have looked for someone outside in their yard and asked if I could get a refill from a hose and they have always offered to fill them with cold water.

Another trick I use on an out-n-back is carry a 20 oz Gatorade and stash it in a 'W' beam guardrail or some other handy but not visible spot about 5 miles from home. I have also driven to pre-plant full bottles at 7 mile intervals.

MattAaronson

I use a fuelbelt occasionally but try to avoid it...I don't like running with something around my waist. I have the one with three bottles clustered at the back. If you use the large-size bottles it bounces too much. The one with 4 bottles spaces out around the belt is better if you want to use the larger bottles.

[Deleted User]

Awesome feedback - thanks for all the info everyone.
I have access to long routes with fountains, so I think I will get a belt, carry extra mix, and refill/mix at the fountains when needed. Hopefully, the bouncing will not be an issue. Loops, track, and stashing were good tips also.