Racing with a Fuelbelt?

etrain17

I just started training with a Fuelbelt about a month ago and although it can get a bit annoying I really like having fluid and fuel available to stay on track with my nutrition plan.  I'm wondering how many EN members wear a Fuelbelt for an IM versus just taking what's at the aid stations on the run.  I'm also wondering whether people are using a Fuelbelt for a HIM.  I know that's probably not necessary, but I'm thinking about wearing one at the REV3 Cedar Point 1/2 this weekend just for practice.

Any input would be welcome.

 

Thanks!

Mark Maurer

Hi Eric,

I've done both and I think the deciding factor for you should be your race goals and if you can tolerate the on course drinks and nutrition. If your race goals are to race rather  than to participate, then not carrying a fuel belt is probably going to help you since it's less weight. However, if you can't tolerate the drinks on the course then carrying your own is certainly the way to go. This year I decided to train my gut to go with the course nutrition and it worked OK for the most part. However at IM CDA I did put a bottle of Skratch Labs in my run special needs bag and I'm glad I did. It was a good break from the course nutrition and it was still partially frozen when I picked it up so it was very refreshing. I used an old bottle and just threw it away when I was finished with it. That's not an option on a HIM, but you could put one in T2 and take it with you for the start of the run. 

Scott Giljum

I agree with Mark. I prefer to live off the course and not carry any more weight than I have to on the day. If you have a special drink that is covered and fairy dust and unicorn tears (channeling Coach Rich for a minute), then the fuel belt makes sense. Otherwise I think you are just carrying extra weight.

etrain17

Thank you both for the input. I'll pass on the belt for the HIM and try and make sure I meet my fueling needs at the aid stations