People training for a marathon typically go on long runs during weekends. They may cover 10 to 20 miles of roads or trails. It takes hours to finish, so they must carry food and water along their routes. Otherwise, they might run out of energy and stop midway. Every runner develops a unique solution to this problem. Athletic brands are coming up with a wide array of options to suit different needs, such as the Fitletic hydration belt. In this article, we discuss three of the most widely used hydration solutions for distance runners.
Handheld Bottles
Carrying a water bottle by hand is intuitive. Any lightweight liquid container will do, but you may want to invest in sport-specific products. These fit better in your hands with their ergonomic designs. Many are small enough to keep the weight down. Most are rigid while others are soft and squishy. Some come with hand straps and pouches where you can store gels, snacks, and keys. Think about the volume of liquid you consume per hour to determine the perfect size for your training runs.
Hydration Belts
Holding a water bottle for hours can induce fatigue in your arms. If you want to run with free hands, get a Fitletic hydration belt. Put it around your hips and let it carry your liquids throughout the session. Look for a belt that ensures uniform weight distribution with an equal number of bottles on the left and right sides. These often have zippered pouches for snacks and valuables, as well. Read online reviews to learn about common complaints. Find the product with the highest rating.
Hydration Vests
Running tends to be slower on the trails compared to roads. The terrain demands greater awareness of your surroundings, as roots and rocks can make you stumble in a snap. It is also more efficient to hike up steep hills. Trail runners often use hydration vests for training and racing. These have greater carrying capacity. Some have a water bladder at the back, but it is also fashionable for people to use two soft flasks at the front. They can also take lightweight jackets, emergency blankets, snacks, headlamps, phones, and other mandatory gear.
Conclusion
Use a suitable hydration solution for each running session. Handheld bottles are great for short jogs, while hydration belts are better for longer routes. If you are going to be out all day, take a loaded vest for safety.
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