Comments on: Hydration Contest and Poll http://www.teampearlizumi-smith.com/2009/03/25/hydration-contest-and-poll/ Run Like an Animal Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:09:36 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Anna http://www.teampearlizumi-smith.com/2009/03/25/hydration-contest-and-poll/comment-page-1/#comment-145 Anna Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:32:17 +0000 http://www.teampearlizumi-smith.com/?p=253#comment-145 I might not be as hard core as most of you here, but at least I run far enough that I need to take some water with me sometimes. I have tried the handheld bottles, but they never seemed that comfortable to me - my arms get tired. I have a Camelback which works well for me though (with the added bonus that the pack has a little extra space to squeeze in some snacks for my long runs). I will admit that refilling is a drawback and sometimes I feel like I have to tie some creative knots with the straps to try to keep it from bouncing around too much. Perhaps a belt like Kody's would be the way to go... I might not be as hard core as most of you here, but at least I run far enough that I need to take some water with me sometimes. I have tried the handheld bottles, but they never seemed that comfortable to me – my arms get tired. I have a Camelback which works well for me though (with the added bonus that the pack has a little extra space to squeeze in some snacks for my long runs). I will admit that refilling is a drawback and sometimes I feel like I have to tie some creative knots with the straps to try to keep it from bouncing around too much. Perhaps a belt like Kody’s would be the way to go…

]]> By: Scott Klopfenstein http://www.teampearlizumi-smith.com/2009/03/25/hydration-contest-and-poll/comment-page-1/#comment-137 Scott Klopfenstein Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:13:30 +0000 http://www.teampearlizumi-smith.com/?p=253#comment-137 I just recently discovered the Nathan HPL #008 Race Vest and have to say it is the best hydration system that I have ever used. I've leaned toward bottles for years since they are easy to fill, but after running in this vest comfort wins. It could be a little easier to refill, although it isn't difficult by any stretch, but other than that it works really well. The pockets on the front are great for carrying your fuel of choice, electrolytes, cell phone, etc. I had a Camelback that was decent, but this is much better for running. You can tell runners designed it. Finally the 50 oz. bladder is perfect for races. It's equivalent to 2 bottles (actually a little larger). Just right for most of the ultras I run in - not too much or too little. It seems to have just what is needed and a couple things you maybe didn't realize you want and not much else. I just recently discovered the Nathan HPL #008 Race Vest and have to say it is the best hydration system that I have ever used. I’ve leaned toward bottles for years since they are easy to fill, but after running in this vest comfort wins. It could be a little easier to refill, although it isn’t difficult by any stretch, but other than that it works really well. The pockets on the front are great for carrying your fuel of choice, electrolytes, cell phone, etc. I had a Camelback that was decent, but this is much better for running. You can tell runners designed it. Finally the 50 oz. bladder is perfect for races. It’s equivalent to 2 bottles (actually a little larger). Just right for most of the ultras I run in – not too much or too little. It seems to have just what is needed and a couple things you maybe didn’t realize you want and not much else.

]]> By: Kody http://www.teampearlizumi-smith.com/2009/03/25/hydration-contest-and-poll/comment-page-1/#comment-133 Kody Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:42:30 +0000 http://www.teampearlizumi-smith.com/?p=253#comment-133 If you would have asked me this exact question 3 years ago, I would have blindly said Amphpod was my favorite hydration brand (ONLY because it was the only company I knew). I used to coach track and cross country down in Pensacola Florida, and my local running store carried all amphipod products. I really didn't know any better/ difference other than I like the cool neon yellow/green look of the amphipod bottles. I bought both the hand-held a the belt and used them nearly every day. I didn't have anything to compare it to, but I absolutely hated the belt because it was uncomfortable and it ALWAYS rode up into my stomach when I was running. I thought that this was normal and just something I would have to get used to until my running partner suggested that I try her belt. It was a nathans trail mix belt, I beleive. We had a nice and slow 20 mile run one Sunday where I tried it, and it was a night and day difference!! The thing that surprised me the most was that the belt didn't ride AT ALL!! It almost felt that it moved with my hips while I was running. The other great thing is the amound of storage it had for gel and any other items you would wnat to put in there; but it wasn't bulky at all. It ROCKED! Well fast forward 3 years and now your asking me my favorite hydration brand; I can without a seconds thought say it is in fact NATHAN"S. And no, I'm not just saying this in hopes of winning a free hydration system, although that is what prompted me to write this! Cheers, -kody- If you would have asked me this exact question 3 years ago, I would have blindly said Amphpod was my favorite hydration brand (ONLY because it was the only company I knew). I used to coach track and cross country down in Pensacola Florida, and my local running store carried all amphipod products. I really didn’t know any better/ difference other than I like the cool neon yellow/green look of the amphipod bottles. I bought both the hand-held a the belt and used them nearly every day. I didn’t have anything to compare it to, but I absolutely hated the belt because it was uncomfortable and it ALWAYS rode up into my stomach when I was running. I thought that this was normal and just something I would have to get used to until my running partner suggested that I try her belt. It was a nathans trail mix belt, I beleive. We had a nice and slow 20 mile run one Sunday where I tried it, and it was a night and day difference!! The thing that surprised me the most was that the belt didn’t ride AT ALL!! It almost felt that it moved with my hips while I was running. The other great thing is the amound of storage it had for gel and any other items you would wnat to put in there; but it wasn’t bulky at all. It ROCKED! Well fast forward 3 years and now your asking me my favorite hydration brand; I can without a seconds thought say it is in fact NATHAN”S. And no, I’m not just saying this in hopes of winning a free hydration system, although that is what prompted me to write this!

Cheers,
-kody-

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