Every now and then, we actually recommend something useful. Maybe once a year.
Anyway, I'm a distance runner. This is another way of saying I'm reeeeeeeeeally slow. I've run the NYC marathon twice, and am training for my fourth marathon, coming up in September. Besides the races themselves, there are a lot of long training runs involved, and the bottom line is that I end up shuffling my 225-pound ass around for hours. Besides my pole dancing, I also run for long periods of time.
ZING!
Anyway anyway, I've always eschewed carrying water bottles while running because there's usually water available on any given course. I also thought they would be uncomfortable/slosh around/be another two pounds I didn't want to carry for 4+ hours during a marathon. I am also a fan of frugality.
I have learned the error of my ways. I got off my wallet a couple of weeks ago, and I am here to tell you that having water along with you during extended physical activity is the way to go. Even if it's available on the course, not having to stop for water is an enormous psychological advantage. Moreover, some engineering and design folks have been hard at work over the last 25 years.
When I was in high school (Freshman year, 1985, 10:56 two mile), water bottles were something that held about 12oz of liquid (maybe), mainly designed to fit into bicyclists' holders. And YUMMY! Taste that plastic every time you take a swig! Now, runners/walkers may choose from designs tailored to their tastes: if you like carrying your bottle in your hand, there are handstraps available. I wear a belt like the green one pictured. It's easy to get out and replace, carries 20 oz. of water, fits perfectly in the small of my back, and is made so that carcinogens don't leach out with every sip. There are several companies that make this type of thing: Nathan, Amphipod, and Ultimate Direction among them. They all tend to be ergonomically correct, have a pocket or two for keys/money/energy gels/etc.
Then for the no-lies, out-all-day, I'm a thirsty mofo edition, there is Camelbak. It's a friggin' backpack that carries water, up to 100oz.
I may have to train up to carry it, but don't think I'm not up to it. Someday I'll carry an extra six pounds of water around. I'm fierce like that.
2 comments:
I've seen cyclists with these. But trying to run with them I would imagine would change your balance a bit (until you got used to it) and maybe even your stride.
Possibly a new twist that might help you get to the next level, but odd that something that's supposed to help you would actually add a level of difficulty.
Then again, wet t-shirt contests on demand? Can't beat that.
I don't know about the Camelbak, but the belt doesn't change your balance or stride at all. A fully-loaded Camelbak would weight 7-8 pounds. They're intended for distance, so you wouldn't go sprinting with one, but I can't imagine it's that big of a deal for a normal run.
Troops regularly carry over 90 pounds, and you've got to figure their stuff is as ergonomically correct as it gets. By comparison, a Camelbak is nothing.
Post a Comment