Running with a Fuel Belt

I've thought about it, but I just can't bring myself to do it.

If I really, really, really need a drink during a run, I just drink from sprinklers. The embarrassment of being caught hunched over someone's lawn irrigation system drinking nasty, dirty water that just might give me giardia is dwarfed by the self-esteem-crushing shame of carrying around a fuel belt. Plus, carrying all that stuff around my waist for 18 miles seems like it would be more uncomfortable than being a little thirsty.

Haha sorry buddy no elites run with a fuel belt.

Come on, harden up!

I don't think I qualify as an elite runner - I recently ran a 33:20 10K (without water belt) and 2:51 at Boston (with water belt up to mile 22). I run with a water belt on all runs over 14 miles. Along with the convenience, I feel my body benefits from the much needed fuel. When I run with friends, they do sometimes give me a hard time – up until mile 16 or 17 on our runs – then they wished they brought something along.

POD!

there are no benefits from staying hydrated during training runs.

oh you don't beleive me? google it

After a recent longish run, I've begun the think that getting one wouldn't be a bad idea. If I have the courage to wear a headlamp, I can handle a fuel belt.

I can only presume this is a joke?

fatboyiam2 wrote:

there are no benefits from staying hydrated during training runs.

oh you don't beleive me? google it

HAHAHAHAH! http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10198142Dehydration refers both to hypohydration (dehydration induced prior to exercise) and to exercise-induced dehydration (dehydration that develops during exercise). The latter reduces aerobic endurance performance and results in increased body temperature, heart rate, perceived exertion, and possibly increased reliance on carbohydrate as a fuel source. Yeah, zero benefit in staying hydrated. Keep ggogling buddy as there are SCORES more out there.Yet another quality post by the LR retards.

fatboyiam2 wrote:

there are no benefits from staying hydrated during training runs.

oh you don't beleive me? google it

runscz wrote:

I don't think I qualify as an elite runner - I recently ran a 33:20 10K (without water belt) and 2:51 at Boston (with water belt up to mile 22). .

I'm not mocking here. I see why you might wear it while training (if no water on your route), but why during the race? I assume Boston (like most other races) has water every mile or so.

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runscz wrote:

I'm not mocking here. I see why you might wear it while training (if no water on your route), but why during the race? I assume Boston (like most other races) has water every mile or so.

If you want/need a special drink?

If you crash between aid stations?

If the college boys are offering Bud when you only drink microbrews?

We have a guy here who is definitely an elite and I've seen him with a fuelbelt. I think when these guys can get outside of the mold of what the oldschool says they should do and what is a smart decision, you'll see more of them.

The reason more elites don't wear them is they've got their coach riding alongside them on a bike giving them fluids, so no need to carry them.

astl wrote:

Haha sorry buddy no elites run with a fuel belt.

Come on, harden up!

Elites don't train with fuels belts because they have a coach that follows them around and provides water, etc. If this weren't the case, I think we would see a lot more elites carrying fuel belts.

I despise anyone who wears a fuel belt.

I like to train with my fuel belt fully loaded even if it isn't hot. Come race day, I'm about three pounds lighter and feel like I'm flying.

I train with Sean Wade's training program for the benefit of water stations during the run. I was given a fuel belt for a birthday present but the water containers had been replaced with little toy grenades. I can usually find water during any run and I hate those water grenades around my waist.

Can't bring my self to run with one. I have been known to show up at running events wearing my grenade belt though.

I always just fill a small water bottle with powerade for my long runs and if I want to carry gels then I put them in my short pockets. Its hard to find running shorts with both built in briefs and pockets but its worth it.

If I'm on an out-and-back course, sometimes I will just drop the water bottle after a few miles and pick it up again on the return.

No need for a fuel belt, esp during races when there are people handing you cups every few clicks.

Man up!

Another couple of reasons someone might use a fuel belt during a race are:

1) You don't have to slow down or jockey for position to get a cup at the aid stations.

2) It's easier to drink from a bottle than a cup (less danger of accidentally inhaling your drink).

See, that's why I love my club... on our long run (mostly out and back), the coach will actually set up a water station at mile 5 and at there is a fountain at the end of the trail, so we have three water station with the effort of one. but of course you have to rely on peoples honesty, as we leave our station unattended during the run.

on topic... I will carry a disposable water bottle with mix in at around up to about minute 45 or so and then get rid of it at the next rubbish bin. then go the last 45 mins without hydration. if runs go longer than 1:30 I have also hidden a bottle along the route before, as I own a bike, good warmup. (I "sealed" the bottle to make sure it is untouched)

So no need for a fuel belt for me.

I don't think it's necessary to base all of our training off of what "elite" runners do. I definitely follow some of their habits and advice, but then certain things are just common sense. I feel like your question should be based more upon time and weather than on how many miles. I feel comfortable doing a long run of about 90 minutes in up to 80 degrees without water. Buf if it is any warmer, or if I have to go even 10 minutes farther, I can start to feel a dramatic difference in how my muscles are performing and I can tell that hydrating or even fueling with a gel/gummies would have been beneficial. I'm not saying this is the same for everyone - we are all different. I think pace plays a huge factor in this as well. When I run recovery long runs of 90-105 minutes I can usually finish the run comfortably without water; however, if I want to push the pace a little bit and run MP for part or all of it, I definitely prefer to have something to hydrate with and a gel. I'm not sure if you necessarily will need all 4 water bottles, but I remember to hydrate maybe 1/3 of the way through the run, then halfway through, and take a gel...I feel MUCH stronger and more relaxed at the end. Also, the next day I do not feel as wiped out which is nice.