August 15, 2010

The Sunday Sampler - Fitness

Welcome to another installment of The Sunday Sampler.  This is the day where I share my insights, thoughts, and opinions with you about different things in three categories: fitness (gear/clothing/accessories/etc.), parenthood, and health, rotating each category each week.  I hope that makes sense! :)  
My hope is that I will be able to help you along your adventure just like so many others have helped me. So, let me know what you think!  I'd love to read about your perspectives on these things as well! 

Fitness:
Nathan Speed 4 Hydration Belt:

I absolutely love my Nathan handheld water bottle, but I realized when I started my marathon training that I would need something to get me through the longer runs.  So, I decided to head to my favorite running store and see what they had.  I tried on a lot of different belts, but the Nathan was by far the most comfortable.  The sales associate let me run with it on a treadmill for awhile and it felt good, but I was still hesitant to buy it because I generally do not like things around my waist.  Race belts even bother me sometimes.  I knew that I needed something though, so I decided to buy it and give it a try.

Here is some general info. about the belt:
  • It has 4 -10oz. bottles in molded holsters that allow quick one-handed access
  • It has front and rear stash pockets
  • It has an air-mesh moisture wicking backing
  • It has an adjustable velcro waist belt to insure the best fit
  • It comes in small, medium, and large

My thoughts:
The first time I used it on a run it took awhile for me to figure out how I wanted to wear it.  Some people wear it with the bottles in the front and back with the pouches on the side.  But, I preferred to wear it with the bottles on the sides.  I also found that I didn't like it on my actual waist, but on my hips instead.  I found that since it has an adjustable velcro waist I could cinch it tight around my hips so it would not bounce.  So far I have worn it numerous times and absolutely love it! 
Pros:
*  It can hold up to 40oz. of liquid, which is great for my long runs.
*  It really is easy to get the bottles in and out of the holsters, and the bottles stay put.  I have never had a bottle fall out.
*  I love the two pouches.  I use the small pouch to hold my nutrition, which I wear in the front, and I use the bigger pouch to hold my phone, key, ID, cash, etc.  
*  Once I get it adjusted it DOES NOT MOVE or ride up.  I really thought it would ride up my waist, which I hate, but it doesn't.  Like I mentioned above, the adjustable velcro waist ensures that you can cinch it tight enough to keep it in place.
*  It does not bounce.  O-kay, maybe a little bit, but not enough for me to even notice it.  
*  You can switch out the bottles in exchange for smaller 8oz ones or gel flasks.  They all fit in the holsters! (See the picture above-you can see one of the bottles is a gel flask) 

Cons:
*  Seriously, I can only come up with one con.  The bottles sometimes leak (just some drips) when I first fill them up and head out for my run, but they stop leaking within the first 1/2 mile.  Since I usually fill them up with Nuun, I'm thinking it has something to do with the carbonation.  I do let the bottles sit while the fizzing from the Nuun stops, so I'm not sure that's the cause.  But, I don't know why else they would drip at first and then stop.


All in all, I am really happy that I decided to buy the Nathan belt and give it a try.  I usually run on trails where it isn't convenient to stash water bottles along the way and there is no place to stop to get additional water, so this has been a lifesaver.  Plus, I love how I can use it for my hydration, nutrition, and storage for my key/phone.   

  * Please note:  I was not contacted or paid by Nathan to review this product.  This review is my own opinion and is based on my experiences.



25 comments:

Running and living said...

I wear a belt during my long runs, but I use only 2 out of the 4 bottles, and refill on the way. And I like it on my waist:). I have the same issue with leaking but only with Nuun and not with the water. Try to open the bottles when you notice the leaking - mine burst out the air when I open them up, and then there is no more leaking. Enjoy marathon training!

Kathleen said...

I have the Nathon 2 bottle belt and really like it. Like you, I thought I would hate wearing something on my waist but it didn't bother me (I wear it on my hips also). I too have the same problem with the leaking with Nuun. It never was a real issue until I started putting Nunn in there. I was considering getting a four bottle belt but I am still up in the air on that.

Unknown said...

Very good review. I use a 4 bottle fuelbelt, but I find it won't stay where I want it (hips), so I end up wearing it very high on the waist and feel like I look dorky.

Unknown said...

I wear my hydration belt on my hips also. Much more comfortable that way!

Unknown said...

wear it on my hips and mine leak some too. kinda annoying - but better than dying of thirst :) Love the belt!

Jon said...

Thanks for the review, Aimee! I like how the velcro strap is a lot larger than other brands AND it has the two pouches.

Barbie said...

Great review. I have been tossing up between the "Nathan" and "FuelBelt" for when I start running again. Does the Nathan come in other colours?

Ginny M said...

Thanks for the review. I've been eyeing the Nathan belt like yours lately. I have a Nathan handheld, which I love for shorter runs.

Middle Name Marie said...

I have a fuel belt, but I wish I would have bought a Nathan...oh well...

Unknown said...

Both the wife and I use the Nathan's as well and really love it. I ran with a camelback today and will choose the Nathan's over this any day!

Aimee said...

Barbie - I think it only comes in blue or grey. It doesn't have all the bright, fancy colors that fuel belt has, but I like my blue one! :)

ONEHOURIRONMAN said...

I'm a one bottle (23oz) kind of guy. Now Arnie (training part) swears by his 4 bottle....

Caratunk Girl said...

Great review - I love Nathan products!

Julie said...

I have the Fuelbelt as some of the others also, my question about the Nathan would be does it snag up your shirts? I find that the Fuelbelt is pretty rough around the Velcro and messes up some of my shirts. It looks like the Nathan belt is smoother. I also only have two bottles and would really like 4 I think.

Anonymous said...

Great post. I am begin to train for a marathon and need a way to carry more water. Thought I would hate a jiggly belt around my middle, but sounds like it might work for me too!

Aimee said...

Julie- The velcro actually doesn't come into contact with my shirts and the seams are pretty smooth, so I haven't had any problems with the belt snagging my shirts..at least that I'm aware of! :)

Anonymous said...

Just switched from my one-bottle Salomon carrier to a four-bottle Amphipod belt. Tried it out on my last long run and really liked it! I felt more balanced and the belt stayed put, so I could wear it on my hips rather than around my waist.

DRog said...

LOVE my Nathans belt!
-D

misszippy said...

Sounds like a good alternative to FuelBelt. I think Nathan's needs to sponsor you! ; )

Anonymous said...

I think belts and I just don't work out. I have tried that one, amongst many others, and have yet to find one that doesn't end up bouncing around on my waist. I also prefer it on my hips but cannot find a single one yet that works for me.

Yeah for you finding one that works for you though :)

Foges said...

I have been debating whether or not to buy a Nathan belt because like you, I would think it looks nerdy. Then last week on my 14 miler, with an empty water bottle in hand and 95 degree heat, I was rethinking things. I'm assuming most of the woman sending comments wear tight shirts and the belt can easially fit under. Us guys, (at least me) don't usually wear tight fitting shirts. How do you think this would work? I assume I won't drape it over the bottles nor would I tuck my shirt under the belt. I just don't know if it would bunch and be annoying!

Alisa said...

I'm on my third, yes, third different water belt. I started with a fuel belt, then I tried one with just one big bottle and now I use the amphipod belt. I'm always up for trying out new stuff, anything that will make it more comfortable!

I'm always amazed by ultra runners, almost all of them used handhelds! I would think that just wouldn't be enough water!

KovasP said...

Never have found a comfortable belt, but I may have to try this. I tried the Nathan vest, but it was just too small on my big frame.

AM! said...

Hi!
I've tried a few times to wear hydration bottle belts, and I just didn't get used to em'. But I haven't been running for longer than ~2 hrs, so relied on a hand held bottle for that. But down the road, if I ever train for a marathon, i know I gotta look into using something like this.

Lindsey said...

I've put this on my birthday wish list, I need something that I can carry with me so that I don't have to drive out and "plant" my water bottles before my run. Great review!!!