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.