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Johanna E.
Johanna E. Sendmail

Fuel for a 1/2M

posted over 1 year ago | Report

So I'm running my first half in a few weeks now..
I carry a fuel belt on my runs over 8 miles. Other than that I just use water stops in the parks. I like wearing it... it's easy, convenient, and I can't drink from a cup during a race... it's a drinking problem. I like bottles.

So is it too gay for me to carry a fuel belt on my half? I have no idea what's "normal"... been running about 5 months now... so yeah. I'm new.

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6 posts

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  • Fabio S.
    Fabio S. Sendmail

    If you run in summer is good to drink some water, but in winter you can do an Half Marathon without even drink.

    posted over 1 year ago | Report

  • Terry D.
    Terry D. Sendmail

    I've seen people wear fuel belts when running in a half and I don't really see the point. The course will provide enough food/water to provide for your needs.

    As to the drinking problem, I have the same problem. I can't get adequate water when I run and try to drink from a cup. The easiest solution I've found is to just walk. After I grab the water cup, I walk for 2-5 seconds and drink the water. The time I lose walking is inconsequential to the need for drinking water during a half-marathon and the weight involved in carrying and extra 24 oz's of water. Don't forget, 1 lb of extra weight equals about 55 extra seconds to your goal time (1 lb x 4-5 sec/mile = 52-64 seconds for half marathon).

    posted over 1 year ago | Report

  • Zan
    Zan Sendmail

    I've had a different experience so I'll add my two cents. The last half marathon I ran there was nothing left if you were in the back half of the race. So, yes, if you were in the front half you were all set. The back half not so much. The stops were also no longer manned so it was littered with cups and very slippery to negotiate. I'm planning on carrying my own for the one I'll run next month. I'm staying away from those slip hazards and make sure I'm taken care of. Those 55 extra seconds will be made up by not trying to negotiate through those spots and risking falling.

    posted 11 months ago | Report

  • Kathleen F.
    Kathleen F. Sendmail

    I'm running my first half in September and was wondering about this myself. Don't people always say not to do anything different on race day. I've never run anything other than a 5K so I have no experience with drinking out of cups provided for the race. I think I'll give it a go though. I really dislike carrying my waist pack. I would just go with whatever feels good for you though. Who cares if people think you look weird. I don't think you would though.

    posted 11 months ago | Report

  • Jim R.
    Jim R. Sendmail

    Hey Johanna,
    how did your half go? What did you end up doing. If I would have seen this in time I would have said don't worry about anybody else. run your own race. if you feel more comfortable with your fuel belt then wear it.

    posted 9 months ago | Report

  • Michelle K.
    Michelle K. Sendmail

    I know this thread is kind of old but I wanted to add another option. Go to the "Race Ready" website and purchase shorts/capris/tights/skorts. They have mesh pockets sewn onto the backs and I absolutely love them!!! You can carry gels, a phone, keys and anything else. Much more comfortable than a belt! And they are reasonably priced!

    posted 3 months ago | Report

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