New Running Toy: Hydration Belt

Funny enough, the above photos were actually taken directly after a run where I didn't wear the hydration belt. The hubby went to purchase it while I was on my run but I decided to model it afterwards.

It has two water bottles that fit roughly 8oz (260ml), and a little bit, of liquid. There are also two pockets on each side where you can put keys, your cell, etc. I lucked out because someone clipped on an extra velcro pocket in the middle that usually costs 5€ ($6,17) more. However, the checkout person didn't notice it so I got it for free! Woohooo! It's an addition to the belt that you usually have to purchase separately.

The belt cost 15€ ($18.50) in total, which is significantly cheaper than most hydration belts on the market. Those usually go for between $25-$50 (20,29€-40,57€) just for the belt. Then you have to purchase the bottles separately and then worry about shipping and handling costs...

The hubby picked this one up from the local sports store: Decathlon. I wear it for the first time this Sunday for my 16 mile (25.7 km) long run. I purchased it because I hope it will be easier and more comfortable to carry than my Camelbak.

Only time will tell...

(I also feel like a "professional" runner when I put it on! Yes, it gives me a thrill)

Race Pack Goodies

The race expo wasn't as exciting as I'd hoped. I guess I was expecting more free stuff...yes, I definitely expected cooler free stuff. But just in case you're curious here's a peek:

 This is where I picked up my bib number. It was the first day of the expo so there weren't a lot of people. Thankfully!

There I am with my goodie bag. The best gift (besides the race shirt) I was given.

 Here's the free stuff: a granola bar, chapstick, a mini tube of lotion, and toothpaste. I'm still confused about the toothpaste.

 There I am sporting the race shirt! I like it a lot actually. The material is pretty good quality and the fit is excellent. I probably won't wear it on race day though.

A close up of the bag. It's nothing special but I think I'll start using it when I go to the gym.

No, these super cool running shorts were not included in the race pack! I bought these for $11 at the expo! I've been wanting some spandex shorts to run in for awhile. These can also double as undies. They are so comfortable!

 I should've bought two pairs!

One of the vendors at the expo. I'm excited because it's a completely organic supermarket! So Chema and I have another option when looking for our vegan fare.

My bib number! It was shocking because these numbers are my dad (28) and older sister's (27) birthdays! Their birthdays are in February, which is when I run the marathon. It's shocking because I initially got motivated to run the marathon for my dad. He passed away suddenly a couple of years ago and was a real exercise nut. My sister has nothing to do with my running...at all...but I still think it's a cool connection.

The first half marathon I ran was not high-tech in the least so this "new" technology impressed me. Instead of the chip on the shoe it's placed on the back of the bib number.

The stuff in the front is the non-exciting free stuff I mentioned earlier. The stuff in the back I purchased as part of my November goals. I want to try some alternative ways to hydrate and energize myself while running. Instead of drinking tons of water or eating solid foods as they wreak havoc on my stomach. I purchased this stuff for a total of $3! Anywhere else it is so expensive. As in more than $3 for just one pack.

Does anyone know where I can by this stuff at reasonable prices?

That's it. That's my race pack.

Mentally, I'm ready for the half marathon. I want to do some stretching tonight and tomorrow to loosen up my muscles a bit. This week was super busy with work that I only had time to go to the gym Wednesday and Thursday.

Something crazy that happened: Last night in body combat my mom injured herself! We were doing back kicks and she suddenly stopped and limped out of class. She couldn't finish it. She was in so much pain she had to go to the emergency room this morning. She now has one of those leg braces that doesn't allow you to move at all and crutches. They think she tore a muscle. She won't know more until Tuesday when she has an appointment with the orthopedic doctor. It sucks. So we didn't go to the gym today and next week I'll be going solo. The only positive thing is that I can try new classes, also part of my November goals. I just hope my mom gets better soon!

Back to my mental state...

I'm only nervous about 2 things:

1. Daylight Savings -- Of course we have to push back the clocks an hour the day I have to run the half marathon! It's at 2am so I hope I don't forget. Either way, it's better to be early than late.
2. Traffic -- The NC State campus area is always busy anyway so I hope it's not too bad on race day. I plan to leave the house at 530am and the race doesn't start until 7am. Plus, it only takes about 20 minutes to get there. I should be OK.

So that's it. I will check in again tomorrow to post any other final thoughts. As well as to show you what I plan on wearing on race day. Wish me luck!

Daily Fitness Tip: Hydration

WATER!!!!!

Actually, you can get your daily "requirements" through food and other beverages so you don't only have to drink water. I also put "requirements" in quotation marks because the daily recommendation is 64 ounces (or about 2 Liters). Nonetheless, I believe each person has different necessities. Some people will need less and some people will need more, hence, today's Fitness Tip!

Now, I am only going to address hydration during the summer months as our needs are different in the winter, spring, and fall. At least I know my needs are different. In fact, my needs are different when it's raining, sunny, cloudy, cold...regardless of the season. Where I live the air is very dry. So I suspect that I'd need to adjust my water intake when exercising in humid conditions. Do what works for you and your body.

What cannot be disputed is the necessity of hydration. Hydration is essential when exercising, regardless of the weather conditions. 

• It allows the muscles to work more efficiently--I notice a drastic change in my performance when I am well hydrated as opposed to not.
• Not being properly hydrated can lead to injuries--One of the reasons (along with many others) why I got injured last year. I was not diligent about my fluid intake and am trying to do a lot better.
• Your body won't recover as quickly or as productively--Again, I notice this in my own body. When I am lazy about carrying water with me I get more muscle spasms and soreness. I still get soreness when I drink water but I seem to recover at a faster pace.
• This website has more information about the importance of hydration. In its consumption as well as in the quality of it.

Last year when I decided to focus on running a full marathon I wanted to do everything right. Since I was training during the hottest months I needed a way to stay hydrated on my longer runs. I bought a Camelbak, which fits about 1.5 Liters (49.50 ounces) of water. It's a tiny backpack which contours to fit the upper part of the back. It stays glued to your back for the entire run and you almost forget it's there. All you have to do is fill up the resevoir (a plastic bag basically) with some cold water, fit it in, and your ready to go.

Then laziness set in and the days got cooler. So my Camelbak simply collected dust. I didn't hyrdrate during any kind of run, regardless of the distance. I would drink before and after. That's it. Only on a really long run would I drink chocolate milk, which is supposed to be great at hyrdation and recovery. (I've heard pickle juice works wonders but I haven't tried that yet.)

Right now I am suffering from extremely dry lips because I haven't been hydrating properly daily or after exercising. So don't do what I do....you know how the saying goes. I find that sometimes drinking water on a run makes me feel nauseous. So I would like to try gels and things at some point.

Here's a couple pics of my Camelbak in case you're interested:

There is also a strap around the waist for added support and a clip for the tube for easy access.

The tube doesn't leak because you have to bite on it to release the water and the yellow part closes it when not in use.

Cute huh? I hope it hasn't grown any friends inside (mold). It should be kept in the freezer if you won't be using it for a prolonged time period. As you can all see I learn by making mistakes, just like the rest of humanity! If this does happen though, I can put in 2 Tbsp of baking soda with warm water and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then wash with a mild soap and let it air dry completely before use.

In a perfect world I'd do that today so that it'd be ready for my long run tomorrow. I let you know how that turns out.

Exercise and be hydrated and you won't regret it!

If this helped you leave a comment and let me know how it goes.

I hope you enjoyed your Daily Fitness Tip and will add it to your Recipe for Health.