Running Hydration from SPIBelt
Disclaimer: I received a SPIbelt to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
Running and staying hydrated in hot, sunny California weather is not always the easiest thing to do. I'm always trying to find the best and most convenient way to carry water on my long runs, but not weigh myself down.
When I was given the chance to test out the SPIbelt Venture, I jumped at the chance. SPIbelt stands for Small Personal Item belt. It's a great addition to any long distance runner's repertoire. I always need to bring hydration, fuel, my phone, and key with me on long runs. If I'm by myself I might also carry pepper spray. This belt is perfect for helping me stay organized and hands free with all my accessories. There is nothing worse than having to carry water or my phone in my hand for 13 miles. Trust me.
The SPIbelt in Training
I used this belt for my training runs for Bank of Marin Run Fest, Bay to Breakers and the Asics Vine Body Sole Half Marathon. It was especially handy since here in California the temperature was in the high 80's last week, with no warning. Hello hydration!
Photo: Pre Vine Body Sole Race
During my long runs I put Nuun in one bottle and water in the other. I also stuffed my giant phone in the pocket, gummies from PRObar, and included my Untapped Maple Shot in the handy stretch tabs for easy access on the run. It worked really well. I often lose gels from my side pockets or when I just stuff them in the waistband of my running pants. This is a much better solution. :)
What I Loved About the SPIbelt
The thing I loved about this belt was the wide waistband and the fact that it didn't ride up on my waist while on the run. It stayed put - unlike a few other race belts that I have run with. It also is easy to wash post-sweat session.
I have a friend that can't wear hydration belts because she always loses the bottles. They are too hard to get in their holsters on the run. However, with the SPIbelt Venture, you don't have to worry about where you hook the bottle onto. You just click the bottle back anywhere on the waist band. So convenient.
For shorter runs, I usually go without a belt or hydration. But for long training runs for marathons or half marathons this is the best waistband I have found. It's perfect for keeping you sane, hydrated, and hands free on the run. It's also lightweight and easy to adjust the waistband whenever you need to.
If any of you are training for a Ragnar Relay or similar event, this belt would be a great addition for all those long miles and two-a-day runs. Give it a try and let me know what you think. (I'm running Ragnar Napa with my Concrete Runners Crew, so I can't wait to use this all summer and fall).
Savings for You!
You can save 10% off the Venture with code: karen10 at checkout! Who doesn't love a good savings? Snag your own today and train and race strong all season long. Also - follow along on all my adventures and those of other BibRave Pros on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #bibchat.
Happy running friends!