Evolution of my Hydration

With the summer on us, and record-breaking temperatures enhanced with some really ugly humidity, i've quickly come to the realization that my hydration, or lack of, is hurting my running.

Maybe i'm a weirdo that requires a lot of water while I run because I have seen plenty of people out in this nasty weather running 9+ miles (that's the length around the local lake) without a drop of water. How do they do that? I know it's not good to do and it amazes me.

Before my last long run this past weekend, I wanted more fluids. More more more. That got me thinking about the water bottles and belts I had gone through over the last couple of years. Here for your viewing pleasure is a look at methods tried and money wasted.

1. Nothing

When I first started running a few years ago, I worked my way up to 3 miles and stopped. Well, I kept running but I never did more than 3 miles. Usually on the treadmill, but sometimes I would head outside. Who needed a water bottle for 3 miles? Besides, if it was too hot, I would head to the gym and hop on the treadmill. Get up at 5 AM for a run? Are you nuts? It was just running. It's not that important that I get it done.

2. Amphipod RunLite Snapflask 3 Hydration

At the beginning of last year, I really got in to running. I started following some running blogs, opened on one myself, began doing some 5K's and really became part of the community. One of the blog I read talked about this hydration belt and how wonderful it was. I figured I would give it a shot. I REALLY liked it at first. I needed water and there was water. What's not to love? But after a while, it started rubbing me the wrong way. Literally and figuratively. Plus it was a pain to pack it in my suitcase. It was time to move on.

3. Amphipod Hydraform Handheld

Another blogger mentioned a handheld. I had noticed a few people with these things but it didn't seem like it would be comfortable. But, in typical money wasting fashion, I figured what the heck, let's give it a go. Instant love affair. It took a couple of weeks to truly get use to it on my hand but I thought it was wonderful. I used this up until about 2 months ago. If you are looking for a handheld bottle, this is the way to go. To be honest, i'm not sure how people can carry regular water bottles around as they run. Seems like it would be really annoying. Also, this bottle is pretty easy to slip in to the suitcase.

4. Amphipod Full-Tilt Velocity Ultra Low Profile Bottle Pack

I purchased this product because of stupidity on my part. Meaning, I left my water bottle at home while on a business trip to Ann Arbor, Michigan a couple of months ago. It was so freakin humid and I knew I would never be able to complete my 5 mile runs without water (like I said, I need my water). I stopped in to a local running store and they didn't have any handhelds. I settled on this bad boy. Sure, another belt, but I love it. I love having the same size water bottle that I have with my handheld, but I don't have to hold it. Plus, my hand doesn't get frozen at the beginning of the run from the cold fluids in the handheld bottle. Seriously! That was always a bit of a pain.

As I mentioned, it's been really, really hot. Two weeks ago, as I was running 9 miles, I started craving water. In my bottle I had a Gu sports drink, but I was dying for some water so I had to stop a few times at a water fountain. This problem got me thinking and lead me to what I now use for my long runs.

5. Amphipod Full-Tilt Velocity Ultra Low Profile Bottle Pack + Little Water Bottles from the Snapflask

Tell me you didn't see that one coming! I added the little water bottles to my Velocity belt and it was super. Big bottle with sports fluid, little bottles with water. I was in heaven. For long runs this summer, this will be the only way to go.

You notice a theme? I really like the Amphipod products. Great construction--you can't go wrong with these guys.

What about you? What do you use for your hydration needs?