(Not) running with a hydration vest

Earlier this year, after years of running with a belt, I got myself a hydration vest/ backpack to run with. I’d always avoided them because I thought they would make me hot. But my belt was on its last legs and needed replacing, so I thought I’d get a hydration vest. It seemed like a good idea for marathon training and the marathon itself – with drinks, fuel and phone all easily accessible.

And it was a good idea. Kind of.

But I pretty soon discovered that I didn’t like drinking out of the bladder. It was hard to do while running and also the water tasted a bit weird and it warmed up, after several hours of being on my back. I’m not a fan of drinking warm water!

The first thing I concluded after running Newport marathon with the hydration vest is that I wouldn’t use the bladder again, unless I was running a marathon which only gave out water in cups. The backpack holds two 250ml bottles at the front, which are sufficient for a half marathon. If a marathon is giving out water in bottles (ie which you can actually drink while running along), there would be absolutely no need for a bladder. The only time I can see myself using it again is if I’m doing a marathon training run of over 16 miles.

Another downside of the hydration vest is that it caused chafing on my shoulder. And not just a bit, either. The worst one took weeks to heal after the marathon. Maybe I just need to adjust the straps better…

And my initial suspicions were right – it did make me too hot. I’m not a person who sweats that much, but I finished Dymock half marathon at the end of May absolutely drenched in sweat.

The other issue for me – and this is a personal one – is that I just felt like a bit of an idiot running with it! I know lots of people run with them very happily, but it just isn’t for me. If I go for a six mile/ 10k run on my own, I will take a drink. But I don’t need a whole backpack to take a drink just to run six miles. I even feel a half marathon is a bit short to be carrying a backpack.

So I found a better belt! I was out running with club one evening and I saw someone running with the exact belt I needed. It is Fitletic brand, which my husband has been using for years. I know that his belt fits tightly and comfortably and doesn’t move around. But his doesn’t carry drinks. It’s just big enough for a phone, keys and a gel or two. The one I saw at the running club had two little bottles on it too. So I ordered it and it has been fantastic. It fits comfortably, it’s not too bulky and it carries two 250ml bottles.

So running with a hydration vest/ backpack just isn’t for me. Never say never. I may need it again – especially if I get a London marathon place. And I will probably use it if I run the Cotswold Way Relay again. But on the whole, I’m much happier with my belt!