I remembered awhile back (maybe last summer) that my Osprey hiking day pack had a Camelback water thingy in it that is removable from the pack itself. So I finally went and dug it out of the basement to try it out. It is nice and small and holds 70oz of fluid..awesome. Too big if it were a water bottle in my hand or belt but not bad for a back pack.
Once I got all straps adjusted just right and got used to the sound of sloshing water I didn't mind it. I think for long runs it just may be the key. PLUS I can easily put my gels, chapstick, toilet paper, cell phone and anything else I might need in it for a 20 mile run.
This way I won't have to worry so much about being able to drop off water or loop back by my house to refill my water bottle.
I was a little worried that maybe I should have put some Body Glide on my neck and shoulders, but I had no problems, although I will try to remember when I do a run longer than 8 miles with it. I don't think I will use it for runs shorter than 12? miles, but this was just a test run.
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| Totally cheesy picture..you are welcome. |
2. Gum. I sat in it TWICE yesterday. The kids are no longer allowed to eat gum. I spent half an hour getting gum off of the skirt in the previous picture. Irritating, maddening and of course no body claimed the gum.
3. The muscles in my left hip area all cramped up yesterday while I was running. Boo.
I had to stop and walk for awhile to get it worked out and then ran the rest of the way home at an easy pace and cut my run short. I was going to run 10 yesterday and instead ran 8.
Amazing how fast you can go from having perfect workouts to crappy ones. I had awesome ones all weekend and Monday and BAM.
I was impressed I cut the run short and listened to my body. I think it wants to taper too.
1 more week till taper.
1 more long run
23 days..so close
so exciting and so scary!
You can suck the extra air out of a fluid bladder (for Camelbak or other brands) and really reduce that sloshy water noise.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have a bunch of shirts that I bought specifically because they work well with wearing a back. A high crew neck can really save you some chafing!
Personally I would have told you to go Nathan hydration vest. :)
When I first started using the camelbak, bloggers taught me the trick of not having your water slosh. When you fill up the pack, flip it upside down after wards and suck the air out of it through the straw. No more sloshing!
ReplyDeleteI want a camelback so badly! I run 20 milers on the trails and hate carrying hand helds. I've yet to justify the steep $$ though. I need to find a cheapo one ;)
ReplyDelete23 days is sooooo close!!!!!! Do you remember when you first signed up?! It seemed like ages ago.
ReplyDeleteWhen I trained for Portland back in 2008 I ran with a camelback. It wasn't for me. Now if I have a long run I do two or three big loops around my house so I can refuel there. It seems to work!
i always love your running pics with the gorgeous scenery...we have no place around here like that...guess I'll come running with you one day :)
ReplyDeletegreat job and keep it up!
I contemplated a camelbak as well...but never made the jump for it. I actually think Mike has one from his Army days in the basement...maybe I should sport the camo camelbak..Haha!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your last week! Taper is going to be great and weird all at the same time :)
That sounds like a perfect solution for you. Especially with the summer heat. I haven't hit the distances that require that much water yet.
ReplyDeleteUgh on the gum. I used to hover over my kids with gum until they learned to be responsible. Ick, though.
Definitely suck the air out to avoid sloshing! I use the camelbak in runs of over 12 miles also OR if it's really hot out (like 85 or above) to avoid dehydration. Good luck with beginning your taper soon!
ReplyDeleteWe just tried out 3 Camelbaks - the Ultra LR is so comfortable - it has a belt that wraps around the waist with pockets. Definitely a boon for longer runs!
ReplyDeletei need to break down and get a camel pack. way to improvise :)
ReplyDeleteI hate the sloshing of my Camelbak! I'll have to try some of the suggestions...I do love having the water, though (mine holds 3 liters and I use it when it's hot on long runs-I sweat a lot!).
ReplyDeleteThose three weeks will fly by, just enjoy them!!
I always seem to step in gum, but I don't think I have sat in it yet:) Bummer. Wow only 23 days! So exciting. That came so fast! You will totally rock it!
ReplyDeleteYou are too cute posing for pictures!! So close!!! It's so exciting! I told my Em that she is allergic to gum....I don't even want to imagine where it would end up!!
ReplyDeleteMr. Nobody reeks havoc in my house too. If I ever catch that guy he is in big trouble. :-)
ReplyDeleteAlmost there. Keep up the good work and good job listening to your body. #1 goal is get to the start line healthy, you are almost there!! Yippee!
I hate wearing a water belt, I dont think I want to try a camel back yet any way. You Go Girl at least you wont have to worry about water on those long runs. BOO to the gum.
ReplyDeleteKids & gum. *sigh* I can't tell you how many pieces of clothing I've put in the freezer to get gum out...
ReplyDeleteSarah
www.thinfluenced.com
Hmm... maybe that's what I need for long runs. I hate carrying water and belts.
ReplyDeleteI very rarely give my kids gum anymore- after some very similar issues!
I had a couple of great runs this week, then today I just felt blah and stiff. Just depends on the day, I guess.
I am so excited for your marathon! I know you will kill it!
Sounds like a camel pack will be just the thing for your long runs :) And I demand more cheesy pics!
ReplyDeleteIn response to this and your earlier post, I just started running with a water bottle this past summer/fall when I got pregnant. It did take a while, as you said, to get used to the sloshing sound, but now I never run without it! I'm not sure the Camelback is for me, but like the handhelds, I've heard a lot of people say that once they got used to them they loved them. Keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteCheesy picture? No way! I love the red skirt on you!
ReplyDeleteI did all my long runs last year with a CamelBak. It's definitely my solution and I'm glad it worked for you, too.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about the crappy runs at this point. They usually don't mean a thing.
Yes - I forgot to tell you about the air trick of putting it upside down and squeezing out the extra air. :) Glad it didn't chafe!
ReplyDeleteLooks like the Camelbak will do the trick for you. Maybe I'll get one when I do long runs like 12. Or even 9. Or just 7. :)
ReplyDeleteShannon
http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com
I think the Camelback is a great idea for long runs. The only problem is that you can't see how much you have left. I guess you just need to ration it a bit.
ReplyDeletegum twice?!?! hope it came out of the skirt :)
ReplyDeleteYour training has FLOWN by!!! I used to use my camelbacks ALL the time, but I SO prefer running naked. When you are on an unsupported long run, though - you really don't have many options. I've run out of water in my camelback before and it sucked! I had about 2 more miles left in my long run and I actually pulled my camelback off my body, opened up the filler hole of the bladder and got about 3 more drops of water and then licked it. HA! It was such a hot day!
ReplyDeleteI'm a Nathan Intensity gal myself (very comfortable)...... But I use the Camelbak bladder system because the bite valve allows for a nice drink without having to suck like crazy. I'm certain there is an inappropriate comment to be made now , so I will stop typing.
ReplyDelete:-o