Do you run the WDW Marathon with a fuel belt?

[ZellyB]

My husband and I are debating if we would want to run it with a fuel belt or not. I'm hoping to use a skirt with some pockets so I could carry some of my own fuel but wouldn't have any drinks obviously. My husband says not to use the belt and they should have plenty of water/electrolyte drinks and fuel at the stops. But, the belts drive him crazy running but they really don't bother me, so I'm not sure if I'd be happier to have it on and have stuff at my fingertips or go without and just rely on the fuel stops. Do they have a variety of fuel and drinks at the stops? This will be my first marathon, so just wondering what some of you more experienced racers prefer. Thanks.

 

[FFigawi]

I never worry about fluids at most races, but I always carry my own fuel with me. This way I can have it when I want it, have the flavors and types that I am used to, and be sure to never run out. If you don't want to wear a Fuel Belt with all the bottles, they make ones that are just pouches for carrying fuel and other small items. SPI Belt is another good brand too.

 

[RENThead09]

I second the above response. Water/sports drink are very consistent at Disney and I have never felt that i needed water and there was none coming up soon. But they have different fuel at different spots.

I am carrying my fuel because I know the flavors I like, I know how my body reacts, and I know it will be there when I need it.

Good luck with the race!

 

[jmasgat]

I always carry fuel and water. Yes, there's plenty on the course, but I like to be able to drink on my schedule, versus whenever the water stops are. I bring one or two bottles with me on my belt, and refill at the water stops when I need.

Maura

 

[stargazertechie]

I never leave home for a run without a spibelt. Never ever ever!

 

[cewait]

2007......

Huh, what?

Bring your fuel belt. If the weather looks warmer than you expect or you are anxious, then wear it. I am 90% sure you will be carrying an extra pound around with little need for the belt. However, the course is set up in a way that you are running about 1.5 - 2 miles between water stops in the first half then once a mile thereafter. Not a big deal if you plan and train for it and the weather is seasonal. For the record, I carry a PowerAde bottle through the first 3-8 miles of the race and sip from it... until the I am sure of the aid station spacing.

Disney did have a severe issue with water in 2007. The weather spiked hot the few days prior to the event and the race was caught flatfooted. I was on a low 9's pace for the first half of the race and saw tables be folded as we passes the mile 17 range. I know several stops were closed for the later guys.

 

[Ariel484]

YES, carry your fuel belt. Here is a list of the food stops from 2012:

Mile 8.7 - Clif gels
Mile 14 - bananas
Mile 19 - Clif gels/bananas
Mile 23 - candy (Hershey bars last year, I think)

If this is EXACTLY how your train...great, you're set. If not, bring your own fuel. It would be a huge mistake not to.

There are 21 water/Powerade stops, which is enough for me personally...but as with all running-related things, what works for one person won't necessarily work for another. Figure out what works for you and make it happen on race day. If that means carrying a fuel belt, then so be it.

 

[Reep]

My husband and I are debating if we would want to run it with a fuel belt or not. I'm hoping to use a skirt with some pockets so I could carry some of my own fuel but wouldn't have any drinks obviously. My husband says not to use the belt and they should have plenty of water/electrolyte drinks and fuel at the stops. But, the belts drive him crazy running but they really don't bother me, so I'm not sure if I'd be happier to have it on and have stuff at my fingertips or go without and just rely on the fuel stops. Do they have a variety of fuel and drinks at the stops? This will be my first marathon, so just wondering what some of you more experienced racers prefer. Thanks.

I always carry fuel (shot bloks), but never carry water or sport drink (heavy and bulky). I hate having anything bouncing around while I run, but have found several good alternatives.
First, RaceReady shorts (except the very short split shorts) with the pockets work very well. Super easy to get stuff in and out and they hold a lot without pulling on you.
Second, because I like racing in short split shorts, and the RR shorts bounce, I have used a Nathan 5k belt. It holds the 2.5 packs (15 bloks) of shot bloks I use for a marathon with an easy zipper, and you can wear it loose enough to not feel it, but it doesn't bounce.
Finally, I also tried a trick I heard were you safety pin a baggy to the inside of your shorts and store the fuel there. Very light, doesn't bounce. Having said that, it was a bit cumbersome to get the fuel out, and uh . . . lets just say you don't want anyone watching while you are digging around in the front of your shorts for food.
My current solution is that I took a pair of the RaceReady short shorts with the pockets and I actually tacked the bottom of the pockets to the liner in the shorts. That way they don't bounce.

 

[ZellyB]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Sounds like I definitely need to carry my fuel and probably not a bad idea to carry fluids in case of a 2007 repeat. YIKES!

I'll be running with the belt on my longer training runs and I'll make sure my husband does too. I really think it won't be a big deal to me and I suspect he can get used to it too.

 

[BigEeyore]

Yup, I wear mine pretty much always, even if I am just doing a 10K. I like to be able to hydrate on my own schedule, and to have the fuel I am used to training with.

 

[joan4mickey]

I carried my handheld waterbottle and topped it off/filled it at every stop. I also carried some fuel (bar and beans) in a pocket. I use the amphipod 12 oz handheld.
Some one mentioned fuel at mile 8ish. There was no food until after the half way mark this year.
I also like the spibelt, but did not wear it at the marathon.