Has anyone used a race # or gel belt???

[AmyBeth68]

I am considering purchasing a race number belt w/ the little holders for gel packs. I'm into the pre-marathon phase of training where I begin to obsess over clothing, fuel belts, sneakers, etc LOL. Last year I didn't wear a pack, didn't carry water and I regretted it BIG TIME. So now I'm trying to decide what type of pack to carry as I need to be a little more self-reliant. I want one bottle of water, one area to hold tissues, advil, some cash, etc....and possibly the race number/gel deal. I don't know. Anyone have any advice? I want to get it as soon as possible so I can wear it for a few runs to get the feel. I currently wear either an Ultimate Direction pack w/ 20 oz water bottle (it's too bulky imo for marathon distance) and for my LRs I wear a 4 x 8oz bottle fuel belt with a small pack attached (VERY comfy). I know I don't need all those bottles..just one emergency bottle would be fine...I love the idea of a place to stick all my gels since I use them every 4-5 miles. And I really need something to hold a few essentials since I have no pockets in my warm weather running wear. Ack! Kind of obsessing.

Thanks in advance for any reviews you guys have!!!

 

[princessrunner]

Amy, I put my gels/beans in the back pocket of my tank (NB Skye) and my phone in a baggie in the zip pocket. I am also planning on carrying a pack with a small pocket and a water bottle but it is a gift that I have not yet opened so I can't give you any thumbs up or down on it. I do have a marathon belt. I don't marathon but I find it helpful when I run in the fall and layer my clothes so I can remove layers and not lose my number. I hope you get some good advice on this as I too have a thing with my clothes.

 

[skfulkers]

Amy--Funny you should mention this; I just bought a race number belt that holds gels last week. Last year during the marathon I carried a bigger race pack where I put my gels, chapstick, salt packs, etc, etc. This year, I decided I wanted to carry less than that, so I bought the race number belt. I haven't used it yet, but I did put some gels in it the other day to see how well it would work. Basically, you just slip the gels into the elastic straps and they are held firmly in place. It looks like it will work very well. The only problem is that I will have absolutely no room to keep extras like keys, id, etc. I'll probably use the small pocket on my running shorts.

I used to carry a fuel belt with bottles for LRs, so I know what you're going through carrying all that extra stuff. Recently, I have been strategically placing water bottles along my running route so I don't have to carry anything at all. It just feels so much nicer to get away from the pack mule I used to be when I ran with all the extras.

Ok, so I guess this post isn't too much help, just a lot of rambling. But if it makes you feel any better, you're not the only one contemplating using the race belt. I can let you know in 2 1/2 weeks how well it worked out.

Steve

 

[Steffwalks]

Amphipod came up with a neat little solution for a race number belt, they have these little slip on race number holder thingys. I dont' know the technical term, can you tell??? Anyway these little gizmos slide onto any belt 2 1/2 inches wide or less and make any belt a race number belt. I use mine ALL the time. I don't like pins because I usually end up being poked by them. I use them on my gel belt, my Ultimate Direction pack and my Camelbak. I also have a pouch that velcros to any belt and it will hold keys and a cell phone. And I have a gel flask holder. Using these, I can configure my gear to suit me, my training and my races!

 

[cewait]

I do triathlons so I always use my number belt in a race. Mine is the basic elastic belt with two snaps to hold the bib. I have seen the one with the gel loops and that looks like a good idea, though it’s not something that I think I will purchase just yet. I run in race ready shorts and put my gels, cash and room key in the mesh pockets. I do carry a water bottle with me during the first half of the race because I train sipping fluids every mile. Disney is on an approximate 2 mile interval during the first half. For the price I think it’s a good deal.

 

[AmyBeth68]

Thanks for all the replies .

So I thought I'd update in case anyone is interested. I put WAY too much thought into this LOL. I ordered a Fuel Belt gel-ready race number belt (holds a bunch of gels which is good for me b/c i'll use 5-6 during a marathon). Now I really wanted a small water bottle too so I ordered an amphipod snap-flask 8 oz. module which slides on to any 1-2" belt. I also wanted a pocket to hold tissues, advil, money and a phone. So I ordered the amphipod large (4x6x1) rapid access pouch that also attaches to any 1-2" belt. I *think* this will take care of all my needs and be as light and non bulky as possible. Once they arrive and I put it together, what I'm going to lovingly call my "frankenstein" fuel belt ....I'll let you know if it's comfy and practical. *fingers crossed*

Again...thanks for all the feedback, it really helped me figure out a solution.