Rules about gear

[dragitoff]

Since I'm a newbie to racing, I was curious about something. Do races have any rules against small backpacks? I did my weekend long run last weekend (12 miles) wearing a lightweight, drawstring Disney backpack. It really didn't bother me once I figured out how to fix it so it wasn't bouncing and sliding around. I was able to easily pack my iPod, Sports Drink, and any snacks I'd need along the way. I could have packed an extra pair of clothes in there if I needed to. lol.

I was wondering if this would be something I could wear during most 1/2 or full marathons? I know each event would probably have their own rules, but as a general rule, is there anything prohibiting that type of thing?

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Anything that size needs to be checked. You don't need any Sports Drinks along the way. Disney does an exceptional job with their Water/Powerade stops and you should probably check your snacks minus Gu (unless you like Clif Shots because they provide them) for a Half Marathon. Anything you need during the race needs to be carried in your pockets, or with one of the many running specific belts that you will see at the Expo or in your local running store. Remember, that is extra weight and you just don't want to deal with it.

 

[ironz]

No rules against it, but it's not something that a lot of runners find necessary.

Some use a waist pack (smaller, closer to the body) that can range from a fanny pack style to hold ID, keys, some gels, ipod, and a drink bottle (or small bottles around the waistband).
Some may have a camelback style backpack.

Me...I don't want to be encumbered when I run. My solutions for those things you are carrying:

iPod: I don't tend to race with one, because in triathlon, you can't, and I don't want to get dependent on it (so many are!). Besides... there is more than enough entertainment at the Disney races. But I can see that people love theirs. (see another iPod statement below since you're a newbie to this)

Sports drink: For Disney (and really most any race), there is more than enough water and sports drink along the way. I don't carry fluids with me at any running road race, from a 5K up to a marathon.

Snacks: I do need a place to carry gels or shot blocks...I try to use what is on the course, or I have some small pockets in my running clothes. Or if it is cold, I tuck gels in my running gloves.

Extra clothes: the Disney races have drop bags that you can leave at the start and pick up your extra clothes at the end. If it's going to be cold (esp a la 2010!!), I wear extra clothes that I am going to toss on the side of the road (get them at Goodwill or Walmart on sale...all clothes picked up go to charity). I personally would rather not end up with half my wardrobe tied around my waist or in a backpack.

Note on Ipods since you are new to running, esp a huge event like Disney. Keep the volume very low, or run with only one earbud in. There are some very congested areas, esp in the first several miles, and definitely in the parks. Runners will need to be able to communicate to each other to pass and hopefully will try to give you a heads up (rather than an elbow in the side) if they need to pass. If you can't hear them because you are zoning out to your tunes, you might get the elbow in the side.
Also, I won't cheer for you if you can't hear me. I hate telling runners "good job" etc and they can't hear me. It's part of the fun to interact with the other racers, so don't totally get in a cocoon of your own music!

 

[dragitoff]

I'm not solely speaking on Disney marathons because I think I could really run one of those without an iPod just because of the scenery. I like to carry my own food just because I have a bit of a sensitive stomach sometimes and I need to stick with what I know is safe for me while running.

When I do my long distance runs on the weekends, I have to carry my stuff somehow, but I guess the best option would be to get a tactical belt. Something about that makes me feel like a superhero. lol. That would probably be the easiest thing. My pack isn't heavy at all. I don't even know that it's there until I start to retrieve something from it, but a tactical belt I felt would be more aggravating than my pack. I guess that's why you practice with stuff before the race.

I'll see what works the best for me. I just didn't know if races had specific rules against small backpacks.

 

[megny]

At the Wine & Dine 1/2, I saw someone wearing one of those backpacks like you describe. Personally, I'd say if you are comfortable with it and know that its not going to be a problem for you, then go for it.

 

[johde]

There is no rule I know of that relates carrying a backpack with you. It would seem a little bit cumbersome though. For training runs, I used a large cheap fanny pack. I carry it in most of my races. Disneyland was the first half marathon I didn't, and almost wish I had. The the number of water stops wasn't the problem. But, the first one especially was fairly congested. If I would have had my own water, I could have bypassed that early stop and used my own. Also, at least in California, the bottle water used to fill the glasses was room temp. I normally froze my water during training so I was used to having cold water during my run.

 

[SAHDad]

I did the Goofy a couple years back with a Camelbak for the full*, and I have used one on a couple of ultras. Really, most races don't have any rules prohibiting it, and if it is what you are comfortable with, just run with it.


* Glad I did, too. It was a warm, muggy day, and I was glad to have extra fluids and some assorted medicines in the pack. Probably could have just carried a water bottle, but this wasn't too long after the Chicago marathon that got cancelled due to the heat, and I was still a little paranoid.

 

[ironz]

I don't think there's a RULE about it at the Disney races...I've seen people running with the small sling backpacks they give you at packet pickup.

though I've only noticed because it would drive me crazy to have that on me in a race! I like to utilize what the race is providing...that's why we pay them! OP, if you're comfortable with it, it shouldn't be a huge deal. The packs that they have given at recent races are mesh and lightweight...might be better if you need it?

 

[escape]

I've seen several people with the type of backpack you are talking about. I don't see a problem with it...as long as you are comfortable. I've often thought about similar as I don't like the waist packs for some reason. I always carry a small bottle of Gatorade (or similar) with me as I have been to races where some stations are out of liquid....Disney included (and not just once). However, I'm more of a back of the packer so I'm sure that's why I've experienced this.

Lately, if it's a predicted to be a warm day, I wear one of my light bicycle jerseys that has pockets in the back for all my stuff. It's just much more comfortable for me than a waist pack.

SAHDad, my first marathon - Disney 2010, was very warm. I wish I would have had a 2nd pair of socks with me as mine were soaked by mile 15. A dry pair might have prevented the huge blood blister on the bottom of my foot at mile 20. A backpack of sorts (or my bike jersey) would have been good that day.

 

[ironz]

I've seen several people with the type of backpack you are talking about. I don't see a problem with it...as long as you are comfortable. I've often thought about similar as I don't like the waist packs for some reason. I always carry a small bottle of Gatorade (or similar) with me as I have been to races where some stations are out of liquid....Disney included (and not just once). However, I'm more of a back of the packer so I'm sure that's why I've experienced this.

Lately, if it's a predicted to be a warm day, I wear one of my light bicycle jerseys that has pockets in the back for all my stuff. It's just much more comfortable for me than a waist pack.

SAHDad, my first marathon - Disney 2010, was very warm. I wish I would have had a 2nd pair of socks with me as mine were soaked by mile 15. A dry pair might have prevented the huge blood blister on the bottom of my foot at mile 20. A backpack of sorts (or my bike jersey) would have been good that day.

Were we at the same marathon? 27 degrees (Fahrenheit) wasn't particularly warm for this little runner girl. I started in 4 layers on top, and 2 layers on the bottom, 2 hats, 2 pairs of gloves.... Most of that ended up on the roadside and eventually to charity.

though, I do know the beauty of dry socks. I usually change socks midway through an Ironman marathon.

 

[John VN]

Were we at the same marathon? 27 degrees (Fahrenheit) wasn't particularly warm for this little runner girl. I started in 4 layers on top, and 2 layers on the bottom, 2 hats, 2 pairs of gloves.... Most of that ended up on the roadside and eventually to charity.

though, I do know the beauty of dry socks. I usually change socks midway through an Ironman marathon.

Yup, 2010 was FREEZING unless one lives in Siberia.

In this year's Mickey I saw a number of people with CamelBak gear. Personally, I can't see the wearing of gear like that or a string bag being very comfortable or efficient and that is why experimenting is a must for longer events.

 

[FFigawi]

In this year's Mickey I saw a number of people with CamelBak gear. Personally, I can't see the wearing of gear like that or a string bag being very comfortable or efficient and that is why experimenting is a must for longer events.

Actually, CamelBaks are quite comfortable to run, walk, or hike in. They're well padded and have plenty of straps to allow you to adjust the fit to your liking. They're not really necessary at Disney though. The fluid support provided on the course is more than good enough to get you through the race.

 

[rubato]

I understand why you want it, but you probably don't need it. I use a fuel/water belt for my training runs and just had to have it during Goofy this year. I never even touched my water. My phone got so sweaty that it didn't even work, so I have no idea why I needed to bring that.
As far as fuel goes, I find out what the race will have (Disney uses Clif products) and I train with those. It helps me feel better about not bringing anything, if I know the race will have what works for me. I didn't do this in my first half and got a little bit ill at mile 10.

 

[stitchfan18]

Definitely nothing wrong with it at most races. I've never run a race in DC, but those races might be some of the few that wouldn't be okay with a back pack during a race. I had to carry hydration during a marathon I ran this summer, so I opted for a CamelBak since I didn't want a hand held or waist pack for 26.2 miles. I thought it was very comfortable, and might carry it in Disney without the water bladder. I like carrying anything I might possibly need during a race.

 

[escape]

Were we at the same marathon? 27 degrees (Fahrenheit) wasn't particularly warm for this little runner girl. I started in 4 layers on top, and 2 layers on the bottom, 2 hats, 2 pairs of gloves.... Most of that ended up on the roadside and eventually to charity.

though, I do know the beauty of dry socks. I usually change socks midway through an Ironman marathon.

Well, maybe if you're a polar bear!

I meant 2008. Yikes! I did the 2010 as well. Yes, it was freezing that year but I'll take it any ol' day before I will the heat again.

 

[cewait]

As answered above.... yes you can bring a small backpack as described. You may be better served looking for a backpack designed for running. Not sure if you are doing the full; if you are, then the remaining 14 miles are more like 30 when i comes to extra weight and stuff.

Nathan by far has the better over the back hydration, backpack out there for runners. Camelback is also good.

Disney offeres a clear 8 quart drawstring bag for checking gear... I have seen a few of those worn as backpacks over the years.

Here's the important consideration. If you like your current bag, train with it. You may develop hot spots where the straps come over the shoulders. Use runner's lube if that happens.

Does anyone think it funny that you have to place checked gear in a clear bag; you have to have bags inspected before entering a gate; but there is no check of fanny packs, back packs, etc for runners?

 

[dragitoff]

As answered above.... yes you can bring a small backpack as described. You may be better served looking for a backpack designed for running. Not sure if you are doing the full; if you are, then the remaining 14 miles are more like 30 when i comes to extra weight and stuff.

Nathan by far has the better over the back hydration, backpack out there for runners. Camelback is also good.

Disney offeres a clear 8 quart drawstring bag for checking gear... I have seen a few of those worn as backpacks over the years.

Here's the important consideration. If you like your current bag, train with it. You may develop hot spots where the straps come over the shoulders. Use runner's lube if that happens.

Does anyone think it funny that you have to place checked gear in a clear bag; you have to have bags inspected before entering a gate; but there is no check of fanny packs, back packs, etc for runners?

My bag isn't clear but it is one of those draw-string bags. It's honestly not any extra weight at all. The bag might weight 3oz. The sports drink isn't noticeable at all to me. That's really the only thing with ANY weight in there other than my iPod.

I'm trying out a few options and possibilities. I'm running my first 1/2 in March. I worked with it last weekend and ran 12 miles with it w/o any issues at all. Other than when I went to get it off my back, I didn't even notice it was there. I did like having my iPod there rather than on my arm. It was less aggravating even though I took the earphones off for a good portion of my run.

I'd rather have something on my back that's lightweight than something around my waist. I was running in a sleevless singlet and didn't have any rubbing issues with that. That's the thinnest and lightest thing I run in so I would think if there would be problems, it would be in that.

I'll keep testing it as I have quite a bit of time before my 1/2 in March. I plan on doing another 9-12 miles tomorrow. I'll most likely use it again unless I figure out a better alternative for my sports drink. The iPod and Cliff Bar is easy to pack away.