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Original poster

Running best recommendations

11 replies

Pickingmyselfup · 14/02/2024 16:26

I've been looking at running vests to keep everything organised on my longer runs but I don't know if it's necessary.

At the moment I haven't made it past 10K, for my personal runs I either have pockets for my phone or a pouch, I don't take a drink. When I did a race I used the pouch for my phone and had a drink at the water station as I ran past but it was awkward carrying the bottle around with me until I ran past a bin.

I have a half marathon coming up so I think I'll probably want a drink during. I've seen vests that come with a water bladder and without. The bladders hold more than I will need but are they more convenient than getting a bottle out, drinking from it and putting it back in again?

I'm not sure if I'll make it further than a half, I planned to do a full in a couple of years but it feels a bit daunting so will see how the half goes first. Good to have a vest suitable for that as well though incase I do go ahead and do one.

Don't want to spend a fortune, £40 tops really, the couple I've seen on Amazon are around the £30 mark.

Thanks.

OP posts:
BogRollBOGOF · 14/02/2024 17:53

I use a vest on particularly long runs or in the summer when you want more water.

I like being able to sip round a race route as I need it rather than catching up at a water station.

I've got one from Decathlon.

Cotswoldmama · 14/02/2024 18:24

I rarely drink in my runs I have a bumbag thing which has holders for small bottles. I used that when I did a half marathon but tbh I had a few sips but easily could have gone without and there was a drink table half way around. I think a vest would make me too hot. If you get one a while before your half marathon I guess you would get used to it. I would try different things and go with what's most comfortable but if you don't usually drink on your runs your not likely to need to fit a half marathon.

Original poster
Pickingmyselfup · 14/02/2024 21:24

I can manage a 10K without a drink but I don't know about the half. I estimate I'll be running for about 2 and a half hours, I won't need loads and a water station will work fine but it's being hands free that is drawing me in...

I hadn't considered the heat of the vest, at the minute I start off in leggings and a long sleeved top but it isn't long before I'm stripping to just my bra! Madness when it's winter and I'm not even halfway through a 5K...I'm OK in a t shirt though. For a race I was thinking ill need a longer top unless I can pin my number to my bottoms (in October it will be shorts, I was comfortable in shorts and a cropped vest last October, it was the end of the month and started at 9am)

OP posts:
Runninghappy · 14/02/2024 21:35

I ran the London marathon last year and wore a vest and I loved it. Mine is an innov8 one and it was so comfortable. I put jelly babies, flap jack, rain jacket and water in it and on my runs had things like a phone charger. I never really used any of it but I felt better knowing I had it and I didn’t know I was wearing it. I didn’t find them hot (the marathon was wet) but I used it throughout the summer and its breathable and was fine.

LaPalmaLlama · 14/02/2024 21:43

Just as an alternative view I never use a vest on well supported road races and just use a belt like a Naked belt for a couple of gels and phone, and drink water at the checkpoints and then chuck the cup or bottle straight away ( big city marathons it’s basically fine to throw them to the side but obviously only do this if everyone is). My view is why carry more weight? It’s only going to slow you down. Trail races are different as tend to be fewer CP and more mandatory kit and often need to bring your own drinks flask etc.

Original poster
Pickingmyselfup · 14/02/2024 21:47

LaPalmaLlama · 14/02/2024 21:43

Just as an alternative view I never use a vest on well supported road races and just use a belt like a Naked belt for a couple of gels and phone, and drink water at the checkpoints and then chuck the cup or bottle straight away ( big city marathons it’s basically fine to throw them to the side but obviously only do this if everyone is). My view is why carry more weight? It’s only going to slow you down. Trail races are different as tend to be fewer CP and more mandatory kit and often need to bring your own drinks flask etc.

That is a good point, my half is a trail marathon with other people to consider so no chucking of rubbish allowed.

I think I'm leaning towards a vest, that in itself isn't heavy, I won't need that much water and I'll be carrying my phone and keys regardless. If I need to stash any eatables it will probably be gels if I can get over the texture.

OP posts:
LaPalmaLlama · 14/02/2024 22:36

If it’s trail then bars might be better ( I find the slightly slower pace on trail enables proper food whereas road running I can only deal with liquify stuff). Decathlon do quite nice fruit pouches otherwise.

yeah, for trail you probably need a vest as they may also demand you have stuff like a waterproof jkt or space blanket or bandage.

Chocolateteabag · 16/02/2024 00:09

I like the decathlon vests - you can get different sizes and they are good for the price

I started with a 5L then got a larger one i can use a bladder with for longer trail races/ultras

Original poster
Pickingmyselfup · 16/02/2024 08:24

I took the plunge and ordered one from Amazon so I can try it out on Sunday. It comes with 2 small water bottles which is perfect for what I want right now.

OP posts:
Sammysquiz · 16/02/2024 08:42

I find the bladders you wear in a little rucksack thing always chafe against my neck.

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