I had been on the hunt for a new hydration pack for a while. I got my first one while training for my first half marathon, Kona, Hawaii with Train to End Stroke in 2008!
It definitely served it's purpose, and I've used it on countless runs and races since then. One of my major concerns when I was running was my low back. I have a history of back problems, throwing it out randomly, and extreme tightness despite a ton of stretching. The left side of my low back was always bothering me, especially when I run. Especially with my northface single bottle hydration pack.
I came up with a theory. Having the single bottle, weighing me down at one spot, in a tilted angle, might be contributing to my back pain since I was unable to evenly distribute the water around my waist. I started searching out hydration packs that held 2 or more 'flasks' and were more ergonomic looking.
I found Nathan's website through another blogger, and loved the look and specs on their hydration packs. I got in touch with the amazing folks over at Nathan who offered to send me a pack to try out! The thing that sets Nathan apart, is that they are marathoners, hikers, cyclists & triathletes. They develop their ideas while training and racing, when they are faced with new challenged to overcome. They test all their products in extreme conditions, so you know its good quality before it even reaches you.
I decided to go with the Speed 4. I like to drink. I never go out for a run without water. On my long runs, I always run out of water & am forced to stop at gas stations or starbucks for a refill. I wanted to get a belt that could really keep me loaded for a race. If I'm so thirsty during a half marathon, what will happen when I plan out a full?!
What did I love?
It definitely served it's purpose, and I've used it on countless runs and races since then. One of my major concerns when I was running was my low back. I have a history of back problems, throwing it out randomly, and extreme tightness despite a ton of stretching. The left side of my low back was always bothering me, especially when I run. Especially with my northface single bottle hydration pack.
I came up with a theory. Having the single bottle, weighing me down at one spot, in a tilted angle, might be contributing to my back pain since I was unable to evenly distribute the water around my waist. I started searching out hydration packs that held 2 or more 'flasks' and were more ergonomic looking.
I found Nathan's website through another blogger, and loved the look and specs on their hydration packs. I got in touch with the amazing folks over at Nathan who offered to send me a pack to try out! The thing that sets Nathan apart, is that they are marathoners, hikers, cyclists & triathletes. They develop their ideas while training and racing, when they are faced with new challenged to overcome. They test all their products in extreme conditions, so you know its good quality before it even reaches you.
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LOVE this baby! |
What did I love?
Besides the amount of liquid, I loved that the 4, 10oz. bottles were evenly distributed. My back pain has practically disappeared on my long runs!
It has one awesome big pocket, and another small one which is plenty to fit my chapstick, cell phone, sport beans, and extra tissues!
It never rides up, slips off, chafes, or causes any discomfort! I was in between sizes and went with the smaller size, which was perfect. Its snug, just like I like it, and the velcro closure is perfect for easy on/off.
The bottles are in convenient holders that keep the flasks in firmly, but are simple and easy to get the water out. It took me a run or two to figure out that I needed to bite the tip of the bottle a little to get the water out faster, but now its perfect.
In fact, I loved it so much, my running partner headed over to Amazon to buy a Nathan Speed 4 Waist Pack of her own & she loves it too!
Want one of your own?
Nathan has generously offered a Speed 4 hydration pack in size medium to one lucky reader!
If you can't wait, head over to amazon and buy one here: Nathan Speed 4 Waist Pack
.
How to Win
please leave a separate comment for each entry
1. Be or become a follower of this blog
2. Head over to Nathan's website HERE and tell me what you love or what you learned!
3. Like Running to Health on facebook HERE
4. Like Nathan Performance Gear on facebook HERE & let them know I sent you!
5. Post this to your blog, facebook or twitter (1 for each)
You have until 2/3 to enter, good luck!
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