I was running with a friend on Sunday and I said, "I feel like Han Solo right now." He replied, "Could you elaborate please?". To answer his question I pulled out one of my water bottles from my hydration belt as if wielding a lightsaber (yes, sound effects and all).

As I'm increasing mileage I realized I have to pack water/Gatorade. So my question to my Heart of the Valley Running Club buddies, "Do you prefer hand held water bottles or hydration belts?" The answer - it is personal.  Everyone has thier own preference. Very helpful.

So I did some experimenting, and I must admit that I prefer the hydration belt. For anything over 12 miles I just can't stand carrying a bottle in my hand. So even though I look like I'm prepared to fight intergalactic war with a lightsaber, I prefer the belt. I don't look cool, but I'm practical.

Check out this great video from Girl-in-Motion for a demonstration on different hydration techniques (hand held vs. belt).

Which do you prefer?

*Disclaimer:  I'm a dork.  As a I searched for a picture of Han Solo I realized that he doesn't even fight with a lightsaber. Oops. And here I thought I was being so clever. Sorry Star Wars fans.