Camel Back While Running/Racing

[Renner]

Hi there! I think I read in one of your posts that you use a camel back while racing. I noticed that my best runs happen when I drink about 22 ounces per :30, especially if it's humid-yes, I have a very high sweat rate. What has been your experience racing with one? Which one do you use? Does it bounce around on your back at all? Thanks so much!

[Jocelyn Wong - "Wongstar"]

Hi Renner!

I started racing with the Camelbak this year after experimenting with it a lot during training.  Did all my long runs with it and find it hydrates me a lot better than stopping at aid stations, trying shove half a small cup of Gatorade down my throat without choking while breathing hard and getting the other half up my nose and all over my face.

This is the one I use, the Hydrobak:
http://www.camelbak.com/sports-recreation/hydration-packs/hydrobak.aspx

I also have the women's version, the Charm, which I'm not sure is really any different!  it's supposed to be a women's specific fit:
http://www.camelbak.com/sports-recreation/hydration-packs/charm.aspx

Both hold 50oz (1.5 liters) and I find that I go through one in about a half marathon, 90mins to 2hrs depending on how hot it is.

In the past I've also tried the Fuelbelt but fumbled a bit with the bottles or got tired of taking the bottles out and didn't drink from them at all.  then there was that race where I fumbled with the bottles, tripped over a root and ate the dirt.   

I did make a slight modification with my strap system though--the 1.5-liter Camelbaks are probably the smallest ones the company makes and don't come with a strap across the chest.  So I added a buckle to the end of the two shoulder straps and snap it across my chest (you can see it in any of my race photos on my blog).  Once I did this "Wongstar Modification" I find that the Camelbak hardly bounces at all and I really don't notice having it on my back after running 5k or so.

Everyone always asks "well doesn't it get hot?"  I don't really notice--I think you would feel hotter if you were dehydrated.

I also tried the Camelbak that goes around your waist but found that actually bounced more.

If you can get over feeling a little dorky wearing one, I think it's very smart to have one.  Everyone always complains about how far away the aid stations are from each other, so it's just like having a mobile aid station on your back!  I used to feel a bit dorky racing with it, and then I started outrunning people in the hot races...and winning money... now I don't think it's dorky at all 

Hope that helps, and no, they don't sponsor me, but they should!   

[DamienC]

I've got one I train with, it's a beauty, holds 2litres, and is as solid as a rock on my back.  The biggest hassle is getting used to the noise; the water sloshes around quite a bit, so it can make you feel a bit nauseaus.  However, I've found that using an iPod has significantly lessened that problem... 

Two big hassles I've found with some of the cheaper ones has to do with the pipe that extends into the "bag".  1) It is detachable and sometimes comes loose, leaving you having to stop and put it back together again, and 2) it is short and doesn't extend all the way to the bottom, leaving you short of 100-200ml.

As for getting hot when wearing it, yes your back does sweat a bit, but as it has quite a narrow profile, and the back has vent channels, it isn't nearly as bad as you'd think it would be.  The heat is nicely offset by having a cold drink at hand, unlike on a fuel belt where they do get warm after a couple of hours.

[Jocelyn Wong - "Wongstar"]

actually Damien I find that if I make sure to get all the air out of the bladder after filling it up, it decreases the sloshing substantially...

also I've cut the straw on both of my Camelbaks because they used to be superlong and make a big loop over my shoulder.  unnecessary! 

and yeah...I forgot to mention that it does actually insulate your drink!  very nice!

[Renner]

Thanks so much for the response. I agree, the dork factor goes out the window if it gets a win  Shut out the noise and do what YOU have to do to get to the line first.

[Wyoming]

OK, I gotta ask...

In your blog you've mentioned Starbucks coffee-based confections (spellcheck doesn't like frappuccino, believe it or not) as your nutritional "magic bullet." At Starbucks, they make my grande java chip frapp with some kind of cream, so I was curious how on earth you process the dairy in there during a race (because who couldn't use 3,000 calories of caffeinated bliss during an Ironman marathon?). And how effing hard is it to clean that CamelBak (especially the straw) of the inevitable residue from anything other than water?

[DamienC]

Ok, not so sure if I'd go so far as to fill mine with that much caffeine, I prefer someting a little more "normal" , but cleaning it out is quite easy.  Get a set of cleaning brushes at your local baby supplies shop, esp the long flexible small brushed one.  Attach a string or thin wire to the loop on the end, and pull it through a few times.

And to keep everything squeeky clean, wash it out with vinegar and then leave to soak overnight in baby bottle sterilising solution.  Once a week is sufficient.

And Wongstar, I do squeeze the air out, but you still get some slosh.  And now my Shuffle is broken... but I'm waiting for my new bluetooth headset and then I can use my phone!  Cordless, still the best way to go! 

Does anyone remember what preceded the current style for hydration packs?  Anyone besides Doc, that is?

[Jocelyn Wong - "Wongstar"]

I think I must have an iron stomach, good for ironman racing    I don't actually eat/drink very much dairy in my normal diet and now that I'm out of school I very rarely drink coffee.  So when I get to race day you can imagine how effective the caffeine rocket fuel is for me.

I was a little concerned that the milk in the coffee would give me stomach issues, but nope...tasted good so my stomach just thought "yum!"  I haven't ever had nutritional problems in an ironman though, knock on wood.

as for cleaning the Camelbak, I actually have the cleaning kit which includes the little brush on the end of a bendy wire that goes through the straw...if I am diligent about washing out the bladder system after every use there's usually no issue.  I just use soap and water.

[Caroline Koll - "Bean"]

Think I am going to find mine from the back of the closet and give it a try Wongstar... So dry here at the moment and all I fantasize about on the long runs are the red ambulance!!! Will report on my experience.

[Jocelyn Wong - "Wongstar"]

the Camelbak wins again!  had my 2nd one filled with iced coffee yesterday and ran my way to a new marathon PR...on the track... 3:26:04 

it's magic!

I think I'll write a blog about it...

while taking a break from cleaning out the apartment all the roommates left for me 

[Wyoming]

Well, that settles it: Iced coffee (no cream, I gotta try it straight up) on my next long run! Way to go, Jocelyn!

[Jocelyn Wong - "Wongstar"]

no cream!  agreed!!

[teamTBBmgr]

Awesome blog and effort on your track marathon session yesterday Wongstar.

Your blog form a wonderful story and inspiration for any age grouper out there that wants to improve.

Other than that it is building up into a great story board of self belief and being yourself by making your own life story.

Keep it going Wong STAR, that 3:20 seems like is going to get killed sooner or later 

[Alfalfa]

Re: Aug 31 2009 Blog entry

FANTASTIC READ! Thanks for writing it!

Most of the TBB blog entries are good reads, and I don't normally comment anymore, but this latest one (3:26 track marathon) was more inspirational than the others (which are also inspirational -- this one just kinda hit the spot for me).

Cheers!

[Jocelyn Wong - "Wongstar"]

thanks for reading guys 

3:20 is getting tracked and killed...soon enough...!  of course Doc reminds me it is still the swim and bike that comes before I put on my running shoes, if I want to be in contention for a good result, 3:20 marathon or not.  so more pain in the pool and more pain on the bike!  progress will be mine....