February 9th, 2008
If you’re not a regular reader, look two posts down to “I Need A Drink” and you’ll find my histrionics about taking hydration on the run, ultimately bringing me to buy a handheld which I had all intentions of hating…deeply. Well, no one could be more surprised than I am to find that I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new Amphipod Hydraform!
I had planned a 14 mile run today but felt so fabulous thanks to having Gatorade in hand, that I extended it to 16. The best part was looking down at the Garmin around 14.5 miles and finding I was bopping along at an 8:29 pace. For someone who’d been feeling draggy for the last few miles of my 13s, this was a revelation and a huge DUH! moment.
The wild thing is that I expected to be carrying something the whole way which was where my dread stemmed from – the one time I tried to carry gloves in my hand, I got so annoyed after a millisecond that I shoved them into my waistband. But that was carrying, which requires you to clutch something in a firm fist, and that’s not what the Amphipod is about. Instead, it hangs off your palm – your hands and fingers are in a perfectly relaxed position the whole time.
What’s especially weird is that it didn’t affect my armswing in the least. I switched it to the opposite hand every 25 minutes or so, only because I knew I should, not because of any shoulder or arm cramping. Seriously, when I wasn’t marveling over it, the thing was virtually transparent the whole run.
Now when the summer comes, I am thrilled that I won’t need the belt anymore, I’ll just refill the handheld at a water fountain. What could be easier? So, no cussing from me today, just relief that I’ve found a simple hydration solution that I can live with. It’s a miracle! 
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Your making me consider getting one fo them amphipod thingies. I have a belt one to carry a bottle of water but sometimes thats annoying having to adjust it. Has far has 800′s go I have done them but for longer races I think I should be doing “those damn mile intervals”.
Glad you had such a positive experience with the bottle Flo. I may have to try it sometime just to see what I think of it.
Sounds like a great long run too! You make 16 sound so easy!!
Bruce, it’s a great item, and I’m a picky one. Also, for $16 (got mine at runningwarehouse.com…free shipping), it’s surely worth experimenting with. Seriously, I cannot believe I liked it. I actually took some pictures of myself after my run, kissing it, but they looked too sweaty/ugly, so I ditched the idea.
And yes, you’re right, “those damn mile intervals” are perfect for Halfs and Fulls. But 1200s are great for long races, too, without quite so much of the “damn”.
Matt, it’s funny how the 16 was easy, especially after such a string of laggard 12s-13s. I’m sold on the importance of hydration now, even in winter, plus a few electrolytes along the way. The difference was like night and day.
I’m on the floor with laughter thinking of the “sweaty/ugly” make-out photos with your bottle. OMG!!!
Lol, Amy. Yeah, it’s lying in bed smoking a cigarette right now.
Do they come in female versions?? If I knew you could get that friendly with one……………
Silly, it’s Bi.
I bought this last year and the urging of my sister and I Love It!! Glad it’s working for you too.
Flo,
Doesn’t it slosh around when you swing your arms? I have tried small bottles, and can’t stand them, but doing my 14 miles Saturday, I reallly was wishing for a drink!
Tobey, I didn’t notice the sloshing, but then again, I had my mp3 player on. One of the the things Amphipod touts about the design is that it’s shape lends itself to less sloshing.
Jenn, you have a smart sis
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So Flo, (hehe)
You must have gotten the one with the pocket?
Yep, one can never have too many carrying methods
. Gives me a place for tissues, gels or potentially a phone (might bring the phone when I start doing regular 20-milers). I was like a kid on Xmas when I pulled out a dry tissue last Saturday, what a treat! (takes so little to amuse me)
Stopping by for a visit.
Count me in as another Amphipod handheld bottle fan. I bought one during my marathon buildup and I discovered that it’s nowhere near the hindrance that people might think it is at first glance.
Vince!! You’re partially responsible for me getting one, thank you very much! Before buying, I did some mega-searches on the forums for any mention of handheld and Amphipod and your posts were very convincing. I was interested to see you brought it with in Houston – I could totally consider that, especially over “wearing” water during a race.
Thank you for that review! I stumbled across your blog while doing a Google search on Amphipod Hydrafoam reviews – yours has convinced me to buy. Other reviews were just as positive. I too struggled with those stupid hydration belts last summer and I HATED them. Mine was a Fuelbelt, never stayed in place, it was big and bulky and just an all around PITA. Looking forward to trying out my Hydrafoam, hopefully this weekend!
Glad to be of service, Melody!
Hope you love it as much as I do.
[...] some more about what to get, I eventually just ended up choosing my first option (thanks in part to Flo’s glowing review of the Amphipod Handheld, too) =) Review to come after my 11 miler tomorrow… [...]