Btw, I think it’s a credit to the shape of the handhelds I’m using (Amphipod) that it’s a comfortable fit for my little hands. I look at those round bottle handhelds and am doubtful it’d work out as well.

The night before I actually practiced how I’d take one off when I needed (crook of arm or hold two together? gel bottle in left or right hand? decisions, decisions). But once I was out, I was able to do everything I needed on the run without thinking. I might have taken one off to open the other bottle’s zipper for an S! Cap (I can’t remember, though I know I didn’t stop), but I was able to change screens on the Garmin and change songs and volume level on my mp3 player without any shifting.

I did make one concession: the hanky I carry in the back of my shorts was impossible to deal with there, so I stopped and tied it around my non-Garmin wielding wrist. Turned out to be a very convenient sweat rag.

Funny you mention the weight in my arms. There was a guy out the same day running with 5-8lbs dumbbells! Now that’s crazy! But don’t you worry, I’m not taking them every run, just the longer ones that take me into a route without water stops.

And you bet! The standing up deal will be great for races, just gotta perfect my technique in the coming months.

Guess I wrote you a book, lol.

I have not tried handhelds, but use a belt bottle-holster thing that’s a little annoying, but much better than not having water. So how do you operate the garmin or reach into a pocket when you have two handhelds? Can you fit them both onto one hand temporarily? Now that I think about it, the only people I know that carry handhelds are all women, so perhaps the belts are less uncomfortable on male waists, or something.

My other thought is a specificity-of-training thing. Will your running style become optimized for having weights in your hands? Perhaps I’m just a worrywart…

That standup technique could come in useful in an actual race!

Jim E.

Bruce, I know, lol…everything but the kitchen sink. As for the pee thing, not to worry, you will always have the advantage when it comes to ease and targeting.

And all this time I thought using any tree to pee was an advantage of being a guy only.