But first, a quick description...
Helium is the most widely used hydration belt in the world. Helium is lightweight, comfortable and is standard equipment for runners of all abilities. We've put this belt through some of the toughest events in the world and it continues to outperform and deliver. When it comes to style and personalizing our Helium belts, athletes mix and match their belts with various bottle colors to create their own customized look and feel. Helium belts are available in a broad collection of Kona-inspired colorways.
Helium 4-Bottle Belt
Total Volume: 28oz
Colors: Surf Blue, Hibiscus Pink, Yellow/Black, Royal Blue, Black and Classic Red.
Sizes: S (27"-29"), M (30"-32"), L (33"-35"), XL (36"-38")
My Review
To be completely honest with you, I have been using another brand for more than a year now. It's a 2 bottle hydration belt. With my very first marathon last year, I really needed something that could hold more water while training for (and during) my marathon. Hence, the 4 bottle belt. Why switch brands, you may ask? I just noticed how more runners and triathletes (after watching Ironman Kona) used this brand and it got me curious.
They also have more color options. For the Helium 4 Bottle Belt alone, they have 7 cool colors to choose from! Clearly, they had me at PINK and black. You know how I love my pink, right?
I don't pin my race number so I'm happy they had a race number attachment that you could just insert easily. However, like I mentioned at the beginning, I somehow had a minor issue with this...
I have the smallest size for this belt type and I my high waist measures 26 inches. So when I would attach the race number, it won't stay flat on my waist and it would fold. Check out the photo below to see what I mean...
Top shot
Ok, I know it's just that but I'm pretty obsessive compulsive about these things. I like my number neatly placed flat on my waist. This is just something I'm used to. I was able to run my first marathon with my race number looking that way but it left my race bib all crumpled under the three layers I was wearing. Another OC issue of mine, haha!
So, during my 2nd marathon last Sunday, being the McGyver that I am sometimes, I came up with a solution. Instead of using the punched holes on the side of the number (which were far apart) where you insert the elastic chords... I used 2 safety pins and pinned them closer together on the race bib, then attached the race number attachments to pins. Here's what I mean...
And now it's perfect! Would be nice if FuelBelt could use clips on their race number attachments instead of the elastic chords with lace locks. It's more versatile that way. Especially for us petite women. Just a suggestion. =) But... I must say that I loved the reflectorized strips on the race numbers attachments. Something my other belt doesn't have. *wink*
Now that I solved that problem, on to other features I love about this belt...
I loved that the pouch (Ripstop Pocket) is placed on the side of the belt. Easier for me to reach for my gels that way, since I could actually see it! The pouch on my other hydration belt was at the back. The helium 4 - bottle belt comes with one ripstop pocket which can hold up to 3 gels. So if you carry more than 3 gels or want room for more stuff (keys, phone, etc.), you can order another one which you can attach on the other side of the belt.
In fact, they have a lot of other accessories to add on or interchange - colored bottles, gel flasks, extra caps, etc. They also have different water bottles. Just check out their site to see what I mean.
So to wrap it all up, I just want o say that I'm the type of person who is afraid to go thirsty. Even when I was a dancer, I was known to bring a big water jug to every dance class and rehearsal (which everyone drank from, by the way). I cannot possibly bring that same jug with me while running (ha!)...and that's why I love my FuelBelt. For sure I will be wearing this during all my long runs and marathons.
Giveaway
Thanks to Colleen R. of FuelBelt, one lucky reader will win a FuelBelt of his/her choice!
Please note that this is open to U.S. residents only. BUT, If you live abroad and want to have this shipped to a U.S. address of a relative or friend, then you are welcome to participate.
I will announce the winner this coming Sunday, Feb. 13.
Please remember to leave a SEPARATE comment for EACH of the things below. 1 comment = 1 entry. I suggest you do everything specified below to increase your chances of winning. If you do all 11, that's 11 entries!
Mandatory:
1. Must be a FOLLOWER of my blog. I'm doing this because it's my way of thanking you for being one! =) Click the Follow button located at my right sidebar. And let me know that you are following already by posting a comment here like, "I am a follower" . I am always happy to see new people following. = 1 entry
2. Visit the FuelBelt Website. Let me know which of their products you like most. Post it on my comments again. = 1 entry
2. Visit the FuelBelt Website. Let me know which of their products you like most. Post it on my comments again. = 1 entry
Extra Credit
3. Follow me on Twitter (@HotlegsRunner) and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
4. Follow FuelBelt on Twitter (@FuelBelt) and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
5. Like the Hotlegs Runner on FACEBOOK and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
6. Like FuelBelt on FACEBOOK and leave a comment that lets me know you already do. = 1 entry
7. Post this giveaway on your blog, Twitter and/or Facebook linking back to here. Let me know when you've spread the word. Leave a comment for EACH. = 3 entries
8. Add me to your blog roll. = 1 entry
3. Follow me on Twitter (@HotlegsRunner) and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
4. Follow FuelBelt on Twitter (@FuelBelt) and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
5. Like the Hotlegs Runner on FACEBOOK and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
6. Like FuelBelt on FACEBOOK and leave a comment that lets me know you already do. = 1 entry
7. Post this giveaway on your blog, Twitter and/or Facebook linking back to here. Let me know when you've spread the word. Leave a comment for EACH. = 3 entries
8. Add me to your blog roll. = 1 entry
9. Answer this: My favorite hydration liquid is just plain old water. What's yours?
Disclaimer: I did not pay for this FuleBelt They were sent to me and in exchange, I post an honest review of it. I was not compensated nor was I encouraged by the manufacturer to post a positive review. This review is based solely on my experience with this product.
I am already a follower!
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm now a follower...
ReplyDeleteI liked some of the new belts it seems like you can add more accessories, I have the classic. I like the H20 series..
ReplyDeleteThat belt is so cute! I want it! **salivates** If I didn't just buy one(from Nathan) I would get one to today.
ReplyDeleteI really love the color choices. Maybe I'll get this "SPRINT 10 OZ. PALM HOLDER" instead... in PINK!
Thank you for hosting!
I follow you!
ReplyDeleteI like the exact same fuel belt that you have...pink!
ReplyDeleteI like you on FB.
ReplyDeleteYou're on my blog roll.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the shoe laces! The last thing you need is to deal with shoes coming untied!
ReplyDeleteof course i follow your blog
ReplyDeleteI like you on facebook too!
ReplyDeleteI "liked" FuelBelt on facebook too!
ReplyDeleteI like the same fuel belt that you have...blue!
ReplyDeleteHydration...I've got to stick with water too!
ReplyDeleteI follow fuelbelt on twitter
ReplyDeleteI love the h20 collection in kiwi green. Sure, it's only two bottles of water, but GREEEEEN
ReplyDeleteYou're totally on my blogroll!
ReplyDeleteI like fuel belt on Facebook
ReplyDeleteMy favorite way to hydrate is also water. Mostly because I spill everywhere, but also because my body gets weird about weird tastes when I'm running long distances. And I hate cytomax. yuck.
ReplyDeleteI posted a link to this in my giveaway side bar.
ReplyDeleteI added you to my newly added BlogRoll list! :)
ReplyDeleteyou are on my blog roll
ReplyDeleteI posted this to my facebook page
ReplyDeletefuel: only water for me
ReplyDeleteI am a follower of your blog
ReplyDeleteI follow you on facebook.
ReplyDeleteI follow you on twitter.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have that exact Helium model! I'm still wearing an ugly black, salt encrusted Fuel belt from the paloelithic era. I've replaced the bottles a billion times.
ReplyDeleteI just tweeted the giveaway link.
ReplyDeleteI like FB on FB!
ReplyDeleteI like water best too!
ReplyDeleteI linked you on my blog
ReplyDeleteposted the giveaway on my blog today
ReplyDeleteI follow
ReplyDeleteI like the H20 belt because it has an adjustable strap.
ReplyDeleteI follow you on twitter
ReplyDeleteI definitely prefer water! If I need some electrolytes I'll take some strawberry powerade zero.
ReplyDeleteI follow fuelbelt on twitter.
ReplyDeleteTweeted the giveaway
ReplyDelete(trying for the third time - sorry if duplicate)
ReplyDeleteFollower!
I would LOVE a helium 4 bottle belt - I only have a handheld now...
ReplyDeleteI like HLR on fb...
ReplyDeleteI like fuelbelt on fb...
ReplyDeleteyou are on my blogroll...
ReplyDeleteI am a gatorade girl, but I usually cut it with water...
ReplyDeleteI am a follower and would love to have this to run with on my long runs!!!
ReplyDeleteI like you on facebook!
ReplyDeleteI am a followr of your blog.
ReplyDeleteI like th Helium 2 bottle belt in Hibiscus Pink. I love my pink too.
ReplyDeleteI follow HOTLEGS on fb
ReplyDeleteI like FUEL BELT ON FB
ReplyDeletePosted giveaway on my blog roll
ReplyDeleteI am a follower :)
ReplyDeleteI want the Helium 4 bottle belt in PINK
ReplyDeleteI follow you on FB!!
ReplyDeleteI like FuelBelt on FB
ReplyDeleteI'm linking this on my sidebar on my blog!!
ReplyDeleteYou are on my blogroll!!
ReplyDeleteMy fav hydration liquid is water but I am going to try out the nuun tablets and see how i like those!
ReplyDeleteI follow, I know you're shocked!
ReplyDeleteI want the 4-bottle pink... pink power RULES!!! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI like ya on facebook!
ReplyDeleteI already like fuelbelt on facebook.
ReplyDeleteYou're already on my blogroll
ReplyDeleteI linking this on my sidebar on my blog
ReplyDeleteI hydrate with water and a NUUN tablet. Love Tri-Berry.
ReplyDeleteIm a follower
ReplyDeleteI already follow fuelbelt on twitter
ReplyDeleteI already like you on facebook
ReplyDeleteI already like FuelBelt on facebook :)
ReplyDeleteI am a follower!
ReplyDeleteI like the Helium 4 Bottle Belt best...in pink, of course!!!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Twitter
ReplyDeleteI follow Hotlegs on FB
ReplyDeleteI follow you!
ReplyDeleteI like Fuel Belt on FB
ReplyDeleteI like you on FB
ReplyDeleteI like the exact one you used, but in the blue!!
ReplyDeleteI posted this on my twitter page :)
ReplyDeletei'm a follower on tiwtter
ReplyDeleteof course i like you on FB ;)
ReplyDeleteyou're in my blogroll :)
ReplyDeletemy favorite hydration liquid is powerade and plain water :)
ReplyDeleteI am a follower!
ReplyDeletei follow you on twitter!
ReplyDeleteI like you on FB
ReplyDeleteI think I'd go for the pink too!!
ReplyDeleteWater is my favorite hydration too. When I'm doing a race, I'll grab some Gatorade from an Aid station and drink a few sips towards the end of the race, but I've never carried anything but water on me.
ReplyDeleteI am already a follower, Hotlegs!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the market for a new belt, too. I have a 2-bottle belt but need more fluids so I've been debating between a 4-bottle belt and a belt w/ 1 big bottle in the middle of the back. I'd be interested in either the Helium 4-bottle belt or the Crush waist pack.
ReplyDeleteYou are already on my blogroll.
ReplyDeleteI "like" you on FB.
ReplyDeleteI like Fuel Belt on FB.
ReplyDeleteI posted your giveaway on my blog.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite beverage for my water belt is HEED (Hammer Nutrition). It's the best (besides plain water)!!
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog.
ReplyDeleteI love the colour options that are available, can't decide between the pink or blue
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI like the revenge series; one handed entry/exit would make hurrahing a lot easier
ReplyDeleteI follow you on twitter
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog
ReplyDeleteI follow fuelbelt on twitter
ReplyDeleteMy favorite hydration is First Endurance EFS drink
ReplyDeleteI follow!
ReplyDeleteI am following FB on facebook.
ReplyDeleteI like the pink but would probably go with lava black.
ReplyDeleteI shared your blog post on my fb page!
ReplyDeleteI liked fuelbelt on facebook!
ReplyDeleteIm a follower
ReplyDeletei like the 4 bottle pink with race bib attachment
ReplyDeleteI like water or gatorade in my fuelbelt
ReplyDeleteyou are on my blogroll
ReplyDeleteposting to facebook
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower!
ReplyDeleteI like the Helium 4 Bottle belt in Pink.
ReplyDeleteI follow Hotlegs Runner on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteI follow Fuelbelt on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteI like Hotlegs Runner on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI posted this to my blog (linked on sidebar to post)
ReplyDeleteI fuel with NUUN
ReplyDeleteI'd go for the 10K 2 belt
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower and love your blog. I am training for my second half marathon and looking for my first marathon in the fall. I am realizing the importance of appropriate fuel during these longer runs and love your input on this fuel belt. Really want to give it a try! Thanks, Kathy
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower! :)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try the Helium. I have the sprint handheld and really like it, but it's just not enough for the long runs!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on twitter!
ReplyDeleteI just followed your blog...this would be awesome for my first half marathon im training for !!!
ReplyDeleteI just followed Hotlegs Runner on FB :)
ReplyDeleteI just followed you on twitter as @offthedlistm
ReplyDeleteI just liked fuel belt on FB
ReplyDeleteI love that you can add all kinds of bottles and pockets to this belt and the gel tubes are cool so you arent stuck with trash you have to figure out what to do with...As a type 1 diabetic I feel like i have to carry around everything but the kitchen sink when I run and this sure would come in handy when I do my first half marathon June 4th!
ReplyDeleteJust retweeted your giveaway!
ReplyDelete