Simple Hydration Bottle Review

I saw the Simple Hydration bottle online several months ago, but it was winter and I do not run with liquids under 6 miles so I was not in a hurry to order.  However since Michigan has finally warmed up to 80+ degrees and nasty humidity I figured now was a good time to get one.  It shipped quickly and I received it only a few days after ordering.

Run #1: I barely made it 100 ft with the Simple Hydration Bottle tucked into my waistband.  It bounced and it felt like my pants were falling down.  I pulled it out of the waistband and hand carried it for 3 miles till I looped back to my car.  Now I normally hate carrying anything but this bottle was pretty comfy.  Now a hand carry is still not my 1st choice of hydration systems but this bottle would work in a pinch. 

(See perfect thumb spot and "molded" for a hand)

Why did it bounce? My first thought was my outfit choice, my Brooks PR Mesh Skorts do not have a drawstring waistband, and on a normal run when they aren't holding up 13 oz of water the waist band always feels "loose".  I did ask Simple Hydration on Twitter why it bounced and they responded quickly and just like I thought that they key was a drawstring.

Run #2: New outfit which included a pair of Oiselle Roga Shorts with a drawstring and I had an almost bounce free run. I say almost because the first mile there was a slight bounce when the bottle was heavy from ice and the full 13 oz of water it holds, but it wasn't enough to make me think the bottle would bounce out or my pants would fall down like Run #1.

(Awesome hydration system if your wardrobe has drawstrings)

Overall I would recommend the bottle if you are looking for a "Simple Hydration" option that does not need belts or packs.  I plan on using mine now on my shorter runs when I wear my shorts and do not carry much anyways.  I would probably even consider using it on longer runs if Brooks decides to perfect their PR Mesh Skort and add a drawstring.  I will be ordering another one soon for my husband who has started running and I know all of his shorts have drawstrings! Oh and if you like Simple Hydration on Facebook or follow them on Twitter keep your eyes pealed for awesome deals!! 

**Please note I purchased the Simple Hydration bottle with my own money and a coupon code.  The review and opinions are my own and I was no way influenced by the nice folks over at Simple Hydration

#recoverymiles #sunshine #runhappy #procompression #brooksrunning #marathonstick

Who can resist getting in a few easy recovery miles when the sun is shining?  I know I couldn't so I got in 2 miles around my neighborhood before I worked on my sore muscles with the Marathon Stick.  I was a bit sore from the tough long run the day before.  It was a beautiful day and helped to remind me that there is still so much good in the world and so much good in life, even though my heart still aches for those effected by the Boston Marathon tragedy.

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/YYoKBCRf4W/

Shoe Saga

To call my shoe troubles a saga is a bit dramatic which I tend to be according to my husband.  After Theodore was born and I started running again I began wearing the minimalist Saucony Kinvara 2 shoe.  I really loved the feel on my foot and felt that the shoe and the Good Form Running seminar at my local New Balance Store helped me modify my stride and decreased my injuries.  In previous years I had been prone to knee pain and plantar fasciitis.  There were times it was painful enough I didn't ever want to run again, especially the plantar fasciitis early in the morning. OUCH!  The new to me mid foot strike seemed to eliminate the problems and I ran pain free/injury free from November 2011 - August 2012.   That is when everything seemed to go down hill and I am not sure if it was the new shoes (Saucony Kinvara 3 which was significantly different in my opinion then the 2's) or the Funniest Home Video worthy spill I took on one of my first runs in the new shoes that resulted in scrapes, sprained ankle and a bruised ego.  The weeks that followed that spill were filled with excruciating hip pain.  Eventually I figured out that certain stretches and yoga poses helped decrease the hip pain but that did not solve the problem.  It was not until I was cleaning off the bottom of my running shoes recently I noticed a significantly different wear pattern on the bottom of my shoes.  It was my left hip giving me the trouble and by looking at the left and right shoe side by side I notice a difference.  Up until this time my previous shoes had always worn pretty similar.

Saucony Kinvara 3 - Approx. milage: 230

Off to Hanson's Running Shop I went and just started trying on shoes until I found ones that fit the most like the Kinvara 2's.  I preferred the extra cushion and the snug feel of that shoe.  I also knew I wanted a 3-4mm heel-toe drop because that was now what I was used to.  I have never worn Brooks shoes before but was pleasantly surprised with the fit and comfort of their new Pure Project PureFlow shoes.  After taking them for a spin on the treadmill in the store I decided to take them home with me.
So far it has only been 18 miles so to soon to tell if new shoes will help but I am sure hoping!

"New" Brooks PureFlow (18 miles so far)

Runners do you always by the same make/model of a shoe? Are you brand loyal or willing to try others to get the perfect fit? 

Ready for a 5:15 am run! Coffee, breakfast (Honey Stingers waffle), gear all laid out #running, #keurig, #brooks, #garmin, #brightandearly, #smallstepsseriouschaffing

via Instagram http://instagr.am/p/SO5FdDxf5c/

Latest attempt at finding the perfect running shoe for me... #smallstepsseriouschaffing, #brooks, #running, #pureproject

via Instagram http://instagr.am/p/SLWr49xf58/