Gear Report: Nathan Fuel Belt, Kayano 19, and Blog Recommendations

Before I even begin today's post, I need to thank you guys for keeping me accountable. Because I was so excited to use my new fuel belt and share a brief review, I had to get out of bed today to use it!

I'm glad I did, because I also caught glimpses of three shooting stars leftover from the Perseid meteor shower that was super bright Sunday and Monday.

I know it seems like I post photos of new shoes at least once a week, but I really mean it this time.

I can already feel the neon making me faster!

I went back to Fit2Run with my Adrenalines in hand. After giving them a shot since July, I just knew they weren't right for me. The employee who took my return was surprised I hadn't been fitted for the Trance, as they're really the equivelant of the Asics Kayano. Still, I told him at this point I just wanted what I knew worked for me.

The 19s are slightly more narrow in the toe, so I sized up to 8.5 rather than an 8.

I walked out fifteen minutes later (after an extremely awkward fitting during which I had to apologize for my I've-been-wearing-work-shoes-without-socks-all-day-smelly-feet) with a gorgeous pair of Kayano 19s. I am thrilled!

So preeeettyyyy.

This is it, guys. I know these are meant for me!

Anyway, this morning I woke up at 4:25, ate a few SportsBeans, and read some blogs until I was awake enough to get moving.
I ran with my new Nathan Speed 4R fuel belt. I only put in two bottles because my run was only going to be three miles. I definitely noticed a little sloshing, and I think one of the bottles was leaking a little because I didn't close the cap all the way.

I went for basic black, but there are pink and blue options, too.

I like that there's no closure on the nipple of the bottle; it has a one-way system built in and all you have to do is squeeze the bottle to get a perfect jet of water. The belt didn't wiggle; it definitely sat where I secured it. The pocket is the perfect size for my keys, and will be great for fuels on my longer runs.

Nothing like a fuzzy under-the-street-light shot to really provide a clear picture.

My arms never clipped the bottles and they were easy to remove from the belt while running. The extra weight will take awhile to get used to, and I definitely noticed it once I took the belt off, but during the run I didn't feel it affected my gait. (I was a little slower today, but that could be remnants from the long run Sunday...my hamstrings are still a little tired.) The water didn't stay super cold, but I guess that's to be expected.

I wore my new shoes, and felt absolutely awesome.

I kind of love that they look like rainbow sherbet.

Finally, I'm happy to mention that I've updated my What I'm Reading list to include the blogs I've been obsessed with lately! I just added the new ones to the top; the blogs aren't in any particular order. Believe me, they're all worth checking out!

Do you run with water/fuel?
Recommend a blog you're loving right now!
What are your thoughts on this new trend of super-bright running shoes?

ABK