For the past month I have been using an Amphipod Hydraform Handheldwater bottle for my shorter mid-week runs. It’s nice that I don’t have to have a belt strapped around my waist for these runs, because that just contributes to the wet and sweaty feel at the end of a run.

I chose the handheld bottle with pocket, this means it has a pocket attached to the hand strap. The pocket isn’t huge, I can’t fit my cell phone in there, but it is definitely useful. I can stick my car key in there when I drive to run with friends, I can fit a packet of Gu or Sport Beans in there or I can hold my pepper spray there. The strap has a padded side that helps to wick sweat away from my hand as well, so it doesn’t end slippery but the handle also doesn’t get soggy.

The best thing about this bottle is the shape. Since it is kind of flattened, it is easier to hold while keeping your hand in a neutral position. No hand cramping to worry about! Plus, I have pretty small hands and regular bottles become difficult for me to hang on to when running (and sometimes when I’m just standing around because I am so naturally graceful!).

The bottle has a nice wide top so it’s easy to put ice inside or to dump the contents of a electrolyte-drink packet inside. Plus the lid fits nice and tight, so you can shake up your drink without fluid leaking all over the place.

The downside of the bottle is that I find the liquid gets warm a little quicker than I would like, it could stand a little better insulation. Since I don’t use it for runs over 45 minutes, this hasn’t been a huge problem for me (and I live in the desert where we consistently have temperatures in the 100’s!). The strap is a little hard to get off at times so you can wash the bottle, but at least that means it is a nice, tight fit and won’t fly off while you are running.

Overall, if you are looking for a bottle to carry on shorter runs, I would definitely recommend you check this one out!

Today’s Run:
35 minutes, purely running for time and not distance. I just needed an easy pace after all my traveling yesterday.

Hundred Push-Up Challenge:
I have decided to repeat week 4, only this time I will do the middle column. The exhaustion test at the end of week 4 kicked my butt. It’s very likely that was due to the fact that I performed it after a full day of travel so I was pre-exhausted, but it just seems like a smart plan of attack for me.
Week 4 (repeat), Day 1 – 22, 16, 16, 14, 23 = 91