handheld bottle Archives - Words To Run By

Hydration wasn’t always an issue for me while running, but lately I have discovered that I just can’t find the perfect bottle to carry with me on my runs. With shorter runs, I don’t need my belt hydration system and I don’t like carrying a water bottle without it at least connecting to my hand in some way. Hydration is critical to athletes, including myself, and especially since my blood clot last year. Dehydration is one of the risk factors associated with blood clots and anything I can do to decrease my risk, will not only keep my healthier, but bring me peace of mind as well. Unfortunately, over this summer, I didn’t stay as hydrated as I should, especially while running and walking. Carrying a bottle became cumbersome and annoying, not to mention I forget to carry a bottle when I don’t have one I love. This Thanksgiving, I was racing with the FLEXR Sports Bottle.

I was excited to try the FLEXR Sports Bottle. FLEXR is a new, revolutionary BPA-free sports bottle with a disposable and fully biodegradable liner. Yes, you heard that right and as far as I know, it is the first sports bottle of its kind, which immediately gained my attention. I was grateful to receive the FLEXR Sports Bottle (go see the pretty colors!), the FLEXR Sports Bottle Hand Carrier with Pouch (it’s pretty much weightless) and the FLEXR Sports Neo Running Pouch (how they knew my favorite color was purple for the zipper is amazing) to try out in the Flying Feather Four Miler on Thanksgiving Day.

I love the sleek design of all the accessories I received, everything fit and felt good for running on the morning of the race. The FLEXR bottle came pre-loaded with the biodegradable liner (and extras for me to change it or a plug if I decide not to use the liners).

Things I Love (about the FLEXR Sports Bottle)

It’s extremely light-weight and the ergonomic shape make it easy to carry over any distance, short or long
It’s completely flexible
The nozzle has a patented one way jet stream valve, for accurate and precise flow, and I don’t have to squeeze too much or tilt it go get water out
It fits perfectly in my hand
The nozzle is twist so I don’t have to bite down on it and pull with my teeth, which is annoying
The liner makes me feel a lot better about not ingesting the germs that may have been lurking in previous (non-lined) bottles
The liners are BPA free and leave no weird aftertaste like some plastics
Technically I wouldn’t have to clean this bottle, I can just change the liner
Affordable ($9.95 for the 16 0z)

Things I Don’t Love Quite As Much (about the FLEXR Sports Bottle)

My water still sloshes even it is drastically reduced with the liner inside, but that’s not important to me to begin with
While the liners are really inexpensive ($2.95 for 25) and easy to change, I probably wouldn’t take the time to change them on a regular basis (I’m more likely to plug the bottle and throw it in the dishwasher)
Changing the liner is not very convenient, I think because my habit is to wash my bottles, not change a liner (the bottle is great liner or not)

Things I Love (About the FLEXR Accessories)

The fabric is quality, sweat-proof neoprene and feels great on
The race bib holders are removable on the running pouch
The hand carrier is comfortable and not too bulky
Both accessories can hold everything I would need on a run or at a race (ID, cash, card or two, phone)
They are sleek and appealing to look at in design
Reasonably priced ($16.95 for the pouch and $8.95 for the hand carrier)

Things I Don’t Love Quite As Much (about the Accessories)

I love it all

FLEXR Sports Bottles are Made in the USA and are designed by athletes, for athletes, which shows in the superior craftsmanship, sleek design, light-weight accessories and functionality. This is definitely a bottle I would invest in (even if I don’t use the liners) and is a serious competitor for iFitness Belts and Fuel Belts.

It was totally awesome racing with the FLEXR Sports Bottle and I was thrilled to have Dad join my sister and I this year!