About a year ago I finally found a bottle and carrier that I LOVE and that works great for me on the longest of runs and races (the Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Pocket). The contoured shape of the bottle, the size of the pocket, the light weight feel, the way it stays secure in my hand as I run – it all works for me. No complaints. No more searching. No more trial and error and wasted money. Hooray!
A few weeks ago I was contacted by a company representing Clean Bottle to test out and review their bottle and carrier called “The Runner.” At first I was inclined to say no, because I felt as though I had tried every other bottle known to man and all but one of them had worked for me so why bother really? Chances were high that I was not going to like it. But then when I took a closer look I was intrigued – this bottle is different because it opens on both ends so you can get it truly clean (hence the name Clean Bottle, of course) and it’s carrier pocket is large enough to hold my iPhone. These two features piqued my interest so I thought I would give it a try. I don’t ever run with a phone (unless I am pushing the stroller) because I don’t like bulky arm bands and I don’t wear a belt around my waist or a backpack large enough to hold it. On runs when I am going out for a few hours all by myself, having my phone with me would be a SAFE and SMART idea.
The other morning I set out for my 14 mile long run with the Clean Bottle on hand. I put one gel in the secure strap in the back (it stayed put until Mile 7 when I ate it) and I put my phone in the pocket of the carrier. One thing I noticed right away was that it was heavier than I am used to, but that was to be expected because it was holding my phone which I don’t usually carry with me. It wasn’t an issue though – thankfully I got used to the weight of it and it didn’t bug me throughout my run.
I ran a strong and steady 8:00 average pace for the duration of my 14 miles, and it didn’t leak or give me any trouble along the way. I was happy to have my phone with me and my husband was grateful too. I was running in the heat of the day for 2 hours on the trail by myself. Having a way to reach him if I got into trouble or a way for him to reach me if he needed me, was just more than awesome. I know both Robert and I were happy that I was running with my phone for a change.
Washing this bottle is a BREEZE – it’s simple to disassemble just by unscrewing the top and the bottom. It’s dishwasher safe and since the bottom comes off too it dries on the inside completely and as a result is cleaner than any other bottle I own I’m sure. I will definitely be using this bottle and carrier for all of my solo long runs moving forward. It makes sense and works great for me. I’m so glad that I decided to test it out and I would absolutely recommend it for anyone who wants to run with their iPhone but doesn’t like to wear it!
More info about The Runner from Clean Bottle:
- Only holder that lets you use your iPod and smartphone on the run
- Fits iPhones, iPods and smartphones about the size of an iPhone (2.5 by 5 inches)
- Innovative straps on handle for quick access to energy gels
- Back pocket stores keys, cash and credit cards
- Unique closing system prevents bottle from slipping out from holder
- Guaranteed for life
- 10% of profits donated to eco-friendly charities you vote for at Clean Bottle Charity
You can buy this bottle online right now and get a great deal – one Runner carrier and TWO Clean Bottles for less than $30 (my Amphipod bottle/carrier is about $20, for the sake of comparison). Just click HERE for the link.
I’d love to know — how do you carry your water on a run? Do you run with your phone? If so, how do you carry it with you? Have you ever tried the Clean Bottle Runner? What do you think?
Disclaimer: I was given a Clean Bottle and Runner to test out and review. All the thoughts and opinions in this post are mine. Clean Bottle was not guaranteed a positive review.
