Drinking Water During Runs

[jessily]

Looking for some advice! Now that my weekend runs are getting longer I need to figure out a way to have water with me. Up until now I have been running at a park w/ a 1.3 mile loop, so I just walk the first loop and leave a water bottle on either side. This is ideal, but I'm getting bored with the loop and want to explore some other parks. Most of the places I want to run don't have water fountains or places where I would feel comfortable stashing bottles ahead of time (in the city).

What do you guys do for long runs/walks? I've checked out some fuel belts and other similar products. Does anyone recommend a certain one? One bottle or multiple?

Thanks!

 

[TnTsParty]

I normally carry some sort of water or powerade drink with me on my runs. Just this last weekend my running coach asked me if I always run with something to drink (and I do) and he suggested either a hydration belt or the bottles that are attached to your hand. Because he says I am using muscles unnecessarily by holding the bottle.

Just wanted to include my experience, I don't have any advice on either - and actually would like any if possible!!

 

[ironz]

I have a Fuel Belt and I actually like it! I didn't think I would because I was worried the bottles would bounce and I would feel the extra weight, but it doesn't do that.
I think make sure you get the right size so it's snug, and not too loose or too tight. I use the one that carries 2 small bottles and 2 flasks. Not one that holds a full water bottle (like a bike bottle), though I noticed a friend of mine running with one last night that looked like the bottle was secure and not bouncing.

 

[SamSam]

I use a fuel belt that has 4 snap in water flasks. I only take as many flasks as I need. For shorter runs I only take 2 and for longer runs all 4 of them. They don't bounce around at all and I don't find it uncomfortable to wear.

 

[wellesleyprincess]

It's probably not the best idea, but what I've done for long runs (still only 5-8 miles) is wear one of those water bottle straps like you see at an amusement park. I wear it across the body rather than around the neck so it bounces less; however, it does still bounce. Personally, I don't find it any more annoying than something around my waist or an iPod strap.

 

[Big Vic]

I wear a Camelbak on my long runs. I added a small pouch on the front to carry my cell phone and gel packs.

Its something you may have to experiment with to see what works.

 

[Steffwalks]

Let's see.....for shorter, long walks I have an ultimate direction pack that holds one water bottle and all my essentials. For longer, long walks I just ordered an Ultimate Direction, 2 water bottle pack. For really long walks, I have a camelbak, back pack that holds 72 oz of water and all my essentials and when hiking....my lunch and jacket!

 

[disneyrunningnut]

I always drink 18-24 oz of water before walking out the door.

For runs under an hour I don't worry about water at all.

Runs between an hour and two and a half hours I make a point to stay hydrated by drinking every 30-45 mins. Here are some of the things I do that work.

Water fountains in parks.

Water fountains in grocery stores. You do get some funny looks early in the morning when you are soaking wet Grocery stores are good because they are open early.

Bring some money and buy a drink in a convenience store. I really only do this on LONG runs that are pushing 2.5 hours. I am cheap and also don't like taking in calories unless I have to. I like the Gatorade that has the gripper bottle. Make sure to wrap the money in plastic so you don't hand the cashier sweat soaked dollar bills.

I have never used a hydration belt.

David

 

[Steffwalks]

Yup, that would work alright, if that was available!

 

[jessily]

Thanks for all the great replies! I'm going to have to start experimenting. While my runs are only about 6 miles at this point, I walk a lot before and after so I end up being out on the road for 2-3 hours.

For all those who said they use fuel belts, do you find that the water sloshes around a lot? This seems like something that would be an annoyance, but I'm sure you get used to it quickly.

 

[jmasgat]

Jessica I used a Nathan Speedbelt-2 (2 bottles) which were 10 oz each. The bottles nestled on my back, just above my hips. I never had any problems with the belt slipping or feeling anything jostling. I'd suggest going to a running store and checking out a few to see what my work for you, i.e. how many bottles, what size, attachment, etc. One note if you order online, I thought the waist sizing ran small. I consider myself a small and ended up ordering Medium--but again, that may relate to how you choose to position the belt.

Maura

 

[laxdef69]

I love my Amphipod, I haven't tried the fuel belt.

http://www.amphipod.com/335/335.html

Mike

 

[wtpclc]

We use asn amphipod belt tat can carry up to 6 8 or 10 oz bottles. I don't recommend going mroe than 4 of th 8 oz or 2 of teh 10. They get heavy.

 

[cryssi]

I also use the Nathan Speed 2. It has velcro, which is definitely what you want, as it will stay put and not ride up too much if at all. I need a lot of water, so it's not really enough water for my hour or more runs when it is hot. If you run by parks with water fountains, though, you should be fine. I'm thinking of getting another, larger bottle with a clip (like the Nathan one) to supplement, or do like wellesleyprincess and use a water bottle strap.

I've posted this pic before, I think, but here's the speed 2:

I put some cash, my ID, and my blackberry pearl in the back pouch. I put my keys and a gel in the pockets of my running skirt. For race day, I'll have an additional pouch on the belt for my camera...

 

[dsnyfan21]

I tried the bottle holder hand thing and I didn't like it. I like my camelbak, but mine is waist mounted and doesn't go on the back. I sweat too much for that. Here is a photo:

It's called the Camelbak Flashflo. I think it comes in different colors. I like the fact that when I am a bit on the pooped side, I can just put the end in my mouth and let my arms hang free. You get the water out by biting in the vavle and sucking. I also like that I can mix other things in the water if I want. It will hold alot of water and will even keep it cool. It has a couple different areas to adjust the staps and once adjusted it doesn't really bounce that much. Also, the more water you drink the lighter it gets, but I don't notice it all that much. This has a pocket on the front of the bladder pocket and it hold my gels, cell phone, lip balm and sunscreen stick. On race day I don't use it, I have a smaller fanny pak or spibelt to hold essentials.
Hope this helps.
-Tracy

 

[twoWDWfools]

I've a different amphipod - http://www.amphipod.com/8400/8400.html and love it. Can take the holders off so can carry as few/many as I want plus the ability to have them sit sideways which I find more comfortable. Small pouch holds ID, phone and gels.

 

[lenshanem]

Fuel Belt.

 

[Caseydilla]

Since I'm in the desert and my runs are a minimum of 1 hour, I always run with water. I have tried many different types of sport bottle types and always go back to my fuel belts. I like the fuel belt the best because it stays in place and bounces around less than other wearable bottle types I've tried. I have a 2 bottle fuel belt(pink one in my siggy) and a 4 bottle one. I carry money on me in case I need to get more hydration while out.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I use a fuel belt that has 4 snap in water flasks. I only take as many flasks as I need. For shorter runs I only take 2 and for longer runs all 4 of them. They don't bounce around at all and I don't find it uncomfortable to wear.

I use a fuel belt too. Happens to be amphipod and I like to be able to take either 2 or 4 depending on distance. As suggested, go to the local running store and try on what they carry. Mine does not slosh, it is velcro close and I love that it adjusts with the layers of clothing I may be wearing at any given time. I also like the smaller bottles b/c I can use water in one or two and my sports drink too if I feel I need that.

I also train with the waistpack I always carry that contains my cell, camera and gels.

Best of luck with your choosing. Doncha just love this free sport!

 

[wfloyd]

I have a fuel belt that lets me carry two 20 oz bottles. With the heat and humidity, I can usually make it 13 miles or so before I need to switch them out with full ones.