Poll for Racing Runners: Do You Carry Your Own

TheDrBuchanan

I just got one of these:

http://www.simplehydration.com/

Haven't had a chance to try it out yet, but I think the design is intriguing.

UrbanRunner81

I don't for short races. But I am definitely taking my camelbak for the half I am doing in October.

atsteele

I always carry my fuel belt with me ... but thats because I have to have my fluids at different intervals than what they offer during the race. I need to sip because otherwise I do not absorb. Plus I like knowing I can drink whenever I want to ... and for the most part avoid the water stations!

Ditto for me. I like to do Gu and/or Gatorade every 45 min. I dislike the congestion at the water stations. I jog right through.

jacksonpt

I do for longer races. My tri suit has 2 rear pockets that fit FuelBelt flasks PERFECTLY. I carry 1 or 2 with me depending on the race.

If you're worried about being clumsy, a handheld option would be more than fine. I know a few people who use/like them.

godblessourhome

i always carry my own water bottle (20 ounce), and re-fill it to full at each water station. i can't imagine not bringing my own water.

hyperkate

Can I also just add that you will be a lot better off drinking the sports drinks over water in a long distance run. THe sports drink will replenish lost salts, sugars and keep you energised and your tank full. The water will quench your thirst but nothing else, infact it will help with the loss of salts as you will be washing everything away :-)

runnerdad

I generally don't carry water for 10 K or shorter, but do like to wear my Nathan Fuel belt for 1/2s / marathons. I find it easier to drink from the bottles than from the cups, you can carry whatever sport drink you want instead of taking your chances on the race stuff, and you avoid all the congestion at the first few water stations in the large races.

mlb929

I carry my own. This will sound silly to some, but with training as a water resources manager, I know that different water sources can effect different people in different ways. If you aren't used to the water in the area, it can cause you potty problems you weren't anticipating. If you are sensitive to something like that, you may want to consider your own.

My other reason I carry my own, I hate artificial flavorings and don't want those in my body, I can bring my own to control it better what I get.

And sometimes I want to fuel before or am not ready at the aid station.

Maybe I'm just a control freak LOL

feisma

For long runs (anythin over 10 miles) I love my camelbak and usually add nuun...it's nice to be able to avoid the congested water stations, drink whenever I want/need it. Since I am a slower runner, the water stations towards the end of longer races sometimes run out of stuff.

ivy2009

I assume their will be adequate water/gatorade stations. Don't carry water. You have the luxury of someone giving it to you and it is so fun not to have to carry your own. You need to pull to the far side of the course when you take fluid and gradually slow to a walk so another runner does not run over you. And stay over to the far side as you walk. Then crush/fold the top of the cup into a V shape and drink. Walk while you drink. Get the liquid down and walk so you don't choke and you get it down. Who cares if you walk for 20 or 30 seconds? It will not impact your overall time because you will bring your heart down a little and be reenergized when you run again. I run a lot -- marathons too. That's what I do. Good luck :flowerforyou:

Amanda_Runs

It depends on the person, on the run, on the weather.....

I had a half marathon over the summer on a 96* day that only had 1 water stop. Luckily I wore my belt with 2 8oz bottles, that saved me that day. For a 5k, no belt, for a 10k, I'll look at the water stations if there aren't enough for me I'll carry water too.

I have a friend who hates to stop running so she carries her own bottle no matter what.

I like to drink when I run so I always always always look at how many water stations there are and how they correlate with how I like to drink during a race.
There will always be someone else doing it too.

suzycreamcheese

i carry one of these
http://www.fdin.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Renew_SportsCap_75cl_Front-lores.jpg

and then fill it up from the tap or filtered water and replace every 2 or 3 weeks

beccalucy

I always carry mine with me if over 5 miles although if you aren't used to running with one it can feel really awkward at first.

Good luck whichever you decide!

HolleeERL

I generally carry just a little 8 oz bottle that has the little finger notches. If it's a summer race I'll carry two. I did a half in March and was so happy I DID! I am not a really fast runner (mid range) and by the time I got to the water stops, there was no water at all! I was totally pissed, but relieved that I had brought my own. It was a fairly new race and many, many people complained about the water.

Anyway. I generally carry some water because I need it to wash down my gel and sometimes I don't want to wait for a water stop. Plus it is much easier to drink without spilling or stopping. On my last race I wanted water and not gatorade on one water stop and had to stop and go backwards for the water. That was quite annoying!

kardowling

Never carry water. I always stop , pinch top of cup to a spout and drink at water stops. Also drink quite a bit right before I run.

theginnyray

I do. I use a belt, I can't carry anything in my hands.
Before I had a baby I could run 5-8 miles without water - now I can't even do a 5k without sipping - so I take my own AND I drink at water stops.

maemiller

training yes, actual race, no. Ill use the aid stations when needed and i dont like carrying the extra weight. At the aid stations just pinch the rim of the cup and pour it into your mouth vs. trying to sip it.

Youll be fine

bassettpig

It's totally a personal choice. I hate to have anything extra on me when racing, so no, I absolutely would not bring a bottle. But then again, I saw someone that said they were going to wear their Camelbak for a marathon, which astounds me! For myself, I cannot IMAGINE schlepping 26 miles w/several pounds of water on my back and the chafing I would imagine would ensue from wearing the vest.....no way, enough other misery going on w/o that! But if it works for her/him.....well, go for it.

Another thing to think about is how much time you'll actually lose by walking thru the aid stations. Unless you're pretty fast, it probably won't be significant--plus, it feels kind of good to take that 30 seconds or 1 minute and walk and drink your water.

Anyway, do whatever seems best to you and see how it goes. Best wishes!

Mommawarrior

I hate carrying anything and I hate hydration belts. I wear one on my very long runs if it is hot out, but in a race I just use the water stops and grab 2 cups that way when I spill half of a cup each cup I still have a cup to drink.

skirunman

Depends on if you are "racing" or "running". Most folks racing worry about carrying just an extra pound or two of body weight so won't likely be carrying a water bottle. Check the top age group runners to see what they are doing. An extra pound could be 1-2 minutes of time over a marathon.

However, if you are just out to finish then do what ever makes you most comfortable. Personally, I never carry anything for a race and just make sure I know what electrolyte drink is going to be offered and make sure I am comfortable and have trained with that specific drink. Of course, this assumes the race is well supported and I can count on the aid stations being well stocked.

Also, most runners will try to get water at the beginning of the aid station. Run past the first few tables and you can generally miss the crowds. I always grab 2-3 paper cups so if I spill I can always get the liquid I need. I almost always drink the electrolyte liquid and use the water to pour on my head or neck if it is warm out.

Good luck and have fun!