Question for outdoor runners

shadowkitty22

What do you use to keep yourself hydrated when running outside? Do you carry a water bottle, use a belt to hold a water bottle, use a Camelback hydration pack or something else? My friend and I have been considering running outside once it warms up a little more but I've been concerned about what to use for my water since there's no way in the world I'm running outside without my water.

scottb81

If you are running anything less than around 90 minutes you do not need to drink any water as long as you are hydrated beforehand. When I run longer than that around two hours I wear a hydration belt that holds 10 oz bottles.

LesliePierceRN

If you are running anything less than around 90 minutes you do not need to drink any water as long as you are hydrated beforehand. When I run longer than that around two hours I wear a hydration belt that holds 10 oz bottles.

Exactly. Short runs (less than 8 or 9 miles) I don't bother. If it's longer, I'll drive the route beforehand and leave bottles for myself. I don't like anything extra when I run, let alone a belt full of water. But you've gotta get it somehow, just determine what works best for you.

tnrunningnurse

Depends on the length of the run and how hot it is. I don't typically carry any water for a run shorter than 5 Miles if I am hydrated. I carry a water bottle for a run 6-10 miles and I have a belt and a camelback for anything longer, I don't wear both at same time, I just have both of them and decide which one I want to use.

ctsmith

I don't run know but have in the past and I always used one of those sports bottles with a hole in the middle they are quite comfortable to carry and not that heavy.

fang19423

Like the others - I use a belt if I'm covering long distances but don't bother on the shorter ones. Happy running


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JulieG1443

I always carry a bottle of water with me because even though I do not experience thirst when I run I sometimes can get a dry throat from hard breathing through my mouth which can leave me with a sore throat that lasts a few days - so really it's all down to your personal preferance.

I would suggest first experimenting running with a water bottle and then decide whether on your next run you actually NEED it.

mummum2

I don't carry water for runs of less than 10miles, I make sure I'm fully hydrated before. But I guess if you need to have water than I would buy a water bottle with the cut out hand grip! Good luck, you'll love running with the elements!

roadrunner32

For my long runs 5+ miles I'm using this one here and love it:

http://www.jjbsports.com/adidas run multi bottle belt/popular-brands/shop/fcp-product/24241

kirstypoos

When I first started C25K I had to take water with me and just carried a bottle (it's good for your arms!) however as I've got better I really don't need water on my runs any more

shadowkitty22

This is all very helpful information. I'm used to doing my walk/jogs/runs on the treadmill so I'm used to just having water on hand and not being properly hydrated before I run. For those of you who do hydrate before running, how much do you drink before hand and how soon before your run? Don't you ever have to pee while you're running? Or do you just sweat it all out?

Nikstergirl

I don't carry water if I'll be out less than an hour or so, but over that I have a Nathan brand belt that holds 4 7oz bottles and some sport beans or whatever else I need depending on how long I'll be out. I really like it and it balances the weight perfectly, and I also try to sip from each bottle instead of finishing one and moving on.

Being hydrated before for me means I drink tons of water throughout the day, every day. I usually do my longer runs in the morning so I don't drink anything (just my quick breakfast) before that but drink plenty afterward. If I drink a huge glass of water right before I run I can get a tummy ache. Also I have to wait an hour or so after eating, longer if it's a big meal. Sometimes I have to use the potty, but I try to run in town so I can use the public restrooms or gas stations if needed. I ran my first half marathon last fall and didn't need the potty through the entire 13.1 miles, I was thrilled!!! Doesn't always happen, though, and it's all about playing with the balance and figuring out what works for your body!!!!

Good luck! I love running outdoors, it's my favorite thing to do!!!

maserati185

So many factors, such as how hydrated you are to begin with, if you find camelbak verses belt verses holding a bottle in the hand most comfortable. Personally, I carry a sports bottle of water when I go out because it doesn't hurt me to, I usually plan on going more than 5 miles, it's cheap, fast, readily available and I get thirsty.

scottb81

Normally I drink 12 to 16 cups of water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Sometimes in the summer it may be a little more.

rebecca_d35

I hardly ever run longer than 5 miles, so I don't carry water. But on hot days, I plan my route so that I pass by a water fountain.

This also works with public restrooms I live and run right by the U.S. Capitol, though, so fountains and bathrooms are easy to find.

alexandria412

I run in the city and always route my long runs past a bathroom and water fountain. Most grocery stores and big box stores work.

3dogsrunning

Bumping for interest.
I also don't use water unless they are longer runs. I havent' invested in a belt yet, so right now I put water bottles out before my run. I have been known to forget and end up texting my fiance during my run to drop one for me.

theginnyray

I use a water belt - it holds four small bottles and has plenty of room for phones/keys etc.
I use it regardless of the distance - if I'm going four or 10, I take water with me.

CallmeSbo

My runs are usually 10km. I dont like carrying things when running. I take a few sips befor i run and drink lots of water when i get home after i finish.

iplayoutside19

Depends on weather, and where I'm running.

If I'm going under an hour, I take nothing regardless of tempurature.

Longer than that I've cached my water & gatorade along the route prior to running. Run where I know there are drinking fountains. Or I wear a Camelback.

Sweet_Pandora

I always bring and drink water on all of my runs.

Shorter runs I wear a belt that holds a water bottle and runs longer than 10 km I wear my camelback.

Karen

hesn92

I don't lol.

mlb929

I used to run with a hand held ampiphod, but found that my form is better with nothing in my hands - I now have a Nathan Trail Belt with two bottles. In hot summer on long training runs of 15+ miles, I use a camel pack.

KimmieBrie

I run a regular route along the beach and it's never longer than 75 minutes. I'm fine without water. In the summer luckily there are water bubblers outside at a few points along the boardwalk if I really work up a thirst, but most times I am fine till I get home.

scottb81

Part of the reason you don't need to drink during shorter runs is that as your body burns glycogen, the muscle releases water into your system. So, your total fluid loss is only about half of what you are sweating. Even during longer runs in cool weather you can get by without drinking anything.

Many people drink way to much when running which is why they have to stop for a bathroom break. The body is shedding the unneeded water.

Chagama

Depending on the temperature and the length of run, I will A) try to hydrate first so I don't have to worry about it, if it's too warm or I'm running too long for that, I will carry a water bottle. I personally don't like to wear the belts or anything like that, they bother me; or C) if one bottle won't be enough, I will put several bottles in our mailbox and run different routes that keep bringing me past the house so I can drop off the empty bottle and take a full one, and maybe drink a little more.

MelissaSue612

When I first started running, I was afraid to run without water, because I was used to having it. I found that a small plastic water bottle (just a regular brand or store brand) worked well. I didn't actually drink that much during my runs, so I'd just have half a bottle to sip a bit while I ran and then a full bottle for after my run. I found that holding a heavy bottle during my run hurt my hand - and it was just a pain.

Now that I'm more experienced with my running, I don't usually bring water with me, since I don't usually do more than 5 or 6 miles. I love to go out on trails and carrying a bottle out in the woods is a pain. I just have a full one in the car to have for the drive home.

Enjoy getting outside! Running outside (on the trails) is where I fell in love with running and felt like I could actually call myself a runner.

catcher_in_the_pie

I don't bother bringing water with me for runs shorter than 90 minutes, unless it's super hot and humid outside. If I plan to be on my feet for 2 hours or more, I usually carry my hand-held bottle that has a strap for your hand. I also have a waist pack that stores one water bottle on my back, but the sloshing of the water and the pressure on my stomach were annoying. But some people prefer a waist pack, because they hate carrying anything in their hands. So unless you try them out, you won't know for sure which hydration system will work best for you.

For trail runs, I'll usually carry my Nathans hydration pack/vest that can hold 2 L of water.