What do you run with?

SweatpantsRebellion

So for long runs, what do you take with you? I have a camelback that I thought about filling with water and then of course some sort of electrolyte source of choice (no idea yet as I'm new to running and just now hit four miles). Next week I'll be doing five miles which will take me over an hour (I'm a snail), so I think it will be time to take water, electrolyte stuff, cell phone (just in case) with me. I don't see many runners with a camelback - is there a reason for that - will it weigh me down too much? Are there other options I should consider? I feel like running is this whole other planet that I'm trying to get to know. Thank you for sharing your experience!

Just to clarify what I'm asking - what do you put the stuff that bring into? Does anyone use a camelback? I already own one that has extra pockets for storage which is why I'm thinking of using it. But I never hear runners talk about using a camelback and I'm wondering if there's a reason for that - such as maybe it's too bulky feeling for a long run? I know some people use hydration belts. What works well for you? Has anyone tried a camelback - do you think it would work well?

AuntNynah

I've read runners talk about their camelbacks on Daily Mile, they get some love. I tried a Nathan hand held for the first time last weekend. It was okay, I have to get used to carrying something, but it's designed well to not be too big of a burden. It had a little pouch with just enough space for a Gu and my car key. My phone is on my armband with my music and GPS. I don't use an electrolyte drink, I haven't felt like I needed it yet, but 7 miles last week was probably pushing it. Particularly now that it's so warm, you will be sweating a lot more! For carrying more, if the time comes, I might get a Spibelt, I had one once a long time ago but seem to have lost it. But it was really comfortable.

sarahtbland

As a dailymiler myself (holla!), I am a camelbak fan. I don't really carry anything for short runs (3-4 miles) but past that I don't mind using the camelbak. I carry phone and keys in mine.

Some runners have fuel belts that they prefer. I find stuff around my waist annoying. Some people have handhelds (what I use for short runs sometimes). It's just based on what you prefer. For me, I don't feel weighed down on long runs with my camelbak and that's what matters to me. It also gives me that option to throw a snack in their as well. And I love it for trail running with my dog because I can carry his water and stuff in their, too.

LilRedRooster

For my long runs, unless it's over 80 degrees, I can go around 10 miles without taking anything extra, and that's about and hour and 40ish mins for me. But I've also just gotten used to that over the years, since I never had money for extra stuff, so I'd have to stash my goods around the trail or street I planned to run. Days when I'd get lazy, there was no stashing, so I'd just keep running. I actually prefer stashing, but that's not always an option, especially on backwoods trails or in some city areas (though you'd be surprised how many people don't notice or care if someone borrow their mailbox for a water bottle or banana).

I recently bought one of those fanny-pack type water carriers with a pouch for extra stuff (my boyfriend kept bugging me about taking my cell phone), and it works for the purpose. I can't remember the brand, but I got it at REI, and there's a frog on it. I would actually prefer a Camelback, and I definitely intend to get one eventually, because I like the feel of running with something on my back rather than hips. I just have to wait for now, because they're more expensive for the model type I want.

As for what I take, I usually bring Gatorade in my bottles, because I lose a lot of salt when I sweat, and bring things like jelly beans and a small cliff bar, if necessary. Usually, I just bring jelly beans, because they're tasty, and easy to eat.

Dizzle_65

I usually use a camelbak xct or my Innov8.

However last week I bought a Salomon XT Advanced Skin 5 S-Lab and now I can't see me running with anything else.

I don't listen to music when I run, I carry water, Torq Gels, Haribo, sometimes my phone and occasionally a camera. Also depending on weather a waterproof. Will also be carrying a bottle of electrolyte with the Salomon

flabulous4

Hi there, I'm also fairly new to running (started last year with C25K then Bridge to 10K)). When I started running a bit further, say over 7 miles, I started taking a water bottle and also when I got over 8 miles I started taking a few jelly babies just in case I felt like a snack (I tried an electrolyte drink and it made me feel funny).
Now having got used to running a bit longer, I will take a water bottle if I'm planning to go over 10 miles and I have a waist belt with 2 little pockets - that has my keys, phone, 5 jelly babies, a tissue and my parkrun barcode. I find that I never drink any water or eat once I'm running - have got up to 12 miles now - but I like to have them there just in case!

EloiseRefocused

I only bring a 16oz water bottle and my iPhone nestled in its armband so I have music and a GPS.
However, after running a half last year, I have decided that once I start running over 6-7ish miles I might start packing a gel and bring a slightly larger water bottle with a light mix of sports drink in it.

cmh806

For the short runs, I usually hydrate before and don't carry anything with me. That would be for runs 6 miles or less. On the 10 mile plus runs I usually carry propel or water.

TJamesChristensen

I think there is nothing wrong with camelbak, if that's what you feel comfortable using. Personally I don't like having my back covered, especially living in Vegas where we are well over 100 during the summer. I normally just take my hydration pack that has a 20oz bottle. It's not a lot during the summer but I just plan my runs so I pass a convenience store or two. Other than that I might carry my nano but I try not to all the time since I don't like to race listening to music.

brandyk77

I have a hand held nathan bottle I'll take with when required. However, I am quite lucky that most of my runs have water available on them and my running club will supply gatorade stops for long runs during warmer months. I have also carried money with on occassion and hit up the local gas station.

hoosmi

I bring a hand held carrier for my water bottle- that way I can bring a little bit of cash, my key, and maybe a gel. I carry that in one hand and my phone (for music) in the other. If it's going to be really hot or I'm going for a long time, I'll freeze a water bottle halfway full (leaving the top barely on in the freezer- that's important!), top it off with water or whatever, and put it in a little cooler on my front steps to exchange along the way.

j_courter

i'm pretty happy running without attachments, but when i need storage, i steal my husband's spi belt. it's great for carrying little things. as for the camel back, the only drawback i can see is the added weight and if it flops or rubs that might cause irritation on a longer run. the only way to know is to give it a try. let us know how it goes.

dsak

I've only been running for about a year also, and have slowly been increasing my mileage. During the week, I'll do a few runs at 3-5 miles. I find that I typically won't need anything to drink, etc. for those runs, unless it is hot out (which it is now... I live in FL). For a run up to 5 miles, I carry my 10oz handheld Nathan bottle. It took a while to get used to, but now I barely notice it. For longer runs, depending on the weather, I bring my Nathan hydration belt. It has two 10oz water bottles, and a small pouch to keep my key, flashlight and an Energy gel or two. On weekends I run 10-12 miles, and I usually finish both water bottles, and I take the gel around mile 7 or so. I haven't used any sports drinks yet. I also carry my phone in an armband for every run.... regardless of mileage. I use the RUNKEEPER application to track my run, and I listen to music.

I have not used a Camelback, but I do know a few folks who have them... and they love them.

elizabethmae1214

It depends on the situation for me. Ideally I like to run with as little on me as possible. I hate bulky clothes, and would run naked if I could! If I'm running in my neighborhood I would usually just slip my key in a pocket and go. Unfortunately I have had to start thinking about safety. I woman in my neighborhood was recently out walking her dog on the trails and was stabbed to death. So sad, and scary, and such a wake up call to me. Now if I'm not running with a buddy I take my phone and my ID. I have some clothes that have built in pockets but for the ones that don't I got the Nathans 5k belt. It's a bit of an adjustment to get used to but it gives me (and my mother) piece of mind that if something should happen I could call for help. As I'm also starting to increase my mileage I'm going to have to start carrying water with me soon, so I also got a Nathans bottle that is in a pretty comfy holder that stays on your hand. Luckily right now I can do a loop that takes me by either my work, my guy's house, or a water fountain in case I get overheated/thirsty.

dela1000

I also try to run with as little as possible. There is only two things I bring with me, my mp3 player and (most importantly) my Road ID on my shoe. (http://www.roadid.com/) I think this is a must for all runners.

For long runs I like to plan passing parks or schools that I know have water fountains. Since I don't like carrying anything with me, this keeps me hydrated, although I only do this for runs longer than 10 miles.

blgerig

If I am going more than 7 miles I try to plan my run where I can stop for water (water fountain, even ducking into a fast food restaurant). I have a small fuel belt I have used a couple times - I thought I would hate it but it hasn't been bad. It has a couple small water bottles and I also pack a thing of fruit snacks or Clif shot blok. I almost always have my ipod strapped to my arm. Once I move I will be getting a road ID. The less stuff I have to bring the better!!

cowgirlslikeus86

I run with a 2 liter Camelbak Rouge. If my husband is running with me he carries that one and I wear an older 1 liter one. I only carry it on 5+ mile days. In the winter I would wear a hydration belt with one 16 oz. bottle. if I wasnt properly hydrated already, otherwise I can run farther in the winter without needing water.

I am trying to learn to run farther without water. I know alot of runners on here that run 10-15 miles without water, in warm climate and seem to be okay.


Edited to say that: I don't want to run consistantly without water, I just want to know that I could if I ever needed too. I believe everyone should stay safe and that means running where you have easy access to water or carrying it with you.

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Emilit_uk

When i'm road running I carry as little as possible, although i have been caught out before on the first hot day of the year on a long run with no water!

My camelbak is a must on trail runs though, i am a lot more mindful of safety when i'm rumning coastal paths or out on the moorland. I also carry a phone, whistle and first aid kit, and something to eat! I'm not so worried about carrying weight on the trails though because this type of runningis more about the experience than beating a time for me

stubbysticks

I'm slow too, but IMO a Camelbak is overkill for any run under 2 hrs...I think they hold like 70 oz of fluid. I have a handheld 16oz bottle & that's always plenty to last me at least an hr & a half. I try not to drink too much unless my mouth gets super dry because then I'll be more likely to have to stop off & pee somewhere. If it's a lower intensity run I'll just carry water, but if it's higher intensity or longer than an hour, I'll carry raspberry lemonade or apple juice - something with carbs to replenish a bit.

I've read a few things about how you shouldn't have to drink a ton of water while running if you're properly hydrated overall before you start. I tend to agree with that...I've noticed I need to drink less if I've been "good" about my water-drinking.

BrianSharpe

For anything less than 90 minutes (except when it's extremely hot & humid) I don't carry anything (other than my RoadId, cell phone & a bit of cash), for my longer runs I have a Fuel Belt with a couple of 10oz flasks (usually just water in them) and my flask of homemade energy gel.

kunibob

I use a small, streamlined 1.5L camelbak because I have medical issues with my whole stomach/gut area, so I need to keep my hydration and electrolytes very carefully balanced, and waist bands make runs a living hell (learned this the hard way...ugh).

If I’m going for longer than 1.5h, I’ll use my favourite electrolyte drink (eload). After trial and error, this is the only one that works for me (and my stomach gets upset with just plain water), so I’m screwed if they discontinue it. :laugh:
If I’m going for 1-1.5h, I’ll just use water.
If I’m going for less than 1h, I don’t bring anything.

As my body gets more and more accustomed to running (still reasonably new to it), I’m gradually increasing these times to try to reduce my reliance on having it along.

I also bring the Camelbak if I’m doing a half or full marathon, which makes me look like a total dork and adds a bit of weight at first, but it prevents my stomach from getting upset. I try to drink most of it in the first half of the race so that I’m not carrying much weight for the second. So far, no one has said anything snarky, but I'm still a middle-of-the-pack runner, so I don't draw much attention.

Other than that, I always have my Road ID, my cell phone and my Garmin. Sometimes I bring my iPod to listen to music, depending on my mood.

leeapeea

I use my camel back when I need over 12 oz of water, generally runs that will be well over an hour. If it's a super duper hot day, I'll take it if I think it'll be over 45 minutes because dehydration sucks. The pack is nice for long runs not just for water but also food and holding layers especially in the fall/winter.

For shorter runs, maybe 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, I'll take a hand-held water bottle with 12-16oz of water and my SPI belt with my phone and some nutrition.

I tried water belts, but they just bug my gut area. They always bounced around. Some people love 'em, but they're not for me.

Running with either a pack or a hand-held took some getting used to, but it's nice to have the options.

cybershaz

As others have said, for shorter runs (under 90 min / under 16km) I don't take anything major unless is really, really hot out. All I would have is my ipod shuffle, GPS watch and my transit pass in case I hurt myself (so I can get home).

Over that distance, in the past I used an amphipod fuel belt, but I really don't like things on my waist. I just got a Nathan infinity so I'll be trying that out. For those longer runs I'll obviously have water, and in addition I take my cell phone, electrolyte pills, sometimes trail mix and my health card.

stubbysticks

These are all great ideas...definitely making note of them since my runs will be getting longer soon!

bigandysrunning

I use 2 product, both from Nathan.
I use a handheld water bottle (quick draw, I believe) It's got a hand strap and a little pocket that hold my ID, car key, wedding band all nicely. I also use a Nathan 5K running belt, which is a sporty way of saying "fanny pack" yes, it's low profile, made of neoprene and basically invisible when my shirt is over it...it's still a fanny pack. It hold my phone and 2 packs of Clif Shot Bloks perfectly for me and doesn't bounce around or get in the way. I use an ipod shuffle, I just keep my phone on me in case of emergency, and I actually clip my ipod shuffle onto the little adjustment straps on the hand strap of the water bottle. It did take a few runs (i'd say two weeks realistically) to get used to carrying the bottle, but now it's second nature and I wouldn't run without it.

CarsonRuns

Nothing. Don't need it, unless it's going to be very hot ( 90's), then I'll take water on a run longer than 16 miles. I did 21 last week with no Gu, no water, no Gatorade. It was in the low 70s. I ran a negative split and was very strong at the end. I lost 5.5 lbs on the run which is well within the safe range for water weight lost.

arc918

I take as little as possible. Always have my Garmin on my wrist. I always carry some paper napkins to wipe my face and clean my glasses. Perhaps some Clif Bloks in my pocket if I'm planning 14+ miles.

Hot days I may carry some water in a handheld bottle. These days I usually use a 10 oz bottle from Fuel Belt. The tiny pocket usually has a $5, some Imodium and some salt tablets.

No phone, no ipod.

natalie412

Iphone in an armband, road id bracelet, Mace clipped to my shorts. On long runs (10 miles plus) a 10 oz handheld water bottle. Just made some chocolate energy chews that I took on my last 12 mile run. My stomach started growling around mile 6, so that was nice!

arc918

Oh, I forgot - I have a Road ID on each of my two pairs of shoes

PatsyFitzpatrick

HI this has been a great question. Lots of new information. I have even googled a few. I am getting ready for my first 13.1 in December. So I have been building endurance and hydration has become an issue. But I am in the rural area and I am a road runner. I carry my cell pone, mp3 and a couple of bucks to buy water if I have to. I use Walgreen and other stores for restroom and I also place frozen water bottles in trees for my return run. It is so hot right now in Florida. Glad you asked this question. I am learning so much.

Patsy

camrunner

IPod shuffle, sunglasses, keys... that's it.

As the length of my runs increases, I'm becoming more interested in carrying some money with me just in case I absolutely have to get something to drink. On Tuesday I started feeling pretty rough after about 10 miles and I wound up running through JCPenney and drinking out of a bathroom faucet, lol. It was pretty hot, though. I thought that trail had water fountains on it.

Ideally I'd just get a $20 pre-paid credit card or something, I like that it'd be waterproof and no big deal if I lost it.