Runners - What do you run with?

SweatpantsRebellion
SweatpantsRebellion Posts: 754 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
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!

(X-posted in long distance runners group)

Replies

  • lil_pulp
    lil_pulp Posts: 701 Member
    Just bumping to see responses.
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    I take a donut shaped bottle for water - easy to carry. For five miles, I reckon that's all you'd need. I've been experimenting with fuel - today I tried skittles. Not a great experience - apparently I can't run and chew at the same time... :-) (I'm a vegetarian, so the usual 'jelly babies' advice doesn't apply.) But again, that's not something you need to worry about till you're going a little further / longer.

    Apart from that I have my phone to track distance and time, and that's about it.
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    I have a water bottle belt, but I only carry it if I absolutely have to. I generally try to plan my runs so that I can access water fountains, and I carry a couple $$ to buy water en route if I need to.

    I always have my phone in an armband for music and runkeeper app, ID, and a key, and a gu in my little armband pocket. And I have a washcloth sized sweat towel, that I keep on my wrist with a large hair band- it looks like a super ghetto sweat corsage. :laugh:
  • allymacary
    allymacary Posts: 54 Member
    I started running and racing this past November and I'm a minimalist when I go on my runs. I only ever bring an Ipod and my keys. The longest I've gone is 8 miles. I usually will come home after and drink so much water but I can't bear the thought of carrying one with me. In regards to speed, don't worry about it you'll get better with time. I concentrate on getting out as much as I can because each run (or walk, if it's a bad day) counts. I've slimmed down and toned up a lot. I'd also suggest strength training combined with running to avoid injury and help tone. Hope this helps! Keep up with it!!
  • billb73
    billb73 Posts: 2
    Water is all you need. You have a long way to go before you need to worry about electrolytes, etc.
  • tenunderfour
    tenunderfour Posts: 429 Member
    it it is really hot out.... or for runs longer than 5 or 6 miles I usually wear a fuel belt with 3 water bottles. I use my phone as an iPod so that's strapped to my arm. I bring food for runs longer than 10 miles.... sometimes I bring gum or mints.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I always take my phone, my house key, mp3 player and id. For over six miles (five if it's hot or a trail run) I'll take a drink (usually gatorade mixed with water) or sometimes seedless grapes. Today, I was planning on under 5 miles so I didn't take anything, and ended up going over 7 miles, but I threw in some walk intervals.
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    The replies are reminding me - it depends a lot on where you live and how hot it is! When I was running at my sister's place in florida, I used to carry water for a 3mile run. Here in the UK, I rarely bother unless it's unusually hot, or I'm going further than 5 / 6 miles.
  • SweatpantsRebellion
    SweatpantsRebellion Posts: 754 Member
    Thank you for the responses. I should probably reword my question a bit. I mean, what do you put the stuff that you bring into? Do you use a running belt, camelback, etc...? I already own a camelback that has extra pockets for storing things so I was thinking of using it. But I'm wondering why I never hear of runners using them. Is it because it would feel too bulky and heavy for a distance run? Maybe I should just test it for one of my long runs and see if it feels like too much?
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    Thank you for the responses. I should probably reword my question a bit. I mean, what do you put the stuff that you bring into? Do you use a running belt, camelback, etc...? I already own a camelback that has extra pockets for storing things so I was thinking of using it. But I'm wondering why I never hear of runners using them. Is it because it would feel too bulky and heavy for a distance run? Maybe I should just test it for one of my long runs and see if it feels like too much?

    I've never tried a camelback myself, but I've definitely seen people with them in races. my armband has 2 tiny pockets for a key and my cash/ID. Anything more and I would use a belt, but I try not to carry more than the armband holds if I can avoid it.

    ETA: also many of my running skirts have a mini pocket that I occasionally use too.
  • muddyventures
    muddyventures Posts: 360 Member
    I have a minimalist belt from Nathan..for my phone which is my musiic gps etc. For my 90 to 120 minute runs I know bring a hand held water bottle that also has a pocket for fu or what not. Less is more for me.
  • Alexandria_JB
    Alexandria_JB Posts: 35
    If you want a healthier source of electrolytes than the sugar-filled Gatorade, try this! http://www.sunwarrior.com/store/liquid-light.html

    Promise I'm not being paid, LOL. I just have fond memories of the stuff because it helped me during recovery after I went into a coma due to sodium depletion.
  • nwhitley
    nwhitley Posts: 619
    Today, I ran 12 miles on a trail with key (tied to shoe), honey stinger chews, and road id. I didn't even take my ipod or watch today -forgot watch :( . No water necessary, as the weather was very mild. I'm in SC so it can get hot and humid, so far we are lucky. When it gets really hot I will carry a fuel belt with 2-4 8oz water bottles (depending on how far I'm running).

    I hate carrying anything extra and try not to. I even plan routes so that I bypass my house. I will place frozen water bottles in the mailbox, take some sips, and either put them back, or toss them in the yard.
  • skinnylion
    skinnylion Posts: 213
    I don't think you need electrolytes for just an hour of running. Just eat an apple before you leave and when you get back, have something like peanut butter with a banana - plenty of potassium and sodium in that, and you'll be saving a lot of money on chemicals/mixes you don't really need.

    I like to leave the house with as little on me as possible. Which is to say, clothes, shoes, and my ipod.
  • StrongerByTheMiles
    StrongerByTheMiles Posts: 60
    I wear a fuel belt for all long runs. I love it!! it holds 4 small water bottles. I fill 2 w/ water and 2 w/ Gatorade. I ordered mine from 6AM.com you can order in sizes. It also has a small pouch on the front perfect for my car key, license for ID (just seems like a good idea when running solo), and energy gels (I started using those at 10+ miles). I also wear an armband for my phone. I use it for my music and it is also a safety thing. If I get hurt or anything, I want to know I can call for help.

    The fuel belt and armband are a little uncomfortable at first, but you get used to them quick. The arm band bothers me more than the fuel belt. I also stock my car with a full, large water bottle and occasionally something to eat (granola bar/ sandwich) for after a long run.
  • DocGu
    DocGu Posts: 51 Member
    For my long runs I will drive and stash a bottle of Gatorade along the route. I have never had anyone steal one yet,

    For really hot days (like today) I will stash a bottle of water.
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    There's a great topic here about hot weather running and the gear you might need: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/512826-running-tip-hot-weather-running
  • mandy_lynn
    mandy_lynn Posts: 165 Member
    I run with an Amphipod handheld bottle. It has a pocket that I put Honey Stingers in for long runs. I drink a lot when I run, as I'm a big sweater, so I refill my bottle at water fountains. I also keep another water bottle in my car for when I'm done.
  • sarafil
    sarafil Posts: 506 Member
    Usually I don't need water or gu if I'm only running an hour, but anything over that I typically carry a water bottle on a belt (one bottle that sits on the small of my back), and there is also a pocket where I put my cell phone and gu. My id information is attached to my shoe.
  • billb73
    billb73 Posts: 2
    Water is all you need. How far are you running? The camel back seems excessive. For most runs, a water bottle should be sufficient. A Marathon is a water run. Beyond that, electrolytes and calories are good.

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