Running Advice

For a 5k, I dont take anything with me.

I dont like to carry water, as I find it difficult to drink while running. Even on 10ks, I dont drink while I run.

For a half-marayhon, or the tough 8 mile cross country I did last week, I'll carry a few jelly beans or similar, and chew one of those each mile for the last half of the run. I carry them in the zip pocket on my trousers, or at the back of my running top, or in my pockets if I'm wearing a jacket, or in the little pouch inside my wristband, or in a waist-pocket that clips around me. One of those.

Hydrate well before and after the run.

There are several options for carrying food and drink, and people's preferences are going to vary widely--only you can figure out which of these will work best for you:

1. Fuel belt. Come with differing number of bottles, and often a zip pouch you can stick gels, chews, keys, or whatever in. I tried this, didn't like having something around my waist.

2. Hand-held bottle. Have a band that slips over your hand so it's easier to carry, the carrier also often has a pocket or two. I don't care for these, either--makes me feel uneven to have weight in one hand but not the other, but many people love them.

3. Bike jersey, vest, or jacket. Cycling gear virtually always has nice deep pockets in the back (some zip, most don't). They'll hold food, phone, keys, and small bottles (I use one of the flat bottles made for the fuel belts--fits snug against the small of my back and isn't noticeable). My favorite.

4. Hydration pack. Best for long runs (I use mine for runs of over 2-3 hours, depending on temps). Holds a bladder for fluid and often has pockets for food.

5. Don't carry anything (except maybe a few bucks) and run where you know there are water fountains or a convenience store. Or set up laps that go past your house or car, and stop for a drink/food there. Some people stash water bottles on their route ahead of time, and pick them up during their run.

You may need to test out a few options before you figure out what's best for you. Best of luck with your running!

I run all my training runs (up to 22 miles) with neither food nor water. You just don't need it.

No, YOU just don't need it. It's absurd to assume everyone's hydration and nutrition needs are the same. The OP will learn what works for him through trial and error--presumably the same way you did.

Pay attention to whether you are a "salty" sweater as well. You can tell by looking at dark clothing after your run, if it's got a white sweat stain on it that means you're losing a lot more electrolytes than someone who isn't a salty sweater. from there pay attention to the weather, if it's hot and humid, cold, sunny, etc. Then look at how far/how long you are running. For a 5k distance you may not need anything unless it is extremely hot and/or humid out. Rule of thumb, electrolyte replenishment is needed after about 2 hours of intense exercise (again this is general so it can be slightly different for individuals). Replacing water is a good idea if you're going to be out for an hour or more. I carry mine on a fuel belt, just make sure it's cinched tight enough to reduce bouncing. It did take a little bit of getting used to. I only bring mine on really hot days or long runs. Typically I'll finish the first two water bottles while I'm running and the last two while stretching, then continue to hydrate throughout the day.

I am new to running and getting close to finishing the C25K program.
When people start to go on longer runs, do you take fluids, food etc. with you? If so how do you carry it?

Thanks.

Most people don't need fluids or calories for shorter runs. Most people on reasonably normal diets with reasonably normal eating patterns and reasonably normal workout routines have enough stored energy for about 90 minutes of moderate exercise. For most people, that's somewhere in the 6-10 mile range.

That said, there is a psychological aspect here too, and many people, especially new runners, need to ease into things. For most people who don't know what they need, my philosophy is always this: It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

So if you are unsure, I recommend taking a small gell or something and a little water. You can stash it somewhere along the route, or carry a water bottle or a small belt/backpack. It's all personal preference. I do encourage you to be really honest with yourself during the run about whether or not you truely need a drink before you take it.

Nothing is worse, IME, than being emotionally tied to water during your workouts.

Nothing is worse, IME, than being emotionally tied to water during your workouts.

Can I ask why you feel that way? Honestly curious.

I'm getting ready to run a half and I wear a belt. I use it to hold my phone (for tracking, music and emergencies), a couple of gels, and yes....water to drink. I don't drink much, but it does make me feel better and I guess I'm not sure what's wrong with that? Whether I actually *need* it or not, I'm not sure why 6 oz of water or Gatorade is such a bad thing?

Nothing is worse, IME, than being emotionally tied to water during your workouts.

I'm envisioning the guys at the gym that walk around chugging a gallon jug of water after every set? Or the 5K runners that wear fuel belts haha

Nothing is worse, IME, than being emotionally tied to water during your workouts.

Can I ask why you feel that way? Honestly curious.

I'm getting ready to run a half and I wear a belt. I use it to hold my phone (for tracking, music and emergencies), a couple of gels, and yes....water to drink. I don't drink much, but it does make me feel better and I guess I'm not sure what's wrong with that? Whether I actually *need* it or not, I'm not sure why 6 oz of water or Gatorade is such a bad thing?

To some extent, it's personal preference. But it's also more things to "complicate" a workout, or to go wrong during a race. If you're fine carrying all that stuff, then have at it. Personally, one of the things I like best is not having to carry anything. I don't carry anything when I run (no keys, no phone, I don't even take an ipod/headphones). I take a small tool kit with me on my road rides, but that's usually it. I don't take any tools or a hydration pack on mountain bike rides. Heck, one of the things I like best about my singlespeed is it's simplicity - no gears to shift, no travel to adjust, no chain slap, etc.

When you get rid of all the extraneous stuff, it's just about you and the run or the ride. It's awesome.

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Nothing is worse, IME, than being emotionally tied to water during your workouts.

Can I ask why you feel that way? Honestly curious.

I'm getting ready to run a half and I wear a belt. I use it to hold my phone (for tracking, music and emergencies), a couple of gels, and yes....water to drink. I don't drink much, but it does make me feel better and I guess I'm not sure what's wrong with that? Whether I actually *need* it or not, I'm not sure why 6 oz of water or Gatorade is such a bad thing?

To some extent, it's personal preference. But it's also more things to "complicate" a workout, or to go wrong during a race. If you're fine carrying all that stuff, then have at it. Personally, one of the things I like best is not having to carry anything. I don't carry anything when I run (no keys, no phone, I don't even take an ipod/headphones). I take a small tool kit with me on my road rides, but that's usually it. I don't take any tools or a hydration pack on mountain bike rides. Heck, one of the things I like best about my singlespeed is it's simplicity - no gears to shift, no travel to adjust, no chain slap, etc.

When you get rid of all the extraneous stuff, it's just about you and the run or the ride. It's awesome.

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I can understand that. But, on the flip side, I am someone who enjoys zoning out to music. My runs are still very much about me & the road.....but the music helps me get out of my head. I also have to have my phone - I have a small child and need to be immediately accessible.

And a little water here and there puts the spring back in my step (whether it's all in my head or not). My belt is comfortable and the weight doesn't bother me. So, I guess that - for me - it's personal preference to have those things.

I'm not advocating that everyone carry their house with them when they run or ride. But, if a couple of items help you improve your performance and that improvement increases your confidence and that confidence helps you get back out there again and getting back out there again helps you improve.......well, you see where I'm getting at with this. A phone and a lightweight belt make me feel better, which makes me more likely to stick with my fitness plans. Personal preference.