How to stay hydrated while jogging.
Singelli
Posts: 40 Member
Good morning everyone. I joined MFP quite awhile ago, but I let life take over and keep me from getting back into shape. However, within the past month or two, concern about my weight has grown along with my waistline. I don't know if my PCOS is kicking in, stress is waging war on my body, or I'm just reaching new heights (lows!) of laziness and bad eating choices. I started gaining weight faster than ever, and I'm now at my heaviest. (And before it's asked, I know I'm not pregnant.)
I want to be fit and my increased weight has been on my mind more than any other stresses. It's been bumming me out and so I decided to find a way to motivate myself to work on my health; clearly, I couldn't stay motivated to get on the treadmill every day. I'd get pumped up and tell myself to stick with it.... I'd use it for an hour almost every day..... and a couple of weeks later, I would get 'too busy'.
Cue the mountain bike. I recently changed jobs and got a nice bonus check because of it. I was planning on buying new clothes since I'm rapidly growing out of my old ones. However, my husband and I were on the way to the women's department in Wal-Mart when inspiration struck: I saw a bike, and I just knew I had to have it.
You see, my father was in the military and we did a lot of moving around, but during his career, we spent the most time in Alaska. An amazing place, I assure you.... and it was there that my dad tried to get us all into mountain biking. He bought us very expensive 24-speed, lightweight Mongooses. I was very attached to my bike, but when we moved away and I started college 5 years later, a car ran into me and utterly destroyed my baby. I was devastated emotionally (silly as it sounds), and tried a cheap replacement that didn't work out.
After that, I got married, started my career, and had other things to worry about.
A few weeks ago when I saw that black and orange Mongoose, I just stopped in my tracks and became determined to convince my husband of the purchase. He's a worry-wart, you see, and I wanted to ride that bike to work and back every day. It's a 6 mile, hilly trip... and somehow.. I convinced him!
I'll admit I was trepidatious about taking the bike up those hills, but when I made nearly every hill without losing much wind... on the first ride? I was elated! I knew I had found my motivation to get into shape! I'm such an introvert and home-body that I forgot how nice it is to be outside!
I found a new app on my phone called "Couch to 5K" and decided I'd give it a shot as well, because a week of biking and watching my calorie intake hadn't yielded any results at all. I'm hoping I didn't lose any weight because I Was building my muscle mass, but nonetheless, I wanted to see what else I could do with my renewed vigor.
I've always been very self-conscious about being outside and people watching me... so I've never... ever jogged out in public. I was scared to do so, but my determination won over. I put some buds in my ears, started my training apps.... and ventured out. I jogged and walked in intervals, huffing and puffing. 2 miles brought me to Walmart where I purchased a vitamin water and then started on my way back home. The way back home, however, is at a higher elevation, and the heat index brought temperatures to a scalding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. I felt dry-mouthed about half way through despite the liquid intake within the last hour.
I've made that jog/walk three times now, and each experience has been similar. I feel slightly winded, hot, and sore by the time I get to Walmart and purchase a drink... but I feel almost unbearably thirsty about halfway home. It made me wonder: How do joggers stay hydrated?
I mean....I'm sorry if this sounds horrible, but I can't imagine carrying a water bottle. It seems awkward and inconvenient... what if I drop it and have to stop in order to retrieve it? Won't my hands get stiff from carrying it the whole hour or however long I work out? I tried to reflect on what I've seen joggers do and my mind has gone blank. I even tried googling pictures of joggers, and I only saw pictures of joggers either carrying a bottle or wearing some kind of waistband to hold a water bottle.
What do YOU do to keep hydrated? I'm not sure I can convince my husband to let me spend more money on exercise accessories after all the money I spent on stuff for my biking.
Thanks for your time, and God bless!
(I suppose this was more akin to an intro thread, so I'm sorry if this needs to be moved. Due to the question however, I thought this might be the best place to stick the topic.)
I want to be fit and my increased weight has been on my mind more than any other stresses. It's been bumming me out and so I decided to find a way to motivate myself to work on my health; clearly, I couldn't stay motivated to get on the treadmill every day. I'd get pumped up and tell myself to stick with it.... I'd use it for an hour almost every day..... and a couple of weeks later, I would get 'too busy'.
Cue the mountain bike. I recently changed jobs and got a nice bonus check because of it. I was planning on buying new clothes since I'm rapidly growing out of my old ones. However, my husband and I were on the way to the women's department in Wal-Mart when inspiration struck: I saw a bike, and I just knew I had to have it.
You see, my father was in the military and we did a lot of moving around, but during his career, we spent the most time in Alaska. An amazing place, I assure you.... and it was there that my dad tried to get us all into mountain biking. He bought us very expensive 24-speed, lightweight Mongooses. I was very attached to my bike, but when we moved away and I started college 5 years later, a car ran into me and utterly destroyed my baby. I was devastated emotionally (silly as it sounds), and tried a cheap replacement that didn't work out.
After that, I got married, started my career, and had other things to worry about.
A few weeks ago when I saw that black and orange Mongoose, I just stopped in my tracks and became determined to convince my husband of the purchase. He's a worry-wart, you see, and I wanted to ride that bike to work and back every day. It's a 6 mile, hilly trip... and somehow.. I convinced him!
I'll admit I was trepidatious about taking the bike up those hills, but when I made nearly every hill without losing much wind... on the first ride? I was elated! I knew I had found my motivation to get into shape! I'm such an introvert and home-body that I forgot how nice it is to be outside!
I found a new app on my phone called "Couch to 5K" and decided I'd give it a shot as well, because a week of biking and watching my calorie intake hadn't yielded any results at all. I'm hoping I didn't lose any weight because I Was building my muscle mass, but nonetheless, I wanted to see what else I could do with my renewed vigor.
I've always been very self-conscious about being outside and people watching me... so I've never... ever jogged out in public. I was scared to do so, but my determination won over. I put some buds in my ears, started my training apps.... and ventured out. I jogged and walked in intervals, huffing and puffing. 2 miles brought me to Walmart where I purchased a vitamin water and then started on my way back home. The way back home, however, is at a higher elevation, and the heat index brought temperatures to a scalding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. I felt dry-mouthed about half way through despite the liquid intake within the last hour.
I've made that jog/walk three times now, and each experience has been similar. I feel slightly winded, hot, and sore by the time I get to Walmart and purchase a drink... but I feel almost unbearably thirsty about halfway home. It made me wonder: How do joggers stay hydrated?
I mean....I'm sorry if this sounds horrible, but I can't imagine carrying a water bottle. It seems awkward and inconvenient... what if I drop it and have to stop in order to retrieve it? Won't my hands get stiff from carrying it the whole hour or however long I work out? I tried to reflect on what I've seen joggers do and my mind has gone blank. I even tried googling pictures of joggers, and I only saw pictures of joggers either carrying a bottle or wearing some kind of waistband to hold a water bottle.
What do YOU do to keep hydrated? I'm not sure I can convince my husband to let me spend more money on exercise accessories after all the money I spent on stuff for my biking.
Thanks for your time, and God bless!
(I suppose this was more akin to an intro thread, so I'm sorry if this needs to be moved. Due to the question however, I thought this might be the best place to stick the topic.)
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Replies
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Use a camelback that has a chest strap so it doesn't bounce. They're actually kind of expensive but if you need it it's worth it. I don't hydrate while I run, but my long runs are only 5.5 - 6 miles. I drink right before and after my runs but not during and I think I've just gotten used to it. I will say that chapstick really helps me from feeling like I have cotton mouth while I run.0
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I too have the camelback, but I also use a water belt that holds 2 bottles of water. When I am not in the mood to use either of those I just bring money with me to get a bottle of water somewhere.
Good luck and keep up this renewed sense!!0 -
I have never, ever needed to hydrate on a training run (the longest of which is 10 miles for half marathon training). I do carry a small packet of sport beans, but for the most part I do my hydrating the day before my long runs. I drink a TON of water the day before a big run.
The key to staying hydrated while running is just regularly staying hydrated in the first place. We are recommended to consume at least half our body weight in ounces each day, so for a 200 lb person that is 100 oz of water. Drink up buttercup.0 -
I don't hydrate during runs... I do so afterwards. However, I run in not much elevation, and I only go when the temp outside is not too hot for me. I have to agree that Chapstick is very helpful in keeping my mouth from getting too dry while breathing through my mouth so much. You would probably like a camelback, or maybe you will get more used to running and the frequent hydration won't feel as necessary.0
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check amazon...they have these homely little belts that have little water bottles attached to them... also there are little bottles with small handles you can carry made for runners. If you want to drink while running...you'll just have to deal with carrying it... until your in a race...where they usually provide it along the route. I think a camelback is an awful lot of water and will probably cause a lot of back sweating (though this is just my opinion). I train to run without water as I think it slows me down in a race...but research shows that staying hydrated helps you feel like you could do more...so I guess research is on your side.0
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unless your running like an ultra marathon you shouldnt need to hydrate during an event or training session, hydration should take place in the 48 hours leading up to your event but if you train all the time like most people then hydration needs to be an ongoing thing, people often forget water is the most important of all nutrients, who cares how many carbs you have if your dehydrated as hell. at any rate, if you feel like you MUST have water during just buy a camelback but I think you will find the camelback more annoying than anything0
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I use two methods- first one is to use a special running bottle which has a hole in the middle. It's much easier to hold than a normal bottle - although for a run longer than 30mins it would be annoying holding on. The other thing I do is to bring a bottle of water with me- run for about 10 mins. Sip the drink then hide it behind a wall or tree. Then keep running. On my way back home I go back the way I came and retrieve the bottle. It means I'm not carring the bottle all the way and I have something to "look forward to " on the way home:)0
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The only time that I have needed to hydrate during runs is when I was running for over an hour. And when I was doing that, I lived in Chicago and would run on the path next to Lake Shore Drive, which had water fountains every mile or two.
If you drink enough water before you run, you shouldn't get dehydrated during 4 miles, no matter how hot it is.
If having water would make you feel better, though, just buy a small bottle of water to carry with you. An 8-oz. bottle doesn't weigh much and you can switch hands if you find that holding it tires out your hand. If you drop it, you stop, pick it up, and start up again.
You could get something like this:
http://www.rei.com/product/843088/fuelbelt-sprint-handheld-water-bottle
But I think it's overkill.0 -
Ditch the walmart bike for sure.0
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I'm with the others in that if you're adequately hydrated before the run starts you shouldn't need to drink during the run however if you prefer to have something during the run it's a matter of personal choice and comfort level. Check out fuel belts, I have one that hold 2 x12 oz flasks that I use for runs in hot weather that are over 90 minutes.They're snug and don't move around very much, I've yet to drop a bottle.0
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If i'm doing a long run (10-12 miles) i find that if i can't hydrate, it impacts the run itself and i feel crappy afterwards, even when i re-hydrate. So i feel you on needing to hydrate during a run. As i think someone mentioned, I bought one of those running belts that has two small water bottles on it. It's just enough to keep me going until i can really tank up with water at home. While i clearly would prefer to run without any type of batman utility belt, it's not too bad. Plus i can keep keys, gels, sport beans etc in the little zip up pack that's on the belt, so that's nice. Just a thought though- don't run when it's a real feel of 100 degrees if you can avoid it!!0
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Just another vote for "I don't bring water on my runs" and I run up to 6 miles. I find that if I try to gulp a few mouthfuls of water during a run, I slosh for the rest of the workout. I even bypass water stations during races. YMMV0
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I have something like a camelback, but honestly only take it on trail runs. Otherwise for normal runs I just take sports beans and a packet or two of mustard.0
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I have a hydration belt that goes around my waist. It came with 2 water bottles and has a small pouch. I do carry some water but I usually wear it for the pouch I put my keys and other junk in there when I run. You can buy them at a running store or on amazon.0
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I use a hand held water bottle with a pouch. Holds my phone also! I only use it when I'm going to be out for 1.5 hours or longer.0
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Be a real woman and get a leather bota bag the more antique the better! This will drive all the men to your yard!0
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see found one for you for the cheap price of $555 http://www.ebay.com/itm/TRIBAL-ANTIQUE-LEATHER-WATER-WINE-CANTEEN-BOTA-BAG-/261240465367 nice shape and form too!0
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The only time that I have needed to hydrate during runs is when I was running for over an hour. And when I was doing that, I lived in Chicago and would run on the path next to Lake Shore Drive, which had water fountains every mile or two.
If you drink enough water before you run, you shouldn't get dehydrated during 4 miles, no matter how hot it is.
If having water would make you feel better, though, just buy a small bottle of water to carry with you. An 8-oz. bottle doesn't weigh much and you can switch hands if you find that holding it tires out your hand. If you drop it, you stop, pick it up, and start up again.
You could get something like this:
http://www.rei.com/product/843088/fuelbelt-sprint-handheld-water-bottle
But I think it's overkill.
I have one of these and I love it. I need to hydrate during a run over 5km - maybe it's because I live in a humid climate? Or, maybe I'm just a wuss :laugh: For long training runs of 14km or more, I use a 2-bottle fuel belt which you could purchase at any running store.0 -
You don't need all the equipment peeps are suggesting for the runs you are doing now.
You hydrate when you are not running, all day, everyday. If you absolutely FEEL like you can't make it through the run without hydration then just grab a small bottle of water and run with it. You don't need fancy straps and camelbaks for what yuo are doing. just a bottle of water you can keep around and refill. It will give your arms a slight workout as well carrying it so plus plus there.
AND
If you are doing this to drop weight and such like you said, stop buying that vitamin water crap in the middle of your runs. It's basically the equivalent of drinking a 16 ounce dr.pepper mid run. Calories and full of crap you don't need. Don't be fooled by their marketing. You don't need anything but water (not even Gatorade)until you hit MUCH MUCH MUCH further distances.0 -
I do like to have a water bottle with me for runs lasting more than 30 minutes, but I really don't drink much while I run. I have a Camelbak water bottle belt I LOVE that has a pocket big enough for my phone and keys, so that is very helpful. To help me with my throat when I first start my run I take a Halls mentho lyptus throat drop. It opens up the nasal passages and coats my throat so it isn't so scratchy and dry from breathing hard. Enjoy your running, and do what you need to do to keep comfortable while you run so you keep on running!
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Run earlier in the day if you can to beat the heat! I HATE running when it's hot in the summer, so I am out the door at sunrise in the cool of the morning. It's quiet, it's cooler, I see the awesome sunrise, and then I'm ready to rock my day.
Also agree with those who say hydration starts the day before - make sure you're drinking enough or even extra the day before if you know you're running the next day. If you do run in the afternoon or evening, drink up all morning long.
I have one of those bottles with the hand strap thingy and used it a few times. It's easy to hold, I don't even really have to grip it, but eventually found that I don't need it. I keep it for the just in case scenarios, and if nothing else, if it's terribly hot when I'm out there past sunrise, I can always squirt the water over my head and back to cool down.
Check your local TJ Maxx or Marshalls - they often have a good selection of fitness gear, including hydration belts, bottles & handy things for running, and for a lot less than regular retail.
Good luck!0 -
Not a problem I have, but I'm from Scotland so 100 degree weather is not really an issue for us!!
What about fit sip, they are wristbands that get filled with water http://www.amazon.co.uk/FitSip-Pro-Lite-Hands-Free-Hydration-Runners/dp/B00HU6F3QS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409090472&sr=8-1&keywords=fitsip
I really dislike carrying water as well, so on my 20 mile runs, I used to run loops and leave the water in the car, don't know if this would be an option??
As someone else has already said, make sure that you're hydrating throughout the day, not just an hour before you run.0 -
Good luck and keep up this renewed sense!!
Thank all of you for the amazing feedback! Jogging/ Running is a very new thing for me, and so I learned quite a bit by reading all of your responses. I didn't know so many little things could make a difference! It's really awesome of you guys to spend time giving me the info and encouragement!... I do carry a small packet of sport beans,
.... We are recommended to consume at least half our body weight in ounces each day, so for a 200 lb person that is 100 oz of water. Drink up buttercup....
What is a sport bean?
And 100 ounces? Yipes! That's.... quite a bit. I drink about 32 ounces every day, and apparently that's not enough. I'd never heard this 'formula' before, so thanks! I'm going to try harder to drink more every day. I honestly had no idea that hydrating the day before exercise (or all day the day of) could help. I guess this needs to be a strong focus for me.... I will say that chapstick really helps me from feeling like I have cotton mouth while I run....
Chapstick helps with that?! O.o Now there's something I -never- would have guessed! Does it... have to be any special kind of chapstick? I mean, my mother used to buy me cheap little fruity scented chaps that I really can't stand, but I do like to use Carmex from time to time. I've never really been into chapsticks otherwise...... Sip the drink then hide it behind a wall or tree. Then keep running. ...
I honestly considered this during my second run when I couldn't stop marveling at how dry my mouth was. However, I don't live in an area where I would trust a left bottle... even if it was well hidden. lol But it's a good idea for sure. Thanks!Ditch the walmart bike for sure.
Why do you say that? It wasn't one of the cheap models, and it's served me very well for about 3 weeks now, which is when I bought it. I can't really say I have any complaints about it yet.... Check out fuel belts, I have one that hold 2 x12 oz flasks that I use for runs in hot weather that are over 90 minutes.They're snug and don't move around very much, I've yet to drop a bottle.
I get really thirsty because I'm terribly out of shape, apparently not hydrated enough, and working out in heat and through hills. I wish I WAS in shape so that I didn't feel so thirsty.. trust me. haha!
I don't know that I'm going to go with a belt, BUT I wanted to say that I really appreciate the insight on how much the belts move and how secure they are. I looked a few up on Amazon, but they didn't look very comfortable. Do you have any insight on that to offer me in case I decide to get one?... packet or two of mustard.
Mustard? Really? Why? O.o lolI use a hand held water bottle with a pouch. Holds my phone also! I only use it when I'm going to be out for 1.5 hours or longer.
I'm out of shape enough that it takes me anywhere from an hour to an hour and 15 minutes to jog/run the 4-5 miles. *blushes * This time DOES include the time it takes me to go through walmart, get a drink, buy it, and drink it, though.
Right now, I've been using one of those arm bands that have a pocket for your phone. I put my ID, a few dollar bills, and my phone in there. My keys tend to go in my shorts just because I have pretty secure pockets. It DOES have a slot for a single key though, if I was ever non-lazy enough to actually slip my house key off the ring.
I just thought I'd mention it in case you ever want to give that a shot.
....maybe I'm just a wuss :laugh: ....
That's how I feel. lol. You're not alone!You don't need all the equipment peeps are suggesting for the runs you are doing now.
You hydrate when you are not running, all day, everyday. If you absolutely FEEL like you can't make it through the run without hydration then just grab a small bottle of water and run with it. You don't need fancy straps and camelbaks for what you are doing. just a bottle of water you can keep around and refill. It will give your arms a slight workout as well carrying it so plus plus there.
AND
If you are doing this to drop weight and such like you said, stop buying that vitamin water crap in the middle of your runs. It's basically the equivalent of drinking a 16 ounce dr.pepper mid run. Calories and full of crap you don't need. Don't be fooled by their marketing. You don't need anything but water (not even Gatorade)until you hit MUCH MUCH MUCH further distances.
I probably found your post the most intriguing.
I never thought about giving my arms a slight workout by carrying a water bottle. That puts a slightly new perspective on it, so maybe if I absolutely need water, I just need to suck it up. (pun not intended. lol)
I am doing the exercise because I want to lose the weight, but more importantly, because I want to be fit. The only reason I bought Vitamin Water though, is because I have a hard time justifying the purchase of bottled water. I did be sure to grab the Zero version since it has zero calories. I've even been grabbing the lemonade flavor despite hating lemonade... simply because it's the only "zero" version they have.
Do you still think it's a bad thing to drink in the middle of my trips?...To help me with my throat when I first start my run I take a Halls mentho lyptus throat drop. It opens up the nasal passages and coats my throat so it isn't so scratchy and dry from breathing hard...
My throat definitely hasn't gotten scratchy, but it's been terribly dry. I don't think I would have thought about taking a 'cough drop' though. What an interesting idea. I would think that it'd make your throat a little dryer, but I don't use them often, either. Thank you!Run earlier in the day if you can to beat the heat! .... I see the awesome sunrise, and then I'm ready to rock my day.
.... If you do run in the afternoon or evening, drink up all morning long.
...
Check your local TJ Maxx or Marshalls - they often have a good selection of fitness gear, including hydration belts, bottles & handy things for running, and for a lot less than regular retail.
Running under the sunrise would definitely be a way to start the day... I have to agree! However, I don't exactly have that luxury, though I've thought about it. With my job though, I'd have to get up at 3am to even consider a morning run.
I always bring a water bottle to work, but I don't get through much of it. I'm going to try harder to finish at least eight cups before I get off work and do my exercise.
Also, thanks for the hint about where to shop and get things cheap! I really appreciate it!
Well that's interesting! I've never heard of things like that. (20 miles though! I envy you! lol) Thanks for the tip!...What about fit sip, they are wristbands that get filled with water....0 -
You don't need anything but water (not even Gatorade)until you hit MUCH MUCH MUCH further distances.
+10 -
I don't bother taking water on a run unless I'm going to be out for 90mins+ then I take a slightly watered down energy drink in a belt bottle pack (I really can't get on with gels so prefer a drink but not too sweet!)
ETA Hydration before a run makes a big difference for me.0 -
Everyone is different. My wife drinks way more water then I drink. She always has a glass of water or a water bottle with her. Although she is well hydrated she can not do any exercise without water. We will take our dogs to the park for walks and we have to bring water for the dogs and my wife.
I normally drink before and after exercise. If I am running for 90 minutes or more I will take water. I use a water belt and water bottle or a camelback depending on how much water I think I need. The belt and bottle hold 16 ounces the camelback holds two liters ( 4 times as much)
Enjoy your running and new bike0 -
What is a sport bean?
Sport beans are like jellybeans with the addition of electrolytes needed for prolonged exercise. They fuel longer runs, similar to gels, stingers, etc. You can get any of these at a sporting goods or running store. Not really necessary until you get into longer distances - the recommendation on the package is to consume fuel 15 mins before and every 45 mins during a long run (like anything, subject to individual preferences).
I did an 8km run last night including 2kms of hill repeats and I downed my 10oz handheld water bottle. Granted it was 27 degrees Celsius outside at 7:30pm, but still I have no idea how people run without water :laugh:
ETA: I completely agree with making sure you are hydrated the day before. I drink tons of water and I still need to hydrate during runs. Personal preference0 -
What do YOU do to keep hydrated? I'm not sure I can convince my husband to let me spend more money on exercise accessories after all the money I spent on stuff for my biking.
When I was doing C25K I hoovered up a lot of water. Now that I'm more conditioned I'll quite comfortably go out for about 10km without anything at all, for longer than that I do carry fluids.
I used a The North Face Flight series belt with two 500ml bottles and a pouch for gel/ keys etc. Neatly sits on my hips and it's quite comfortable. I also have a handheld that takes about 350ml although don't use it much.
I'm not so keen on handhelds mself.0 -
OP, sport beans are just jelly beans (Jelly Belly brand) that help with electrolyte/carb replenishing on looooooong runs. There are lots of fuel options out there; Gu, Shot Blocks, etc. Once you start getting into longer distances you might find that you feel like complete garbage afterward or halfway through. Products like those can help.
Good luck getting better hydrated! It's one of the best things you can do for yourself health wise. We need SO much more water than we think we do.0 -
Everyone's a bit different. I don't carry water with me unless I'm going 9 miles or longer. And even then, I don't drink much. I make sure I'm hydrated before a run, especially a couple hours before. I then have water waiting for me right after my run. I run in the evenings after work, so hydrating beforehand isn't difficult.
As others have said, you really only need water until you get into longer distances/times.0
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