Carrying water to drink on long runs?

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  • fitoverfortymom
    fitoverfortymom Posts: 3,452 Member
    I use a Osprey Dyna hydration backpack for my long training runs. For shorter runs under 5 miles I usually don't bring anything with me. More than 5 but less than 10 I have a handheld Nathan water bottle. On race day (half marathon distance), I will use my handheld because I don't like stopping at aid stations unless I have to.
  • fitoverfortymom
    fitoverfortymom Posts: 3,452 Member
    Wunjo is a newer brand that has hydration packs, too. A bit more affordable than others.
  • ritzvin
    ritzvin Posts: 2,860 Member
    I use this for mini-rogaine events (6 hr score-O type orienteering meet, so not known ahead of time when/if you'll be near a water stop): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N5KWNEI/ (better fit for running in then most hydration packs). I bought it several years ago, so there could be better/cheaper options around now.

    It doesn't generally get that terribly hot here in summer, so I typically don't bring water for street running at least up to 10-11 miles, which is the most I've run in training. Worst case: I stop in a bar/bodega/quickie mart/food stand if I do get really, really thirsty. Beyond that, I'd probably just plan to stop at one of the aforementioned places or a water fountain.
  • FL_Hiker
    FL_Hiker Posts: 919 Member
    I live in an extremely hot and humid climate so I’m usually forced to carry water on almost every run, I use a Nathan brand water back pack with a water bladder and tube. I really like the Nathan brand because I’m a woman and they sell models built to fit women specifically. I had trouble with other brands in the past chaffing me in weird spots and the strap going uncomfortably across my chest. Investing in a quality gender specific pack made a huge difference to me...
  • FL_Hiker
    FL_Hiker Posts: 919 Member
    MichSmish wrote: »
    I skip it. I’ve never needed to carry water with me, and I’m a distance runner (9-18 miles) putting in most of my mileage in south FL and SoCal.

    That’s really unusual. I live in central Florida and during the summer I need water, and I’m not a big sweater and I don’t generally drink much.
  • kjm3579
    kjm3579 Posts: 3,974 Member
    I bought a light weight Nathan running vest that holds 2 bottles in deep pockets on its front -- I will be using it for half training to start in a few weeks -- I couldn't stand having the bladder of water sloshing on my back.
  • Djproulx
    Djproulx Posts: 3,084 Member
    edited March 2019
    I use different holders based on time/distance and the conditions. For shorter training runs, I like a simple handheld bottle with strap. My favorite approach for runs over 2hrs is a running vest. I really like the Ultimate Direction TO 3.0 race vest. It has two pouches for soft bottles (500ml each) that have bite valve tops and a rear pouch in case you want to stow a 3rd bottle. It has a mesh back, which allows great air flow. It also has small pouches for gels, keys, phone, etc. I like this approach better than carrying a large bladder pak on my back.

    When temps are very hot, I'll often freeze the 3rd bottle and put it in the rear zippered pocket. It provides cooling on my back as it thaws, then becomes my third bottle to drink.

  • Tacklewasher
    Tacklewasher Posts: 7,122 Member
    I've drained a decent sized bottle running a half in -10C weather, so when I start doing half training (as soon as the snow is gone) I plan to wear a backpack with 1.5L in it and just get used to that. We can get to 35-40C here in the summer so I want to know I can run with the water I think I will need.
  • littlegreenparrot1
    littlegreenparrot1 Posts: 702 Member
    I have a camelbak waist bag I use all the time. I go trail running, anything over about 5 miles I'll fill it with water.
    It always has phone/purse/gloves/ small supplies in it. Don't like carrying stuff or it bouncing around in pockets.

    Dad was in mountain rescue back in the day, must always have some emergency kit. Although mostly it's for emergency ice cream or scone opportunities 😆
  • T1DCarnivoreRunner
    T1DCarnivoreRunner Posts: 11,502 Member
    It depends on where I'm going, how often there are refill spots (convenience stores in cities, hydrants in parks, or rivers/lakes), distance, and temperature.

    On trails / wilderness, I'll usually bring bottles and a filter (I like the Sawyer mini). If there isn't water for long distances in the area or it is especially hot, I will bring a reservoir.

    In cities where there are convenience stores or other places to refill every 5 miles (more or less, depending on distance), I'll just bring bottles - usually still with a pack for other stuff if I'm going further distances. But if I'm doing loops around a park that are 10 or fewer miles (even if I'm going around several times and running 20-30 miles), I'll probably just bring a hand-held. This is because if I'm going past my car or fountains/hydrants, I don't need to carry lots of other stuff besides water and some glucose tablets (type 1 diabetic) and phone. The rest I can leave in my car or at home (for the park that is only about a mile from home), then can retrieve whatever I need next time I come around.
  • MichelleWithMoxie
    MichelleWithMoxie Posts: 1,817 Member
    FL_Hiker wrote: »
    MichSmish wrote: »
    I skip it. I’ve never needed to carry water with me, and I’m a distance runner (9-18 miles) putting in most of my mileage in south FL and SoCal.

    That’s really unusual. I live in central Florida and during the summer I need water, and I’m not a big sweater and I don’t generally drink much.

    I guess it’s unusual, I never really realized how unusual until reading threads here on mfp. I’m extremely well conditioned, and find carrying anything with me on a run super annoying and cumbersome and just never have.
  • SchweddyGirl
    SchweddyGirl Posts: 244 Member
    For half marathons I have a hydration belt. OR, I will carry a running bottle and fill up at the aid stations. I don't particularly like camelbacks. But just my preference. You should try out different hydration schemes and see what works for you.
  • lemonwater1
    lemonwater1 Posts: 72 Member
    I wear a belt that holds a water bottle for all my runs: even if it’s only a few miles. I hate the feeling of dry mouth! I’ve never tried a camel back. I have seen people with them at halves and I’ve also seen people with hydration belts. Whatever you’re most comfortable with.
  • Squish815
    Squish815 Posts: 150 Member
    Squish815 wrote: »
    I am waiting for it to arrive to see how I do with it and will probably use it until I'm confident enough to run without water on longer runs: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B077Y9GQN3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Just wanted to add to this as I used this one today for a run that was just under 9 miles. I only half filled it so it wasn't too much extra weight and didn't notice it too much while running. It's a bit hard to drink from but as someone who just wants sips of water to stop my mouth feeling dry, it was perfect.
  • mk2fit
    mk2fit Posts: 730 Member
    I do not carry water bottles when I run, even when it is warm. The extra weight would drive me crazy (but I don't mind running wearing 3-4 layers when it is c-c-cold!). I do, however, bring a lot of mints to keep my mouth from drying out. Tissues in my left pocket, mints in the right. Usually anything less than 10 miles, I'm ok without water.

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