water during longer runs

[beginnerrunner]

I hate carrying a bottle when I run but now my distance is increasing I need water along the way. I don't have people I could ask to meet me half way very often. How do you guys do it?

[AggressiveBunting]

Just buy either (1) a hydration pack that has a bladder and tube in it or (2) a waist pack with space for a bottle. I use the Salomon S Lab jacket 5L as I like space for phone, gels etc, but that's an expensive way of doing it- lots of cheaper ones around.

However........... how far are we talking about? If you start off well hydrated it makes sense to try to get to 10k without water unless it's crazily hot.

[beginnerrunner]

Thanks Bunting. I am moving beyond 10k now and will be doing 8-10 milers over the next couple of months and then 10-12 during the summer hols (I hope!)

I do get really thirsty as I can't get the hang of breathing through my nose. I'm like a panting dog!

A hydration pack sounds good. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the fab advice. I carried a bottle for a 10k today and binned it half way but it was a pain to carry.

[beginnerrunner]

Does anyone find the hydration packs are a pain and bounce around on your back?

[HeinousPieTrap]

Hi - you need to try on a few before you buy, and find the one that you can adjust to your measurements. Some just won't go down to small woman size, others have silly straps where your boobs are etc, but hopefully you'll fine The One that you can get on tight enough without being uncomfortable and won't chafe. I was lucky and found that one quite cheaply!

However, you might find with 10-12 mile runs (so out about 2 hours?) that a hydration pack is overkill. My experience was that I didn't move onto them until I started running marathon+, and needed a backpack I could get the required kit into. Before that, a trusty nathan belt did me fine. Also planning a route so that I would be running past a shop/pub after about an hour.

I hate carrying a bottle too! Though there is a cunning thing like a wrist band with a water pouch in it, which a friend of mine was enthusing about. Had the advantage of quick access. Though tbh on a long run I'm not bothered by stopping for a minute or so to get the bottle out/admire the view/consider how awesome I am

[Doyouthinktheysaurus]

I use camelbak hydration packs. I only use it in hot weather though tbh. I run up to 12 miles once a week and don't find the need for fluid yet, not warm enough for me to be troubled.

I've had a few camelbaks over the years and some are better than others. Get one with a tall bladder rather than a horizontal one. The horizontal one sits across the base of you back but I always found the fluid hard to get out.

I've just bought a marathon specific camelbak which sits higher than previous ones I've had, aimed at cyclists. It wasn't cheap but I'm hoping it will be more comfortable.

[beginnerrunner]

I'm still slow so 10-12 miles I'd around 3 hours. I think I need a drink in that time. I like the sound of a wrist one . Do you know what it's called?

[CMOTDibbler]

Those wrist ones are called swiggies, but they are pretty small

I have a cheapo waist bag which holds a bottle from sports direct which is quite handy, but I also have a Camelbak hydration pack which I like as I can put quite a lot of stuff in it like a tiny first aid kit which is a reassurance when I'm out in the countryside and far enough away that I can't hobble home

[AggressiveBunting]

Try to avoid carrying a water bottle as it affects your gait. Can make a difference over time. The Salomon waist pack carries a 600ml bottle and doesn't bounce too much but the issue with waist packs is how they sit depends on your shape and hard the test them. The Salomon vest is zero bounce as it has arm holes and carries up to 2.5litres plus gear. Maybe see if anyone's selling on eBay.

[HelenF350]

I have a waist pack that carries 2 small bottles. I find it good because it feels more balanced than only having 1, the bottles aren't too bulky either. I think it was about a tenner from sports direct.

[HelenF350]

It's one of these www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-2-bottle-belt-765240

[BikeRunSki]

I use DS's kids Camelbak. It only has space for a hydration bladder and a tiny pocket for a phone and key. Because it's designed for kids, the straps cans be sinched down small and it has a chest stabiliSing strap too. It's perfect for longish runs.

[HeinousPieTrap]

beginnerrunner it's an inov8 soft flask... here and review here

I use this one

[LavazzaLover]

I have the 2 x bottle kit but the PITA for me is the pouch is too small for my phone and car key. I use my ordinary karrimor belt and hand held bottle.

I get thirsty. Not gulping but my mouth gets dry. Ive been running with a bottle for 5 yrs. I feel naked without.

[IronMaggie]

With anything less than about 12-15k I wouldn't worry too much about drinking during the run, provided you're nicely hydrated beforehand. And not just with a big swig as you're heading out, plan ahead so you have nice clear wee for the 12 hours before you start. Not sure where I heard that originally but it seems to work.

I once drank half a litre just before a 5k and came very close to not finishing as a result!

[MrsMook]

I use a belt with two small bottles which is handy for warmer weather and being out over an hour. I alternate sides so they don't go lop sided.