Running, water and gels

[IcelandicWarriors]

I am running a HM in October. I am at 7 miles without water etc but am wondering when I should start taking water or gels? I did start to feel limb heavy and tired. And how do you carry stuff?

I have a camelbak water reservoir backpack thing that I use for anything 10k and over (I sweat a lot and like having sips now and then).
I can run 13 miles without food/energy gel, but do find it better in a race to have one or two gels. I run with a ouch that my phone goes on and the gels just get shoved in with it)

I usually take fuel for 10 miles & over, but used to need it earlier. If it is a hot day I will always take water. I use clif shot bloks, they're like blocks of jelly, as I don't like gels.
I have 2 belts, one from Sports Direct and one from Innov8, for carrying stuff. The first one has water bottles and I have soft bottles for the other one. I also take electrolyte drinks for longer runs on hot days.

I used one of these running water bottles when training and just held it in my hand, i think at longer distances water is good and they will have plenty available on the course so you wont have to carry it on the day m.reebok.co.uk/running-water-bottle/B92345.html?cm_mmc=ReebokSEM_GPS--GS-OPT-UK-Categories-NonBranded--NONBRANDED+-+Fitness+%26+Training%2CRunning-_-PRODUCT+GROUP&cm_mmca1=UK&cm_mmca2&71700000020693788&ds_agid=58700002162463600&gclid=CIjt-bjOsdUCFQUPGwodn2QPmw&gclsrc=ds

With gels, by all means experiment but I didn't realise that you need to get your body used to processing these in advance. On my first HM I was flagging and took one of the gels being handed out - it made me feel sick and didn't help at all. I don't think gels, or any food, are essential for this distance but if you are struggling with just water then try some out. I would probably go with half a banana or a small peanut protein bar rather than a gel but that's just personal preference. You can get little running belts (small bum bags really) to carry snacks in.

I'll take a look as I think I'll need to start taking water soon but didn't want to carry it and wondered if people don't take water for under 13 miles. I run in the mornings as am no good any other time.

Missed your post Danger. That is cheap enough to try so I'll try that first thanks!

I would judge it by time too. Anything over 60 mins definitely have water. I used to take gels about every 40 mins in Half marathons, and training.

For half marathons I use a belt which carries 2 small bottles of water and my gels.

I take a gel every 45 minutes

A lot of gels have caffeine in them. Look out for that if you're overly sensitive to caffeine (I am).

Ive started using Dextro energy tabs. Cheaper than gels and instant. Hi5 gels i liked but prefer these tabs now. I also carry a small water bottle on runs over 10 k. And extra on runs if i take a mountain on.

Im looking to buying a bladder as i tend to go for 10 miles + on my Sundays up the hills and what i take is not enough.

Marathons: I start drinking water (well, sipping) and nibbling on maltodextrin bars/dried fruit at around 5 miles. A regular gel around 12 miles. Caffeine gels at 18 and 22 miles.

I don't take anything for short runs of 10-12k.

Oh, I carry gels etc in leggings/jacket pockets and take a waist belt with two 250ml water bottles.