Do you carry water and fuel on your longer runs?

[xsquared]

I usually only run around 5 miles but I have been running longer distances more recently and completed a half marathon the other day.
I didn't feel too bad when I got home apart being drenched in sweat and a little lightheaded, so I took a couple of ORS tablets and instantly felt a lot better.

Would it be better to invest in a backpack if I start doing this regularly or would I be able to get away with running for two hours and no further?

Thanks all.

I like to have something with me over about an hour in case, especially if hot. You can usually tuck an energy gel (I like SIS) in the key pocket of running leggings.

I massively prefer a backpack over a waist belt to carry water although unless it's very hot I'd prefer the mini soft flask over a full camelbak. Waist belts make my guts more likely to grumble at me if they're tight enough to keep a water bottle in position - find for gel/phone though as less weight!

Thanks @randomsabreuse.

Do you find that the energy gels make much of a difference? The idea of eating and running never appealed to me, but if it gives me a boost, then I might be willing to give it a try.

Does it not depend on time? I don't need anything for up to 90 minutes. Beyond that, there is increasing risk I need at least a drink -- weather dependent so need a drink sooner if hot. Probably only need food if beyond 2 hrs.

I usually use gels for a boost for races or if I can't eat properly before. I don't use then often now but found them helpful for runs just before dinner time when I wasn't very fit.

I like to carry them in case I get unexpectedly tired or accidentally extend my route by getting lost - as they are easy to carry!

@lljkk

Does it not depend on time? I don't need anything for up to 90 minutes. Beyond that, there is increasing risk I need at least a drink -- weather dependent so need a drink sooner if hot. Probably only need food if beyond 2 hrs.

I can definitely do 90 minutes without needing anything, and I don't really fancy longer than 2 hours of running. For now anyway!

@randomsabreuse

I usually use gels for a boost for races or if I can't eat properly before. I don't use then often now but found them helpful for runs just before dinner time when I wasn't very fit.

I like to carry them in case I get unexpectedly tired or accidentally extend my route by getting lost - as they are easy to carry!

I might do a but of anecdotal research on gels with people I know who regularly longer distances. Incidentally, my favourite running shorts have two mini pockets designed to carry them.

I carry water for anything over maybe 8-10 miles or less if it's warm or humid. I sweat a lot so use the High5 hydration tablets in my water if it's hot. I'd probably only use gels over 10 miles on a road run, less on trail as it tends to be slower so you're on your feet for longer. For a 13mile training run I'd probably have one around half way. I don't solid food unless it's going to be a long slow trail run or for ultra training.

I can do 13 miles without food or water but I have to be well fed and hydrated before- anything longer I will pack water or something small to eat if absolutely desperate. I hate eating and running too.

I carry my card/ coin or two for very long runs- and plan a shop on route!

I have a hydration vest (don't like having water in my hands or on a waist belt) with useful pockets I can stuff snacks in that I use for runs longer than 13.2, and might use for half marathons depending on how hot it is and, if it's an event, what the organisers say is available on the course.

I think gels are rank - slimy and usually taste horrible! But I steel myself and have the ones that are least disgusting over 16 miles Exception is the expensive Roctane ones (also contain caffeine) which I use at 20miles plus.

I quite like the Clif Bloks which are like squares of jelly - I start on them at about 8miles in to longer runs and have one every couple of miles. Also dextrasol tablets.

I make up a drink with electrolytes and have one the night before a really long run and sometimes in the morning just before I start off (depending on loo availability!)

Basically it's just stuffing some calories and carbs in if I'm going to be more than 2hours. Little packets of pretzels are good on hit days (for the salt). Favourite sweeties are always good for morale !

This time of year, I eat blackberries from the side of the road to get through the last few kilometres. It's pure sugar, so it seems to work. Have never tried gels

Like others above, I only feel that I need to take water if I'm planning more than 90 mins, maybe 2 hrs. Depends on heat.

I'd also take a couple of gels if going over 90 mins ish - partly in case of emergency as I'm usually trail running alone and if something goes wrong if might take a little while to walk out or get a rescue. I usually have a spare flapjack (and some £) just for that reason.

Try gels close to home even if you don’t really need them as they don’t all agree with everyone! I tend to try things in the gym as I have a temperamental digestive system at the best of times - Clif shot bloks test run resulted in 2 emergency loo breaks in 10k (god bless McDonald’s!)