Nathan Intensity for Marathon

[Deleted]

I am considering getting one for the SD RnR marathon next weekend. I have never run with a hydration vest before - I always carry a handheld - but my hands cramp at around mile 15 with all of my handhelds and I think a hydration vest would be worth buying if the extra weight won't suck too much. WDYT? Overkill for a very commercial and well supported marathon, stupid to change things up right before the race,or better than a handheld (I will carry a water source, just not clear what).

[hannahb]

I wouldn't try something new the day of. What if it feels heavy, chafes you, etc. I also think its overkill for such a supported race, but that's just me. I normally don't carry my own water during races

[Brit]

I have the Camelbak version of that and I'll be honest, it feels heavy to me. If you have a pack that weighs 10 oz, filled with 2L of water, which weighs 4.4 lbs., that's about 5 lbs on your back. Not that 5 lbs is a huge amount relative to an adult's body weight, but if you think about running with a 5 lb weigh strapped to your back for an entire marathon...just no. Maybe if you had been doing it all along, but I don't think I would try it without a test drive on a long run. Plus what hannahb mentioned about chafing.

[keweenawlove]

Honestly, for a well supported marathon (assuming water stops nearly every mile), I don't see any reason to carry the extra water weight around. My mom REALLY wanted her fuel belt for Boston (probably only a few pounds) but 5 miles in, she realized it was weighing her down and the water stops were plenty. I ended up carrying it.

[clseale]

No, I would not do this. Chaffing, extra weight, not training with it....just, no. I've run SD RnR twice, & I can't imagine needing your own water. I've never taken my own water during a race. If I remember correctly, you should have a water stop roughly every two miles or so. You could always bring a handheld & then pitch it if it starts to annoy you, but I definitely wouldn't do a vest.

Have fun! I love that race. I'm jealous of the new course & finish line. Good luck!!

[Deleted]

I ALWAYS run with water . . .it started because I'd run hungover, so I needed fluids throughout, and now I am just used to it and can't guzzle at water stops. . .but normally just carry a handheld so I can sip at a leisurely rate. I'll carry an old handheld and pitch it if I get cramped from carrying it. I knew it was a bad idea to switch it up before the race, but the reviews are so strong I got tempted.