Wearable hydration during marathon - do you carry?

[scm1011]

As I start to pack for Chicago, I'm trying to figure out my game plan. I wear my hydration belt on my long runs, which I don't love, but is a necessary evil. For Baystate I carried a 10oz 18 oz handheld which worked well - I could still take sips when I needed and relied on water stops otherwise, plus it held my Gu and it doesn't bother me to hold. But it was 30 degrees and cloudy/dusting; weather for Chicago is looking to be high 70s and full sun   .  Should I suck it up and wear the hydration belt? I prefer to sip every so often rather than chug a cup every couple miles. 

[wambam]

I use a Camelbak for all long runs. And when it's very hot, I use it for anything over 7 or so miles. It's my safety blanket and I wouldn't ever even think about *not* wearing it.

[Wines Not Whines]

I've done both. I've never regretted carrying extra water with me during a race, but I've regretted not having it. For a warm weather marathon, I would wear my hydration belt.

[ebeth]

On hot days it's not unheard of that aid stations run out of cups and/or water so I'd bring the belt because of that. I feel like some of the later stops at MCM were out of cups last year and feel like the aid stations ran out of water at the last HOT Chicago marathon. ETA: last HOT Chicago Marathon.  

Might not be an issue depending on your projected finish time though.

I'm running with tailwind now so I'll bring my 20oz handheld with me for MCM. Trying to get MH to agree to meet me on the mall with another full 20 oz (mile 18-19ish). He's resisting because he'll have our kid who is a runner and isn't great about following instructions and would basically be a nightmare to deal with in the crowd but I think I'm wearing him down.

[scm1011]

Oct 5, 2017 8:29:42 GMT -5 ebeth said:

On hot days it's not unheard of that aid stations run out of cups and/or water so I'd bring the belt because of that. I feel like some of the later stops at MCM were out of cups last year and feel like the aid stations ran out of water at the last Chicago marathon.

Might not be an issue depending on your projected finish time though.

I'm running with tailwind now so I'll bring my 20oz handheld with me for MCM. Trying to get MH to agree to meet me on the mall with another full 20 oz (mile 18-19ish). He's resisting because he'll have our kid who is a runner and isn't great about following instructions and would basically be a nightmare to deal with in the crowd but I think I'm wearing him down.

Yikes, I hadn't even considered that! I'm in wave 2, so good to know. 

[mrshandy]

For hot days, I would bring it. There is nothing worse than mentally wanting water and not having anything for another mile or two.

[labbie]

Oct 5, 2017 8:23:20 GMT -5 wambam said:

I use a Camelbak for all long runs. And when it's very hot, I use it for anything over 7 or so miles. It's my safety blanket and I wouldn't ever even think about *not* wearing it.

This is me. I love my Nathan hydration pack and won't run long without it.
If you're used to training with the belt than I say go for it.

[al320]

I use my amphipod belt for long runs, hot runs, and races.

[secretlyevil]

I am a recent convert to the hydration backpack. Why I held out for so long, I dunno, LOVE it and will wear it racing as well.

[vcubergirl]

Have you tried some different belts? Or a pack instead of a belt? I had a Nathan with 2 little bottles that was just a pain, it was always rubbing and wouldn't stay in place at all. Now on shorter long runs I use a flip belt and on really long runs I use a camelbak. They just fit me better.

[ebeth]

Oct 5, 2017 8:32:33 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

Oct 5, 2017 8:29:42 GMT -5 ebeth said:

On hot days it's not unheard of that aid stations run out of cups and/or water so I'd bring the belt because of that. I feel like some of the later stops at MCM were out of cups last year and feel like the aid stations ran out of water at the last Chicago marathon.

Might not be an issue depending on your projected finish time though.

I'm running with tailwind now so I'll bring my 20oz handheld with me for MCM. Trying to get MH to agree to meet me on the mall with another full 20 oz (mile 18-19ish). He's resisting because he'll have our kid who is a runner and isn't great about following instructions and would basically be a nightmare to deal with in the crowd but I think I'm wearing him down.

Yikes, I hadn't even considered that! I'm in wave 2, so good to know. 

should have said 'last HOT chicago marathon'  like the year it hit 90, not last year

[fuckyourcouch]

I have a backpack and especially with the weather, I'll wear it. I'd rather have extra drink available than not.

[scm1011]

Oct 5, 2017 9:12:42 GMT -5 vcubergirl said:

Have you tried some different belts? Or a pack instead of a belt? I had a Nathan with 2 little bottles that was just a pain, it was always rubbing and wouldn't stay in place at all. Now on shorter long runs I use a flip belt and on really long runs I use a camelbak. They just fit me better.

I haven't, but my marathon is this weekend so I don't want to try anything new now. I definitely think I'm going to try a camelbak in the future. 

[arch01]

Wear it.

If you decide to ditch it, we'll hopefully be able to catch you at a few points along the way and one of us can grab it from you!

[luckystar2]

Oct 5, 2017 8:27:28 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

I've done both. I've never regretted carrying extra water with me during a race, but I've regretted not having it. For a warm weather marathon, I would wear my hydration belt.

Ditto! I was never a big drinker but omg I had a couple half marathons where I just felt super dehydrated and totally regretted not having my own water.

Now for a half or full I absolutely bring my own water. I hated the belt I had so I improvised. I use one 10 oz bottle in my shorts/Capri pocket (lol sounds crazy but it works well for me) and 12oz handheld bottle. I use the handheld and have the pocket one as backup. I stop at every aid station and fill up the bottle so I always have something.

My races are generally late spring to early fall so they are usually warm. Not sure if I would need as much in cold but if I’m going to be out there for a while I will always bring something with me now.

[scm1011]

Oct 5, 2017 9:22:44 GMT -5 arch01 said:

Wear it.

If you decide to ditch it, we'll hopefully be able to catch you at a few points along the way and one of us can grab it from you!

Aww, that's so sweet! 

Ok looks like wearing it is the way to go.

[cinco]

On a hot day, no question, I'd bring it. For a cool day, I still almost always bring a small handheld. This past marathon I refilled it at a water stop around mile 20, and that was with me taking 2 cups at every water stop. It was a mild day, but I need extra water when I run hard. Plus I was trying to get rid of the side stitch. I'm jealous of people that don't need much!

[moreace01]

scm1011, I ran Chicago last year and do not believe we ran out of water. I ran the year before and the temps were similar to what it is going to be this year and I finished in like 4:50 or something and they didn't run out of water then either. I believe they even added extra water stops and misting stations. Chicago is an extremely well run race and especially after the disaster in 2007, they make sure they are on top of their game. Check and see how often the water stops are - there are a ton of them and they are like a city block long.

That being said, if you like to take sips vs downing a cup, and you'd feel safer bringing your own, bring it and we'll totally take it from you if you want to ditch it.

[hannahb]

I’m not bringing mine. I’ve been using it with tailwind but I just don’t want to carry it to Chicago. Plus I only have tailwind in a big bag and I don’t think I can get white powder in a ziplock through security. I just plan on relying on some old gu I have lying around and water stops. Maybe I’ll bring a handheld.

[starburst604]

I also like to sip as I go and not chug at stations, I carried a handheld for Boston and that worked well for me. Though when I've used it on long runs lately I'm all annoyed by carrying it, no idea why lol. I think if I did another I'd look into something else, I'd prefer a Camelbak I think but they weren't allowed for Boston so I didn't bother then. So I say wear it.

[wambam]

Oct 5, 2017 10:33:15 GMT -5 @vtcupcake said:

Oct 5, 2017 10:14:20 GMT -5 hannahb said:

I’m not bringing mine. I’ve been using it with tailwind but I just don’t want to carry it to Chicago. Plus I only have tailwind in a big bag and I don’t think I can get white powder in a ziplock through security. I just plan on relying on some old gu I have lying around and water stops. Maybe I’ll bring a handheld.

You absolutely can. I do it all the time. 

Also, if you're used to the dextrose of Tailwind it might be hard on your gut switching back to Gu abruptly. 

And don't mix. Just don't do it. Learn from my mistake. 

[scm1011]

Oct 5, 2017 10:14:20 GMT -5 hannahb said:

I’m not bringing mine. I’ve been using it with tailwind but I just don’t want to carry it to Chicago. Plus I only have tailwind in a big bag and I don’t think I can get white powder in a ziplock through security. I just plan on relying on some old gu I have lying around and water stops. Maybe I’ll bring a handheld.

I aspire to reach your level of breezy 

[sassystace]

I'd stick with whatever you've used for your long runs. I've used a 20oz handheld with tailwind for a marathon and refilled at water stations as needed (either adding more tailwind or just water).

[hurricanedrunk]

I would bring both options and make the call Sunday am. For me it would come down to how warm/humid it's forecasted to be and which would be more mentally taxing - being annoyed at your hydration belt or having to refill your 10oz bottle as needed.

Personally I don't plan to carry anything. I've done some of my longer runs with a small 10oz water bottle and will have it along in case I change my mind.

[hannahb]

Oct 5, 2017 10:33:15 GMT -5 @vtcupcake said:

Oct 5, 2017 10:14:20 GMT -5 hannahb said:

I’m not bringing mine. I’ve been using it with tailwind but I just don’t want to carry it to Chicago. Plus I only have tailwind in a big bag and I don’t think I can get white powder in a ziplock through security. I just plan on relying on some old gu I have lying around and water stops. Maybe I’ll bring a handheld.

You absolutely can. I do it all the time. 

Also, if you're used to the dextrose of Tailwind it might be hard on your gut switching back to Gu abruptly. 

[br
I did a gu during my half and it went ok. But now you all have me second guessing my decision!

[Deleted]

Oct 5, 2017 8:32:33 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

Oct 5, 2017 8:29:42 GMT -5 ebeth said:

On hot days it's not unheard of that aid stations run out of cups and/or water so I'd bring the belt because of that. I feel like some of the later stops at MCM were out of cups last year and feel like the aid stations ran out of water at the last Chicago marathon.

Might not be an issue depending on your projected finish time though.

I'm running with tailwind now so I'll bring my 20oz handheld with me for MCM. Trying to get MH to agree to meet me on the mall with another full 20 oz (mile 18-19ish). He's resisting because he'll have our kid who is a runner and isn't great about following instructions and would basically be a nightmare to deal with in the crowd but I think I'm wearing him down.

Yikes, I hadn't even considered that! I'm in wave 2, so good to know. 

WHUT!? They run out?? OMG. hannahb, we better run faster before they run out. Just saying. I don't carry water, ever. 

[wawa]

Oct 5, 2017 15:07:55 GMT -5 @cheshire said:

Oct 5, 2017 8:32:33 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

Yikes, I hadn't even considered that! I'm in wave 2, so good to know. 

WHUT!? They run out?? OMG. hannahb , we better run faster before they run out. Just saying. I don't carry water, ever. 

LOL forever that you might be at the back of the pack when they run out of cups. 

[melmel48]

I would wear the belt, but I like to have hydration on demand. My bladder started leaking during my half on Sunday and I was not happy having to depend on water stops because I got thirsty in between them. Also when I chug, it takes my stomach awhile to recover and I feel sick. I always feel I have to chug at water stops because I don't know when I will get water again.

[taratru]

Oct 5, 2017 15:19:54 GMT -5 wawa said:

Oct 5, 2017 15:07:55 GMT -5 @cheshire said:

WHUT!? They run out?? OMG. hannahb , we better run faster before they run out. Just saying. I don't carry water, ever. 

LOL forever that you might be at the back of the pack when they run out of cups. 

No shit.  Like...I'm not sure I can roll my eyes any harder at the thought of those two in the back of the pack.  @cheshire Don't let hannahb fool you. She's a fucking competitor.  

[Deleted]

Oct 5, 2017 20:15:07 GMT -5 taratru said:

Oct 5, 2017 15:19:54 GMT -5 wawa said:

LOL forever that you might be at the back of the pack when they run out of cups. 

No shit.  Like...I'm not sure I can roll my eyes any harder at the thought of those two in the back of the pack.  @cheshire Don't let hannahb fool you. She's a fucking competitor.  

Oh she’s very good, I remember from Charleston. If we run together she will be under instruction to leave me at any point and I genuinely won’t be upset.
I’ll still hope there is water, but you are right; if they run out before I get there, there’s a huge issue. But still, if someone is back of the pack and have been going for 6 hours, they need it even more. How awful if there’s not enough!