There Are Less Annoying Ways to Drink While Running
You don’t need to think too much about hydration for a short run, but if you are running long distances, you will need to drink water before finishing your workout. (The American Board of Exercise recommends drinking 7-10 ounces of water every 15-20 minutes , although this may be overkill if you’re not sweating a lot.) So where do you get all the water when you’re on the move?
The simplest solution is to carry a water bottle with you, but your hand may get tired before you finish your run (or it may annoy you having to hold it for so long). The strap that holds your phone is usually not built. keep a water bottle next to you, and even if that were the case, you would have to worry about splashing. So how do long distance runners do it? It turns out you have tons of options.
Wear a hydration pack
Hydration packs like Camelbak are probably the best known solution to this problem. You wear a backpack or vest with a flexible plastic bladder that you fill with water, and the hose connects to the bladder and acts like a straw. You can take a sip of water while you run, and since the capacity is larger than a water bottle (for example, 2 liters), you also don’t need to worry about topping up.
This is a great option for people who will be away from water sources for extended periods of time, such as when you go jogging along the trail or hiking when you spend hours in the woods. Some backpacks are minimalistic and include only a water bubble, but others have pockets or even full-size backpacks.
Get a water bottle with a strap
Don’t need so much water? A bottle is a cheaper and more convenient way to carry water. Search for a “pocket” water bottle and you will find models like this that include a strap to attach the bottle to your side so you don’t have to actually grab it.
The more fashionable models often have pockets, such as the one that has a clear case for your phone.
Try a hydration belt
Okay, maybe you would prefer to carry water bottles on your belt rather than in your hands. There are hydration straps that fit snugly (no bouncing!) When carrying usually two or four mini-bottles. Smaller bottles allow the strap to stay balanced and also allow you to carry a variety of fluids if you like; for example, one bottle of water and one bottle of Gatorade.
When I was preparing for the marathon, I was running with a four-bottle fuel belt and it was easy to forget that I was wearing it. I removed two bottles for runs that didn’t take too long, or when I knew I could restock on the go.
Hide a bottle somewhere
Now let’s look at some options where you don’t have to carry water all the time you run. As a bonus, they are (mostly) free.
First, you can stash a water bottle along the way. This works best if you start the cycle and are in a place where you feel safe, leaving the bottle and expecting it to still be there when you return.
A busy city park? Maybe not. A secluded place in the woods? Certainly. Better yet, plan your route to get back to your home or car. In the long run, consider if you can stash some water in a friendly area, such as a workplace or a friend’s porch.
Plan your route around water sources
When I did a lot of long-distance jogging along the trails of the county park, I could tell you the location of each water source in the park, and tell you which of them are fountains, and which are taps, which you can fill a bottle into, and which even remain. in the middle of winter. (I also had an encyclopedic knowledge of the whereabouts of container pots.)
If you rely on certain water fountains to be around when you are thirsty, inspect them ahead of time to make sure they actually have water. In cold climates, chimneys can freeze in winter, which is why park staff often turn off outdoor fountains. Also, there is always the possibility that the fountain marked on the map may not be in good condition, especially in the forest. If you’re unsure, bring some water just in case.
If you’re running in an urban setting, it’s helpful to know where to find public buildings to dive into and find a fountain (and maybe even a bathroom). Or bring some cash with you to buy a water bottle from the store.
How to solve
If you run long enough, you will probably end up using all of these strategies. If you are indecisive, start with the simplest and cheapest options. Are there reliable water sources on your favorite routes? Take advantage. If not, see if you can start the loop and hide the bottle. But if you prefer to wander and explore, a portable water bottle with a strap gives you a lot of freedom without breaking your money. (You can even secure your own strap with duct tape or elastic if you’re smart enough.)
Almost all serious trail runners end up buying a hydration bag or belt (or both!). If this is your long run, consider how much water and other equipment you need to take with you and choose the right model for your needs.