I’ve done tons of 70.3’s and one IM. I’m getting ready for a second IM, but was curious over the split of those who rely solely on aid stations on the run vs those who carry water via belt/handheld bottle.
I’ve never done a 70.3/IM and not carried my own water bottle. It’s more of a security blanket than anything else (mostly because I don’t feel like I can consume the volume of water I want to during a race by virtue of the tiny little cups they give out). However, I suspect that carrying the extra weight around my core is contributing to lower back pain and I might be better off without it.
I’ve always relied on the aid stations but for my next 140.6 I’d like to try running with the 400ml marathon bottles that Maurten and Blanks sell. They’re comfortable enough to hold while running and small enough to stash in a pocket if you need two hands for a moment.
I’ve never liked running with any hydration around my waist and these bottles are a good compromise. Anything larger just feel too heavy to carry while running.
I tried not using my own and it just didnt work. I use either an REI hydration vest or a Nathan’s belt that I modified by replacing the buckle with overlapping velcro to eliminate bouncing. But I also train all my long runs using the same set-up so I’m used to it. Would rather carry a little extra weight than to run out of fuel or hydration between aid stations.
For IM CA last year I carried one of the small Camelback Podium Chill bottles. First lap was with two scoops of Tailwind, second was with a 16oz Red Bull (was definitely underfueled but that was on me). Didn’t bother me, but that’s how I trained too. Biggest bummer is that you have to ditch it or ruin you finish photos by holding it — you can’t give it to someone because that is considered “outside assistance.” Total waste of a perfectly good bottle.
I carry the podium chill bottle during half marathons in hot weather but not during IM. IM seems to have plenty of aid stations. I use Maurten initially then take Gatorade at aid stations and refill my bottle. Tried using the bottle during a triathlon and forgot to take it with me out of T2.
Hydraflask has a couple solid options on the Feed that work great like you describe: SkyFlask (350&500ml) & PocketFlask (500ml). I like the SkyFlask better because of the strap to allow it to be a handleheld when I get the fumbles.
I’ve run with both the strapped flask in my hands and the gel flask in my back pocket. I prefer the back pocket so I can hit aid stations and use both hands.
I use the flask for about 50% of my marathon nutrition and the rest is gels and cokes.
Hydration I feel I get well enough just grabbing two waters per aid station, plus the coke.
I’ve used the belts in the past, both the ones with the larger 500ml bottle in and the ones with the little flasks. in both cases then picked up new bottle/new belt at the special needs.
Had been training with some soft flasks for a while that I carried in my hand, but that caused my stride to ‘lope’ a bit due to the weight when full and then I ended up with tennis elbow, so had to stop.
70.3 I don’t worry too much - just take plain water and gels. I KNOW I’m incredibly sensitive to my nutrition and have had some bad reactions to on course stuff, so avoid any handouts.
IM then it’s long enough that the cost of under fueling way outweighs the loss of speed from the weight for me.
I dont want to turn this too much into a IM nutrition thread, but how is everyone getting their sodium on the run.
I was thinking of doing 2-3 gels/hr plus water from the aid stations for IMAZ next month. I don’t love the taste of mortal but that seems to be the only way to get enough salt. Maybe a soft flask of really concentrated salt + special needs?
Yep. I’ll pre-mix bottle 1 and have it in the run bag along with two more high carb sachets and two more Liquid IV ones + 2 Maurten bars. Will stick all of that in the suit pockets of my PR2.
Will use aid stations for Coke at the end, to dump water on myself and for the refill.
Beware, I don’t think they have Coke on course at Cozumel. I waited until my last lap to indulge a bit and take a break from the gels and I was disgusted when I realized it was Pepsi.