I’m doing my first open marathon this spring. Shooting for around 2:55, so kind of fast-ish. I’m not sure what to do for hydration. On any open run races I’ve done recently (up to HM) I just don’t do anything. I take gels that I carry with me for halves and just don’t drink water. The thing is, I cannot, for the life of me, drink from paper cups while running, or even walking. On HIMs and IMs I stop, drink, then start running again. I don’t think I’ll want to do that on my marathon as that will really screw up my rhythm. My only other choices are to carry a bottle on me somewhere (I can drink from a bottle in stride without a problem), or not drink assuming it’s cool enough (but I don’t think that would be a good idea). Are there any hydration systems that you can carry that aren’t cumbersome? Or do I just bite the bullet and stop at the water stops?
I am doing my first open marathon next month too. I’m considering wearing a 2L Camelback and then stopping at the aid stations as needed.
I have been training with the Camelbak at 24oz-36oz filled, but not sure how heavy I would go race day.
I’m going for about 6:45 pace. I might ditch all this extra gear and say f-it race day morning - I’m not sure. I like sipping on the Camelbak when running though.
On HIMs and IMs I stop, drink, then start running again. I don’t think I’ll want to do that on my marathon as that will really screw up my rhythm.
Same
I have the same issue with being able to drink from paper cups on the run.Hate it and don’t like breaking my rythym.I dont require a lot of hydration during a marathon as long as its not too hot,just enough to wash down gels.Last marathon I used a Nathan Speedmax flask (22oz) which slips onto your hand with an elastic band.It worked great and I might even use a 12oz.model I have for Boston as I only drank maybe 8-10oz.during the race.Whatever you decide make sure you use it on a couple of long runs during training to get used to it.
I had a camelback when I used to live in Texas. I had a hard time with the straw. It seemed it never maintained water even with the clip and I had to really work to get water out. I ended up taking out the bladder and just putting a bottle in the pocket. That was just a pain to get in and out, but if I had trouble with either, I could just stop since it was just for training runs. I’ve seen other options for holding bottles on your back that I may try.
I used to stop at drink stations but had to make a complete stop so the water doesn’t get all over me. It’d only be a sip too (so not much hydration really), stopped my rhythm and the amount of waste from the all the cups just about killed me …
I run with a soft flask now which I hold in my hand. A few brands sell them … Ultimate Direction, Osprey and Salomon off the top of my head. Comes in 250ml or 500ml. I don’t like wearing a pack when I’m running (haven’t tried the vest tho) but these are quite popular for trail runners as a lot of races here don’t give out cups on the trails for environmental reasons.
I refill it at the drink stops depending on the distance and how much water I need … using it not only let’s me stay on rhythm but also has basically cured the migraines I used to get after races (most likely caused from dehydration).
When ur done with the flask, it’s soft and collapsible so I just tuck it into my clothes or whatever so that I’m hands free.
Here’s one of them - https://www.ultramarathonrunningstore.com/Ultimate-Direction-BODY-BOTTLE-500-PLUS-Soft-Flask-p/udbodybottlep.htm
Bite the bullet and walk the aid stations. You will be fine. Plenty of guys do this running in the 2:30s even. If you are efficient you can walk a total of around 6 aid stations for 2-3 cups each and lose maybe a minute total on your time. The alternative of carrying a water bottle is far more annoying imo and even then unless you’re bringing a massive heavy water backpack you’re going to still have to refill at some point.
You need to be patient with the cups, you’re not in a hurry. If the cup is more than half full pour some out. Pinch the cup to where the top is folded together and hold it like that. Water shouldn’t pour out. Then just suck water out of it just like a water bottle. Small sips. Practice this and you’ll have zero issues.