If you trained with it and are comfortable with it I’d say use it.
A simple cost benefit analysis says leave the camelback at home.
Carrying the extra weight will slow you a lot more than the benefits provided by having said drink at your disposal.
Learn how to drink on the hoof. Grab 2 cups and pinch the tops, drink slowly and don’t spill any. Make sure you grap cups at the start of the table…I’ve made the mistake of grabbing the last 2 cups only to find they only had a drop each in the bottom…I was racing and had no choice but to keep going and miss my drink.
Pete, I totally understand about point #3! I used to mock people who used Camelbak’s too (not out loud, just in my head!). But I’d hate to make a stupid decision because I’m afraid of looking like a dork.
If you are used to training with it I say use it at least for your first race.
Maybe what you can do to address the “extra weight issue” is to fill it just part way - get drinks from the aid stations - that way you are just using it when you get thirsty and the aid station is still far away.
I don’t really understand this argument why carrying a camelbak is somehow worse (less intelligent) than a water bottle, or fuel belt? After trying all these options it’s what’s affects my runnning form the least. Also where I live, there is no route I can take for my long runs that allows be to get any real fluids along the way, so I’ve already found this works for me.
The question I’m wondering, still (nothing like a taper to just start questioning everything) is whether I need it on race day or not. When I started this training I was not planning on using it on race day, but now I’m having some doubts.
I run with a bottle w/ strap, sure as heel beats a camelback…you can fill it at the aid stations…one bottle easily carries a normal person over a 3 mile stretch.
The majority of people that i see at marathons dont carry water but that works for them, not for me. I couldnt stomach the water at Cal International marathon last year, it tasted like swimming pool water.
As its your 1st marathon and you probably are not trying to go real fast (BQ) then taking it i dont believe would impact your time. Better to have it than be thinking ‘I knew i should have brought it with me’ during the race.
What i would consider though is filling it with water and taking gatorade at the aid stations. The reason i prefer a fuel belt is you can have a combination of drinks (water, gatorade, cytomax or whatever).
I know that goes against what u have trained with but i would be concerned with a mainly sugary drink.
- Burner