So, this is a pretty minor question. I went running today and realised that perhaps my method of carrying water is not the best when the full water bottle in my pocket somehow came undone (even though I swear I closed it well!) and emptied most of the contents onto my leg. Besides looking like I had an accident most of the way, it was distracting, and besides music, I like as little distraction as possible. How do you guys pack around water? I don't prefer to have one in my hands because I like checking my heartrate on my watch (which I know is just a ballpark estimate, since these are not that accurate).
Try a camelbak. Its a little water backpack with a long straw. We use them when hiking and they are awesome. I think the cheapest pack will run you bout $40-50 but totally worth it. Look online or at your local outdoor supply stores. Anyplace with hiking equip should carry them.
Oh, I do love those things for hiking-the only thing I am worried about is that it might slosh about. With the littler ones though, that probably wouldn't be an issue.
Agree with the Camelbak idea - the bladder sucks down as it empties, so it really won't slosh. I have several from 50oz to 120oz capacity and I love them for longer outings. For shorter runs (I always carry water as I live in the desert!), I love my Amphipod belt. I have one with four 8oz bottles and a small pouch that can hold my cell phone, door key and emergency money. I think it was about $35 (edited - it's the RunLite 4 and it retails for $45 - I got a deal a year or so ago). Nathan also make great belts and you can mix and match water bottles and fuel bottles, for things like Gu. I also like to have the separate bottles on runs in warmer weather as I can put water in two and Gatorade or another sports drink in two. I do have a handheld bottle from Nathan that comes with a pretty good "carrier" that you slip your hand through and then you don't have to hang on to the bottle, which is more comfy I think. For me it was a lot of trial and error and I have a load of water bottles I don't use for running now (just for the gym).
google "nathan water bottle". the brand is Nathan, and they make water bottles w/ handles designed specifically for running... so it's like you're gripping the bottle... check it out, hard to describe.
So glad you asked this! I'm new to running outside. Even on the treadmill I struggle with water. I have to jump ship, swig, and re-start. Water is a problem for me with running.
Do you guys usually drink while running? I can't do it without getting cramps. I guess it depends on the length of the run? (Right now I'm only at about 25 minutes.)
yes.. i cannot drink while running as well.. for some reason the water doesnt seem to go down my throat smoothly and i feel like i get air caught in my throat and i have to stop to force myself to burp. is this normal?
I stop to walk for a bit when I drink. A minute, maybe? On a very long run, I have stopped at a store and bought a bottle of water to refill.
I have read that it's unwise not to take some sort of water with you on longer runs or have it available (=more than an hour).
Well, I like having the option to drink. I can drink and run-it doesn't bother me-and when I go to Arizona, not having water is not an option. Running around in the desert is not a good idea without water.
Hmmm...perhaps I'm just weird..or cheap...or both, but I just carry my bottle of water IN MY HANDS while running. I don't stop or walk...or even miss a beat...I MUST DRINK while running...so taking it along is NOT an option. I just use it as a light weight and switch hands every couple of minutes! By the end of my run, I've drank the entire 16 oz bottle.
Last edited by joyfulloser; 04-10-2011 at 08:54 AM.