Long Run Hydration - What Do You Use?

Depends.  If it's about 10 miles and hot or dry, I'll use this http://www.amazon.com/Nathan-Quickdraw-Handheld-22-Ounce-Carrier/dp/B000NHLHU2

Over 1:45 or so I use:

http://www.amazon.com/Nathan-Elite-Angled-22-Ounce-Waist/dp/B000MZHTSO/ref=pd_sbs_sg_12

I tried a fuel belt with the small bottles, and didn't like the way weight was distributed, and I just never felt i was getting a full sip out of those little bottles.

I bought a hiking belt from REI a LONG time ago.  It is a combination fanny pack that holds two also water bottles.  When tightened down, there is no slop and it feels ok.  It may not be the best looking or most "speedy" looking, but it does what it is supposed to on long runs.

I also bring a couple bucks if I'm going a long way from home and refill at a 7-11 or something.

I've got many options..fuel belt, amphipod, and quick draw from Nathans.

I always use the Nathan hand held which Chris has a link for my long runs. I try and drink 2 water bottles an hour and do a loop that I stop at the Y to fill up then run back home repeat up to 3 loops which is 16.5 miles.

Last summer I learned to drink more running to get closer to my sweat rate. Those little bottles in Fuel Belt or Amphipod are a pain to refill and I just don't like them. I like to train like I'll race and the hand held thing works great for me both training and racing.

Nothing.

Might bring a couple bucks in case of emergency.  But I don't bring anything with me in terms of bottles or whatnot. 

Stupid question:  How is hydration handled during the run of an IM event?  Is water/drink provided in cups/bottles/buckets?

For anything under around an hour or so, I don't carry anything. For longer runs, if I'm going to do loops (usually either 2.5 mile or 5 mile loops) around my house, I just keep some bottles somewhere around my house.  Otherwise, I use an amphipod.  But I don't like to carry more than four 8oz bottles on it, and on hot days and long (2+ hour) runs, this isn't enough for me -- I really start to feel it by the end.  In those cases, I need to stash more water somewhere, usually at my car.  On hot days, I stash some completely frozen bottles; 90-120 minutes later they are thawed but not yet disturbingly hot.

 I'm a big fan of the "running a loop" program. You can hydrate when you go by your house/car and don't have to carry liquid. Also if something happens....injury, problem of some sort...you're good.

I also have a hydration belt. Not wild about it, but with just two bottles (instead of 4 or 6) it's pretty easy to run with.

 I know of people that stash bottles along the route as well and swear by it.

Thanks for that!  I ever thought about using a fuelbelt for my dog's leash.  Now I don't have to tuck them down my tri-shorts.  I'm gonna get one for my wife, too.  She has asthma, and should really have her inhaler with her at all times.  I'll probably try to make sure that my next mobile will fit, too!

I like the "loop" theory, but this "super-clyde" would be to tempted to stop early for an ache or a pain or any other excuse that I could think of on the run!

I carry a bottle for anything over an hour and 15 minutes.  I don't like having anything around my waist.  I think I may get a bottle with a hand strap though since I've dropped the bottle a few times!

I have a belt but I don't use it.

I prefer my 20oz hand held. I stop to refill at gas stations/drug stores.

In the winter I don't even bother with it. I just stop at various water fountains (again at gas stations/drug stores) along my route.

When I do 21+ runs it makes it nice to break it up into segements. Stopping every 5-7 miles to drink water, have a gu makes it feel like I am starting over each leg. For some reason this is less overwhelming for me than just running nonstop 3 hour training run. I've done it both ways and stopping just works better for me. Also, when doing 21 mile runs in 85 degree heat it is very nice to stop every hour or so and stand in airconditioning, bring the body temp down a bit.

And no. I don't have to stop in a race or walk the aid stations.

I am assuming that you will have to do a few long training runs. No harm in experiementing to see what works best for you.

Edited to add that sometimes I bring my kids and they ride their bikes (ages 5 and 7) and I make them carry all my stuff. That works the best. Plus then i have someone to talk to/chase/ be distracted by. Of course other times they want to quit so it can work against you.

I have a fuel belt but don't use it any more. (The belt anyway)

I shove an 8 Oz. Fuel Belt bottle in the back pocket of my Tri Suit or Singlet along with some gel and I am off and running. I usually plan my runs around known locations for water fountains, friendly gas stations. (That will let me fill up and take bio-breaks)

If the weather is unseasonably warm during my run, I usually stick to the beach and run through the campgrounds. (Plenty of running water and even showers)

I personally found that my fuel belt was putting pressure on my insides and contributing to the Collywobbles  that used to strike quite often during training and races. (I don't get the collywobbles any more)