Fitness

Fitness Friday – Hydration Choices

Sheri (When the Kids Go To Bed)

I’m running my first half-marathon this year and need a little advice on which hydration gear to choose. Hydration is so incredibly import. You should be replenishing the fluids your sweating out before, during, and after your run. Proper hydration is essential to perform at your best. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, nausea, cramps, etc.

Being a marathon rookie, I’m torn on which gear I want. A pack or a belt?

So, I’m leaving it up to my runner friends. What have you used and what do you suggest? What’s more comfortable?

6 thoughts on “Fitness Friday – Hydration Choices”

  1. I’ve always wanted to try a camelback. They are pretty pricey tho. One thing to check is, does your race allow them? Some don’t…I use a hand held for training, and during the race use the aid stations.

    1. I usually use a hand held too. But with the heat of summer coming I want something better…and I don’t feel like holding anything. I didn’t even think of checking if the race allows them! Thanks for the tip!

      1. My sister trained with a pack, and the race she was training for banned them! I don’t like belts, so I stick to the hand held and run where I know I can refill it with water fountains, etc.

  2. I have a pak. I found the belt and handheld just didn’t work for me. The pack holds all of my additional things (ipod, phone, gu chomps,etc. ) and allows me hands free and simple movement. I usually intake fluids throughout the race as I pass water stations and of course another time that I feel. I need it.
    The back pack has worked well for me so far. I will be using it for the 1st time in warmer temps this May (little or no sleeves-i hope I don’t get any chafing). I. Hope my next 2 long runs are a little warmer so I. Can be as I will on race day.

    Good luck on your search and your half. When is it?

  3. Hi, I’ve done around 10 half-marathons plus a couple at the end of half-iron man triathlons and I’ve never used a belt or pack etc. I make sure I hydrate lots for at least 3-4 days before (plus no alcohol) and then I take on water (and sometimes Gatorade) at every aid station. That gets me through fine and then of course I try to re-hydrate afterwards. Good luck!

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