Do you carry water whilst running?: I’m... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Do you carry water whilst running?

Greenalex profile image
10 Replies

I’m currently on W2 R2, and so far I’ve been carrying a 500ml water bottle with me. It’s quite a hassle to be honest, but sometimes I really feel like I need the water.

Seeing other runners in the street they never have water bottles! Just wondering if you all use water bottles or wait to drink until you’re home?

And if you can go without the water during run, maybe that comes along with each week to not need it?

Thank you!

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Greenalex profile image
Greenalex
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10 Replies
DadP profile image
DadPGraduate

Hi, I don't bother with water. Get up, have a coffee and then go straight out. Water on my return. Keep it up, well done. :)

I always carry a 500ml water bottle but only have it a third full so I’m not carrying too much weight, as for me the main benefits on a short run are making sure my throat doesn’t feel dry and as a psychological crutch. I just take very small sips if I feel I need it.

Daisy-runner profile image
Daisy-runnerGraduate

I'm on week 7 and have never carried water as like you find it a pain. I drink half a ltr before I go and the other half on return and have never really felt the need for it during the run, I'm mainly concentrating on getting through it 😂 enjoy your journey 😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

If you're hydrating properly every day, you don't need water at this stage.

If it is really hot then a small amount to put over wrists or dampen the back of the neck may be useful, if you feel you get very warm..

There are belts also with pockets for small bottles..

We do have pinned posts with running in very hot weather too.

John_W profile image
John_WAmbassador

Simply not necessary if you're hydrated enough beforehand and by that I mean a glass of water, , juice, cup of tea etc about 1-2 hours beforehand.

Unless you're in searing heat, or doing very long distances or times then water bottles are just comfort blankets.

You're fine without them.

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

Have you read the guide to the programme? healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Provided you're hydrating well day to day, and not pushing yourself too hard, you really shouldn't need it. If you suffer from dry mouth issues a jelly baby or sweet can help.

Carrying a heavy bottle (1l is 1kg remember so 500ml is at least 1/2 a kilo depending on bottle type) can really throw your body out. If you really feel you need the reassurance of having fluids with you, get hold of a tiny bottle. You can get 200/250ml soft bottles to pop in a pocket, or as Oldfloss mentioned, a belt.

The main thing is to keep getting out there, you're doing great 👍🏻😁

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

As a runner you need to drink a minimum of 2.5 -3 litres of fluid each and every day, running or not, as mentioned in the guide, but there is no need to carry water on a 40 minute workout.

Enjoy your journey.

Couchphoenix profile image
CouchphoenixGraduate

I carry a small bottle, the one which is shaped in such a way it’s easy to hold, rather than a normal shaped one, i think I’d become to dehydrated if I didn’t.

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate

Only over 10-12k really

After hydrating as they recommend, I put on some lipsalve before I go out. It stops my mouth drying out and the feeling of dehydration during the run.

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