Water or no water?: Curious if people bring... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Water or no water?

katkat123 profile image
katkat123Graduate
17 Replies

Curious if people bring water with them on their runs? In the past for any long walks or exercise I’ve been attached to a water bottle but someone once told me for up to 5k you’ll be fine without water and carrying the bottle may be more of a distraction...

I’ve just completed w5r3 (20 min run) and am finding I’m becoming so thirsty on my runs and this eve a few hours after my run had such a headache so looking for tips to keep hydrated. To be honest I agree that a water bottle will end up being another thing to carry along with gloves, house key, tissues, phone and fighting with my earphone wire! Any tips?? Thanks! 🏃🏻‍♂️🏃‍♀️

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katkat123 profile image
katkat123
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17 Replies
QuadroVEINia profile image
QuadroVEINiaGraduate

Well done for getting to W6. I had a couple of runs where I became very thirsty mid-run... accepted I perhaps hadn’t hydrated enough on rest days so just upped water intake and haven’t really had to worry about thirst again on a run. Had/read same advice of not needing water for any run up to W9 providing properly hydrated beforehand... not sure I could bear carrying a water bottle and running! Good luck on your next run!

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate

Definitely shouldn’t need water for 5k. You should be hydrating properly thought the day. Especially the day before running. Then a drink when you get in.

Squishy16 profile image
Squishy16Graduate

I couldn’t manage to carry water!! I drink 3l minimum every day and have a drink before I go out and don’t find myself being thirsty. Just finished week 9 and have been fine (without water, anyway!!!)

katkat123 profile image
katkat123Graduate in reply to Squishy16

Thanks! I drink so much on a normal day anyway so will keep up with that :)

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Graduate

Hi there, well done on your progress.

There isn’t a one size fits all here, we’re all different. The key thing is being well hydrated generally, so that’s being well hydrated every day. As for hydrating before you go out, I have found if I’m well hydrated the day before (I tend to run early in the morning) I don’t need anything before I go, other than a few sips. If I have a morning cuppa I generally need to make sure I ‘go’ 😉 before heading out......

I carry water most of the time if I’m doing more than 5k, but I will always carry water when it’s hot. I have 250ml soft water bottles from decathlon, they don’t slosh if you get the air out, I also wear trail leggings/shorts - also from decathlon, that have super zip pockets in the waist band that are big enough for a smart phone/ soft water bottle - I hate having to carry stuff in my hands.

I don’t think I’d say you don’t need water for 5k, everyone is different and I do know people who carry water and sip all the time even on 5k, I don’t really remember being concerned about carrying water until I was moving up in distance......it was more about if I needed the loo whilst I was out! ...😂🏃‍♀️

Mx

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate

I don't carry water except for longer runs in the Summer. Which is a bit odd in a way as these days I always have my normal backpack which contains wallet, comb, book, specs, plastic bag to sit on etc etc. Water is just so heavy and somehow getting back to the car or home for a drink is great motivation to complete the planned run.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This post about the crucial nature of hydration to a runner should answer your questions about water. healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

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.

Enjoy your journey.

katkat123 profile image
katkat123Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thanks!

Noob_Neil profile image
Noob_NeilGraduate

I personally don’t take any water. I don’t feel I need it plus i want to carry as little as possible. I have a backpack with a bladder that I may start using if I do longer runs and in the summer when it’s hotter though. 👍🏽

Goldilocks82 profile image
Goldilocks82Graduate

I always start to feel thirsty about half way through my runs no matter how much I have drunk before hand. The one time I went without water I spent the whole run just thinking about how thirsty I was. So now I always take a tiny bottle of water that fits in my coat pocket. Obviously I'll have to hold it as the weather warms up and I don't need a coat anymore. You can get running water bottles that have a hole in the middle to make it more comfortable to hold while running fairly cheaply. x

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate

I don't take any water. I have a small drink (about half a pint) before setting off. I also have a similar amount when I get back from a run. I've been out running for two hours and not felt thirsty.

As long as you're drinking enough every day you should have sufficient reserves for at least an hour of running.

In summer for long runs (over an hour) I'm considering taking a hydration vest with me.

Bogshuffler profile image
BogshufflerGraduate

You need to drink more when at home or work . With respect to carrying everything , I use a small bum bag that its on my hip and doesn't get in the way. I was lucky that my wife was kingg enough to buy me some Airpod wireless head phones of Amazon. They are not expensive, are sweatproof I love them.

Dannniiiixxx profile image
Dannniiiixxx

Hi I’m up to the same run as you and I’ve started to become thirsty, I drink lots anyway through the day and on rest days but I still just like a drink so I just take a little bottle my hand fits through sometimes I don’t drink any I just take it anyway

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate in reply to Dannniiiixxx

Are you sure you're drinking enough through the day? You really shouldn't need to take water with you on a 20 minute run. You need to aim for about 2.5 litres (5 pints) per day.

I didn't drink extra when I first started C25K and got badly dehydrated: dark pee and painful constipation.

Dannniiiixxx profile image
Dannniiiixxx in reply to nowster

Yeah I probably just drink about 2L I can’t drink more really or I find I don’t feel hungry or can’t eat much, I have a really busy life so I can’t skip meals, I run first thing on a morning soon as I get up so I just like a drink with me I probably don’t need it I just like it 🤷🏼‍♀️

katkat123 profile image
katkat123Graduate in reply to Dannniiiixxx

Thanks!

katkat123 profile image
katkat123Graduate in reply to nowster

Thanks, I do defo drink enough water well over 2l, I do just get thirsty thought from all the breathing lol. It’s going well though! Thanks

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