Hydration strategy with warm weekend weather.

I have been training for the hm in the typical english cooler weather. I had some runs in Australia which were cut shorter due to the heat sapping my energy! Anyway, training has included an isogel at 6 miles and one at 9 miles. For the hm i plan on another at about 11 miles. I don't carry or drink water on the way round, well I haven't felt the need. But it will be 19-20 deg C on Sunday at the finish time so I think I will need to add water but I cannot carry any as I have no belt, find carrying a bottle annoying etc. There are water stations at 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 11 mile points. If I drink some water at each of these will it be enough?

[Rignold]

Yes. Make sure you have drunk 4 litres a day the day before (and 3 litres on every day ever) and you will be fine. That's a water station every 25 minutes or so. you should be quite fine for that.

[Hidden in reply to Rignold]

I hope to have hubs and the kids posted at 6 miles with my running bottle. If necessary, I could grab it and stick it over my hand and run with it for a while..... a contingency plan at least!

[Madge50 Marathon]

Hi rfd,

Sounds like you’re right on course, exciting.....😄🏃‍♀️

I always hydrate well the day before a run, no matter what distance, I rarely need any additional fluid before the run, I do carry water in training,(a belt with bottles) on long runs, but not at events, the water stations should be fine, I’d advise take some water at each one, just a few sips, (although I didn’t at the first - 2.5 miles - too soon for me......that’s not even a parkrun,...but I did at all the rest) depending on the heat they may have ‘cooling stations’ - buckets of water with sponges you can squeeze over yourself - they did that at one of the hottest cross country events I’ve ever done, it was great!

Main thing is you’ll never be very far from the next station, so take confidence from that, and of course your fab training 👍

Good luck lovely, looking forward to the report!

Mx 🤗

[Hidden in reply to Madge50]

Thank you madge50. Good to hear your experiences. I hope it isn't too hot on the day but it is a consideration. I am still running in capri with large pocket for gels and vest. I would love to use shorts but they have only key pockets. I am getting a bit nervous now!

[Madge50 Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Excited! You’ll be fantastic, and have a blast, they also gave out gels - by the handful at mine, I had a belt bag, and filled it as I went round! Ha ha, I did say to hubby, we could take a carrier bag or a ruck sack, then we wouldn’t need to buy any for ages!

Although, I don’t really use them much now.....I’m moving more towards rehydration drinks...

Anyway, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.....you’ve done the work....you can do this

Go you 🏃‍♀️

Mx

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

I have never run with water at big events as there are usually plenty of water stations (and you have already checked this out). I took my own fuel as I didn't want to try anything 'new' on the day and I don't use gels. The heat may mean you have to drop your pace and if you're lucky, some runs put on 'showers' for runners to run through if they choose! When I did a hot 10k once I also poured the water down the back of my neck - so cooling! I think good hydration in the days leading up to the race will be important too. Nerves are normal - and I'm sure you will smash it but just remember to not go off too quickly in all the excitement! You will be fab! Good luck!🙂

[Hidden in reply to Sandraj39]

I don't see many runners with hydration packs in the photos from last year so hopefully there is plenty of water at the water stops. It is good to hear that you don't take water either, I am probably over thinking it!

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Its predicting partly cloudy now and 18 degrees, still warm but i think you'll be fine using the water stops for hydration ! ooh we're nearly there now, exciting! I really don't enjoy running in the heat much so we will cross fingers that its all ok! If we can find each other there we could have a c25k photo but i'm not sure how easy it'll be! The lady i'm travelling with did it last year so she knows where the start is which is good!!

[Hidden in reply to aliboo70]

Hi aliboo, it is getting very close now and rather real! I am hoping to meet some of our small running group at the wyatt monument by the start at 0830 if that is possible for you? Would be fab to finally meet you in person!

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

i will look up where it is! So you have your name on your race number??

[Hidden in reply to aliboo70]

Yes, and on my pink charity vest 😁

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

my number is 4085! hope to bump into you And remember you'll be fine!

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Oo - just noticed you are both running this! Very exciting! Good luck to you too Ali!.. and a photo together would be fab!

[benwill Marathon]

I have gone with the recommended way of drinking when your thirsty and not overloading your body with water. Then when out on the course take little and often.

[Hidden in reply to benwill]

Thank you. I guess I am concerned that I drink enough to avoid dehydration. I will walk through each station for some sips of water and to chuck the rest over myself lol.

[benwill Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Just remember which people do forget over drinking can cause hyponatremia, although this is rare I do remember someone on here got ages ago. i think

runnersworld.com/peak-perfo...

[misswobble Marathon]

Good luck both of you. I hope you manage to meet up and get a photo 🙂

Hoping for some cloud cover for yous 🙏

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Good luck to you! Hope you manage to meet Ali and take a pic. I’ve no idea what to eat or drink either. I don’t bring water any more on the outdoor runs, as my pack is annoying to run with. Probably play it by ear when closer to the day. My business has gotten extremely busy so I’m taking the opportunity to give my legs a little break. I did 18k on the indoor track on Tuesday and am holding off till Sat run group now for probably my last long run. Cant wait to read your report! You will smash it.

[Hidden in reply to Decker]

Thanks Decker! I am glad to hear you hit the 18k at the weekend. It is good to take a break every few weeks, your legs will love it! I am hoping all goes well for the weekend. I am trying to avoid all bugs and injuries to get to the start line. Last 3 mile taper run was done today 😀

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Hidden]

You are ready!

[Ajs07]

Good luck to all of you , ,can’t wait to the reports x

[RunningS]

Good luck - we exchanged messages last year but you have taken great strides (no pun intended) since then! Impressive work. Go, go, go (but steadily at the start!) and most importantly enjoy the run and the post race euphoria!

[Langley-Loper Half Marathon]

I am very excited for you and looking forward to your first HM race report so i can learn from it

[Hidden in reply to Langley-Loper]

Firstly I need to control the nerves and cross the start line.......💩

[Langley-Loper Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I am assured they have lots of toilets at these events albeit with long queues. If they didn't I would not be going!

[Hidden in reply to Langley-Loper]

When I finally get in one, I might just sit in it until just before the start 🤣 That's the fun of ibs

[ju-ju- Marathon]

Gosh that sounds tricky, personally I would carry water if it’s going to be hot but Rigs strategy also sounds good. I would say ensure you don’t just have a few sips at the water stations, take enough to keep you hydrated. I ran Exmooor with a seasoned marathoner and she taught me the importance of regular sips and staying hydrated. It makes a big difference.

[Hidden in reply to ju-ju-]

They are having bottles so I will take one and have some sips then carry it for a bit before chucking over myself!

[ju-ju- Marathon in reply to Hidden]

That’s perfect I’m so glad it’s not cups

[ju-ju- Marathon]

And huge good luck too 😎