Hydration vest hiding charity teeshirt.... do I need it on a 'big' race??

[Cowladyrunning]

I was just about to iron my name letters on to my alzheimers charity teeshirt ready for Cardiff Half when I realised you won't see it if I have my hydration vest on!! So then I thought -as this is the biggest (as in busiest) race I've run in, maybe I'll find the water stations enough as they seem to be plentiful (and gels but as I've never used them I won't start there!) Maybe I only need a running belt for jelly babies and maybe a small electrolyte drink??? I dont know!? Help!

[misswobble Marathon]

I ran a half the other day. There were plenty of water stations but I was glad I took a soft flask of water. I took a 250ml one and drank it all 💦

If you’ve got a hand-held bottle that would be good 👍

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to misswobble]

thank you. I've got a soft small one that will fit in a bum bag I have.

[Reggit Marathon]

aargh, that’s got me wondering now…

I’ve got a charity half coming up (Manchester) and have recently invested in a hydration vest, it made the runs so much more comfortable as I was dehydrating on 16km plus runs.

Hadn’t thought about it really. I’ll be able to cram 2 or 3 gels in my pocket (singular) if I ditch the vest for the run, how often are water stations usually? Never done an organised run before, so don’t know.

Although I have my 1st proper run for experience tomorrow (preston 10k), so may get a better idea then…

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Reggit]

the number of water stations will be included in the race blurb For a 10k it’s probably just one at 5k with further water available at the end

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to Reggit]

sorry to add to your worries!! My race does say where all the stations are so yours shoukd too. Good luck in Preston and yes I love running with my hydration pack too but for maximum charity exposure 🤷🏽‍♀️

[Cmoi Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

I understand re charity exposure, but you're not a pro athlete being paid to wear your sponsor's gear. So unless you've signed a formal agreement to wear the tee-shirt on the day you shouldn't feel guilty Cowladyrunning you'll have plenty of other opportunities to wear it.

Fwiw, in practice I don't think a hydration pack's necessary for a supported road HM.

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

thanks Cmoi I am starting to think same. How many jelly babies csn i squeeze in my shorts pockets 🤣 answer... probsbly more than the tiny pocket on hydration vest!!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

I’ve got Evadict trail shorts which have plenty of cubbies around the waistband plus two decent sized pockets. Love em 😍

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Oh I'll look at them! Mine are Flanci - the double short type with thigh pockets in tight short and a rear zip pocket in over shorts...

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

these are described as “baggy” but they’re not 😀. I posted a photo ages ago on here when I got them as a gift from my son. He bought me another pair since bless im They have in-built pants which are great. No riding up nor nuffink. phone pocket at back with enough space for other stuff, plus one at the front big enough for phone and specs. Cubbies around the waistband for my snacks and sweets etc. they’re inexpensive too. Really light and dry quick Only in black though

[ArthurJG Half Marathon]

I’m no expert as I’m just working up to my first half marathon in November but everything I’ve read both about kit and about nutrition/hydration says don’t try anything on race day that hasn’t been tried and tested in training. If you’re used to being able to sip as you please then restricting yourself to drinks at certain fixed intervals chosen by someone else may throw you a little. Just something to think about.

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to ArthurJG]

Yes very true although I did both on the Tewkesbury half - took own and used theirs just because I thought I'd get more water from their bottles. I still took my electrolyte bottle for half way and finished with quite a bit left in my pack!

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

also good luck in November ArthurJG

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Hi CLR, I did the virtual Bath Half in 2020 for the same charity and I had “Mum” transferred onto my top. I had the same issue, and decided to run with just a belt. I was fine.

When I ran the Bristol HM last year I used my hydration vest and found it began to weigh on my shoulders late on in the race. It wasn’t even heavy and had been comfy up to then.

There will be plenty of water stations so I’d personally go with the belt. 😀

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you cheekychipmunks - that was good to have 'Mum' on your top. Sorry you have been through it. I'm running for my mother-in-law who I care for with my sister-in-law. I'll take your recommendations from your vast experience 😀

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

If you’ve trained with a hydration vest then I’d take it on the day. I always take my own water in a belt as I just don’t want the worry of looking for the water enroute when I’m in a rhythm.

Have you got extra letters? If so, you could put your name on the back of your shirt……

Also, if you do decide to go with the water stations then make sure you pick up water and not anything else. I once made the mistake of drinking what I thought was water and it wasn't and the effect was pretty instantaneous!

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

😱🤣 thanks for the warning! I do have extra letters somewhere because last time I ran for this charity was the HU virtual half so I didn't put them on..... but where did I put them?!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

If it's any help, I use my vest for training runs but usually just use the aid stations in an event. I have a flipbelt which will take a small bottle, energy chews and tissues - enough for a half marathon for me. The race info should show you how many/how spaced out the aid stations are - I usually try to build this info into my training runs (using the vest at the relevant distances). At the end of the day though, if it was a straight choice, I would prioritise confidence over my name 😊

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you - the water stations are quite plentiful so I think I'll be ok. It is a confidence thing isn't it. I had a dream about struggling to get transport there last night 🙄🤣

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

I wear a vest for long runs on hot days but I’ve never used the bladder. I put my spare soft flasks in the space instead.

It just felt too flippin heavy for me

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to misswobble]

I find mine very comfortable- its the cheap one from decathlon! I barely notice it's there - well ever since I had the advice on here of how to prevent sloshing!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

For what it's worth, I think you will be OK too 😊